Older people 'want more action on climate change'

Most older people want the Government to move faster to tackle climate change, a new study suggests.

A survey of 500 over 50-year-olds found that four out of five wanted more action, with many agreeing it might mean that products and services would be more expensive or more difficult to access.

Rest Less, which offers advice to older people, said its research indicated that only a minority of older people were not concerned about climate change.

More than two out of three respondents said they had bought fewer clothes in recent years to reduce waste and half said they had reduced energy use in their homes.

Half of those surveyed said they use their car less, and eat less meat and dairy and one in five said they now only buy seasonal food.

Stuart Lewis, founder of Rest Less, said “Our research shows that midlifers feel a huge sense of responsibility for the health of the planet and their role in reducing climate change.

“Nearly two thirds of those polled said they wanted the Government to move faster on climate change initiatives, even if it meant paying more for certain products or services or having more difficulty obtaining them.

“The vast majority of midlifers we surveyed are already making changes to their own habits, from recycling more to consuming less, changing their travel habits with some even giving up their car altogether.”