Britons back clean energy push, but want cheaper bills
11 September 2025
Public backing for renewables remains strong, with a landmark survey suggesting pride in Britain’s clean energy transition is shared across political divides.
The Britain Talks Climate & Nature report – based on responses from more than 7,000 people across England, Scotland and Wales – found that 89% are comfortable with rooftop solar, while many say wind turbines in the countryside are acceptable. In Scotland, pride in offshore wind now outstrips oil and gas from the North Sea.
Produced by Climate Outreach and More in Common, the study highlights that people from across the political spectrum, including those planning to vote Conservative and Reform, support the UK’s efforts to restore natural spaces alongside expanding renewables.
Despite this positive outlook, concerns over cost are significant. Nearly three-quarters of respondents believe climate policies will take money out of their pockets rather than help lower bills. The cost of living crisis looms large, with many sceptical that net zero will improve daily life.
At the same time, 74% say climate change is important, and people are twice as likely to back ambitious climate action over a slower approach. Four in five (81%) say being in nature makes them happy, and almost all take pride in initiatives like tree planting, national parks and recycling.
Rachael Orr, chief executive of Climate Outreach, says there is “a quiet sense of pride across the country that we are building the clean industries of the future,” but stressed that people remain unconvinced policies will deliver real benefits:
“There remains a deep disillusionment in politics and politicians. People struggle to believe that policies will lead to real progress or genuinely improve their lives, and many worry they’ll be left to shoulder the financial burden.
“Despite this, people continue to show up for the planet—recycling, cutting waste, walking or cycling, picking litter, and supporting clean energy. We urgently need to talk more about the real impact of these everyday actions and continually highlight the progress already being made to address climate change—from cutting emissions to expanding renewables. Most of all, we have to show how tackling climate change can strengthen our communities, improve our daily lives, and secure a better future for everyone.”
Luke Tryl, executive director of More in Common, warns that without clearer communication on what has been achieved and how future policies will be delivered fairly, public consensus could fray.
“Britain’s consensus on the need to tackle climate change is uniquely resilient, but it is threatened by the growing general sense of disillusionment that the public feels. If the climate consensus is to be maintained, politicians, industry leaders and campaigners need to do a better job of explaining to the public what has already been done, what more needs still to be done, what people themselves can do and how it will be done fairly. The toolkit provides practical advice for those looking to make the case for these policies and helps them to navigate the increasing pessimism of public opinion.”
The report concludes that strong leadership and clearer messaging are needed to link climate action directly to benefits for households and communities – from lower bills to healthier environments – if momentum on net zero is to be maintained.
