Destination Zero report

Priority 8: Engage with our communities to support them to reduce their carbon footprint

While technology and policy changes have a key part to play in tackling climate change; whether or not we are successful will ultimately rest on the willingness of the public and businesses to make changes to their lifestyle and activities.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy publishes a regular tracker of public attitudes towards climate change. In March 2019 it found concern about climate change amongst the public had risen to 80%. However, concern was highest amongst those earning more than £35,000 and was less of a concern for those on lower incomes.

Most people believe walking, cycling or using public transport instead of using a car would have the biggest impact in tackling climate change. People felt eating less dairy and meat would have the least impact.

It was also found the majority of the public believe responsibility for tackling climate change rests primarily with central government (45%), followed by the general public (27%) and then businesses (14%). The survey also revealed the most significant motivating factor for people to make change was financial rather than environmental.

Such findings underline the importance of engaging with all parts of our community and helping people understand the simple actions they can take that will save them money and help the environment. Behaviour change campaigns will need to be more high profile in order to have the desired impact and that will require more funding.

A number of parishes and schools in our area have declared their own climate emergencies and are working on their own plans and it will also be important to engage and co-ordinate actions with them.