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Is the government doing enough to help people “go green”

By Paul Baxter, 25th September 2024

Our latest research reveals that most consumers believe the UK Government must offer more financial incentives to help the country meet its ambitious 2030 net zero target. The study highlights that 61% of adults want the government to provide more grants and support for initiatives like installing heat pumps and electric charging points at home.

The research also uncovered some scepticism regarding the UK’s ability to meet its 2030 net zero goals. Fewer than one in three (29%) adults believe the target will be reached, with older generations being particularly doubtful. Only 17% of those over 55 are confident, compared to 57% of 25-34-year-olds, who are more optimistic about the country's environmental future. Many respondents view the policy as being overly ambitious, with 30% labelling it "too ambitious" and 23% dismissing it as “completely unrealistic,” suggesting the nation may not achieve net zero even by 2040.

Despite this cynicism, the research does show that the vast majority of the public is concerned about global warming. An overwhelming 78% expressed concern, with nearly half saying they are “very concerned.” Encouragingly, four in five adults are already taking steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Popular actions include recycling and using reusable products (57%), buying locally sourced food (32%), and cutting back on meat and dairy (25%). Additionally, 33% of respondents have reduced their car use by opting for public transport, while 11% have switched to electric or hybrid vehicles.

We believe it’s important to recognise the significance of these small changes, as such collective action is already making a noticeable impact. We know that cars are still an essential mode of transport for many, which is why we launched our environmentally focused car insurance policies to help drivers reduce their carbon footprint. However, for larger-scale adoption of green practices that we need to meet the nation’s net zero goals, it’s clear that financial incentives are needed to make it easier and more appealing for everyone to contribute to a sustainable future.