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In a survey of 2000 people, researchers at Cardiff and Bath universities explored public support for low carbon heating technologies (including heat pumps), and the factors that influence this support.
The survey found the majority of the respondents had at least a small amount of knowledge about low carbon heating options, and when provided with further information, held favourable views. Heat pumps (likely due to their prominence in policy discussions) were identified as the low carbon heating technology with the highest level of support.
Concerns about energy security, and pro-environmental attitudes were two factors which led to higher support for heat pumps. But the research also uncovered another important driver: knowing someone who has already had one installed.
Dubbed the ‘social circle effect’, people’s willingness to adopt low carbon heating options increased if they knew even one person who already had a heat pump.
More in Common’s new Shattered Britain report details climate opinion in the context of changing views across the nation.
The report shows that despite clear dividing lines in their broad worldviews, 6 out of 7 UK segments are ‘more worried than not’ about climate change – and believe the government is ‘not doing enough’ to tackle the crisis.
Whilst only 21% of the public opposed the 2050 net zero target, views on whether net zero Britain should be achieved by means of a strict target are far more varied, with only Progressive Activists clearly speaking out on its behalf. The piece also finds a decoupling of net zero and climate support across segments.
This echoes Climate Barometer data about government action on climate change, and the growing disconnect between net zero and climate opinion.
Commentary & Analysis
11th December 2024
A story – told through data – of the climate discourse in the UK.
New public polling: Behind the noise on net zero
With new tracker data being launched, we show how the solid support for climate action has become disconnected from the ‘noise’ surrounding net zero.