Our research drove policy makers’ decision making by revealing strong public support for some of the major changes required for the UK to meet its net zero target.

Meeting the UK’s legislated net-zero commitment to tackle climate change requires extensive changes, not only to energy infrastructure but also to people’s social practices and behaviour. Our research demonstrated that there is major public support for a change to renewable energy sources and a more sustainable less wasteful economy, despite a common perception of public resistance to such a change.

This changed UK policymakers’ thinking and embedded public engagement within the Resources and Waste Strategy for England and the Scottish Energy Strategy. It also gained international reach through inclusion in the UN’s climate change communications guidance.