Climate Change survey results

Summary findings

Climate Change views and priorities

Climate change is a significant concern for respondents, with 69.6% expressing high levels of worry (rated 4 or 5 on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 indicates the least concern and 5 the most).

Residents were asked to rate our carbon reduction priorities in order of importance with 1 being the most important and 6 the least.

Based on the weighted averages calculated from the percentages, here are the six priorities ranked by order of importance according to respondents:

1.    Clean Air 

2.    5 Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle)

3.    Biodiversity 

4.    Clean Energy

5.    Sustainability in Business 

6.    Sustainability Champions

Views on Clean Air

Air quality is a concern for respondents, with 54.9% indicating they are either very concerned or concerned about it (rating it 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 represents the least concern and 5 the most).

The most recurring comments emphasise the need for better cycling infrastructure, pedestrian and cyclist safety, improved public transport, and general improvements to make walking and cycling more accessible and safer for everyone. There is also a focus on maintaining parking facilities and addressing general environmental concerns like bonfires, roadworks, and noise pollution from Heathrow planes.

Views on Clean Energy

 The most frequent comments and suggestions on how residents can decrease energy consumption and increase the usage of low and zero carbon energy were solar panels and renewable energy; reducing energy consumption; government and council support; address the energy crisis and its impact on households; help with retrofitting such as insulation; address cost and affordability; promote awareness campaigns and encourage lifestyle changes. 

Views on the 5 Rs (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle)

Innovative ways to repurpose items idea examples

• Reusing vegetable and fruit baskets for seed starting;

• Upcycling pallets into outdoor furniture an planters;

• Reusing jars for storage; 

• Community sharing and selling; 

• Repairing and maintenance of items and use repair cafes;

• Educational school projects

• Promote environmental reuse schemes.

Comments on how to implement the Rs more effectively

• Increasing recycling facilities and accessibility

• Provide clear information on what can be recycled

• Encourage use of biodegradable and reusable alternatives

• Education and awareness about the benefits of the 5 Rs

• Use clear messaging about waste disposal impacts

• Support community initiatives and engagement 

• Provide workshops on repairing and reusing items

• Promote local food exchange schemes

• Use technology to connect consumers and suppliers for greener local economy

• Support community swap events and upcycling campaigns

• Provide incentives for using reusable bags and cups

• Provide further incentives and enforcement 

• Encourage business involvement 

• Collaborate with businesses to create a circular economy

• Make the 5 Rs convenient

• Ensure accessible recycling bins in public spaces

• Install water refill stations

Views on on Biodiversity (Natural Environment)​

A total of 87% of the respondents believe that protecting local biodiversity is very important or important. 

Suggested key actions individuals can take to protect existing habitats and enhance biodiversity in the borough focus on gardens, wildlife, plants, wild spaces, green areas, trees, and grass. Additionally, stopping littering and pesticide use, as well as encouraging wildlife, are often mentioned in the comments. 

Comments and suggestions on how to protect existing habitats and enhance biodiversity in the borough

• Protect green spaces by avoiding overdevelopment and destruction of habitats

• Create more wildlife corridors to join up existing habitats

• Ensure gardens are wildlife friendly and support rewilding

• Respect wild areas in the borough

• Support community gardens, voluntary efforts, biodiversity measures and greening groups

• Condemn littering and pollution

• Provide better education on the importance of biodiversity

Views on sustainability champions in our communities

40% of respondents said they did not know of any local sustainability initiatives.

31% of respondents would be interested in becoming a sustainable champion in their community in various capacities

Contributions of potential sustainable champions 

• Collaboration and support through working with the council;  supporting campaigns and promoting local networks.

• Raising awareness and education 

• Practical involvement through planting, litter picking and creating pollinator pathways.

• Community engagement through promoting messages and organising events

• Providing ideas and suggestions for implementing sustainability initiatives 

• Uncertainty and need for information from respondents that are unsure of the roles and existing initiatives. 

Views on on sustainability in business

Respondents emphasised the power of consumers to influence local businesses to adopt sustainable practices by supporting those that are environmentally friendly.