Environmental awareness and

action
In recent years environmental issues have

Data source

attracted much interest at an international,

national and local level. For example, in 2010,
the Australian Government's Intergenerational
Report identified climate change as one of the
biggest challenges facing Australia, placing
substantial pressures on Australia's economy,
living standards and government finances over
the next 40 years.1

This article uses data from the ABS 200708

Environmental Views and Behaviour Survey
collected in the ABS Multi-Purpose Household
Survey (MPHS). The analysis is restricted to all
adults aged 18 years and over unless otherwise
stated.
Some of the data used in this analysis are derived
from attitudinal questions. These questions
attempt to measure a respondent's attitudes or
feelings towards a particular topic, event, object or
people. There are some constraints associated with
attitudinal questions which should be considered
when reading this analysis. Notably, a respondent's
attitude does not necessarily correlate to their
behaviour, and attitudes are subject to change over
time. For example, a Newspoll survey found that
the proportion of adults who believed that climate
change was occurring fell from 84% in July 2008 to
73% in February 2010.2

Public concern about environmental issues, such

as drought, bushfires, water conservation and
climate change, can influence actions taken to
protect and restore the environment. These
actions may be undertaken by individuals,
governments, non-government organisations or
industry, and may include the development of
policy initiatives, public campaigning, petitions,
membership of environmental groups,
volunteering and donations. Individuals can also
demonstrate concern for the environment by
undertaking personal environment protection
activities, such as recycling and reducing
electricity and water consumption.

Women (83%) were more likely to report being

concerned about any environmental problems
than men (80%). Younger adults (aged 1824
years) and older adults (aged 65 years and over)
were the least likely to be concerned about any
environmental problems (74% and 77%
respectively). And, while over half (55%) of all
adults aged below 65 years reported that the
natural environment was declining, less than
half (44%) of those aged 65 years and over
agreed.

This article examines Australians'

environmental concerns and their participation
in environmental protection activities.

Concern about the environment

In 200708, 82% of Australian adults (12.8
million people) reported that they were
concerned about at least one environmental
problem. However, only around a quarter (26%)
reported that the condition of the natural
environment was bad while almost two-fifths
(39%) felt that it was neither good nor bad.
Nevertheless, over half of adults (53%) said they
thought the natural environment was declining.

Rates of concern about environmental problems

were highest in the Australian Capital Territory
(90%) and South Australia (86%); and the
lowest in Tasmania (77%) and New South
Wales (78%). New South Wales had amongst
the lowest proportion of adults who felt the
condition of the natural environment was bad
(23%) or declining (48%) while South Australia
and the Australian Capital Territory recorded
some of the highest proportions (35% and 62%
and, 33% and 64% respectively).

Proportion of adults who reported the natural

environment was declining, by state and
territory 200708

In part reflecting the age distribution of these

groups, adults without a non-school
qualification, such as a Bachelor Degree or
Diploma, were less likely to report being
concerned about the environment than those
with a non-school qualification (76% compared
with 87%). Similarly, under half (48%) of those
without a non-school qualification thought the
environment was declining compared with
nearly three-fifths (57%) who had a non-school
qualification.

%
80
60
40
20
0

NSW

Vic.

Qld.

SA
WA Tas. NT
States and territories

In a similar pattern, those who were not

employed were less likely to report being
concerned about the environment than those
who were employed (77% compared with 84%);
and under half (47%) of those who were not

ACT Aust.

Source: ABS 200708 Environmental Views and Behaviour Survey

ABS

AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL TRENDS

4102.0 JUNE 2010

employed reported that the natural

environment was declining compared with
over a half (56%) who were employed.

Personal environmental
protection activities

Concerns about climate change

recycling

There is mounting scientific evidence to

indicate that average temperatures are rising
and these changes are very likely to be as a
result of increasing greenhouse gas emissions
and not the result of the natural variability of
climate.3 Australia's climate is already changing,
and how adults and governments act now
could have implications for the future
sustainability of the environment. For more
information see ABS Australia's Environment
Issues and Trends, 2010 (cat. no. 4613.0).

