UK overwhelmingly receptive to development of renewables

A recent survey by British Gas Net Zero Homes Index found that respondents were overwhelmingly receptive to the development of renewable sources for power generation.

79% of people questioned were supportive of building more on-shore wind farms, compared to just 7% that were opposed to the idea. 90% of people supported building more solar power and 83% wanted more off-shore wind.

Nuclear was still the most controversial low-carbon energy option, with only 48% supporting it.

Philip Evans, climate campaigner for Greenpeace UK, said: “Much has been said about Rishi Sunak breaking the cross-party consensus on the urgent need to cut carbon emissions, but it’s important to remember this consensus extends far beyond Westminster.

“These survey results show Britain still overwhelmingly wants cheap solar and wind power, clean technologies and energy efficient homes to cut our heating bills. This is what is needed to bring down the cost of living, and is exactly where economic growth is going to happen.”

Imogen Dow, warm homes campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: “On a day where the Prime Minister has all but steamrolled over the UK’s climate commitments, it’s heartening to see that public appetite for meaningful climate action is completely at odds with the government’s ill-conceived agenda.

“Not only are people incredibly supportive of our climate goals, they overwhelmingly want more cheap, green energy, and many have said they’d be willing to make climate-friendly changes to their homes, such as installing home insulation.

“This goes against divisive narratives being pushed by those who wish to make climate action a wedge issue – that people are unwilling to accept the scale of change required. It goes without saying that those who’ve done least to cause climate breakdown, including those on low incomes, should not carry the cost burden of going green, but it’s up to government to design policies so that they are fair and equitable. If this was a real priority, the government would be rolling out a street-by-street insulation programme for those who need it most, helping to slash both energy bills and emissions.”