UK is world's most divided nation on climate changeThe UK is the most divided nation in the world about climate change, according to new research released this week, to coincide with the annual Oxford lecture, hosted by international environmental charity Earthwatch.

The global survey of 12 markets found that almost a quarter of people in the UK (24%) do not believe that climate change is happening, or are unwilling to adapt their lifestyles to help the planet. But at the same time, the UK also boasts the most environmental campaigners, with almost a third of people (31%) deeply committed to tackling climate change. The research was conducted for the HSBC Climate Partnership, of which Earthwatch is a partner.

At the Earthwatch lecture on Monday 16th February, Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, called for a radical rethink in combating climate change, with individuals taking a leading role. Her keynote speech, ‘Global Citizen Observatory - the role of individuals in observing and understanding our changing world' was delivered to an invite-only audience including scientists, academics, opinion formers and NGOs.

Professor McGlade says, "If we are to tackle our environmental problems, including climate change, we need to move beyond conventional systems of data collection and management. Obtaining and using local knowledge will help us empower citizens, and it will also give us a better indication of what we need to do to be truly sustainable."

Executive Vice President of Earthwatch, Nigel Winser says: "Our planet is changing - population rise, climate change and loss of habitats will affect how future generations live. So the value of understanding nature and how to safeguard our collective future is a global task. The voice of the ‘citizen scientist' will carry increasing authority and new technologies enable us all to be observers, reporters and teachers. Collectively, we can make a difference to the future of our home."

Earthwatch has run its prestigious annual Oxford lectures for four years, featuring talks on the planet's most pressing environmental issues by leading thinkers, strategists and scientists. Since 1971 Earthwatch has pioneered its unique ‘citizen science' model, giving ordinary people the opportunity to work alongside leading researchers to investigate some of the world's greatest environmental challenges.

Read more about the Earthwatch annual Oxford lecture. 

Editor's Notes:

Earthwatch

HSBC Climate Partnership

The Climate Confidence Monitor 2008

The research was carried out for the second year by Lightspeed and was based on a twenty-minute Internet survey. 1,000 respondents were surveyed in each of the 12 markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Mexico, UK and the USA. Research consultancy Lippincott was responsible for the analysis. The survey was conducted between mid September and early October 2008.

 

Professor Jacqueline McGlade speaking at the annual Earthwatch Oxford lecture. Photo credit: Rowan Byrne
Professor Jacqueline McGlade speaking at the annual Earthwatch Oxford lecture.

 Professor McGlade with Earthwatch Executive Vice-President Nigel Winser, and Professor of Environment and Public Policy, University of Oxford, Sarah J. Whatmore. Photo credit: Rowan Byrne
Professor Jacqueline McGlade with Earthwatch Executive Vice-President Nigel Winser, and Professor of Environment and Public Policy, University of Oxford, Sarah J. Whatmore.

Nigel Winser makes a presentation to Professor McGlade after her speech. Photo credit: Rowan Byrne
Nigel Winser makes a presentation to Professor McGlade after her speech.