Climate change is a daily worry for just under half of young New Yorkers
MS Amlin launches findings ahead of Brooklyn’s inaugural ePrix
New York - 13 July 2017 - A new poll launched by MS Amlin - the specialist global (re)insurer - reveals that just under half (46%) of New Yorkers aged 18-35 (equating to almost two million* people) worry about climate change on a daily basis. These concerns fall just below terrorism (50%) and ahead of daily worries about employment prospects (41%) and the global economy (39%).
The poll of over 1,000 18 to 35-year-olds was commissioned as team MS Amlin Andretti drives into Brooklyn for the City’s first fully-electric single-seater racing series on July 15 and 16. Behind the exhilarating street race, there is a serious message: New Yorkers can help alleviate the repercussions of climate change by adopting clean tech in their lives, and supporting events, such as Formula E, which promote alternative fuel sources and low emission transport.
According to the poll, the climate change issues that young New Yorkers worry about most are extreme weather events (64%) and rising sea/flood levels (also 64%), while a similar number (61%) worry about increased pollution. Many (27%) admitted climate change is already having a big impact on their lives, and a majority (63%) say it will have a big impact on the way we all live in the future.
MS Amlin says its poll reveals how committed young New Yorkers are to tackling climate change on a personal level. The majority (90%) said they have already taken action to help tackle their personal contribution to climate change while only 10% are doing nothing. Travel and lifestyle shifts are the biggest changes being made: two thirds (66%) walk, cycle or use public transport to reduce their personal contribution to climate change; over half (53%) are trying to reduce personal and family energy consumption, and over a quarter (26%) have made a conscious decision not to own a car.
Commenting on the findings, Adrian Britten, MS Amlin’s Global Director of Communication, said: “MS Amlin is proud to be participating in the inaugural Formula E Brooklyn race - it shows that sustainable motoring can also be thrilling motoring. Our survey of young New Yorkers reveals that early adopters of clean tech are finding their own routes to tackle climate change - be that solar panels, smart purchasing of power or considering an electric vehicle at home. These New Yorkers are helping to support their city in its quest to keep residents safe and sea levels at bay. This weekend’s ePrix is set to be exhilarating, and team MS Amlin Andretti can’t wait to race the streets of New York City.”
*According to suburbanstats.org, 4,329,875 people aged 18-34 live in New York City, and 46 per cent of 4,329,875 = 1,991,743