UK elderly have highest carbon footprint

These are the conclusions of new research by the Stockholm Environment Institute at the University of York.

The findings come in the 'Greening the Greys' report, the first analysis of the carbon footprint of the over 50s and their attitudes to climate change.

It reveals that baby boomers, aged 50-64, have the highest carbon footprint of 13.52 tonnes per capita/year – 10-20 per cent higher than any other age group.

But the over-50s fear climate change and worry over the climate their grandchildren will inherit.

They are motivated to take action but frustrated by the failure of the Government and business to provide stronger leadership to combat global warming.

The report combined a detailed carbon footprint analysis of the UK by age and household expenditure, together with an attitudinal survey of over 700 people aged 50+ together with five focus groups involving 50 people.

The carbon footprint was based upon an analysis of the products and services that over 50s use in their daily lives.

The footprint analysis breaks down the UK’s 698 million tonnes of carbon dioxide associated with consumption into over 40 kinds of household expenditure categories.

Using age-specific expenditure data, it calculates the carbon footprint by age and spending on items such as holidays abroad, home-heating and food.

The report shows that the average UK citizen has a carbon footprint of 11.81 tonnes/capita per year.

Carbon intensive activities, such as high car dependence, holidays abroad and eating out, are key factors contributing to the size of their footprint.

People aged 65 to 74 have a carbon footprint of 12.10 tonnes of carbon dioxide per capita/year. They also enjoy holidays abroad and car use but spend more on home heating.

Dr Gary Haq, researcher on lifestyle and climate change and lead author of the report, said: "The Government is essentially pushing at an open door with regard to achieving a change in behaviour in the over-50s, and a move to a low carbon lifestyle.

"In order to close the gap between concern for climate change and the impact of current lifestyles, Government needs to take action to make a low carbon lifestyle an easier option not just for the over-50s, but for everyone."