Two thirds (67%) of UK adults support the government’s 2030 emissions reduction targets, while a similar percentage (65%) are in favour of efforts to cut emissions to net zero by 2050, a new study by E.ON has found.
According to the study, 51% believe that there should be greater investment in local clean energy projects, however just 5% feel they are being listened to when it comes to decision-making around local green investments.
More than half (52%) of those surveyed said that to improve the sustainability credentials of their community, they would like to see local councils make homes greener and cheaper to run.
Measuring public enthusiasm
Public enthusiasm for lowering carbon emissions remains high across different age groups, locations and along political lines.
Londoners (71%) and 18-24 year-olds (76%) came out as the most supportive of the UK government’s 2030 targets, while for the 2050 targets 71% and 76% showed support, respectively.
In terms of political affiliations, Conservative (53%), Labour (83%), Liberal Democrat (80%), and Green (90%) voters were the most supportive of net zero targets, with Reform (29%) voters being least in favour.
Local impact
When asked about investment priorities that respondents believe would have the most carbon footprint impact on a local level, respondents highlighted public transport (32%), hospitals (30%), residential properties (23%), and schools, colleges and universities (21%) as the areas in need of the most urgent attention.
Other areas that require focus include public buildings (18%), commercial premises (18%), transport hubs (11%) and sports facilities (5%), the study found.
‘Public support for green targets underscores the need for local and national government to engage with communities on practical, impactful, sustainable investments, which can help to lower bills, increase energy security and create jobs,’ E.ON noted. Read more here.
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