Public Supports UK's Net Zero Agenda Despite Rightwing Backlash
New study finds media narratives from conservatives and some outlets are driving false perception that the public opposes net zero policies, contradicting strong public support.
A new analysis has found that the public appetite for the UK's net zero climate goals is significantly higher than commonly portrayed, with political elites and right-leaning media outlets driving a false narrative that these policies are unpopular with voters.
The study revealed that media coverage of net zero is more than twice as likely to be negative than public attitudes, creating the perception that there is a strong backlash against climate action among the general population. In reality, far more voters support net zero than oppose it, contrary to the rhetoric from some conservative politicians and outlets.
According to the findings, this disconnect stems from the dominance of a rightwing narrative fuelled by outlets like the Daily Mail and some Tory politicians, who have been vocal in their criticism of net zero policies. This rhetoric runs contrary to polling data that shows the vast majority of the UK public are in favor of the country's emissions reduction targets.
Source: The Guardian
