GRANTHAM, England, September 2 /PRNewswire/ --
- Climate Change: A Real Threat or an Excuse for State Meddling and
Stealth Taxes?
More than 45% of UK consumers confess they find the climate change debate
confusing, according to research published today by CombatClimateChange.co.uk.
Of these, 41% of these admit they have delayed taking direct personal
action to reduce their carbon footprint while they get to grips with the
complex scientific arguments - even though a staggering 93% are well aware
they can also save money by saving energy.
The survey revealed that more women (56%) than men (37%) find the climate
change debate confusing - but women aren't letting this confusion hold them
back, and they equal men in their commitment to reduce their carbon
footprint.
Of those who find the climate change debate confusing, young baby boomers
aged 55 to 64 are least likely (30%) to let the confusion hold them back from
taking direct personal action to save energy and reduce their carbon
footprint; those aged 16-24 were most likely to let the confusion hold them
back (50%).
Overall, 79% of UK consumers believe the threat of climate change to be
real. Those living in Greater London (87%) are most likely to be concerned
about global climate change; those in the North East take a more cynical
view, with 27% admitting they are non believers.
The research also revealed:
- 40% of us leave a washing machine/dishwasher/electronic appliance on
standby every day
- 47% have yet to replace their light bulbs with low-energy alternatives
- 19% rarely turn off home computing peripherals when shutting down their
PC
Energy specialist and MD Stewart Grew, co-founder of
CombatClimateChange.co.uk, says: "Where individual consumers stand on climate
change is largely irrelevant. That's a matter of personal conscience, and we
could spend years debating the finer points while millions of people sit on
the fence.
"The fact is, by saving energy now, every individual can save money - and
they just might save the planet at the same time. If all the concerns are
real, they will have done their bit for the world. If it all turns out to be
so much hot air, then they will have made their own world a better place
anyway. Everyone wins."
Combat Climate Change Tips: Save Energy, Save Money
1. Buy plug-in timers
They save you money by turning on your appliances only when they are
needed. And if you are on one of the cheaper, night rates for your
electricity, by running your washing machine and dishwasher overnight you
could save up to 50% of the cost of running them during the day.
2. Invest in a multi-plug board for your PC
Electrical equipment left on standby in the UK wastes GBP740 million of
energy every year. By switching your computer peripherals off, rather than
leaving them on standby, you can save both energy and money.
3. Replace your old GLS light bulbs
Energy saving light bulbs last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light
bulbs, and can save you GBP100 over the bulb's lifetime - as well as 38kg of
CO2 per year!
Note to Editors
The survey was conducted by market research agency TNS on behalf of
Combat Climate Change. It was conducted over the internet from 14th - 16th
August 2007 and involved a sample of 1002 GB adults aged 16-64. The sample
was weighted to represent the adult population of Great Britain aged 16-64.
About Combat Climate Change Ltd
Combat Climate Change is an independent business founded in 2007 by
Stewart Grew and Lorna Campbell, experienced energy consultants and mediators
with more than 25 years' experience in the field. The company is not allied
to any political group, business or lobby, and has grown to involve a network
of editors, commentators, analysts and environmental scientists.
Through its online site, Combat Climate Change guides individuals through
the maze of facts, figures, opinions and attitudes about climate change. Its
mission is to offer a calm and reasonable path through the varied opinions
relating to the heated climate change debate, to address directly the
collective confusion surrounding what it all means, what is to be believed
and what to do.
It also offers practical, climate-friendly advice and products designed
to save energy - and, more to the point, money - through its online shop.
http://www.combatclimatechange.co.uk/
Combat Climate Change Ltd.
