Substantial lifestyle changes are needed to address the climate emergency, 84% of Welsh respondents told a Government survey.
The survey, which had 1,149 Welsh participants, asked people about their views on climate change.
86% of respondents to the survey admitted they are concerned about climate change, though only 15% said they thought that climate change would affect their local area ‘a great deal’. 42% of respondents did though say that they thought climate change could impact their local area ‘to some extent’.
Wales is currently committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, with the Welsh Government set to publish an all-Wales plan later this year for reaching the target.
The announcement of the survey results come after a new Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report published on Monday warned that human influence has “unequivocally” warmed the climate.
Speaking following the publishing of the survey results, Minister for Climate Change Julie James said;
“In Wales we look out for each other, so I have no doubt in our ability to unite in big and bold actions to fight the climate emergency. Reaching Net Zero by 2050 will require decisive action over the next ten years, meaning government, businesses and communities coming together to change the way we eat, shop, travel and heat our homes.
“Whilst there will be up-front costs in taking action, the long-term financial and wellbeing costs of doing nothing will be significantly higher. We know climate change will impact all of our communities, with floods in Wales predicted to become even more frequent and drastic than the last two years we have experienced.
“We mustn’t feel overwhelmed by the actions we take today to invest in our future. A Net Zero Wales will look healthier, happier and more prosperous for us and our children and grandchildren, and all generations that follow.”
