Whether the transition to net zero is — and is perceived to be — fair and just, is a central part of its success. Are measures implemented to address climate change experienced equally across the UK?
Our latest tracker data suggests that the answer is ‘no’. The chart below, from our polling in August, shows that the UK public’s awareness of measures to tackle climate change skews by income.
Those with higher incomes more likely to report traffic reduction, heat reduction, and flood defences in their local areas. Those of the public on the lowest incomes are most likely to say that they have seen ‘none of the above’.
As climate impacts intensify, who should pay for the costs?
A substantial majority endorse the idea that the biggest polluters and risk creators should contribute more to the costs of climate impacts.