Nearly six in 10 adults in Great Britain consider climate change and environment to be an important issue being faced by the UK, according to a survey conducted by ONS between August 7 and October 27.
While cost of living remains the most important issue for Great Britain’s population, climate change (56 per cent) was also an important issue for most of those surveyed.
The Opinions and Lifestyle Survey asked respondents to identify important issues facing the UK currently.
Chief Executive of Climate Outreach, Rachael Orr, said that there is a need for proper financial support to transition to net zero. She states that the latest figures from the ONS show that not only do most people consider climate change an important issue, but the overwhelming majority is already trying to do something about it.
She said, “From our own research we also know that people don’t want to be left alone to tackle climate change.” Rachael Orr added, “They need proper financial support to transition to net zero – especially those on the lowest incomes. And they want to talk about it more, face-to-face, in their local communities.“
She believes that it is time for leaders across society “to hold these conversations with the urgency they deserve.”
The survey shows that people with higher education placed greater importance on climate change and the environment. Nearly seven in 10 of those with a degree saw it as a significant issue, compared to five in 10 without a degree.
According some researches, higher education can play a key role in fostering awareness of climate change.
Similarly, those living in the least deprived areas, expressed more concern. Majority (51 per cent) of people in most deprived areas did not think climate change and environment were important issues being faced by the UK.
Higher percentage (60 per cent) of women believed the issue of climate change and environment to be important, compared to men (52 per cent). United Nations notes that Women and girls experience the greatest impacts of climate change
The survey also gives a breakout of how different regions think of climate change.
People in the South West (61 per cent) seem to be most concerned about climate change and environment, followed by London (59 per cent).
Whereas in the West Midlands only 47 per cent people think climate change is an important issue faced by the UK.
It is worth noting that South West features among least deprived regions and West Midlands on the other end of the scale.
In Scotland, six in 10 people think climate change is an important issue, whereas five in 10 think the same in Wales.
Amidst growing concerns over climate change, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a new UK target for 81 per cent emissions cut by 2035. This was welcomed by climate change activists.
Head of climate policy at Green Alliance, Nick Davie said that Keir Starmer’s ambitious but achievable contribution at COP29, puts the UK back in a leadership role on climate.
He said, “This is critical when the incoming Trump administration is set to press pause on the US federal government’s environmental agenda.”
He added, “But previous UK governments have left us off track to meet our current target. To deliver on this one, and bring the public along, means faster action to build a cleaner and more reliable transport system, and to make our homes warmer and cheaper to run.”