Who Cares About the Environment in 2009? is the signature publication of the latest in the social research series conducted by the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (DECCW). This research has been conducted every three years since 1994 to track changes and trends in the environmental knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of the people of NSW.
This latest research found that:
- more than three-quarters of the population were concerned about environmental problems
- there had been a marked growth in people's knowledge and concerns about climate change
- more than two-thirds of the population supported urgent action on climate change.
However, water (water management and conservation) was still the most important environmental issue. The survey also found the community making increased efforts to reduce energy consumption and using alternatives to plastic bags. There were generally more positive views, compared to 2006, about the state of the environment on a range of indicators.
Following the publication and launch of the 2009 research in February 2010, DECCW representatives conducted seminars on the research across NSW in March and April. Seminars were held in Sydney, Parramatta, Armidale, Orange, Lismore, Queanbeyan, Wagga Wagga, Hunter and Illawarra.
The diverse audiences attending the seminars reflect the broad appeal of the research findings. Attendees included people from community groups and NGOs, local and state government, academia and the general community. The research is of general interest as well as being directly relevant to those engaged in environmental policy, program design and implementation, research or environmental communications.
The Who Cares? seminars enabled:
- more personalised presentation of the research, with opportunities for general discussion of findings
- a focus on findings relevant to specific audiences – distinctive regional findings, or the implications for business, local government or other sectors
- DECCW to gain a more in depth understanding of how the research meets local needs and interests.
If you are interested in the findings, visit the Who Cares? website where the full report, or the summary brochure can be downloaded.
In the coming months further material from this research will also be made available on the website, including:
- the seminar presentations
- the Who Cares? data tables
- demographic and thematic fact sheets
- a report of the qualitative research conducted in association with the survey.
Hard copy reports can be purchased at a cost of $16.50 (incl GST) from the Environment Line on 131 555 (from within NSW) or (02) 9995 5555.
Who Cares about the Environment? research will be conducted again in 2012. DECCW would like to thank everyone who has supported the DECCW social research series by attending the Who Cares? seminars, using the research results or encouraging colleagues to engage with the research.