The battle over climate and energy policy in the UK has never been fiercer, with the political consensus on the UK’s targets shattered.
The public still back net zero, but sentiment is fragile, with a third now doubting the climate science. Widespread uncertainty over the issues makes significant shifts in public opinion more likely. Our research shows supporters of climate action, and the energy transition can win the fight, but they will need fresh language, new arguments and different advocates to build a stronger coalitions of support.
Perhaps the most striking findings is that the British public vastly overestimates the cost getting to net zero by almost 14,000%, fueling scepticism and a reluctance to pay. On average, they estimate it will need 28% of GDP by 2050, compared to the Climate Change Committee’s forecast of just 0.2%.
Getting the message on costs right can boost support for net zero by up to 20%.
At the same time, energy security now rivals affordability for the public. The majority (57%) place a comparable – if slightly greater – importance on having a secure and reliable energy supply as they do on keeping bills low (54%).
Most Britons support filling the UK’s energy production gap with domestically sourced renewables, while only 5% back increasing fossil fuel imports. Offsetting declining North Sea production with home grown energy is seen as far more important than simply securing the cheapest energy source.
The research shows that effective communication can shift opinions dramatically. Subtle changes in language and framing – particularly around the economic and security benefits of sustainable energy – can win hearts and minds. For instance, nearly half of the public would support higher energy bills now if framed as an investment that will reduce costs in the future.
The message is clear. We must rethink how we talk about the energy transition to secure public buy-in and unlock the necessary investment. Industry leaders and policymakers need to fight misconceptions and misinformation while telling more credible stories about job creation, energy security and long term cost savings.
FGS can help develop and articulate the story that resonates, and influence the stakeholders that matter, to shift perceptions and build support for the energy transition.
The energy transition is not just an environmental imperative; it’s a once-in-a-generation economic and geopolitical opportunity. A fresh approach to communications can help us seize it.