Only 53% now rank climate change as one of the most important issues facing the country, a decline from 69% in 2023. The cost-of-living crisis and concerns about the NHS appear to be overshadowing environmental priorities.

As climate crises intensify globally, recent polling in the United Kingdom reveals a complex and sometimes contradictory picture of public attitudes toward climate change, renewable energy, and sustainability. While support for climate action remains broadly strong, especially for renewable energy and the 2050 net-zero goal, a growing “perception gap” threatens progress, fueled by public confusion, political divides, and declining salience. 

Data from the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Office for National Statistics show that 77–80% of the British public remain concerned about climate change. Yet, only 53% now rank it among the most important issues facing the country, a drop from 69% in 2023. The cost-of-living crisis and concerns about the NHS appear to be overshadowing environmental priorities. Interestingly, women, younger adults, older adults, and degree-holders report higher concern levels. People living in less deprived regions are more engaged, reinforcing concerns that climate action remains stratified along socio-economic lines.

Support for renewable energy remains high across the UK. About 80% of the public favour expanding renewables, including solar, wind, and biomass, figures that have remained consistent since 2021. Yet, the intensity of that support has softened: strong top-tier support has decreased from 54% to 46% over the past four years. Public backing increases when renewables are linked to local benefits. A recent poll by Climate Barometer found that 61% of respondents supported new grid infrastructure if there were community gains or a clear national plan. Resistance remains marginal, with fewer than 10% actively opposing renewables.

The UK’s legally binding net-zero by 2050 target continues to receive majority backing. Sixty-three % of Britons support the goal, according to a 2025 Climate Barometer poll, although this support is heavily influenced by political affiliation. Labour and Liberal Democrat voters overwhelmingly support net zero (91% and 82%, respectively), while Conservative voters show more mixed feelings (54% support), and Reform UK voters are predominantly opposed. Yet knowledge gaps are emerging. DESNZ data shows that while 89% of the public have heard of net zero, only 52% feel they understand what it actually means. Among MPs, 84% support the target, but many confess to being unclear on its specific implications.

What the Public Wants

Across political lines, Britons broadly favour policies that deliver dual climate and economic benefits. These include: massive expansion of renewables and local energy production; national upgrades to the electric grid and insulation programs; taxing large polluters and investing in green jobs; and nature restoration and climate resilience programs. Most people want climate action, but they also want fairness, clarity, and co-benefits, such as lower bills and more secure energy systems.

Perception Gaps and the Silence Problem

Perhaps the most striking insight comes from a gap between what people believe others think and what polling reveals. A majority of Britons underestimate the level of support available for climate action, particularly for local renewable energy initiatives. This silence breeds hesitation, weakening grassroots momentum. Only 10% of respondents report regularly discussing climate issues with peers or elected officials.

This “spiral of silence” may be one of the biggest hurdles for the UK’s climate transition. Polling reveals that people are more aligned than they realise; they’re just not hearing it aloud.

Time to Rethink Climate Polling?

Current climate polling in the UK has been invaluable in shaping public policy. Government and NGO surveys track trends and reveal critical demographic divides. Yet, the data also suggest that existing polls need to evolve.

Five ways climate polling could be improved: Include behavioural and experiential metrics, not just attitudes; Localise polling to provide constituency-level insight; Test trade-off scenarios to reflect real policy decision-making; Measure social norms and silence, to expose false consensus effects; Track longitudinal change to assess how lived experiences affect views. As climate challenges escalate, the UK’s polling infrastructure must evolve not only to track support but also to understand silence and help break it.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard UK Country Manager Cesar A. A. Da Silva. 

References:

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), 2025. Public Attitudes Tracker: Spring 2025 – Renewable Energy and Net Zero Findings. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/desnz-public-attitudes-tracker-spring-2025   

Office for National Statistics (ONS), 2025. Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: May 2025. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/bulletins/publicopinionsandsocialtrendsgreatbritain/may2025 

 Climate Barometer, 2025. Behind the Noise on Net Zero: Public Opinion Tracker. https://climatebarometer.org/new-public-polling-behind-the-noise-on-net-zero  

Climate Outreach and More in Common, 2024. What British People Really Think About Renewables. https://climateoutreach.org/what-british-people-really-think-about-renewables  

Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), 2025. Polling: MPs’ Understanding and Support for Net Zero. https://eciu.net/media/press-releases/2025/poll-shows-confusion-among-mps-over-net-zero