Men are more likely to say they support the use of renewable energy than women, according to an opinion survey conducted by the UK Department of Energy & Climate Change. The telephone survey of 1949 adults was conducted by GfK NOP Social Research in March, and builds on findings from previous annual surveys conducted by DECC's predecessor departments, DTI and BERR. It included solar, hydroelectric, wind, biofuel, landfill gas, biomass / bioenergy, tidal, wave and geothermal among the sources of renewable energy.

Over the four waves of research, there has been little variation in the level of overall support for the use of renewable energy, the report notes. Of all respondents, 85% say they support renewables but, this year, 60% say they 'strongly' agree compared with 55% who said 'strongly' agree in 2008. When disaggregated by gender, 91% of men said they support the use of renewable energy compared with 80% of women, a difference that has remained consistent since tracking began, although this latest survey shows the greatest difference yet between the sexes in terms of levels of agreement with the statement.

The report: Renewable Energy Awareness & Attitudes Research 2009 as commissioned by DECC to explore public perceptions of renewable energy in Britain and to measure the level of awareness of renewables and assess attitudes. For every type of renewable energy source suggested in the survey, at least half of the public claimed to recognise it, with highest recognition for solar, hydroelectric and wind technologies. The public still see television, newspapers and radio as the primary influencers of views on renewables and this influence has grown since last year. National television continues to be seen the biggest influence and the media type reporting the most favourable views.

To read the report click here.
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Men are more likely to support renewable energy than women says DECC survey

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