British political values, attitudes to climate change, and travel behaviour

Abstract

The UK is committed to a sharp reduction of greenhouse gases. Progress towards its goal will depend on whether the public can be persuaded to change their travel behaviour. Using British Social Attitudes 2011 survey data, analyses show that the majority of adults – especially the young and better-educated – believe that climate change is occurring but even concerned believers appear reluctant to modify their behaviour. Policies designed to alter transport habits and induce behaviour change need to take that clear conclusion into account. Without a strong political commitment, substantial change that will significantly mitigate the processes appears unlikely.