Public concern on climate change compares with crime and education
ECIU Director Richard Black comments on new Cardiff University study
By George Smeeton
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Britons are as concerned about climate change as they are about crime and education, and last winter’s floods helped augment their concern, research shows.
The study from Cardiff University, released today (29 January), examines public opinion on climate change in the context of the widespread flooding experienced in the 2013/14 winter.
Commenting on the study, Richard Black, Director of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), said: “This study clearly shows that people recognise the climate is changing and are as concerned about it as they are about crime and education.
“But as our own research found late last year, there is a desperate lack of clarity on some basic questions such as the extent of the scientific consensus coming through to people from leaders and the media.
“The door is now open for leaders in society and in particular in politics to communicate clearly and plainly with citizens, outlining the risks posed by climate change and whether or not they propose to tackle them.”