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The United Kingdom is grappling with relentless rainfall, with some regions experiencing a staggering 40 consecutive days of precipitation. This extraordinary weather event coincides with a worrying decline in public backing for climate initiatives, including the government’s net zero targets. As Britain faces unprecedented flooding, the question looms: why is support for crucial climate policies evaporating at such a critical time?
Unprecedented Weather Patterns
Recent reports from the Met Office highlight the severity of the weather crisis, noting that parts of Devon, Cornwall, and Worcestershire have been drenched without respite. January 2026 marked a historic record as Northern Ireland experienced its wettest month in nearly a century, while southern England recorded its sixth wettest January since 1836. The Met Office attributes this surge in extreme weather to climate change, predicting that events like these, once rare, could become commonplace as global temperatures rise.
The Cost of Living Crisis
Despite the alarming weather conditions, public enthusiasm for addressing climate change is waning. Damian Carrington, the environment editor for The Guardian, explains that the ongoing cost of living crisis has overshadowed urgent climate concerns. “How can you expect me to worry about the end of the world when I’m worried about the end of the week?” he quotes, illustrating a sentiment prevalent among many Britons today.
The economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine have driven up energy costs, prompting individuals to prioritise immediate financial survival over long-term environmental issues. Carrington notes a historical pattern: interest in climate change peaked in 2007 when scientists unequivocally linked human activity to the crisis, only to diminish sharply following the 2008 financial crash.
Declining Support for Net Zero
A recent study conducted by the Policy Institute at King’s College London revealed a significant drop in public support for reaching net zero emissions ahead of the government’s 2050 target, plummeting from 54% in 2021 to just 29%. Moreover, the percentage of people who oppose a net zero target has surged from 9% to 26%. Support for specific climate policies, such as low-traffic neighbourhoods and subsidies for electric vehicles, has similarly declined, with opposition now outpacing support in several demographics, particularly among those over 55.
The Political Landscape and Misinformation
This downturn in climate action advocacy cannot be divorced from the shifting political climate in the UK. Once a bastion of bipartisan agreement on the need for urgent climate action, political consensus has fractured, increasingly influenced by groups such as Nigel Farage’s Reform party and a reshaping Conservative agenda. Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative party leader, has even proposed repealing the Climate Change Act if her party wins the next election, signalling a potential rollback of decades of progress in environmental policy.
The cultural wars surrounding climate action have further complicated public sentiment. Initiatives aimed at reducing emissions have been framed as encroachments on personal freedoms, fostering resistance among those who feel their choices are being restricted. Misinformation compounds this issue, with narratives suggesting that renewable energy initiatives are responsible for rising energy bills, when in fact, the primary driver is the skyrocketing cost of gas due to geopolitical tensions.
Ensuring Fairness in Climate Policies
For the UK to rebuild public support for climate action, a focus on fairness in policy design is essential. Carrington emphasises that climate initiatives must be accessible to all socio-economic groups, particularly those on lower incomes who might struggle with upfront costs. He cites air-source heat pumps as an example, which, despite their long-term savings potential, can be prohibitively expensive for many households.
Without addressing the disparities that exist within society, climate policies risk being perceived as favouring the affluent. The reality of climate change is becoming increasingly evident, yet the challenge lies in ensuring that the response to this crisis is equitable and inclusive.
Why it Matters
As the UK battles the immediate impacts of climate change, including flooding and extreme weather, the decline in public support for climate action poses a significant threat to future sustainability efforts. The intersection of economic hardship and political rhetoric is shaping perceptions of environmental policies, making it crucial to address misinformation and frame climate action as a collective effort rather than a burden. The long-term health of the planet—and the welfare of its inhabitants—depends on our ability to navigate these challenges and restore a sense of urgency in the fight against climate change.
