Asians more worried about climate change than Europeans
According to a recent Climate Change survey by Canadian researchers, GlobeScan, people in Asia are more worried than most Europeans that climate change will pose a threat to themselves and their family (8 in 10 or more in China, India, Indonesia, and Philippines, but only 74% in Italy, 69% in Britain and 58% in Germany).
But they feel more helpless…
Conversely, Asians feel far less empowered than Europeans to tackle climate change. 93% of Indonesians, 76% of Indians, and 63% of Chinese feel that there is little that individuals can do on climate change. Conversely, only 40% of Germans, 43% of Brits, and 38% of Italians feel ineffective.
According to Rob Kerr, Vice President GlobeScan Incorporated, "essentially, Asians are more worried than Europeans about climate change but feel less able to do anything about it. Conversely, Europeans have a rich heritage of making governments and companies respond to their concerns. Green leadership in the travel industry, as in other sectors, will originate in Europe and spread to Asia."
CEOs want collaboration
Meanwhile, in a separate survey, of global CEOs, carried out by Pricewaterhouse Coopers late last year, three quarters of Asian CEOs believed that businesses needed to collaborate more effectively with each other to address climate change. (However, 90% of the Asian CEOs said that governments should lead the way in dealing with environmental problems and nearly 80% were most concerned about the impact of rising energy costs, as climate change measures are adopted.
"It is time for Asian countries - many of whom depend so heavily on tourism - to address the issue aggressively", said PATA CEO, Peter de Jong. "That's why we are holding a unique gathering of airline, airport and tourism senior decision makers here in Bangkok next month to help air these issues."
The PATA CEO Challenge will be held in Bangkok on 29-30 April 2008. CAPA Members receive special discounted delegate rates.