Brits continue to support decarbonisation efforts, with two thirds backing a cut to greenhouse gas emissions by 68% by 2030, and nearly as many backing net zero by 2050.
That’s according to new polling of 2,000 adults from Opinium, carried out on behalf of energy firm E.ON, which found that 67% back the 2030 emissions-reduction goal, while 65% support net-zero in 2050.
Despite the support for decarbonisation, many wanted more projects locally – with 51% wanting to see ‘greater investment’ in clean energy schemes close to home, as opposed to just 9% who wanted less investment. But as it stands, only 5% currently believe that decision-makers are listening to them when it comes to local spending on green projects.
How widespread is the support for net zero?
Support for decarbonisation efforts remains high across most regions, age brackets and political allegiances, with Reform UK voters being the exception – with less than a third endorsing the 2050 target of net zero. It’s hardly a shock, given the party’s usual rhetoric. Still, critics see a note of hypocrisy: Richard Tice, a Reform UK MP and former Chairman of the party, has previously boasted about the savings that can be made by solar through his property investment company.
In terms of support, however, London gave the biggest backing for decarbonisation – with 71% backing the interim 2030 goal and the same share supporting net zero by 2050. Likewise, 18-24 year olds across the UK were also the most supportive age range, with support climbing to 76% on both measures.
By party, Green voters unsurprisingly top the league with 93% (2030) and 90% (2050). Labour (84% and 83%) and Liberal Democrat (84% and 80%) supporters also show strong approval, while Conservative voters are more cautious at 59% for the 2030 cut and 53% for net zero. That’s despite the party being largely responsible for the legally-binding 2050 net zero commitment, although that commitment has been watered down under the leadership of Kemi Badenoch. Reform UK backers register 31% and 29% support respectively.
Where people want the money spent
Asked which services should be first in line for low-carbon investment, respondents prioritised:
- Public transport (32%)
- Hospitals (30%)
- Residential properties (23%)
- Schools, colleges and universities (21%)
- Public buildings (18%) and commercial premises (18%)
- Transport hubs (11%)
- Sports facilities (5%)
‘Greener homes and cheaper bills’
More than half of those polled (52%) want councils to focus on making homes “greener and cheaper to run.” Yet the gulf between public ambition and perceived influence suggests councils and Westminster need to bring residents into the conversation if the UK is to meet its legally binding climate targets.
E.ON’s Vijay Tank argues that local low-carbon schemes can tackle both climate change and the cost-of-living squeeze. He commented, “Despite the continued cost-of-living crisis, and the backdrop of geopolitics, voters clearly continue to see the importance of lowering the UK’s carbon emissions. Through local investment in clean energy, we can lower bills and emissions, and improve energy security by reducing our reliance on expensive fossil fuels.
“Councils are facing the challenge of trying to deliver both long-term infrastructure investment and support for those struggling with the cost of energy, but it doesn’t need to be a trade-off between lower bills and clean energy. They can co-exist to create a greener, more secure energy future with fairer pricing.”
