We have to stop talking about net zero.

The author contends that 'net zero' is an uninspiring and technical term that has been weaponised by opposition as an 'elitist' agenda. Instead of focusing on abstract targets, the document suggests communicating climate action through tangible community improvements—such as solar panels on leisure centres and school tree planting—and highlighting achievements like the fact that renewable energy now powers 50% of the UK energy mix. This statement serves as an introduction to the 'Britain Talks Climate and Nature' report, which aims to move away from polarising language toward a blueprint for a prosperous future.

• The term 'net zero' is perceived by many as a technical concept associated with out-of-touch or corrupt leadership and is being used by opponents as a 'culture war wedge issue' and a sign of an 'elitist' agenda.
• Public engagement in the UK is higher when climate and nature are framed around shared values, such as pride in national parks, concern over sewage in rivers, and the adoption of homegrown clean energy.
• Effective climate communication should shift from 'lofty targets' to tangible, local changes and existing successes, such as the fact that renewables provide 50% of the UK's energy mix.

APA

Orr, R. (2025). We have to stop talking about net zero. Climate Outreach. https://climateoutreach.org/btc-netzero-comment/

Chicago

Orr, Rachael. We have to stop talking about net zero. Climate Outreach, 2025. https://climateoutreach.org/btc-netzero-comment/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Orr |first1=Rachael |title=We have to stop talking about net zero. |publisher=Climate Outreach |date=10 September 2025 |url=https://climateoutreach.org/btc-netzero-comment/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{orr2025have, author = {Orr, Rachael}, title = {{We have to stop talking about net zero.}}, publisher = {Climate Outreach}, year = {2025}, month = sep, url = {https://climateoutreach.org/btc-netzero-comment/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }