Climate Change Polling
61% of UK voters back net zero by 2050 — but party lines are sharply divided. Reform UK voters oppose net zero by 71% to 18%.
Net Zero Support — Overall & by Party
The UK’s net zero target — to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 — retains majority public support, with 61% of voters backing it in 2026 polling (YouGov / Ipsos average). However, this overall figure masks a deep partisan divide: Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat voters are overwhelmingly in favour, while Reform UK voters are strongly opposed.
Reform UK has made scepticism toward net zero policy a central part of its platform, arguing that energy costs are too high and that climate targets harm British industry. This resonates strongly with its voter base: 71% of Reform voters oppose net zero, compared to just 18% who support it.
The political polarisation on climate has intensified as energy bills have remained elevated and the cost of the green transition has attracted more scrutiny. Even among voters who broadly accept climate science, a growing minority say the pace of transition is too fast or the costs are unfairly distributed.
Key climate polling data — 2026
- 61% support net zero by 2050 — YouGov/Ipsos average, 2026
- 22% oppose net zero; 17% don’t know
- 71% of Reform UK voters oppose net zero
- 89% of Green voters support net zero
- 74% of Labour voters support net zero
- 67% of Lib Dem voters support net zero
- Conservative voters split roughly 54% for / 32% against net zero
Climate Policy Attitudes
Beyond the net zero headline figure, polling on specific climate policies reveals more complexity. Voters broadly support renewable energy investment, but are more divided on policies that have direct cost implications for households.
Net Zero Support by Party
% supporting net zero by 2050. YouGov, 2026.
Reform UK voters: 71% oppose
Uniquely among major parties, Reform UK’s voter base is majority-opposed to net zero (71% against, 18% for). This is central to the party’s energy and industrial policy platform.
Do most UK voters support net zero?
Yes. Polling averages from 2026 show 61% of UK adults support the net zero 2050 target, with 22% opposed and 17% undecided. Support has remained broadly stable despite cost of living pressures. See full polling →
Why do Reform UK voters oppose net zero?
71% of Reform UK voters oppose net zero, driven by concerns about energy costs, a sceptical view of climate policy, and Reform’s messaging that the transition harms British industry and working-class households. Reform UK has made scrapping net zero targets a flagship policy. Reform UK polling →
Which party voters are most supportive of net zero?
Green voters are almost unanimously in favour (89%), followed by Labour voters (74%) and Lib Dem voters (67%). Conservative voters are divided (54% for), while Reform UK voters are the only major group that opposes net zero by majority. Green Party polling →