A study of more than 7,000 people across England, Scotland, and Wales reveals that Britons across the political spectrum feel positive and proud about the country’s efforts to protect the environment and transition to clean energy.

The report, Britain Talks Climate & Nature, produced by Climate Outreach and More in Common, finds that climate concern is a unifier in time of polarisation: 74 per cent believe climate change is important, and almost all Britons express pride in environmental efforts such as tree planting, national park protection, and recycling.

However, the report also highlights a growing distrust in British politics and institutions. People are disillusioned about the present and fearful for the future, with half of those surveyed worried that their children’s prospects are worse than their parents’ were. In this context, a growing number of people are convinced that current net-zero policies represent a positive path forward, and the cost of living is a very real concern, with people wanting to see climate policies that lower their energy bills. In fact, 74 per cent believing climate policies will cost them money, rather than help them save it.

Almost three times as many people currently think net-zero is good (48 per cent) rather than bad for the UK, but this proportion of people has declined over 12 months from 62 per cent.

Yet, conversely, the survey findings point to people being twice as likely to favour an ambitious approach to climate action over a restrained one, and over half desire better, strong and ambitious leadership on climate and nature, perhaps reflecting a move from personal responsibility and agency to a desire for regulation.

Rachael Orr, CEO of Climate Outreach, said: “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’s seen as an investment in something tangible which benefits their homes, communities and our natural world.

“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’ll be left to shoulder the financial burden.”

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