UK heatwave raises Doncaster passengers' climate change fears, LNER says

The heatwave which saw the UK record its hottest ever day has prompted British adults to rethink travel habits and reduce environmental footprints, rail firm LNER has said.
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The firm has unveiled new research which shows a rising concern for climate change following the recent heatwave.

As the nation experienced temperatures up to 40c, many Britons have shifted views on the impacts of climate change and how they can play their part in slowing it.

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The research found that following the heatwave, nine out of 10 people (89 per cent) feel that climate change has contributed to the recent hot weather, 12 per cent more than in the run up to it.

LNER says the UK heatwave has altered opinions on climate change.LNER says the UK heatwave has altered opinions on climate change.
LNER says the UK heatwave has altered opinions on climate change.

This has led to a similar shift (+12%) when it comes to people considering ways in which they can change their lifestyles to help prevent climate change, increasing from 37% to 49%.

Travel is one area being reconsidered by consumers looking to make a change. The research found a quarter (25 per cent) of adults prioritise their mode of travelling to and around their holiday destinations, giving priority to those that are better for the environment.

Gone are the days of rushing around on a city break, with travellers instead choosing to start and end their journey in the most relaxed way possible, whilst having a positive environmental impact.

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LNER surveyed those who love to travel to find out what they are prioritising when it comes to taking a break this summer, finding that more than half (56 per cent) are keen to learn more about how to be a sustainable traveller and one in three (32 per cent) plan to travel less in order to help reduce damage to the environment.

To help those looking to make positive eco-changes to their travel habits, LNER has launched the second edition of the Green Guide, which showcases sustainable options for visiting some of the most popular destinations on the East Coast route.

The Summer 2022 edition of the guide features the most sustainable places to eat, sleep and play when visiting Inverness, Harrogate and Lincoln.

The Green Guide launch comes as the research found that half of people (45 per cent) have been planning their trips specifically around being able to enjoy local experiences, and around four out of 10 (44 per cent) prioritise being able to eat and drink local produce when it comes to booking a trip.

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Around half (48 per cent) say they want to find hidden local gems, while 51 per cent say it’s important to visit local shops - rather than chain shops - and 1 in 10 actively seek out eco-friendly accommodations when travelling.

David Horne, Managing Director, said: “This summer is set to be huge for domestic travel, so we’re delighted to be launching the second version of our popular Green Guide to help people wanting to make more responsible travel choices. Our research shows half of British adults want to learn more about how to be a sustainable traveller, so the Green Guide is aimed at providing a wide range of inspiration on how to do this on the LNER route.”

The guide is available on www.lner.co.uk/greenguides as well as in LNER’s travel centres at stations along the East Coast route.