AN Edinburgh start-up that helps people measure their carbon footprint says coronavirus is making us think more – not less – about climate change.
Pawprint, which raised more than £100,000 in a crowdfunding campaign in April, surveyed 357 UK citizens last month and said 63 per cent of them were thinking differently about human impact on climate change since lockdown. Almost a third – 27% – say they are now more concerned about climate change.
“The pandemic has allowed people to not only experience what a reduction in carbon emissions feels like, but has also given us all time to hit pause and consider how we want to be living our lives going forward,” said Pawprint founder Christian Arno.
The company’s app uses metrics developed by carbon footprinting expert Mike Berners-Lee, a brother of computer scientist Sir Tim Berners-Lee and also an adviser to Pawprint.
“Whilst the majority of people are keen to do their bit to help fight climate change, the challenge is what can we do, as individuals, that will have the biggest impact,” Mr Arno said.
The survey results show raised awareness and a growing appetite for behavioural change that benefits the environment, he added.
Working from home, walking and family time were amongst the top lifestyle changes respondents would like to retain post lockdown. After being influenced by the scientific advice over coronavirus, almost 60% of survey respondents (59%) claim to be more likely to follow scientific experts with regard to climate change.
Pawprint’s app aims to help users measure, understand and reduce their carbon footprint by making it easier to understand the impact of their lifestyle choices.
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