Britain has seen a 12 ppt decrease in the percentage of people who feel that individual action on climate change is needed. This trend has been replicated across the 32 countries surveyed, with particularly sharp declines in G7 countries.
New research for the Nuclear Industry Association shows that 72% of the British public agree that the UK needs a mix of energy sources to ensure a reliable supply of electricity, including nuclear power and renewable energy sources. When asked specifically about nuclear newbuild, to ensure the same proportion of nuclear energy is retained, 39% would support it while 29% would oppose it. The remainder are undecided.
A new Ipsos survey for the Evening Standard reveals that over half of Londoners (57%) think the media has helped encourage people to behave more environmentally friendly. However, Londoners are unsure which political party would do most to help protect the environment — over a third (36%) say they don't know which political party has the best policies on climate change and 12% do not rate any party's environmental policies. Among the parties, the Greens are most often mentioned (25%) as having the best policies on climate change; the three major parties are equally unlikely to be perceived as having the best climate change agenda (9% Conservative, 8% Labour, 8% Liberal Democrat).
Research by Ipsos among British MPs this Summer has shown a major boost to the acceptability of building replacement nuclear power stations. Sixty-one percent of MPs now support this; up 16 points since Summer 2005. Within this, the most notable change is the growth in support among Labour MPs: up 22 points to 60%. There is a sense this support is a little reluctant — just 44% are actually favourable towards nuclear energy — but it is sustained by a feeling there is no real alternative, given the need for limiting carbon emissions.
Ipsos conducted research among the general public for the Airfields Environment Trust (AET) in order to establish the mood among the British public regarding air travel and its impact on the environment. The research also examines the potential acceptability of an increase in tax on air travel. Results show:
Ipsos has released details of a major, international study for Greenpeace which reviews how, if at all, environmental factors affect the buying and choosing of computers. Public attitudes towards the computer industry and environmental waste are also assessed. As part of the study, Ipsos looked at how much more PC owners would be prepared to pay for a more environmentally friendly PC, assuming that they would have to pay about £500 for a normal computer.
A recent survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Envirowise. A number of important findings emerged regarding waste management services, awareness and usage amongst Small and Medium Enterprises in Great Britain.
A recent Ipsos survey indicates that nearly two thirds of people are bothered by noise from neighbours. The noises that disturb people most are those from everyday living - footsteps, doors slamming and shouting. The survey finds that noise from children bothers 16% of those surveyed and noise from cars and motor bikes, as well as shouting bothers 15%. The poll, commissioned by the National Society for Clean Air (NSCA) highlights neighbour noise issues affecting people across the UK at the start of Noise Action Week (see notes).
As the Government begins its major review on the future of energy, an extensive survey published today (17th January) of the British public's attitudes towards future energy options shows that just over 50% may be prepared to accept new nuclear power stations if it would help to tackle climate change. But few actively prefer the nuclear option over alternatives such as renewable sources and greater energy efficiency. Most people believe that promoting renewable energy sources (78%), and reducing energy use through lifestyle changes and energy efficiency (76%) are better ways of tackling climate change than nuclear power.
