Brits still back net zero–but can’t afford to replace cars or boilers
Polling suggests the public remains pragmatic rather than ideological on climate change, supporting net zero in theory but opposing measures that make daily life more expensive
Forget the doom-laden headlines: despite the political chaos and relentless anti-green rhetoric, Britain isn’t turning its back on net zero. New long-term polling from Climate Barometer, tracking public and parliamentary opinion since October 2022, reveals a surprising resilience in support for the country’s 2050 climate target.
While politicians squabble and the media screams, voters are quietly sticking to their green guns. Support for net zero isn’t collapsing—it’s plateauing. In fact, backing still outstrips opposition by more than two to one. The one glaring exception? Reform Party supporters, who have been bombarded with anti-net zero messaging and now lead the scepticism charge.
Yet even as Conservative MPs follow their leader in cooling on the 2050 target, the public isn’t following suit. Tory voters appear unmoved, leaving a widening gap between Westminster politics and voter sentiment.
The policy battle paints a more complicated picture
Dig a little deeper, however, and the story gets thornier. While overarching support for net zero remains strong, opinion on specific policies varies dramatically. Initiatives that put money back in households’ pockets—like insulation schemes or financial incentives for energy-saving improvements—remain wildly popular.
Even Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, the perennial lightning rod for local anger, have quietly gained support over the past three years, showing the public is more pragmatic than the headlines suggest.
But not all green measures are faring so well. Opposition to banning new gas boilers and phasing out petrol and diesel cars overtook support 18 months ago, and the trend continues. Convenience and cost clearly trump climate messaging in these everyday decisions, but make them cheaper and objections will largely disappear.
Clean energy still a crowd-pleaser… but fossil fuel support creeps up
Renewables remain a rare area of bipartisan agreement. Across age, class, and political affiliation, wind and solar enjoy overwhelming support, and most voters see them as the key to national energy security. Even local renewable projects gain approval, a fact that contradicts the persistent myth of NIMBY Britain.
Yet there’s a worrying undercurrent: support for oil and gas is slowly rising, particularly among MPs. Since the 2024 election, backing for expanded domestic drilling has edged upward, fueled by Conservatives flirting with a Reform-influenced energy agenda.
Local impacts trump climate ideals
When it comes to individual energy projects, voters aren’t motivated by abstract climate targets. What really matters? Local environmental impact, household bills, and effects on the community. Clear communication, early consultation, and demonstrable influence on decision-making top the list of what wins public support.
Across every demographic—age, region, social class, political leaning—these priorities hold steady. Climate ideology takes a back seat to practical, tangible consequences.
The lesson is stark: Westminster may be in meltdown over net zero, but the British public remains grounded, pragmatic, and surprisingly steadfast. The green transition will only succeed if it speaks to people’s wallets, homes, and local communities—not just lofty 2050 targets.