Survey 2007 Shows Growing Concern about Global Warming

Hakuhodo, one of major advertising companies of Japan announced on June 6, 2007, the results of its Environmental Awareness Survey 2007. During the past year, people's concern about environmental issues increased to 64.4 from 48.5 percent. In particular, those interested in global warming issues jumped to 92.9 from 81.3 percent. The survey has been conducted annually since 2004 and the Internet-based survey in March this year targeted 520 men and women aged 18 or older in the Tokyo metropolitan and Hanshin (Osaka and Hyogo) areas.

The respondents' environmental concerns are evident in their behavior. Nearly 90 percent of respondents said they conduct energy saving activities such as "making an effort to turn off lights when not needed" or "setting the air-conditioner at a lower temperature." Those who refuse plastic bags or excessive packaging when shopping increased to 61.2 from 51.9 percent, and those who "carry their own shopping bags" rose to 42.7 from 34.4 percent. These answers show an increase of more than 10 percent.

Generally speaking, women are more positive than men for these efforts. Men versus women ratios are most divergent in "refusing plastic bags when offered (men 51.5 percent, women 70.8 percent) and carrying their own shopping bags (men 30.8 percent, women 54.6 percent.)

The percentage of people who buy products from companies that are making proactive efforts to tackle environmental problems increased to 26.3 from 18.5. To the question "Who do you think should take the responsibility to solve problems of global warming?" the answers were in the following order: "national governments of the world" (91.5 percent), "Japan" (38.3 percent), "individuals" (24.2 percent), "corporations" (14.0percent),"local government authorities" (0.8 percent). This survey suggests that many people consider individual responsibility to be more important than corporate.

http://www.hakuhodo.jp/

Posted: 2007/10/18 11:39:08 PM
Japanese version