New survey reveals British attitudes to climate change

Most Brits think we should play a leading role in tackling global warming, a new survey reveals today.

Almost three quarters (70%) of people who have seen, heard or read news coverage about climate change in the last week said Britain should lead the way in addressing climate change.

The research was conducted by Smart Energy GB as part of its Campaign for a Smarter Britain to highlight how getting a smart meter installed by your energy supplier is a small but important step that everyone can take to do their bit for the environment by reducing energy waste in the home. It's estimated that smart meters will help Britain save almost 30 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030.

The survey, which questioned people on their attitude to climate change following the recent UN IPCC report, also found that:

• 86% of people who have seen, heard or read news coverage about climate change in the last week believe we all have a moral obligation to do all we can to address climate change

• 83% of people who have seen, heard or read news coverage about climate change in the last week are interested in taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint

• 91% of people who have seen, heard or read news coverage about climate change in the last week believe there is a global responsibility to address climate change

Britain's smart meter rollout is digitising the retail energy market, bringing an end to estimated bills and providing information on energy costs in near real time and in pounds and pence.

Smart meters also enable us to operate a smarter grid, better manage our energy demand and facilitate the mass uptake of renewables and new low-carbon technology, such as electric vehicles.

Robert Cheesewright, Director of Corporate Affairs at Smart Energy GB, said:

"Britain's smart meter rollout is a vital tool in our armoury if we are to effectively tackle climate change and move to a low carbon energy system.

"Smart meters put consumers in control of their energy costs and help them identify the steps they can take to reduce their energy bills - which is good for both your pocket and the planet.

"By getting a smart meter, each of us can play a small but important part in helping the environment."

-ENDS-

About the survey

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Populus. Total sample size for the GB survey was 2060 adults and total sample size of those who have seen, heard or read news coverage about climate change in the last week was 1117. Fieldwork was undertaken between 10th and 11th October 2018. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). Populus is a founder member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at www.populus.co.uk

About Smart Energy GB

Smart Energy GB is the voice of the smart meter rollout. It's our task to help everyone in Great Britain understand smart meters, the national rollout and how to use their new meters to get their gas and electricity under control. Our national campaign is reaching households and microbusinesses in England, Scotland and Wales. For more information visit our website smartenergygb.org

About smart meters and the rollout

Smart meters replace the traditional meters we currently have in our homes. they enable accurate bills, near real time information on energy use in pounds and pence, and greater control over the way we buy and use energy. The smart meter rollout is an essential technology upgrade, unprecedented in its scale, to improve Great Britain's energy infrastructure.

There are already more than 12 million smart meters installed in homes and microbusinesses across Great Britain. Every household in England, Scotland and Wales will be offered one at no extra cost. Contact your energy supplier about getting your smart meter.

Smart Energy GB media contacts

For more information including interview requests, case studies of smart meter users, infographics, photography  and video content please contact the Smart Energy GB media team:

Helen Croney: [email protected] 0131 322 6204 / 07921 458 041