People are supportive and proud of the UK’s move towards clean energy

The report finds widespread public support for clean energy in the UK, with high levels of acceptance for wind turbines and solar panels across the political spectrum. It notes that in Scotland and Wales, renewable energy projects generate national pride comparable to or exceeding that of the fossil fuel industry. The analysis suggests that 'stories of progress' are more compelling to the public than narratives of failure or radical change. While support for renewables is high, the document emphasizes that fossil fuel industries remain tied to national identity and history, and that the transition must account for job losses and the perceived value of the industrial past.

• There is broad cross-political support for clean energy infrastructure in the UK; specifically, 74% of those intending to vote Conservative and 74% of those intending to vote Reform "like or don’t mind seeing wind turbines in the countryside."
• In Scotland and Wales, renewable energy is a significant source of national pride. In Scotland, 63% of people feel proud of the offshore wind industry, while in Wales, 61% are proud of renewable energy projects, a level of pride nearly equal to the 68% who are proud of their coal mining heritage.
• Messaging focused on existing achievements is more effective than messaging focused on failure or radical overhaul. A "Story of progress" stating that renewables already power around 40% of Britain's electricity was found compelling by 67% of people, compared to 52% for a "Story of failure" and 54% for a "Story of radical change."
• Public opposition to local renewable infrastructure is low. Only 15% of people dislike wind turbines in the countryside and 11% dislike roof-mounted solar panels. Furthermore, 92% of people feel positive or neutral about new onshore wind farms built on poor quality farmland near their home.
• Despite support for renewables, fossil fuel industries remain linked to national identity and history. In Scotland and Wales, 29% and 26% of people respectively view the transition to renewables as a bad thing rather than a good thing, often due to concerns over job losses and the historical role of these industries.

APA

Climate Outreach (2025). People are supportive and proud of the UK’s move towards clean energy. https://climateoutreach.org/btc/2025/report/chapter-6/

Chicago

Climate Outreach. People are supportive and proud of the UK’s move towards clean energy. 2025. https://climateoutreach.org/btc/2025/report/chapter-6/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Climate Outreach |title=People are supportive and proud of the UK’s move towards clean energy |date=14 August 2025 |url=https://climateoutreach.org/btc/2025/report/chapter-6/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{climateoutreach2025people, author = {{Climate Outreach}}, title = {{People are supportive and proud of the UK’s move towards clean energy}}, institution = {Climate Outreach}, year = {2025}, month = aug, url = {https://climateoutreach.org/btc/2025/report/chapter-6/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }