NORTH EAST READY TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE ... WITH A LITTLE HELP (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

NORTH EAST READY TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE ... WITH A LITTLE HELP

June 3, 2008 12:00 AM

Climate change champion Fiona Hall MEP has released key findings from a Climate Change Survey which asked local people to voice their opinions on the affects of climate change.

The results are clear. The North East believes that climate change is a top priority, with almost 90% of the 5,000 respondents of the survey agreeing or strongly agreeing that climate change is as important an issue for them and the region as education, the health service and crime.

CONCERN

Nearly half said that what concerned them the most about climate change Was extreme weather events. More than one in four respondents said that they or someone they knew had already experienced flooding as an effect of climate change. 38% were most concerned about rising sea levels and coastal erosion - reflecting awareness that the North East's coastline is under threat.

RESPONSIBILITY

The survey showed a belief that everyone should bear some kind of responsibility for climate change. But it was the UK government which was seen as having the most responsibility of all: 78% of respondents believed ministers should be taking responsibility, compared to individuals (66%), businesses (58%) and local councils (57%). There was strong backing for the European Union taking responsibility (72%), suggesting widespread approval for EU-level legislation on climate change.

One area where people felt the-powers-that be should act was on energy efficiency. Three out of four people believed the Government should be providing grants to make homes more energy efficient. This chimes with the current campaign by the North East Home Insulation Partnership, which is seeking funding to insulate every home in the North East. However, the biggest demand for Government action (81% of respondents) was for the development of new and renewable energies to meet EU targets of 20% by 2020 - interesting as the region is already a leader in renewable energy technology.

ACTION

According to the survey, people in the North East are keen to take personal action to help tackle climate change. 91% of people say they recycle already, 44% say they walk or use public transport as much as possible and 60% say they always buy energy efficient light bulbs. But there are a number of obstacles which stop people doing more to help the environment. One in three people cited cost as being a problem, one in four mentioned inconvenience, and nearly one in five had a problem with lack of time.

Commenting on the results of her climate change survey Fiona said: "It is evident from these results that the North East takes climate change very seriously.

"The fact that so many people have said they take the time to do just that little bit to help the environment, from recycling to buying energy efficient light bulbs, is very encouraging and shows that the North East is ready for action in the fight against climate change.

"One conclusion from the survey is that the hassle factor - not just cost but inconvenience - is an obstacle for many people in doing more for the environment. Authorities need to think much more about practical help for households so that going green is easier.

"Most of all, people in the North East are rightly looking to the Government to take decisive national and regional action on energy efficiency and renewables.

"Jobs and growth in North East England depend on us turning the threat of climate change into an opportunity to lead Europe on new energy technologies."