Queensland baby-boomers could be leading greener lives than younger generations, dispelling the myth that only young people are concerned about global warming.
An NRMA Insurance survey* has revealed Queensland residents aged 55 and over are the most likely to have popped in at least three energy-efficient light globes around their home, installed a water-saving showerhead or bought a more fuel-efficient car.
NRMA Insurance Queensland State Manager Brett Robinson said the research results highlighted it was not just younger people taking an active interest in reducing their impact on the environment.
“There has probably been a perception in the community that the environment, and particularly global warming, has been more of a concern for young people,” he said. “While it’s encouraging Queenslanders, overall, are being pro-active and taking practical steps to do their bit for the environment, over 55s appear to be leading the way.”
| 3 or more energy-efficient light globes | 25-34 years 55% | 35-44 years 69% | 45-54 years 67% | 55+ 78% |
| Water-efficient shower head | 25-34 years 60% | 35-44 years 67% | 45-54 years 71% | 55+ 83% |
| Bought more fuel-efficient car | 25-34 years 28% | 35-44 years 38% | 45-54 years 46% | 55+ 46% |
Mr Robinson said nearly 75% of Queenslanders surveyed agreed global warming increased the risks associated with severe weather events, including storms and cyclones.
“Queensland is already heavily impacted by severe weather, so it’s encouraging so many households are aware the risks to our state may increase as global temperatures increase** and are already taking steps to reduce the risk of climate change,” he said.
Mr Robinson said NRMA Insurance was making it easy for Queensland drivers to be greener, offsetting, or neutralising, more than 12000 tonnes of greenhouse gas since August – the same amount of carbon pollution as around 2700 cars would release into the atmosphere in one year.
NRMA Insurance is offsetting one tonne of carbon pollution with every new comprehensive car insurance policy until February.
*Research undertaken by Woolcott Research, August-September 2007, amongst 400 Queensland households. **United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report - Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability.
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