Hull in print

We have also undertaken two telephone surveys, one last year in September and last month in August 2007 speaking to over 2,000 residents to understand what Hull's residents think about climate change and how it will affect the city. Looking at the results of the most recent survey, and comparing it with what people thought last year and issues from national research conducted in March this year, we found some interesting results.

Over the past 12 months, awareness of climate change in Hull has increased by over 15%, so that 9 out of 10 people now have heard about climate change. Similar numbers of people are aware nationally of climate change issues. Similarly, 93% of people feel that the climate is changing, with 70% agreeing that it is as a result of our behaviour. Hull's residents believe that as a result of climate change we will see:

Increased rainfall and flooding
Melting of the polar ice caps
Hotter and dryer weather
Loss of native plants and animals

Residents positive about what Hull can do

Hull's residents are positive that we can all take responsibility in doing something to limit the effects of climate change, with 85% of residents feeling that they are able to make changes. The top four things that you suggested doing to help tackle climate changes are:

recycle more
switch lights off and electrical items left on stand by
use their car less, and
use other forms of transport such as bus, cycle, walk and car share

You also said that we should all change our lives to respond to climate change and reduce our own effect, with nearly 9 out of 10 agreeing that action had to be taken.

When asked who should take the first step just over half of you said that Hull should be taking the lead, and that everyone should do something. There is clearly greater awareness of climate change in Hull now than 12 months ago. Residents see that it is because of all of the actions we take at home and at work that is causing the climate to change. Importantly, we have a good idea of what we need to do to reduce carbon emissions, and we agree that it is up to each of us to take those first steps to reduce our emissions.

The results we have reported in this article give a good indication of what the people of Hull think, and we will use this to develop the rest of the articles over the coming months. But if you would like to tell us your views we have put the survey on the councils website at www.hullcc.gov.uk and follow the environment link.

Sources: National Figures "Attitudes to Climate Change" March 2007 Central Office of Information Local Figures "Hull Residents Climate Change Attitudes Survey" Hull City Council September 2006 and August 2007

Got a question about climate change?
Email climate.change@hullcc.gov.uk or visit our web site at www.hullcc.gov.uk and click on Environment.


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