Exclusive: new poll reveals over half (55%) of Brits think climate change poses a threat to people living in the UK and over a third are prepared to pay higher taxes to decrease carbon emissions

A new YouGov survey conducted for One Home, the carbon saving project (a one-stop shop for people looking for positive solutions to reduce their impact on the planet), has found Brits are concerned about global heating.

An amazing 46% of Brits have discussed the threat within the last week and more than three quarters (78%) think climate change poses a threat to future generations.

Incredibly, 37% of Brits are willing to back up their concerns with higher taxes to fund measures to decrease Britain’s carbon emissions.

Angela Terry is the One Home founder, leading environmental scientist and consumer campaigner, whose mission is to explain global warming and help families make changes that have big impact.

She says: “These results are incredible. Not only are people more aware of climate change, they are talking about the problems, and more are prepared to put their money where their mouth is by paying higher taxes.

“That is a real development. I have spent over 20 years working in this field and finally there is a growing awareness of just how urgently positive change is needed.

“If you mentioned climate change in the pub or at the school gates five years ago you would no doubt create an awkward silence.

“But now instead of tumble weed, people have more questions, they want to know more.

 “In a year when our government has announced we are living in a climate emergency, a UN report warned us we are in danger of losing one million species, and a recent report by academics warned sea level rises could be above two meters within 80 years, meaning major global cities would be under threat including London, New York and Shanghai – finally we are getting the message through.

“Extinction Rebellion, Sir David Attenborough and Greta Thunberg have all worked tirelessly to raise the green agenda.

“That four in five think climate change poses a threat to future generations of people – is huge. We have to make changes now for our children.

Angela says: “This is a great start, now we really need to push for big improvements. Policy makers and businesses need to step up – and now.”

What Brits think:

• 55% think climate change poses a threat to people currently living in the UK.
• 46% have discussed climate change with another person in the last day or week.
• 37 % tend to support or strongly support an increase in taxation in order to fund measures to decrease Britain’s carbon emissions.
• 78% think climate change poses a threat to future generations of people – of which 48% think it poses a very serious threat.
• 47 % are interested in doing more to reduce their personal impact on climate change.
• 33% of people living in the UK think climate change does not pose a threat to people currently living in the UK.
• 74% think climate change poses a threat to people living in other countries.
• 55% feel they are doing a fair amount or more to personally reduce their impact on climate change.
• 58% support an increase in taxation for the country’s wealthiest 10% to fund measures to decrease Britain’s carbon emissions.
• Only 18% strongly oppose an increase in taxation in order to fund measures to decrease Britain’s carbon emissions.

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 2,093 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th – 29th April 2019.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

For media enquiries please contact press@onehome.org.uk

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