According to a poll by Eurostar, British people are not as likely to worry about the environmental impacts of air travel than their French and Belgian counterparts. The poll of more than 3000 adults from Belgium, France and the UK, found that up to 55% of British nationals take up to three holidays per year the involve flying, whilst just a third of French people do the same.
The poll also discovered that 6% of Brits take over five flight-based holidays per year. According to the poll, Brits seem to understand the impact of day-to-day car travel, but are less aware of the environmental impact of going on holiday to foreign climes. Eurostar claims that 18% of an average consumer’s annual CO2 emissions are created by driving, but 27% are created by leisure and holiday activities – evidence of the massive environmental impact of travel.
Eurostar’s research also showed the startling differences in the world of travel nowadays compared to the past. It found that whilst a mere 3% of Brits over the age of 65 went on holidays overseas before they reached the age of five, a whopping 48% of 18-24 year old Brits had travelled overseas before reaching five – and this is a figure that is predicted to increase in subsequent generations.
The number of 18-24 year old French nationals who travelled overseas before reaching five year olds was a lower 36%, whilst the Belgians were at 57%.
Eurostar’s Peter Bragg – their Head of Environment and Energy – said: “We know that many of our customers are concerned about environmental issues, yet this research shows that when planning their holidays, only a few consumers are willing to make changes to reduce their carbon footprint”.
“There are confusing messages around the issue but as people are now travelling from a younger age, it is crucial that they understand there are sustainable travel options available.”
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