Travellers ignoring environmental impact
Monday, 07 Dec, 2009
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British travellers are reluctant to cut their flying to help the environment, new research shows on the opening day of the Copenhagen Summit on climate change.
Only 13% of people are sufficiently concerned about the environmental impact of flying to cut the number of flights they take, while 15% admit that they are likely to fly more in the next year than they have in the past.
Ninety per cent of people are unlikely to change their holiday plans to reduce the environmental impact of their trip.
Factors such as price and convenience are seen as being far more important, according to the study by research company TNS-RI Travel and Tourism.
The travel figures come in stark contrast to general environmental attitudes which show that the British public is becoming increasingly worried about climate change.
Two thirds admit that they frequently discuss environmental issues, and 73% insist that they are ‘very’ or ‘fairly’ concerned about what the future holds.
Yet only five per cent of the 2,090 travellers polled have made a payment to offset the environmental cost of a trip and only 11% are confident that plans made by the governments of major economies will be able to tackle climate change.
The company’s group director Tom Costley said: “This research points to a ‘hands off’ approach to the question of travel and the environment.
“Even though we claim to be concerned about climate change, we prefer to consider our travel plans in isolation and avoid letting green concerns affect our flying.
“There seems to be a feeling that going on holiday is an escape from reality and everything that comes with it – including considering our role in the long-term health of our planet.
“Consumers are expecting the travel industry to take responsibility for implementing changes and improvements, rather than taking direct action themselves.”
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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