Major infrastructure is presented as critical to unlocking the country’s potential and addressing key societal and economic challenges
In the fight against climate change, the role of infrastructure becomes even more important. Yet, even though energy demand is rising and global temperatures are rising, the ambitions of net zero remain in debate. Despite new infrastructure successfully delivering local benefits across the country, with commitments to increase jobs, drive economies and deliver better outcomes, this reality is not fully in line with public perceptions.
Climate issues, and by extension the drive toward net zero, have become entangled in a culture war – where efforts to meet environmental targets are framed as optional rather than essential. Appeals to “do the right thing” for the planet no longer carry as much persuasive power as they once did, to encourage people to make changes. For some, even the idea of change is viewed as a threat, despite the growing urgency for action.
Read the full reportWhat does the report explore?
It highlights how we can regain ground in the public case for new net zero infrastructure and make a stronger legitimate argument for development.
To draw in industry expertise, Copper has worked with BMG Research and Keele University to develop thinking and seek to understand:
- public comprehension of net zero
- the importance of promoting local and direct impacts from projects to build support and trust
- what impacts are believed to be the most disruptive and what mitigations can be put in place
- where people are gathering their information from and who they trust.
The report identifies the current understanding and perceptions of net zero by the general public
Our research highlights a significant proportion of the population who feel disenfranchised by the climate debate and are not adequately supported to understand the tangible, local-level benefits of achieving net zero. This reveals a concerning risk: that public perception may be shaped to view climate activism as extreme and the net zero transition as optional, rather than essential.
It highlights pathways for the emergence of a much needed new narrative, a narrative that counters the current false and dangerous messaging. This must be more relatable, more hopeful, and must resonate with relevant publics and communities, using language that can be understood.
Read the net zero report