Net zero is not for the people but something done to them. That’s the findings of a social trend survey.
The cross-party think tank the Social Market Foundation, found that nearly half (48%) of respondents feel the green transition is “happening to them, not with them,” highlighting a major trust gap in government engagement.
The SMF poll of 1,500 homeowners uncovered widespread scepticism about the feasibility of hitting net zero by 2050.
While two-thirds (63%) agree it’s a “nice idea,” they see it as unattainable, reflecting a government failure to involve the public in the process.
Not credible
This detachment has left confidence in crucial technologies like heat pumps at rock-bottom levels, with only 4% of households owning or installing one. Shockingly, a quarter of respondents said they wouldn’t even consider one.
The report draws parallels with Germany’s botched heating transition last year, where poor communication triggered protests and tanked public support for green policies.
The UK risks a similar backlash unless the government learns from these mistakes.
Distrust and misinformation about heat pumps are rampant. Half of respondents said conflicting information clouds their understanding of the technology. For low-income households, dependence on government funding for installations adds further anxiety, with many fearing limited options and lack of choice.
Independence needed
To rebuild trust, SMF recommends a bold public engagement strategy. Independent voices should lead efforts to cut through the noise, as heating engineers (54%) and consumer websites (53%) are the most trusted sources of advice.
The government must also lead by example, installing heat pumps in public buildings such as schools, GP surgeries and libraries to showcase their effectiveness.
With 34% of respondents doubting heat pumps as a long-term solution, visible commitment is critical.
Niamh O Regan, Researcher at Social Market Foundation said:
The most critical barrier to UK’s net zero ambitions is no longer the belief in the mission but rather whether people feel they can participate confidently in it. People want to feel that they are part of the transition – and the government has a lot to do to convince them of this.
“By directly engaging with the public, drawing on independent trusted voices and showcasing its own actions that aid the green transition, the government can avoid the greenlash that neighbours in Germany have faced.”
The SMF’s message is clear: the net zero transition cannot succeed without consumers on board.