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https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1119482
INTRO: Six out of 10 older people in England view climate change as a serious risk, with only one in 17 (5.8%) dismissive of climate change concerns, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers.
The study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, looked at survey responses from 6,572 people in England aged 50 and over who were asked to rate their agreement or disagreement with statements about climate change.
Analysing these responses, the research team classed most respondents as highly engaged (30%) or engaged (31%) with climate change risk. Just over a quarter of respondents were ambivalent or uncertain (22%), while smaller percentages of older people identified as risk-aware but fatalistic (11%) and dismissive (5.8%).
Those in their 50s were more likely to be highly engaged, while those in their 70s, 80s and older were more likely to be risk-aware but fatalistic – that is, aware of the adverse consequences of climate change but believing it is too late to do anything about it.
Lead author Dr Giorgio Di Gessa (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) said: “It is often assumed that older generations do not care about climate change – but our study shows this is not the case. Most older adults are concerned about the climate. They believe climate change is happening and has not been exaggerated and view it as severe enough to warrant action. Only a small minority are dismissive of the issue.
“Older adults in the UK are also a diverse group. For people seeking to increase engagement on climate change, a one-size-fits-all message won’t work. For instance, those who are uncertain may need clearer, more relatable information, while those who are fatalistic may need practical examples of what still can be done.” (MORE - details, no ads)
INTRO: Six out of 10 older people in England view climate change as a serious risk, with only one in 17 (5.8%) dismissive of climate change concerns, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers.
The study, published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, looked at survey responses from 6,572 people in England aged 50 and over who were asked to rate their agreement or disagreement with statements about climate change.
Analysing these responses, the research team classed most respondents as highly engaged (30%) or engaged (31%) with climate change risk. Just over a quarter of respondents were ambivalent or uncertain (22%), while smaller percentages of older people identified as risk-aware but fatalistic (11%) and dismissive (5.8%).
Those in their 50s were more likely to be highly engaged, while those in their 70s, 80s and older were more likely to be risk-aware but fatalistic – that is, aware of the adverse consequences of climate change but believing it is too late to do anything about it.
Lead author Dr Giorgio Di Gessa (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care) said: “It is often assumed that older generations do not care about climate change – but our study shows this is not the case. Most older adults are concerned about the climate. They believe climate change is happening and has not been exaggerated and view it as severe enough to warrant action. Only a small minority are dismissive of the issue.
“Older adults in the UK are also a diverse group. For people seeking to increase engagement on climate change, a one-size-fits-all message won’t work. For instance, those who are uncertain may need clearer, more relatable information, while those who are fatalistic may need practical examples of what still can be done.” (MORE - details, no ads)