Recycling enables waste materials to be

transformed into usable resources thereby
reducing landfill and conserving resources.4 In
200708, the vast majority (84%) of Australians
sorted out recyclable from non-recyclable waste
all or most of the time. In contrast, only
one-third of adults reported composting or
recycling food waste all or most of the time.
Overall, young adults (1824 years) were the
least likely to sort out recyclable waste (74%)
compared with other age groups. The
proportion of those who reported sorting out
recyclable from non-recyclable waste varied
across the states and territories. The Northern
Territory and Western Australia had the lowest
rates of recycling (64% and 69% respectively)
compared with over nine-tenths (93%) in the
Australian Capital Territory.

In 200708 almost three-quarters (73%) of

adults said they were concerned about climate
change, although there was some variation
across population groups. Adults aged 65 years
and over were less likely to report being
concerned about climate change (60%) than
adults in other age groups.

These differences were partially driven by

differences in the availability of local waste
collection services. In major cities, 97% of adults
reported that they had recyclable waste
collection services in their local area, compared
with 65% in outer regional areas and 32% in
remote areas.

Across the states and territories 69% of adults

living in the Northern Territory reported that
they were concerned about climate change
compared with 81% of adults in the Australian
Capital Territory.
Adults who were not employed were less likely
to be concerned about climate change than
those who were employed (68% compared with
76%); and those without a non-school
qualification were less likely to be concerned
than those with a non-school qualification (69%
compared with 77%). Adults with a Bachelor
degree or above were more likely to be
concerned about climate change (83%) than
those with a diploma (78%) and those with a
certificate (73%).

Of those Australians who did grocery

shopping, 43% reported using green or reusable
shopping bags all or most of the time while
around one-quarter (26%) reported rarely or
never using them. Once again this varied with
age, with 1824 year olds being the least likely
to use them all or most of the time (34%).
Adults in Queensland and the Northern
Territory reported the lowest rates of use of
green or reusable shopping bags (38%)
compared with South Australia and the
Australian Capital Territory who reported the
highest rates (51% and 50% respectively).

Proportion of adults who were concerned

about climate change, by state or territory
200708

Proportion of adults who sorted out recyclable

waste all or most of the time, by state or
territory 200708

%
100

%
100

80

80

60

60

40

40

20

20

NSW

Vic.

Qld.

SA
WA Tas. NT
States and territories

ACT Aust.

Source: ABS 200708 Environmental Views and Behaviour Survey

ABS

NSW

Vic.

Qld.

SA
WA Tas. NT
States and territories

ACT Aust.

Source: ABS 200708 Environmental Views and Behaviour Survey

AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL TRENDS

4102.0 JUNE 2010

water use and conservation

Actual water consumption

The most recent comprehensive data available for
Australia-wide water consumption is the ABS
Water Account, Australia, 200405 (cat. no. 4610.0).

Australia's urban water supply faces major

challenges due to climate change and drought.
At the same time, demand for water is
increasing due to population growth and this in
turn places pressure on our water storage
capacity. In 2009, the Australian Government
invested $12.9 billion into Water for the Future
a 10 year initiative to prepare Australia for a
future with less water. At a household level,
governments have imposed water restrictions
in most states and territories since 2002.5

Between 200001 and 200405, total water

consumption in Australia decreased by 14%. In
200405, the agricultural industry accounted for the
highest water consumption (65%) and recorded a
19% decrease from 200001. In 200405, the
household sector accounted for 11% of water
consumption and recorded an 8% decrease from
200001.
New South Wales and the Australian Capital
Territory combined showed the largest fall in water
consumption (32%) between 200001 and 200405.
This is mostly because of a 39% decrease in the
consumption of water by the agriculture industry
in these jurisdictions in this period.

In 200708, over half (55%) of adults reported

that their water consumption had decreased
and 40% reported that it had remained the
same (in the 12 months prior to interview). Of
the 12.9 million adults who reported that they
were concerned with the environment, nearly
three-fifths (59%) reported that their water
consumption had decreased, compared with
two-fifths of those who were not concerned.

