Are political parties ignoring green policies

A new survey commissioned by Daikin has revealed that 82 percent of the nation believes that political parties are ignoring green policies. The poll of 2,000 Britons has revealed encouraging news about our attitude towards the environment. With heating in the UK making up 17% of the UK’s total carbon emissions*, it is no wonder that these issues are important to the nation.

Green issues should be a top priority

Action on climate change is so important to Britons that it came third on a list of priorities that the country sees as most important. Health was top (71%), followed by economic stability (61%) and then climate change and the environment (53%). 

Politicians are letting down the next generation

Two thirds (66%) agree that politicians who don’t take on these issues are letting down their children and their children’s children. 

Now is the time for action

81% of Brits believe that the argument over whether climate change is happening is over and now is the time for action.

It’s important enough to shift voting strategies

Over half (56%) say they would be prepared to demonstrate their annoyance at the lack of action by changing their votes to a party that takes Green issues, such as decarbonising homes, more seriously. 

We’re not convinced the UK will meet Net Zero

Just 23% of us believe that the UK will meet its legally binding commitment to reach net zero by 2050.

We’re taking personal action

The majority of Brits are taking, or want to take, major steps to reduce their impact on the environment. In fact, over three quarters (76%) of respondents said that they would like to make their home more energy efficient. 

But costs are holding us back

However, high costs of materials (57%), expensive installation (42%) and no subsidy or assistance from the Government (28%) were given as reasons why they had not carried out works to date. 

We don’t believe the government is doing enough

Over three quarters (78%) do not believe that the government is doing enough to introduce energy efficient solutions, such as heat pumps, into British homes, while a further 86% say that the government should do MORE to get our housing stock insulated. 

We want more information about low carbon heating

Eight in ten agree that politicians have an obligation to explain to voters why green projects are beneficial both financially and environmentally, with 70% thinking that the Government must explain more about how low carbon heating systems work to encourage public take up. 

We’re behind strong green policies

The study also found that the nation is willing to get behind strong policies to reduce our impact on the world, with two thirds (66%) agreeing that fossil fuel boilers should be banned from new homes as soon as possible.

In summary

This research shows how important green issues are in the general election. Politicians risk losing votes if they don’t give these issues the same priority as the electorate.

Brits want to take action on climate change both on a national scale and in their own homes. People want to make their homes more sustainable and support the move to net zero, however, they need a government that is driving the issue forward. 

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*House of Commons Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee Decarbonising heat in homes Seventh Report of Session 2021–22, evidence from Aldersgate Group (DHH0054)