Climate Policy Polling 2026
Public opinion on net zero, onshore wind, the petrol car ban and green levies. The Greens and Labour compete for climate voters as Reform UK surges on cost concerns.
Net Zero by 2050
61% supportPolling question: “Do you support the UK’s legally binding target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050?” Source: YouGov, April 2026 (n=1,809).
Ban on New Petrol and Diesel Cars by 2035
48% support, 42% opposePolling question: “Do you support or oppose banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035?” Source: Ipsos, March 2026.
Support for the petrol car ban is significantly higher among voters aged 18–34 (64% support) and Londoners (59% support). Opposition is strongest among rural voters (54% oppose) and over-65s (52% oppose). Reform UK voters oppose by 71% to 19%.
Onshore Wind Energy
68% supportPolling question: “Do you support or oppose building more onshore wind turbines in the UK?” Source: Survation, April 2026.
Nuclear Power
54% supportPolling question: “Do you support or oppose building new nuclear power stations in the UK as part of the energy mix?” Source: YouGov, March 2026.
Green Levy on Energy Bills
38% support, 52% opposePolling question: “Energy bills include a ‘green levy’ to fund renewable energy. Do you support or oppose this levy?” Source: Ipsos, April 2026.
Opposition to the green levy has risen significantly since 2022 as energy bills soared. Reform UK has made scrapping the green levy a central campaign pledge. While broad support for climate action remains, voters increasingly resent paying for it directly through bills — a tension all parties must navigate.
Party Trust on Climate & Energy
Greens lead at 29%Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK voters support the net zero 2050 target?
Yes. 61% of UK voters support the legally binding net zero 2050 target, according to YouGov polling from April 2026. Only 22% oppose it. Support for net zero is consistent across most parties, though Reform UK voters are strongly opposed at 67%. The Greens and Labour both lead on climate trust — see the energy issue tracker.
Do voters support the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars?
It is closely contested: 48% support and 42% oppose the planned 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales. Support is much higher among younger voters (64% of 18–34s support it) and lower among rural voters and older demographics. Reform UK voters oppose by 71% to 19%.
Do voters support onshore wind energy?
Yes, strongly. 68% of UK voters support building more onshore wind turbines, with only 18% opposed. Onshore wind commands the highest public support of any specific energy policy tracked. This puts public opinion at odds with the Conservatives, who previously imposed planning restrictions on onshore wind that Labour has since lifted.