- The UK’s green economy grew by 10% in 2024 and supports nearly 1 million jobs
- 80% support the expansion of renewable energy infrastructure
- 78% of Brits call for fossil fuel companies to fund environmental action
An overwhelming majority of people in the UK want more renewable energy, with 80% saying they want the government to improve the low-carbon infrastructure, according to a new survey by YouGov.
This statistic includes 65% of Reform supporters and 83% of Conservative supporters, despite both parties being against net-zero policies. The survey also revealed that 76% of the British public would support the use of more UK-made components, helping to end reliance on overseas manufacturing. Support across the Conservative, Green, Labour and Reform parties polled similarly at over 80%.
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Training and job opportunities in green sectors and greater investment in wind turbine manufacturing were also two popular policies amongst survey respondents, with 81% and 70% backing more support.
The survey was commissioned by environmental justice organisation Friends of the Earth to gauge the breadth of public support for climate policies. Last month, July 2025, over 50 campaigning organisations wrote to Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer to mark 100 days until the government publishes its revised climate action plan.
It was spearheaded by Friends of the Earth and signed by The Co-operative Bank, British Medical Association, the Women’s Institute and unions representing over 1 million union workers.
The letter represented an effort to urge the government to seize the economic opportunities an ambitious climate action plan would bring. According to the Friends of the Earth, it must be, “bold, ambitious and fair.”
The full renewable energy potential of the UK from technology such as solar panels and heat pumps is clearly backed by the British public, including the majority of reform voters, a surprising finding considering the party’s recent announcement that it would scrap energy companies renewable subsidies if voted in as the next government.
Mike Childs, head of science, policy and research at Friends of the Earth, said the UK was “already feeling the effects of climate change” with thousands of people across the country being hit by heatwaves, intense storms and flooding.
Childs said the results show that “ transformative climate policies” remain popular among all voters despite some “intensifying” their opposition to climate change policies. Voters are particularly likely to be supportive when the policies are “designed in a way that’s fair” or can “boost the economy”.
Childs called the UK “a global leader when it comes to offshore wind,” but explained how the country holds “enormous untapped potential.”
He continued: “Taking full advantage of our homegrown renewable resources can guarantee our energy security, bring bills down and even position the UK as a leading manufacturing power.”
Green jobs get green light from voters
Just over two thirds or 67% of people showed strong support for further investment in steel manufacturing, and Reform supporters polled higher than any party at 81%. The steel industry is already underway in its eco-conscious transition, but support must be nurtured through assurances that workers will be able to move to clean industries and not get left behind.
The green economy, which grew by 10% in 2024, supports nearly a million jobs in the UK.
In regards to the importance of fairness in climate decision making, 78% of pollers called for those responsible for pollution, such as large fossil fuel companies, to pay more to fund environmental action.
Eighty percent of people supported the improvement of bus services, with 77% wanting more help low income households insulate their homes in an effort to reduce fuel poverty, and 84% calling for measures requiring landlords to ensure rentals meet energy efficiency standards.
“If we’re to secure these benefits and lock the UK into a more prosperous future, then it’s vital the government’s climate plan, due in October, is both bold and fair,” said Childs.
