Building support for the energy transition

Prof Mari Martiskainen, Dr Marie Claire Brisbois, Dr Max Lacey-Barnacle, Prof Tim Foxon, Prof Karoline Rogge, Dr Joshua Lait

A critical part of the Government’s commitment to net zero includes building public understanding and acceptance of the energy transition. While evidence shows that most of the public support it, there is more that the Government can do to reach those least able to afford green choices without extra support and who might therefore be more receptive to a prevalent anti-net zero narrative. This includes effective communication of the energy transition’s current and future economic and societal benefits, and clear explanations to the public about the causes of recent energy price rises against the mistaken claims of anti-net zero advocates. To ensure a genuinely inclusive energy transition, the Government must take the lead in joining up its green policies with existing and future Community Wealth Building and inclusive economy strategies at local, regional and devolved levels of governance across the UK. GB Energy could expand its focus to connect with existing inclusive economy and Community Wealth Building strategies across the UK, particularly as one of its key aims is to invest in local communities.

A.1. Net zero policies should be developed and communicated with their benefits to the cost of living, jobs, public health and wellbeing as key considerations.

A.2. Public campaigning and messaging must highlight these benefits as well as the economic positives and business opportunities of net zero, and to clearly explain the causes of energy price rises.

A.3. The Government has an opportunity to connect its existing green policies and initiatives with the numerous inclusive economy and Community Wealth Building strategies that already exist across the UK at local, regional and devolved levels of government.