Greening the Greys: baby boomers have highest carbon footprint

Research by the Stockholm Environment Institute shows that over 50s in the UK have the highest carbon footprint, yet are most concerned over climate change and are calling for stronger leadership from the Government to combat global warming. The findings aren’t that surprising and can probably be extrapolated to Western Europe’s babyboomer generation as a whole. This wealthy generation travels the globe, has lots of time to spend on luxurious leisure activities and remains very active despite its older age.


The findings come in a report, Greening the Greys [*.pdf], the first analysis of the carbon footprint of the over 50s and their attitudes to climate change.

The report reveals that baby boomers, aged 50-64, have the highest carbon footprint of 13.52 tonnes per capita/year – 10-20 per cent higher than any other age group.

But the over 50s fear climate change and worry over the climate their grandchildren will inherit. They are motivated to take action but frustrated by the failure of the Government and business to provide stronger leadership to combat global warming.

Biopact