Britain’s baby-boomers might have the biggest carbon footprint of all of us, but they’re also the most concerned about climate change, a survey revealed today.
The Stockholm Environment Institute, based at the University of York, commissioned the poll, named ‘Greening The Greys’.
Their research discovered that those in the 50-64 age group had an average carbon footprint of 13.52 tonnes, compared to the British average of 11.81. The report says this is due to the affluence of the older citizens, who are more likely to drive high-emission cars or take frequent holidays abroad.
However, the report also found that over 54% of the age group were concerned about the effect of global warming on the British weather and economy, while 75% said they believed current weather patterns showed we were already under the impact of climate change. They also said they believed that the government and big business were not doing enough to ensure a safe future for their grandchildren.
Speaking about Greening The Greys, lead report author Dr Gary Haq said, “The government is essentially pushing at an open door with regard to achieving a change in behaviour in the over-50s and a move to a low carbon lifestyle.
“In order to close the gap between concern for climate change and the impact of current lifestyles, the government needs to take action to make a low carbon lifestyle an easier option not just for the over-50s, but for everyone.”