The next ABS water account will be released in

December 2010.

electricity use
Electricity consumption in the residential sector
is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas
emissions in Australia due to its reliance on
fossil fuels (notably coal) to produce it.6 In
200708, most Australians (88%) reported that
they had taken steps to limit their personal
electricity use. Of those who reported that they
were concerned with climate change, a majority
(92%) said that they had taken steps to limit
personal electricity use. However, a large
proportion of those not concerned with climate
change (78%) had also taken steps to limit their
electricity use.

Of the 8.7 million Australians who reported

that their water consumption had decreased,
over three-quarters (76%) said it was because
they were trying to conserve water at home and
over two-fifths (42%) attributed it to water
restrictions being imposed or increased.
Moreover, from 1994 to 2007, the proportion of
households with water conservation devices
(such as a water-efficient shower head or a dual
flush toilet) more than doubled.5
Victoria and South Australia had the highest
proportions of adults who reported their water
consumption had decreased (66% and 65%
respectively) compared with the Northern
Territory and Tasmania which had the lowest
(22% and 31% respectively).

Young adults (aged 1824 years) were the least

likely (74%) to report that they had taken steps
to limit their personal electricity use, while
around 90% of those aged 25 years and over
reported they had. Of those who did not take
steps to limit their electricity use, young adults
were also the most likely to report they did not
care how much electricity they used (19%)
compared with around one-tenth for the age
groups 25 years and over.

There were variations in the proportion of

adults who reported that their water
consumption had decreased, depending on the
area of remoteness in which they lived. Almost
three-fifths (59%) of adults living in major cities
reported a decrease in their water consumption
compared with under two-fifths (39%) in
remote Australia.

Reasons did not take steps to limit electricity

use(a) 200708

Proportion of adults who decreased their water

consumption, by state or territory 200708

Already low enough

Inconvenient
Not a priority
Time consuming
Comfort
Did not know what to do
Did not care
Had not thought about it

%
80
60
40

Other

20

0
0

NSW

Vic.

Qld.

SA
WA Tas. NT
States and territories

ACT Aust.

20
%

30

(a) As a proportion of all adults aged 18 years and over who did not
reduce their electricity use.
Source: ABS 200708 Environmental Views and Behaviour Survey

Source: ABS 200708 Environmental Views and Behaviour Survey

ABS

10

AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL TRENDS

4102.0 JUNE 2010

40

The main reasons that adults gave for not

taking steps to limit their electricity use was
that their electricity consumption was already
low enough (33%) or they had not thought
about saving electricity (27%).

Environmental activities involved in during last

12 months(a) 200708
Not involved
Signed a petition

Household energy use

Donated money
Sent letter/email

Energy consumption by households is an

important contributor to greenhouse gas
emissions. In 2007, Australia's residential sector
accounted for around 9% of total greenhouse gas
emissions, an increase of 25% in emissions since
1990.7

Volunteered
Other
Participated in rally
0

The ABS 2008 Energy Use and Conservation

survey collected data on household energy
sources and conservation measures.8 Virtually
every household in Australia (99.9%) used
electricity as their main source of energy. In
comparison to electricity, gas produces much
lower carbon dioxide emissions and it was the
second most common source of energy used in
Australian households (61%). Use of solar
energy increased from 5% in 2002 to 8% in 2008,
but it was still the least common source of
energy used by households.6

10

20

40

50

60

%
(a) As a proportion of all adults aged 18 years and over.
Source: ABS 200708 Environmental Views and Behaviour Survey

While 12.8 million Australian adults reported

that they were concerned about any
environmental problems, only 5.4 million (34%)
had been involved in some form of
environmental activity in the 12 months prior to
interview.10
The most common activity undertaken was
signing a petition relating to environmental
issues (17%), followed by donating money to
protect the environment (14%), and expressing
concern through a letter, email or talking to
responsible authorities (10%). The least
common environmental activity undertaken
was participating in a demonstration or rally on
environmental issues (2%).

