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Jun 2021

Last Updated: 02/06/2021

Environment

Survey shows rising concern about climate change in Harrogate

by Tamsin O'Brien

| 03 Jun, 2021

A survey by the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition found that residents are becoming increasingly concerned about climate change, with over 80 percent believing we need to take immediate action.

A survey by the Harrogate District Climate Change Coalition has revealed that over 80 percent of residents believe we need to take immediate action to tackle climate change.

The survey was opened to the public in February and had more than 800 responses from residents and local businesses.

Over half of respondents said that they are more concerned about climate change now than they were a year ago.

The coalition is made up of local environmental groups, businesses and Harrogate Borough councillors and said it was already acting on the survey's findings.

Councillor Phil Ireland, cabinet member for Carbon Reduction and Sustainability within the Harrogate Borough Council, said;

“Even before the survey results came out, Harrogate Borough Council was committed to reviewing our current Carbon Reduction Plan and ensuring it will put council operations and the district on track to reach net zero emissions by 2038. This cross-cutting data-driven approach is currently being updated by officers and will be published later in the year."

The survey comes after the coalition was criticised in the past year for not doing enough. There were several high profile resignations including Harrogate and Knaresborough Liberal Democrat Leader Pat Marsh who said the coalition had been "plagued by inaction".

Lib Dem leader resigns from Harrogate climate coalition

Environmental campaigner quits Harrogate climate coalition

The survey asked what would encourage people to reduce their own carbon footprint, the most popular answers were cheaper rail fares and more regular public transport. Over 80 percent also believed that the UK government has had the most influence for limiting action on climate change, more so than individuals or other factors.

The survey was entirely anonymous. One resident wrote;

“Every year I see more extremes in weather and I live in the countryside so understand how this is impacting wildlife and the ability of the farming community to carry out its work.”

When asked what the main benefits of tackling climate change would be, the most popular answers were better air quality and preservation of the natural landscape.

Since the survey, the coalition has announced it will be running a Climate Action Festival in October of this year aimed at giving residents and businesses tips towards reducing carbon emissions. It is encouraging people who have views on the issue to sign up to speak at the event.

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Survey shows rising concern about climate change in Harrogate

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