A staggering 75% of Britons find themselves baffled by ‘carbon jargon,’ with terms like carbon intensity, accounting, and leakage proving particularly perplexing, according to a new study. The research, which surveyed 2,000 adults, discovered that a substantial 60% couldn’t define what a carbon footprint is, while 54% were unsure about the best methods to cut their emissions.
Despite this lack of clarity, the study found a strong desire among Britons to lessen their impact on the planet. A resounding 90% of adults are eager to reduce their carbon emissions, and 64% are keen to make positive changes to live more sustainably. However, despite this commitment, 52% wouldn’t feel confident explaining carbon-related terms to another person, acknowledging their lack of understanding regarding concepts such as carbon budget and carbon pricing.
The research was commissioned by LNER, which recently launched its Carbon Saving Departures Board at London King’s Cross Station. This initiative aims to make it easier for travelers to understand the environmental impact of their travel choices.
Warrick Dent, from LNER, commented on the study’s findings: “There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to carbon and understanding what various terms mean. Companies like ours need to make it easier to grasp, which is why we’re making it simpler to understand the environmental impact of our travel choices this summer with a new campaign to close the ‘carbon confusion gap’.”
“Our Carbon Saving Departures Board compares the carbon emissions of our trains departing the station, versus planes and cars, to make it simpler to understand the environmental impact of our summer travel choices. We’ve also appointed a ‘Carbon Saving Conductor’ – presenter Kate Humble – to help demystify confusion around ‘carbon jargon’ and offer simple tips for a more sustainable summer and beyond.”
The study revealed that a significant one in five Britons attribute their carbon confusion to a lack of education about carbon terminology and its meaning during their school years. This suggests a need for increased environmental and carbon awareness within educational institutions.
Highlighting the steps they’d like to take to be more eco-friendly, nearly a third (28%) expressed a desire to support local food producers and suppliers to enhance sustainability. Others are keen to contribute positively by planting trees and preserving green spaces (22%) and choosing to purchase from sustainable brands (20%).
When it comes to holiday plans, 30% are prepared to adjust their travel arrangements to benefit the environment. Notably, the younger demographic aged 18-34 are more than twice as likely as those over 55 to consider such changes (47% vs 22%).
Despite the push for greener choices, petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles, which generally emit more carbon dioxide than public transport, are expected to be the most popular forms of transport this summer (51%), surpassing trains (37%) and walking (35%).
Further LNER data indicates that passengers leaving from London King’s Cross on a typical summer day with the rail operator will collectively save 905,444 kg of CO2 emissions by opting for the train over travelling by plane or car. This volume of CO2 is equivalent to 198 Olympic swimming pools or the average annual heating of 387 UK homes.
Kate Humble, LNER’s ‘Carbon Saving Conductor,’ added: “Carbon confusion can happen to any of us, and there’s a lot to take on board.”
“I’ve been fortunate enough to travel globally, and I always strive to holiday responsibly – from supporting local businesses and minimising waste, to choosing more sustainable modes of travel.”
“Understanding the steps you can take to reduce your carbon impact can be incredibly empowering. With this campaign, we aim to simplify understanding the effect of our travel choices on the environment, so we can be better informed and equipped with all the necessary information.”
