An overwhelming majority of people in Wales (84%) believe that the way we live our lives needs to substantially change to address the climate emergency, according to results from a government survey of 1,149 Welsh participants.

Given Wales’ ambitious zero waste targets, circular economy strategy and position on the global recycling rates leader board, it may be unsurprising that 84% say they would like to see even less food being wasted, less packaging and increased recycling. 81% reported to be already minimising their food waste or were likely to do so.

While 86% admitted they are concerned about climate change, only 15% of respondents thought that it would affect their local area ‘a great deal’. Nearly half of participants (42%) however, did recognise that climate change could impact their local area ‘to some extent’, reflecting the recent Climate Change Committee report which unearthed the urgent and widespread climate related risks Wales now faces.