Monday 25 September 2017

Brits lack confidence on fixing climate change

Around 64% of global citizens are optimistic about solving climate change but Brits are less confident.

That's according to new research from non-profit organisation The Climate Group and change agency Futerra, which suggests only 55% of the British public believe the problem can be addressed if action is taken now.

The data, based on a 26-country poll, shows people in emerging economies are more likely to feel positive about solving climate change, with 71% of respondents across Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, India and Peru saying they think damage from global warming can be avoided.

This is compared to only 59% of the population in established economies being optimistic about the situation.

The results suggest 8% of Brits are "climate fatalists", believing that humanity can do nothing to stop climate change.

Solitaire Townsend, Co-Founder of Futerra, said: "Perhaps we can put this low level of belief that we can solve climate change down to Brits' so-called cultural expectation of disappointment.

"But whatever the reality, I believe the point is that optimism can fuel a self-fulfilling prophecy. Without it, we’re sure to fail but believing we can solve climate change is the first step to actually doing it."