Plymouth residents’ planet-saving exploits are blazing a trail for the rest of the UK to follow.
But TV naturalist Chris Packham still issued a rousing rallying cry after it was revealed the city is bucking the national trend – with seven in ten Brits admitting they’re not doing enough to help the environment.
New figures have uncovered the staggering impact of the pandemic on the country’s carbon footprint.
But Plymouth tops the list of the cities where people believe they’re doing enough to be green, with 43 per cent surveyed reckoning they’re pulling their weight compared to the national average of just over three in ten.
Just two per cent of Plymouth admit to doing absolutely nothing to help the environment, with almost three in five (55 per cent) believing they don’t do enough and could do more.
Research from The National Lottery showed Plymouth is a shining light for the country to take inspiration from but Packham, a fervent environmental campaigner, hopes the national figures serve as a wakeup call.
The Springwatch presenter, 59, said:
“If we do want to make the future a greener – and greater – place for future generations, we do really need to start changing our behaviour today. It’s good that the public is being so honest about not doing enough to be environmentally friendly – but it does surprise me the figure is so high.”
Cardiff (39 per cent), Bristol (37 per cent) and Brighton (36 per cent) are among the other UK cities where the highest proportion of people believe they’re doing enough to be green, with 36 per cent of all respondents in the South West saying they do enough.
The findings come as part of nationwide National Lottery research, which also revealed more than seven in ten people (73 per cent) admit to using more electricity during lockdown. And over a third (34 per cent) say they have had the heating on more than ever before.
But almost half (47 per cent) still reckon the world will be a greener place for future generations, with many admitting they will change their habits for the better as restrictions finally ease.
The National Lottery has contributed more than £2.2bn towards green projects and initiatives across heritage, art, community and sport since 2010.
The support has given a shot in the arm to vital projects all around the country – from community groups preserving natural habitats to art installations educating young people on climate change.
The National Lottery is encouraging the public to make a vital contribution to the future of the planet by making a #PlanetaryPromise on social media.
To find out more visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/stories/planetary-promise
