THE PUBLIC TRUSTS SCIENTISTS ON CLIMATE CHANGE
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People trust scientists more than any other profession or group. Two out of three people (66%) say that scientists’ views on climate change are the ones they would trust the most, according to research commissioned by Climate Week.
Half (50%) say that scientific claims about the climate make a difference to how they live. The survey by Ipsos MORI asked over 1,000 people of working age about climate change. The public’s willingness to act augurs well for participation in Climate Week (12-18 March 2012), Britain’s biggest climate change campaign, partnered by Tesco, SodaStream, H&M, EDF Energy and Aviva.
The research also asked people to choose who from a list of famous individuals would be most likely to make them act on climate change. Business leaders topped the poll, with Sir Richard Branson at No. 1, followed by runner-up Bill Gates and Sir Alan Sugar in sixth place. Meanwhile eco-warrior Leonardo DiCaprio, one of Hollywood’s most committed green stars, languished in 19th place, with no more influence than celebrities not known for green issues such as David Beckham, Lady Gaga and Cheryl Cole.
The results also showed that US political figures could have a bigger influence on us than our own leaders. Former vice-president Al Gore and US President Barack Obama were in 4th and 5th place, ahead of the Prime Minister (9th) and London Mayor Boris Johnson (10th). Royal influence is alive and well, with Prince Charles taking third place in the ranking. The results about different professions and groups found that after scientists, the next most trusted were family, friends, journalists and business people. However, one in five of the public are reluctant to listen to anyone’s views on climate change.
Kevin Steele, Climate Week’s founder, said: “This public trust in scientists, found in our survey, flies in the face of controversies about climate data. There is still an urgent need to engage all parts of society to help protect our planet and create a secure future. Everyone can influence the people around them, so run an activity for Climate Week on 12-18 March to encourage people in your workplace, school or local community to do their bit.”
Legendary TV weather forecaster Michael Fish said: “Climate scientists will be pleased and humbled that the public trust them so much. We now have a huge responsibility to communicate the science accurately to the public, and to encourage action across society on climate change.”
The first Climate Week in 2011 was Britain’s biggest ever environmental occasion, with half a million people attending over 3,000 events run by organisations across the UK. Climate Week in 2012 (12-18 March) offers a range of ways to be involved, including Britain’s biggest eco-competition, the Climate Week Challenge, and a call for everyone to eat a low-carbon meal for Climate Week Cuisine and register their participation at www.climateweek.com.
- 1.Ipsos MORI conducted an online omnibus survey of a nationally representative sample of 1,021 people aged between 16 and 64 in January 2012.
- 2.Respondents were given a list of 20 individuals to choose from and could choose up to 3 people. The 20 figures ranked in order of most influence are:
1. Richard Branson
2. Bill Gates
3. Prince Charles
4. Al Gore
5. Barack Obama
6. Alan Sugar
7. Prince William
8. The Queen
9. David Cameron
10. Boris Johnson
11. Chris Martin
12. David Beckham
13. Ed Miliband
14. Gwyneth Paltrow
15. Arnold Schwarzenegger
16. Vivienne Westwood
17. Lady Gaga
18. Cheryl Cole
19. Leonardo DiCaprio
20. Robbie Williams.
- 3.Respondents were given a list of 9 groups of people to choose from and could choose up to 3 groups. The 9 groups ranked in order of trust are:
- 1.Scientists
- 2.Family
- 3.Friends
- 4.Journalists
- 5.Business people
- 6.Religious leaders
- 7.Royal family
- 8.Politicians
- 9.Celebrities
