Energy UK has published polling conducted with Public First to gauge public awareness and sentiment regarding net zero.
The results demonstrate overwhelming support for the government’s climate goals, including amongst 2019 Conservative voters.
Although 46% of people surveyed revealed that they either do not know what net zero means or have never heard of it, when it is explained a clear majority express their endorsement for this target.
Energy UK says that these findings “dispel the misconceptions that a lack of understanding equates to a lack of support”.
The poll also revealed that 51% of respondents believe this government is not putting in enough effort to reach the net zero target, while only 37% believe that current efforts are sufficient.
Supporting net zero is likely to reap dividends at the ballot box, with 63% of voters saying they would support a policy of standing by existing net zero targets if it were put in a party manifesto. Only 9% of people would oppose such a policy, including 11% of those planning on voting Conservative.
Energy UK’s Deputy Director, Adam Berman, said:
These poll results clearly show that the road to success at the next general election will be paved by commitment to an ambitious net zero agenda.
However, there is much more to be done to engage with, and educate, the public on what this transition entails.
As the Prime Minister rightly emphasised, we have to bring people with us on the journey to net zero.
While challenges remain, the British public overwhelmingly supports the government’s net zero ambition and expects a concerted effort to make it a reality.
Private sector engagement is key; most of the investment required will come from businesses and the quicker we make the transition, the higher this proportion will be, freeing up taxpayer funding for other issues important to society.
Full poll results are available on the Public First website
