In its ongoing commitment to raise awareness about air pollution, Eon has launched its Air Care Research, featuring the views of more than 4,000 people across the country, which found almost two thirds (62%) of people say they miss how clear the air was during the first national lockdown.
Between March and June, air pollution reports gave us a glimpse of life with less air pollution, as nitrogen oxide levels in some cities fell by around 60% due to less traffic on the roads.
As we make our way through a second lockdown in England that should see traffic reduce drastically for a second time this year, nearly nine in ten (86%) stated air pollution is an issue the British public needs to know more about and three-quarters (72%) believe it’s as important to include air quality information as it is the pollen count in weather forecasts.
In response to Eon’s ‘Air Care Research’, working with weather data provider DTN, has launched Change the Weather – a new service to help national and regional media include air quality information in their weather forecasts. Titles including the London Evening Standard, the I and the Daily Record have already made the change.
Michael Lewis, chief executive of E.ON UK, said, “No level of air pollution should ever be deemed safe. There are many things we can all do to help reduce our impact on the environment and the air we breathe. From driving less, or driving electric, and making our homes more energy efficient, to powering our homes with renewable electricity.
“Making air quality information more accessible through our Change the Weather service is an important step in the right direction and will help ensure this critical topic stays front of mind as we navigate our daily lives.“
Seven months on from the start of that first national lockdown, more than half of those questioned (57%) say they care more about air quality than ever before, and nearly seven in ten (68%) would do more to help the environment if they had daily reminders on the quality of the air they breathe. Doing more could translate into simple steps respondents said they would take, such as turning off lights at home (34%), using their car less (27%) and buying fewer things manufactured using fossil fuels (25%).
Daily air pollution forecasts will be welcomed by many British consumers, as 43% said they’d be more likely to watch a news segment or read a newspaper if it included regular updates on air pollution levels, over ones that didn’t.
The research also shows almost three quarters (73%) of the nation favours businesses and organisations which are doing good for the environment, giving even more reason for businesses to implement initiatives that support a cleaner air environment.
