A wind farm in the hills to the south of Glasgow, Scotland.

Apathy and opposition: Understanding the real threats to net zero

Article

Climate action is under siege from populist and far-right actors. Delivering under that pressure demands fresh confidence and commitment from government. 

Watering down ambition offers no electoral advantage; a strong, progressive agenda on climate action remains broadly popular with the public.

Elite opinion on net zero is highly polarised, with a precipitous drop in support on the political right since the general election in 2024. This is not mirrored in public opinion, where support has remained steady and is much higher than politicians credit. The notion of a wide-spread public backlash against net zero in the UK is a largely exaggerated one, amplified by right-leaning media.

Related items

  1. A close up photo of a bricklayer smoothing cement between a layer of red bricks

    Beyond boom and bust: The supply case for social housing

    How the government can use social housing to unlock housing supply and demand.
  2. A wind turbine stands in the middle of a field of solar panels on a sunny day

    The wiring behind rewiring the state: Energy devolution in England

    How the government can give local leaders the opportunities to lead energy transformation locally.
  3. A photo of a field of solar panels with a line of trees and a sunset sky behind it

    The Europe agenda: Energy and climate

    A redefined relationship with Europe is the most direct path to the UK's climate and energy goals.