The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) has this week published the most recent update to its Public Attitudes Tracker. This periodical survey highlights both awareness of, and feelings towards climate change, climate action and low-carbon technologies.

The survey has been conducted in various forms since 2021, with results currently published in three “waves” a year. The latest publication includes information about which kinds of climate action the respondents are already taking, and which they think can have the biggest impact on the climate.

UK climate charity Carbon Copy has responded to the survey, highlighting that DESNZ has overlooked the importance and impact of collective action.

Co-founder Ric Casale said:

“The results from this survey are a useful indication of how the UK public is feeling about the climate and nature crisis, but the Government is missing a trick when it puts so much focus on individual behaviour change. We know that the vast majority of people are concerned about climate change but many people feel overwhelmed and immobilised by the thought that they have to face this alone.

“At Carbon Copy, we see the groundswell of place-based collective action that is filling this gap between concern and doing something about it. There are countless examples across the UK of people coming together with others where they live or work, to tackle climate change collectively.

“From projects that are reducing fuel poverty to boosting local economies to greening spaces, these initiatives are drawing down carbon but this kind of action is not taken into account in the survey data. It deserves to be recognised as a vital part of the approach to addressing the climate crisis and participation levels recorded so we measure and communicate this shift towards collective behaviour.”

This week’s data shows a slight increase in the number of people who are “fairly concerned” or “very concerned” about climate change (79%) compared to the last time the data was published, and more worryingly it also highlights a trend towards people feeling less empowered to take action. Fewer than 70% of people now agree with the statement: “I have the ability to make changes in my life that could help reduce climate change,” compared to over three-quarters (76%) in 2022.

Ric added:

“People’s attitudes towards climate action are influenced by how it is portrayed in the media, in their social circles and by those in power. With the focus so often being on individual action, which we know is only part of the solution, it’s not surprising that people feel unable to make a difference. By broadening this research out to include ideas about collective action, DESNZ could re-engage people and help to show them that they do have power when they work together.”

This year Carbon Copy is highlighting “25 Big Local Actions” that people can take together for climate and nature. The aim of the campaign is to provide useful information and guidance via the charity’s website, social media and podcast for those who are concerned about climate change and want to go beyond individual behaviour changes. To find out more about how to get started, visit https://carboncopy.eco/takeaction.

-ENDS-

For more information, comments or to request interviews please contact Ric Casale, Chair of Trustees at Carbon Copy: 07743 990909 / ric@carboncopy.eco

References

DESNZ Public Attitudes Tracker: Summer 2025: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/desnz-public-attitudes-tracker-summer-2025

About Carbon Copy

We believe the fastest way to create change is to share it. We tap into a powerful truth: copying is human nature. When action is visible and easy to replicate, it spreads.

89 percent of people want climate action. So most of the people around you feel the same way as you! This isn’t about one big solution. It’s about people stepping in, inspired by what others have done and copying what works.

Carbon Copy offers a place to join in: a national collection of climate action stories from across the UK; place-by-place climate and nature plans; a popular podcast and blog about collective action; and capacity building for organisations across public, private and third sectors.

https://carboncopy.eco

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