The findings have led the Digest to conclude that the British are finally beginning to believe that our climate is changing. Many of us are starting to feel under threat and that we should do something about it. However, most of us are much more likely to be spurred on by matters of self-interest than by warnings about imminent environmental disaster.

This latest survey hints that most people are positive they can make a difference, with 6 in 10 (60%) agreeing that "ordinary people can do something about global warming." However, when asked what would make them more environmentally friendly, respondents cite financial benefits such as cheaper "green" products (36%), better health benefits (44%) and better/more convenient recycling facilities locally (42%) as the main motivators.

The findings also show that only a quarter (24%) are likely to be spurred on by warnings that the planet faced serious environmental problems. Younger people are more likely to identify financial benefits and convenient recycling facilities: 42% and 46% respectively, compared with 36% and 42% of the public overall. Middle-aged people say health benefits for them and their family would be a motivating factor: 50% of 35-54 year olds against 44% of the public overall.

Susannah Hickling, Reader’s Digest deputy editor, has suggested that, "Our poll shows that the public are hearing and heeding the messages on environmental issues but it seems that there has to be something in it for them personally to motivate them to green up their act."

The research was conducted by MORI through 2,089 adult face-to-face interviews, done in-home between 5 and 10 April 2001. The findings will be reported in the June issue of Reader’s Digest.
The findings have led the Digest to conclude that the British are finally beginning to believe that our climate is changing. Many of us are starting to feel under threat and that we should do something about it. However, most of us are much more likely to be spurred on by matters of self-interest than by warnings about imminent environmental disaster.

This latest survey hints that most people are positive they can make a difference, with 6 in 10 (60%) agreeing that "ordinary people can do something about global warming." However, when asked what would make them more environmentally friendly, respondents cite financial benefits such as cheaper "green" products (36%), better health benefits (44%) and better/more convenient recycling facilities locally (42%) as the main motivators.

The findings also show that only a quarter (24%) are likely to be spurred on by warnings that the planet faced serious environmental problems. Younger people are more likely to identify financial benefits and convenient recycling facilities: 42% and 46% respectively, compared with 36% and 42% of the public overall. Middle-aged people say health benefits for them and their family would be a motivating factor: 50% of 35-54 year olds against 44% of the public overall.

Susannah Hickling, Reader’s Digest deputy editor, has suggested that, "Our poll shows that the public are hearing and heeding the messages on environmental issues but it seems that there has to be something in it for them personally to motivate them to green up their act."

The research was conducted by MORI through 2,089 adult face-to-face interviews, done in-home between 5 and 10 April 2001. The findings will be reported in the June issue of Reader’s Digest.