Embargoed until 00:01 hours 07 October 2021
Cut the jargon if we want to cut carbon • • •
New research shows over three quarters of people don’t understand what net-zero is Only one in five know what action they can take to reduce their impact on the environment Environmental charity launches straight talking campaign to help individuals and communities tackle climate change
New polling1 of 4,000 UK residents by Censuswide reveals a widespread lack of understanding of climate crisis terminology, prompting calls to re-examine how the issue is communicated to help people understand the issue and then take action. The research which was commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub shows that over three quarters (77%) of people wouldn’t be able to explain to a friend what net-zero is. Some suggested definitions of the concept included ‘zero pollution”, “zero waste”, “no profit” and “zero landfill”. Less than 1 in 10 (8%) have a clear understanding of what COP26 is. When asked what would encourage them to act to help reduce climate change, over a third (34%) said they would like clearer guidance on what would make a difference and where to start and a quarter (25%) said better understanding of the impact climate change will have on their life and the people they know. Only one in five (21%) know what action they can take to reduce their impact on the environment and the same number (21%) said they are not clear about what actions have the most impact.
Trewin Restorick, CEO and founder of Hubbub said: “There is without doubt, a need for government and businesses to up their game in tackling climate change, but there is also a really important role for individuals. The problem is many people are confused. Until everyone really understands the problem, how can we expect them to know what to do and which actions they should take?