Scots Voice Concerns About Climate Change, but Consumer Behavior Remains Unchanged
A recent report by Consumer Scotland has shed light on the concerns of Scots consumers regarding climate change. The study revealed that over three-quarters of consumers in Scotland are worried about the impact of climate change on the environment. Notably, younger age groups expressed the highest level of concern. However, despite these worries, only a small percentage of consumers are willing to adjust their purchasing habits to combat climate change.
The report found that while 76% of consumers expressed concern about the environment, only 10% stated they were ‘very likely’ to change their shopping habits due to climate change worries. In contrast, 38% said it was ‘unlikely’ that they would make any adjustments. A significant portion of respondents fell into the ‘somewhat likely’ category, with 44% expressing uncertainty about changing their habits.
Challenges in Achieving Net Zero Targets
One of the key findings of the report was that consumers felt uncertain about how they could contribute to Scotland’s goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2045. The Scottish Government has set ambitious targets to combat climate change, but the report highlighted that nine out of the last 13 targets have been missed, including the 2022 interim target.
The majority of consumers believe that the primary responsibility for addressing climate change lies with governments, businesses, and industries, rather than individual consumers. A previous report by the Carbon Disclosure Project revealed that a significant portion of global emissions can be attributed to a small number of fossil fuel companies, highlighting the role of larger entities in driving climate change.
Call for Government Action and Consumer Empowerment
Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie emphasized the urgency of government action in tackling climate change. He stressed the importance of providing consumers with opportunities to contribute to environmental efforts, such as promoting public transport as an alternative to cars and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Harvie called on individuals to hold governments accountable for their actions and demand decisive measures to address climate change across all sectors of the economy.
Consumer Scotland’s Chief Executive, Sam Ghibaldan, echoed the need for clearer guidance and leadership to empower consumers to make sustainable choices. Ghibaldan emphasized the importance of making eco-friendly options more affordable and accessible to consumers, as well as designing measures that align with their needs and priorities. Cost and convenience were identified as key factors influencing consumer behavior, with some sustainable options perceived as too expensive or inconvenient.
The report also highlighted a lack of clarity in the terminology used by governments and stakeholders, leading to confusion among consumers about how they can contribute to climate action. Only a minority of survey respondents felt well-informed about the steps needed to help Scotland achieve its net zero targets by 2045. Climate activist Laura Young, known as Less Waste Laura, emphasized the need for a shift in consumption habits towards sustainability, highlighting the benefits of choosing eco-friendly options such as second-hand goods and repair services.
In conclusion, while Scots express concerns about climate change, there remains a gap between awareness and action when it comes to consumer behavior. The report underscores the need for clearer guidance, affordable sustainable options, and effective communication to empower consumers to make environmentally conscious choices. By addressing these challenges and fostering a culture of sustainability, Scotland can move closer to achieving its ambitious climate goals.