What’s public opinion on net zero? Read the ACCESS Citizens’ Survey to find out
Published on 4 April 2025
What does the UK public think about climate change, net zero targets and climate action?
Read the new ACCESS Net Zero Citizens’ Survey Report to find out.
The Citizens’ Survey Report, by Alice Moseley, Jenny Hatchard, Haruka Katsuyama, Patrick Devine-Wright (University of Exeter) and Lorraine Whitmarsh (University of Bath), was published this week. It complements the work of the ACCESS Net Zero Task Force.
In the run-up to the 2024 UK general election, ACCESS academics surveyed almost 3,000 UK citizens to understand public views about the transition to a net zero society.
This survey report provides robust data on public opinion across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and provides comparisons between the four nations, as well as reporting findings for the UK as a whole.
Here are the key highlights:
- Concern about the climate is widespread among the UK public and a slim majority are supportive of net zero targets. The public recognise the scale of challenges surrounding net zero and there is some scepticism about the likelihood of achieving targets. There is also division about the timing of climate action in relation to economic conditions.
- Knowledge, research and expertise have a key role to play in creating effective climate policy. The public particularly value the involvement of independent and governmental experts, alongside national and local political leaders, and representatives of affected communities. They support the use of diverse research evidence from natural, engineering and social sciences to build understanding of how the UK can reduce emissions.
- Public engagement and building on public momentum are essential. At the individual level, members of the public do not feel they have a lot of say in developing climate policy. Yet, many are making changes to their own daily lives, helping reduce demand for high carbon activities, products and services. A public engagement campaign and supportive policies are essential to sustain and increase this momentum, and to address public concerns and impediments to change.