Commentary & Analysis

Following the General Election, there is a clear uptick in support for the country’s net zero targets. Support for net zero by 2050 is at its highest point in almost 2 years,  yet enthusiasm for some flagship policies hasn’t yet caught up.

In the wake of the 2024 General Election results, what do MPs need to bear in mind in terms of voters’ climate opinions?

People of colour in the UK are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts. But despite this, there remains a lack of research around diversity, experience and engagement with climate change. 

Trust is the currency in which all communicators trade – and currently, its in short supply. Against this backdrop, do climate campaigns stand a chance?

Bucking expectations, Rishi Sunak called a General Election for July 4th, sending political parties and climate campaigners alike into a scramble to set the narrative.

Without winning a single seat, Reform UK could seriously disrupt the dominant discourse on net zero.

People often don’t appreciate the scale of public support for climate action.

In early 2024, Labour announced a reduction in its green investment commitments if it were to win power. Voters want consistency on climate change, whichever party is in power.

From the marketing of products and holidays, to political campaigns, to TV dramas exposing injustices, emotions are at the heart of getting other people to act in certain ways. What is known about how people respond emotionally to climate change?

Where does UK public opinion sit on support for phasing out fossil fuels in the UK?

Understanding the sometimes turbulent relationship between behaviour change, policy making and campaigning on climate change and net zero.

People increasingly understand climate change as happening in the ‘here and now’. But there is a long way to go before the severity of climate risks is fully appreciated, and people are fully supported in preparing for and adapting to impacts.

There isn’t much trust or pride in political leaders, but the public expects political leadership on climate change nonetheless.

Knowledge of COPs is limited, and there is scepticism about whether the promises made at international meetings are being kept – but voters still want and expect to see British climate leadership on the world stage.

Renewables are consistently popular, including locally – but the concept of NIMBY-ism (Not In My Back Yard) looms so large in the British psyche that the public (and even more so MPs) consistently overestimate the prevalence of people who oppose renewable technologies like onshore wind and solar being built in their area.