40% of Britons Believe That the Live Earth Event Will Inspire Them to do More to Combat Climate Change

40% of Britons Believe That the Live Earth Event Will Inspire Them to do More to Combat Climate Change

LONDON, June 28/PRNewswire/ -- A new survey by Lightspeed Research, a leading global interactive data solutions provider, and The Ethical Reputation Index, the UK's leading tracker of corporate ethical reputation, reveals that Britons believe the Live Earth series of global concerts will encourage them to do even more to help minimise the effects of climate change.

The survey, carried out amongst Britons, Americans and Australians between the 22nd and 26th June, examined the issue of climate change in anticipation of the upcoming Live Earth series of concerts. The 24-hour, seven-continent event with an expected global audience of 2 billion people is planned to launch a global movement to combat the climate crisis.

The results showed that in the UK almost three quarters (73%) of those aware of the Live Earth event are planning to watch the concerts on 7th July, and 40% think the event will inspire them to do more to combat climate change. In comparison, 51% of Americans and 39% of Australians thought the event would encourage them to do more.

88% of Britons say that individual actions can have a positive impact on climate change. These actions include simple measures like re-using grocery bags, using energy saving light bulbs and recycling.

Britons also believe that both government and companies have a crucial role to play in addressing the issue. 93% of respondents thought companies should do more, from recycling, to reducing packaging, to using local suppliers.

92% of people think government is not doing enough, with the most popular remedies being grants for green home improvements, tax relief for greener companies and increasing penalties for the worst business offenders.

Respondents of the survey, which was carried out online, were asked for their perspective on the impact of climate change now, and in the future. Most Britons believe that in only ten years time, the effects of climate change will have a major impact on society. However, Australian respondents had the most pessimistic view of the impact overall.

David Day, CEO Europe of Lightspeed Research commented "This survey shows that many Britons are planning to watch the Live Earth event, and believe it's a good way to get people to do more to combat climate change. We'll be running a follow up survey after the event to see if people are more committed to changing their behaviour to help the planet."

Karen Fraser of The Ethical Reputation Index says "It is clear that consumers believe companies and government have a major part to play in minimising the impact of climate change. Business people, government and marketers need to understand how environmental issues are affecting consumers in order to ensure that their policies, products, services and communications remain relevant."

Note to Editors:

The Ethical Reputation Index and Lightspeed Research surveyed 500 18-45 year olds who were aware of the Live Earth event online in each of the three countries - the UK, US and Australia - between 22 and 26th June 2007. A further survey will be carried out after the event on 9th July. A mobile phone survey will also be sent during the event.

Source: Lightspeed Research

For press enquiries contact: Lucy Green, PR Consultant, Tel: +44-(0)7817-698366, E: lgreen@greenfieldscommunications.com; Ralph Risk, Marketing Manager Lightspeed Research, Europe, Tel +44-(0)20-7896-1950, Mobile +44-(0)787-650-7689, E: rrisk@lightspeedresearch.com; Karen Fraser, The Ethical Reputation Index, Tel: +44(0)-208-743-0864, Mobile +44-(0)-7831-627682, E: karen@ethicalreputationindex.com

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Profile: International Entertainment