Cornwall residents 'more concerned' about climate change than rest of UK
That's the result of a survey from Cornwall Council, the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations and the University of Bath
A new survey of residents here in Cornwall has found we 'strongly back' ambitious climate actions here in the Duchy.
The council's revealed we're more concerned about climate change in our part of the world than the rest of the UK.
The one-year research project found people were more likely to be open to advice that is ‘framed around the economic benefits of climate action.’
It was led by the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) at the University of Bath in collaboration with Cornwall Council, investigated Cornwall residents' willingness to change their behaviours in favour of low-carbon alternatives.
In total, 859 residents responded to the public survey, which asked them about four key areas: travel, home energy use, products they buy, and food - as well as looking into what extent the cost-of-living crisis has prompted their openness to change behaviours, as well as their confidence in Cornwall Council in addressing the issue.
Most people who were surveyed said they were supportive of policies that reduce carbon emissions and heating costs, with 72.7% agreeing that measures to tackle the cost-of-living crisis can also be beneficial in tackling climate change.
According to the results of the survey, it was found that concern was being raised, especially considering that many believed that Cornwall is already experiencing multiple climate-related impacts, such as droughts and severe storms, with the responsibility placed the most on the Government and businesses to address climate change, rather than Cornwall Council or individual households.
CAST Research Associate Dr Mark Wilson, co-author of the study who is based at the University of Bath, stressed the importance of both individual and systemic change.
He said: “It’s striking that residents are so concerned and informed about the climate crisis, and that they are keen to play their part. However, while every individual has a crucial part to play in reaching net zero, they will need continued actions taken at a higher level including by the Council and government to enable them to make low carbon choices.”
They found the most challenging lifestyle area for locals here in the Duchy to change was how they travel, with 38% of people saying this was their preferred way to get around.
However, the findings also demonstrated that there is a ‘strong interest’ among residents in active travel, as well as a moderate interest in using public transport - however there was a reluctance from many, citing personal and practical reasons, as well as a lack of road safety, and a lack of infrastructure for walking and cycling.
Councillor Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s cabinet member for environment and climate change, said: “We cannot tackle climate change alone which is why we have worked to engage our residents including commissioning this ground-breaking research with the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations at the University of Bath.
“We commend our residents for recognising and voicing the need to urgently take action on climate change. This report will help us frame our next phase of action on lowering emissions in Cornwall, a journey which has already seen us launch initiatives such as our Climate Emergency Development Plan Document to improve emissions standards of new homes; a raft of green travel measures such as the bus fares pilot; and supporting energy innovation such as deep geothermal and wind power.”
Professor Lorraine Whitmarsh MBE, CAST Director, environmental psychologist at the University of Bath and co-author of the research project, said: “Our research reveals that people in Cornwall are even more concerned about climate change than those living elsewhere in the UK; they are also keen to play their part in tackling it but need the right support to help them change their behaviour.
“Key opportunities for local authorities to support behaviour change include expanding shared mobility schemes and electric charging infrastructure and providing information and incentives to support domestic renewable uptake.”