Norfolk is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to the low  lying nature of our landscape and our social and economic reliance upon our  physical environment. As climate change is an extremely important issue, the Climate Change Partnership was recently established to provide direction and leadership on climate change issues across Norfolk and deliver the objectives in the Norfolk Climate Change Strategy. The Norfolk Climate Change partnership used the last survey to look into Norfolk residents’ attitudes and behaviour relating to sustainable living and climate change.

The partnership was delighted to discover that many of your responses indicate high levels of awareness relating to this issue. In the main your answers demonstrate that Norfolk residents are keen to live in a way that does not cause long term irreversible damage to our environment both locally and further away. There is significant understanding of what actions are needed with many of you already doing them. This is of course excellent news and highly encouraging.

Food and drink

In particular attitudes towards food and drink purchases showed a real understanding of the issues at stake along with a potentially strong commitment to tackling climate change. It is encouraging to see that most residents do consider the environmental impact of the way they buy and choose the food they eat. At least seven in ten say they source food from the UK (76%), buy food from local sources (75%), check where their food has come from (69%) and understand its labelling (74%). However, two thirds admit they like to eat foods from all over the world (66%). Interestingly, just over half of residents agree that they don’t mind paying more for environmentally friendly produced foods (51%). And fewer panel members admit to buying ready meals (21%), throwing food away (24%) or buying foods that are out of season (27%).

Transport

We have discovered that transport choice is overwhelmingly motivated by convenience which perhaps explains that 80% of residents still use the car for journeys under three miles. Forty one per cent of respondents say that they use eco-driving techniques, such as checking their revs and changing up before 2,500rpm (petrol cars). You can find out more about eco-driving and book yourself a driving lesson to save yourself cash by contacting 01603 638121 or emailing roadsafety@norfolk.gov.uk So why not get on your bike or choose your feet for those short journeys to improve your fitness levels and shape up for the summertime? It’s much cheaper than joining a gym.