Yorkshire And The Humber Wants To Cut The Carbon – But It’s A Struggle

Carbon emissions in Yorkshire and the Humber dropped by 10% during the pandemic compared to the year before, according to analysis compiled by Lloyds Banking Group in partnership with the Carbon Trust.

The analysis considered the impact on carbon emissions resulting from changing consumer spending behaviour across six categories: food and drink, fuel, commuting, airlines, electrical stores and clothing stores.

Restrictions on international and domestic travel as well as the increase in working from home have been significant factors in the drop in carbon emissions. Emissions from commuting reduced by almost two thirds (59%) and emissions from fuel fell by 19% compared to the year before the pandemic. At the same time, international travel restrictions meant that the carbon emissions from airlines dropped by almost three quarters (72%) compared to the previous year.

As the region prepares to emerge from lockdown, public support for the environment remains strong in Yorkshire and Humber with 70% of the public ranking the environment as a top priority for post pandemic recovery.

However, it appears that ‘going green’ is a struggle as nearly a fifth (18%) were not able to reduce their carbon footprint in the third lockdown, the research revealed.

How the pandemic has impacted behaviour change

Many Britons are planning to make greener choices once restrictions lift, with seven in 10 (72%) saying they will make a conscious effort to cut their carbon footprint after lockdown.

Environmental reasons are also a factor for people thinking about a return to work, with almost three in 10 (29%) full-time employees citing this as a reason in their plans to work from home at least two to three times a week.

Generational differences can be seen in these emerging environmental behaviour changes. Nearly half (49%) of over 55s are planning to continue shopping locally compared to just 27% of younger generations (18–24 year olds). Older generations are also more likely to limit their car use than younger generations (36% and 23% respectively) and make improvements to their home’s energy efficiency (16% and 7% respectively).

Thrifty under 25s are planning to buy more items second-hand or upcycle them than older generations (35% and 22% respectively) and are focused on changing their diets to reduce emissions (23% and 13% respectively).

Catherine Rutter, Group Ambassador for Yorkshire and the Humber at Lloyds Banking Group said:
“People in Yorkshire and the Humber care passionately about the environment and the role it should play in the region’s recovery. The pandemic has shown that there are other ways to live and work which help make a difference to the environment.

“While it can often seem overwhelming, we all have a part to play to help tackle climate change which is why we are supporting people, businesses and government to make a positive impact.”