Over 55s urged to get involved in climate change survey

People aged 55 and over are being urged to take part in a national survey on green issues being conducted during Climate Week, which starts today.

The Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York is leading an international consortium to gauge the attitudes of the over 55s to green issues.

The EnviroSurvey55 will provide a snapshot of current attitudes of older people to environmental issues, such as climate change, in an age of increasing austerity and rising environmental scepticism.

It aims to identify difficulties that people over age 55 face in personally taking action to reduce their environment footprint.

The results of the survey will be compared with similar surveys being conducted in Australia and Canada.

Senior researcher Dr Gary Haq said: “The survey will provide insight into the level of understanding and concern about environmental issues in this demographic group, including differences that are linked to geography and location.

“The results of the survey will feed into the policy process and help develop better strategies that address the environmental concerns of an ageing population.

“Evidence shows that older people can be disproportionately affected by environmental problems such as air pollution, climate change-related heat waves and other natural disasters.

“It’s important that seniors make their voices heard so that steps can be taken to better prepare them and to meet their needs when they can’t always do it themselves.”

Climate Week is Britain’s biggest climate change campaign, inspiring a new wave of action to create a sustainable future. Culminating in a week of activities, it showcases practical solutions from every sector of society.

The online survey will be open until April 15, and can be found at