Daily Research News Online no. 6007 - Australians Uncertain on Climate Change, says Ipsos

Australians Uncertain on Climate Change, says Ipsos

October 6 2006

Australians are willing to contribute to the fight against global warming but many are uncertain of what to do, according to findings from Ipsos Australia's national omnibus survey, released to key government and environmental agencies at a recent Melbourne screening of Al Gore's film 'An Inconvenient Truth'.

The telephone survey of one thousand Australians conducted last month finds that 70% say they are taking some action to minimise their greenhouse emissions, while almost half of the remainder either don't know what to do, or believe there's nothing they can do.

Respondents were most likely to blame motor vehicle emissions (35%) and burning fossil fuels (23%) as the main causes of climate change. They strongly support the use of solar and wind power, while most are unsupportive of nuclear power and coal.

Some sixteen per cent of Australians rate themselves in the 'high knowledge' category regarding climate change, and of these most (87%) take some action. Almost half the population (44%) fall within the 'low knowledge' category but 60% of these still say they are taking some action to halt climate change. Most of those who are taking action to minimise emissions are doing one or two things, rather than adopting a holistic approach and doing everything they can. The top measures are:

recycling (nominated by 24% of those who are taking action of any kind)
driving their car less (21%)
'generally conserving energy' (sic) (19%)
10% are conserving water
9% are not using aerosols
8% mentioned taking public transport and installing solar panels.

George Katos, National Director of Ipsos' Agribusiness Natural Resources and Environment Unit, says the results reflect people's uncertainty about how to help with environmental issues despite their concern: 'It's encouraging that many Australians are making an effort in the form of recycling, driving their cars less and conserving energy... but for wider change greater environmental education is paramount.' Katos said that An Inconvenient Truth 'provides education and opens the doors for innovative thinking', adding: 'Our research tells us that on its own, knowledge is not enough. Other social, political and economic issues need to be addressed to facilitate concerted and cohesive action in the Australian community.'

Ipsos Australia is on the web at www.ipsos.com.au .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.