Call to highlight climate progress to combat net zero critics

‘Well-funded’ opposition to the UK’s climate ambition is out of step with the views of the public on the need for net zero, according to a new report.

The latest Britain Talks Climate & Nature report canvassed 7,000 people about their views.

The report said for many years there has been a cross-party consensus in the UK on the urgent need to tackle climate change and reduce carbon emissions but that was changing.

“A well-funded and agile opposition is taking aim at our climate ambition. Some working in politics and the media have written off our chances of making progress on climate change, and building a more prosperous future,” it said.

However, although the survey found that people were deeply concerned about climate change, they are also “genuinely worried” about the cost of climate policies.

The report from Climate Outreach makes a series of recommendations including recognising and celebrating the changes already made.

“In particular, we need to talk far more about and engage people about what is happening in our neighbourhoods. People are genuinely excited and happy when they hear about how climate policy is an investment in something tangible and worthwhile for their homes or communities,” it said.

A separate poll commissioned by The Times also highlighted growing public concern at the cost of the government’s net-zero policies.