Support still strong across the UK for Net Zero goals: Study

Despite geo-political pressures and Net Zero naysayers gaining ground, a recent study by Climate Outreach paints a more positive picture for the environment

In what has been described as a ‘landmark’ study of more than 7,000 people across the UK, the results revealed that Brits across the political spectrum are behind efforts to protect the environment and transition to clean energy.

The report, entitled Britain Talks Climate and Nature, compiled by Climate Outreach and More in Common, has found that the majority of people across political persuasions are in support of efforts to protect and restore natural places across the UK.

Encouragingly, 74 per cent of those surveyed said they believed climate change is important. Just four per cent said they are not worried because they don’t ‘believe it is real’.

81 per cent said that being in nature made them happy, with almost all those questioned feeling proud of environmental schemes such as tree planting, national park protection and recycling.

Interestingly, over half of those respondents desire strong and ambitious leadership on climate and nature, but the report also highlighted a growing distrust in British politics and institutions.

Over 50 per cent are worried that their children’s prospects are worse than their parents’ were, and this is where doubts over net zero arose most.

Due to cost-of-living concerns, people are keen to see climate policies that lower their energy bills, yet 74 per cent of those questioned believed climate policies would cost money rather than saving it.

Rachael Orr, CEO of Climate Outreach said more is needed in terms of positive messaging to explain the real benefits of greener policies.

“There is a quiet sense of pride across the country that we are building the clean industries of the future. Many people feel genuine excitement about climate policy when it is seen as an investment in something tangible,” she said.

“But at the same time, there remains a deep disillusionment in politics and politicians. People struggle to believe that policies will lead to real progress or genuinely improve their lives, and many worry they will be left to shoulder the financial burden.”

She added: “Despite this, people continue to show up for the planet – recycling, cutting waste, walking or cycling, picking litter and supporting clean energy. We urgently need to talk more about the real impact of these everyday actions and continually highlight the progress already being made to address climate change – from cutting emissions to expanding renewables.

“Most of all, we have to show how tackling climate change can strengthen our communities, improve daily lives and secure a better future for everyone.”

Luke Tryl, executive director at More in Common, added: “If the climate consensus is to be maintained, politicians, industry leaders and campaigners need to do a better job of explaining to the public what has already been done, what more needs still to be done, what people themselves can do and how it will be done fairly.”