Climate change

Most tourists to Argyll are not aware that there are wind farms in the area, and half of those who are aware don't know their exact location, according to research by MORI Scotland.

Fewer drivers say they buy their petrol and diesel from ESSO than did a year ago, according to new research from the MORI Social Research Institute. In August 2001, a quarter of UK drivers (26%) said they bought from ESSO, but in July 2002, this had dropped to one in five (19%).

Eight in ten British travellers would be willing to pay to offset the environmental impact of their flights, car rental and accommodation.

Wind, wave and solar power are the preferred sources of energy for almost three quarters of people in Britain. In a survey carried out by the MORI Social Research Institute for Greenpeace, renewable energy forms were supported by 72% whilst one in 20 (six per cent) supported nuclear power.

New research by the MORI Social Research Institute has raised interesting facts about who (or what) the public feels offers the greatest threat to green spaces. Surprisingly, when pointing the finger of blame it is not local planners, politicians or pollution which are perceived as the greatest threat — but the public itself!

A major in-depth study of public understanding of science and the environment has revealed that the majority of people are confused about the central issues.

Two photographs of the same house were shown to a representative sample of the British public. Both were identical in all respects except that the driveway in one photograph was black tarmac and in the other it was concrete block paving. Asked to express their preference, 81% of people said they preferred the house with the block-paved drive and only 10% preferred the black tarmac version.

Survey of British attitudes towards climate change and environmentally friendly behaviour.

Survey of British attitudes to climate change and environmentally friendly behaviour