Complicated environmental jargon is leading to confusion, demotivation or indifference when it comes to climate action for four in five (80%) Brits, a new study by E.ON has revealed.
Six in ten (64%) of those surveyed also say they want to take climate action but feel overwhelmed by the numbers and jargon or are deterred by the lack of information available on the topic, resulting in climate inaction.
Seven in ten (72%) are unaware of the difference between ‘net zero’ and ‘zero carbon’, whilst a quarter of people (27%) admit to not fully understanding what the phrase ‘carbon footprint’ actually means. According to the new research, which questioned 1,500 people around the country, only 10% of Brits know what COP26 – the key United Nations Climate Change Conference – actually is.
Michael Lewis, CEO of E.ON UK, said: “Knowing more is often the key to doing more – especially when asking people to make changes to their homes and their lifestyles in order to help combat the climate crisis. We need to make this something people want to do, as well as something they need to do, and this includes simplifying the language we use so people can properly understand the benefits of a cleaner, greener lifestyle.
“We know great things can be achieved when we all do our bit. Together, across Europe, we’re responsible for reducing carbon emissions by more than 99 million tonnes a year2. That’s the same as the amount of energy used by nearly 12 million homes in one year. Here in the UK, we’re already helping to make our customers’ homes, businesses and communities more sustainable, helping us all to take action for the climate, together.”
To help combat the confusion, E.ON has produced a new Green Glossary, designed to give simple explanations for some of the key energy and environmental phrases people hear every day, as well as helping people to visualise how much a tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) really is, and what a kilowatt hour (kWh) is and what it can power.
Examples within E.ON’s Green Glossary include:
Carbon offsetting
Carbon offsetting provides a way to balance out carbon emissions and our impact on the planet. This could be done by funding projects that remove the same amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere that you generate. One example of this is that you might donate to a non-profit organisation that plants trees, which absorb carbon dioxide and reduce greenhouse gases, when you take an international flight.
Renewable energy
Renewable energy is power generated from natural resources that are quickly replenished, such as the sun (solar), wind (turbines), water (hydroelectric dams) or locally sourced waste wood (biomass) and it doesn’t contribute to climate change. What’s more, renewable energy is unlimited as the sun will keep shining and the wind will keep blowing.
Carbon footprint
In short, a carbon footprint is a measurement of your impact on the planet. It’s the total amount of carbon dioxide that you as an individual, organisation or community releases into the atmosphere through your actions. For example, the more you fly, drive or burn fossil fuels, the bigger your footprint, whilst the more you do to be more sustainable, such as walking or cycling instead of driving, using renewable electricity, and generally being more energy efficient, the smaller your carbon footprint will be.
To have a read of E.ON’s new Green Glossary, please visit eonenergy.com/green-glossary