In 200607, heating and cooling accounted for

the greatest proportion of energy consumed in
households (almost 40%). This was followed by
water heating (25%), household appliances,
(19%), lighting (6%), and cooking (6%). Of
household appliances, refrigerators and
freezers were the largest contributors to
household energy use, consuming 34% of all
energy used by household appliances.9

Young adults (1824 years) and those aged 65

years and over were the least likely to be
involved in environmental activities (31% and
26% respectively). However, despite the
disparities in concern about environmental
problems between different states and
territories, there was relatively little difference
in the proportions of adults who were involved
in environmental activities levelling at around
33% to 38% across all the states and territories.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the

number of adults who reported that they were
influenced by environmental factors when
considering their household energy. For
example, in 2008, energy efficiency was the
most common factor considered by Australian
households when replacing or buying most
white good appliances compared with 2002,
when the most common factor considered was
cost. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Australian
households used cold water rather than warm
water in washing machines, up from 61% in
1994. And, between 2005 and 2008, the
proportion of households who used energy
saving lights increased from 33% to 59%.
However, there was also a substantial increase
in the number of households who had coolers
(air conditioners and evaporative coolers), more
than doubling from 32% in 1994 to 67% in 2008.

Adults with a non-school qualification were

more likely to have participated in
environmental activities than adults with no
non-school qualification (41% compared with
27%); and those who were employed were more
likely to have been involved in environmental
activities than those who were not employed
(38% compared with 28%).

Environmental involvement
Environmental involvement includes signing a
petition, making a donation and taking part in a
demonstration or rally. This participation may
influence government behaviour and
strengthen support for environmentally
concerned organisations.

ABS

30

AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL TRENDS

4102.0 JUNE 2010

70

Looking ahead

Endnotes
1

The Treasury, 2010, The Intergenerational Report

2010, Australia to 2050: future challenges,
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, p. vii,
<www.treasury.gov.au>.
2 Newspoll, 16 February 2010, Climate Change,
Newspoll, <www.newspoll.com.au>.
3 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC), 2007, Climate Change 2007: Synthesis
Report: Summary for Policymakers, IPCC, p. 5,
<www.ipcc.ch>.
4 Clean up, Recycling, viewed 10 March 2010,
<www.cleanup.org.au>.
5 Australian Bureau Statistics, 2010, Australia's
Environment: Issues and Trends, 2010, cat. no.
4613.0, ABS, Canberra, p. 23.
6 Australian Bureau Statistics, 2010, Australia's
Environment Issues and Trends, 2010, cat. no.
4613.0, ABS, Canberra, p. 17.
7 Department of Climate Change, 2009, National
Inventory by Economic Sector, 2007,
Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra, p. 1,
<www.climatechange.gov.au>.
8 Analysis on household energy use only includes
the five most common energy sources: mains
electricity, mains gas, LPG/bottled gas, wood and
solar.
9 Sandu, S. and Petchey, R., 2009, End use energy
intensity in the Australian economy, ABARE
research report 09.17, Canberra, pp 3941,
<abare.gov.au>.
10 In this analysis environmental protection
activities include: donated money to protect the
environment, volunteered or became involved in
environmentally related programs, signed a
petition on environmental issues, expressed
concern about environmental issues through
letter, email or talking to responsible authorities,
participated in a demonstration or rally on
environmental issues and other.
11 Department of Climate Change and Energy
Efficiency, viewed 31st May 2010,
<www.climatechange.com.au>.
12 Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and
the Arts, viewed 31st May 2010,
<www.environment.gov>.

The Australian Government's climate change

strategy aims to reduce Australia's emissions,
adapt to climate change impacts we cannot
avoid, and help shape a global solution.11 This
includes helping Australians change the way
they act to help reduce carbon emissions,
including encouraging the choice of energy
efficient appliances, homes, and buildings. In
addition, the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 enables the
Australian Government to join with the states
and territories in providing a national scheme
of environmental protection and conservation.12

ABS

AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL TRENDS

4102.0 JUNE 2010