A major new climate change survey of more than 20,000 members of the British public has revealed that significant changes are urged to the Government’s climate policy.
The Climate Consensus Report which has been published by the WWF and think tank Demos shows that the general public are keen to go further than the 2030 emissions targets which have been set by the government.
The respondents were asked to use a climate calculator and selected their preferred policies from a range of areas, including diet, flying, public transport and home heating.
The most popular motoring change which was suggested by those surveyed was for a wider network of electric car charging points by 2028, with nine out of ten insisting that should be a priority. Reducing motorway speed limits to 60mph, a move which the Government says would consume 15 per cent less fuel, is supported by 82 per cent of respondents. Other suggestions strongly supported include restrictions on cars visiting city centres and a 50mph limit to help control speeds and reduce congestion.
Tanya Steele, CEO of WWF, said: “The British public have chosen the future they want – one with green jobs, clean air and thriving nature – and which doesn’t hit the worst off in the pocket. This is within our grasp, but only if the UK government listens and sets out a clear plan and strategy for getting there.
“We won’t forget that we’ve been promised a safer climate, for us and for the generations to come. If we act now, there is still a chance to shape a better and more resilient future.”
Polly Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Demos, said: “For the Government to truly meet its climate targets and save our environment, they need to bring the public with them on that journey. We asked the British public to set out their chosen path to meet the UK’s climate targets, and they’ve given a clear answer.
“There is an overwhelming consensus of support behind solutions that would reduce carbon emissions beyond the UK’s targets, and that could create millions of jobs without leaving those on the lowest-incomes behind. With so much at stake and the political mandate to take bold action, the UK Government must listen to the public and urgently set out a strategy that will provide a greener, stronger and better future for us all.”
Duncan Burt, Chief Sustainability Officer at National Grid, a Principal Partner of COP26, said: “In the run-up to COP26, it’s incredibly important that people across the UK feel part of the conversation on climate change. That’s why this study is significant, giving government significant insight into the policies the public are willing to support and the action they are happy to take. To tackle climate change, it will take actions big and small from all of us, to make a difference.”
