New research by The Green Insurer suggests that many Brits would like to lead more sustainable lifestyles, but the cost of living means that practical measures like turning down the heating, or reducing the number of car journeys to use less fuel, are the only realistic measures they can take. According to the survey of just over 1100 people, the majority of UK adults (85%) are either slightly or very concerned about global warming/climate change, while 22% say they had taken no action at all to reduce their carbon emissions in the past year.
Younger adults in the 18-24 age group are the most concerned about global warming, with 91% saying they are worried about climate change. Women are also more likely to have concerns (90%) than men (79%), and less likely to have taken no action at all (21% compared to 24% of men).
One third (32%) have reduced the number of miles they drive annually in the past 12 months, which is the third most popular measure taken by UK adults to reduce carbon emissions, or save money, followed by a reduction in the amount of time heating is switched on (cited by 51%) and taking other measures to reduce electricity and gas consumption (43%). Again costs are likely to be the primary motivation, rather than any altruistic notions of saving the planet.
Other common measures taken include reducing air travel (18%), making changes to a house by fitting insulation or double glazing (16%), switching to sustainable electricity or gas (11%) and installing solar panels (8%).
FUTURE TRENDS
Looking to the future, 28% of adults will continue to reduce the amount they drive in the year ahead, while 43% will reduce the time their heating is switched on, 38% will take other measures to reduce the amount of electricity and gas they use, and 25% will make changes to their houses by fitting insulation or double glazing.
When those who had not taken any measures to reduce carbon emissions were asked what had stopped them from doing so, the highest response (44%) was that they didn’t think it necessary, followed by 35% who thought it was too expensive to take action, and 22% who thought they couldn’t make a difference.
Others felt that they didn’t know how to take action to reduce their carbon emissions (11%), while 7% said that they needed help from companies to reduce their emissions.
REWARDS
The Green Insurer has launched the UK’s first policy to offer carbon offsetting for all driving. Customers can also earn rewards with major UK supermarket and leisure brands for driving in an environmentally friendly manner, as defined by the Insurer. A customer’s Green Driving Score in The Green Insurer’s app will be used to calculate their renewal premium and to offer discounts when they renew their policies.
Paul Baxter, CEO, The Green Insurer, said: “It’s encouraging to see that so many people are taking measures to reduce their carbon footprints in response to concerns about climate change. We also note that some of those who have not yet taken action don’t feel fully informed about how to cut their emissions, or would like more help from companies about how to do so.
“We aim to provide a solution to that concern by giving customers the option to easily buy genuinely green car insurance, which is the first in the UK to offset all carbon emissions while also helping drivers to cut the costs of driving and insurance.
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