Eighty-seven per cent of UK adults accept that the climate is changing, with human activity being solely or partly responsible, the research found. Just over half of the population (57 per cent) think that the worst consequences of climate change can be avoided, but only by making “radical” societal changes.

However, only 16 per cent of adults place the responsibility to make changes to mitigate climate change on the individual, with 23 per cent placing total responsibility with national government.

The survey appeared to indicate that adults are generally willing to make lifestyle adjustments to help protect the environment, although some inconveniences (time and money) prevent them going further.

On average eight in 10 adults recycle plastic, tins and paper, although only half recycle food waste or batteries. Young people (aged 18-34) are more willing to carry reusable water bottles, to cut down on meat consumption, and to avoid buying fruit or vegetables shipped from other countries. However, older respondents (aged 55+) were more diligent about taking their own bags while shopping.

According to the survey, 34 per cent of households have switched to a green energy tariff, 77 per cent have double glazing, 64 per cent have loft and wall insulation, and 17 per cent have solar panels. Among homeowners who would not consider installing green technology in their homes, cost was cited as the biggest barrier, particularly regarding solar panel installation (46 per cent).

Just 9 per cent of adults surveyed own an EV or hybrid vehicle with pure EV owners representing less than 3 per cent of the population; this week, it was reported that the UK government will bring forward its ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles to 2030.

Respondents said that cost, speed and convenience of travel are more important than reducing carbon footprint; for instance, 73 per cent of people would rather drive 15 minutes to go shopping than take public transport for 45 minutes, and just a quarter would take the train to continental Europe for a holiday for £500 rather than flying for £200.

“Climate change is the biggest engineering challenge of our lifetime and the one that we must be the most successful at tackling. That only comes from everyone playing their role and working together to achieve our net-zero target,” said James Robottom, sustainability and climate change lead at the IET. “It’s encouraging to see that just over half of the population knows that radical action is needed and people are willing to adapt their lives to take positive steps to addressing climate change.

“However, more needs to be done; cost and awareness are two of the biggest barriers affecting the adoption of green technology and solutions – short-term financial gains are always attractive, but long-term investment must be the goal.

“Two of the biggest challenges we face – decarbonising heat and transport – will require changes to be made to our everyday lives. It is essential that people are engaged in the process and can see the benefits of green solutions so that we don’t leave anyone behind.”

The IET report has outlined seven key recommendations based on its survey findings:

• Practical guidance regarding the UK’s climate change ambitions as well as putting them into context with the urgency and scientific reality of climate change.
• Improve installation support and advice for the uptake of green solutions.
• Ensure excellent standards of professionalism to build and maintain public trust. Green technology must be reliable, timely and prove its value in both the short and long term.
• Support technology innovation in order to provide improvements in efficiency and drive down costs.
• Think in the long term – it is essential that the longer-term impact of any new technologies and innovations are considered.
• Actively identify opportunities for incentivised behaviour change.
• Promote a green post-Covid-19 recovery.

Eighty-seven per cent of UK adults accept that the climate is changing, with human activity being solely or partly responsible, the research found. Just over half of the population (57 per cent) think that the worst consequences of climate change can be avoided, but only by making “radical” societal changes.

However, only 16 per cent of adults place the responsibility to make changes to mitigate climate change on the individual, with 23 per cent placing total responsibility with national government.

The survey appeared to indicate that adults are generally willing to make lifestyle adjustments to help protect the environment, although some inconveniences (time and money) prevent them going further.

On average eight in 10 adults recycle plastic, tins and paper, although only half recycle food waste or batteries. Young people (aged 18-34) are more willing to carry reusable water bottles, to cut down on meat consumption, and to avoid buying fruit or vegetables shipped from other countries. However, older respondents (aged 55+) were more diligent about taking their own bags while shopping.

According to the survey, 34 per cent of households have switched to a green energy tariff, 77 per cent have double glazing, 64 per cent have loft and wall insulation, and 17 per cent have solar panels. Among homeowners who would not consider installing green technology in their homes, cost was cited as the biggest barrier, particularly regarding solar panel installation (46 per cent).

Just 9 per cent of adults surveyed own an EV or hybrid vehicle with pure EV owners representing less than 3 per cent of the population; this week, it was reported that the UK government will bring forward its ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles to 2030.

Respondents said that cost, speed and convenience of travel are more important than reducing carbon footprint; for instance, 73 per cent of people would rather drive 15 minutes to go shopping than take public transport for 45 minutes, and just a quarter would take the train to continental Europe for a holiday for £500 rather than flying for £200.

“Climate change is the biggest engineering challenge of our lifetime and the one that we must be the most successful at tackling. That only comes from everyone playing their role and working together to achieve our net-zero target,” said James Robottom, sustainability and climate change lead at the IET. “It’s encouraging to see that just over half of the population knows that radical action is needed and people are willing to adapt their lives to take positive steps to addressing climate change.

“However, more needs to be done; cost and awareness are two of the biggest barriers affecting the adoption of green technology and solutions – short-term financial gains are always attractive, but long-term investment must be the goal.

“Two of the biggest challenges we face – decarbonising heat and transport – will require changes to be made to our everyday lives. It is essential that people are engaged in the process and can see the benefits of green solutions so that we don’t leave anyone behind.”

The IET report has outlined seven key recommendations based on its survey findings:

• Practical guidance regarding the UK’s climate change ambitions as well as putting them into context with the urgency and scientific reality of climate change.
• Improve installation support and advice for the uptake of green solutions.
• Ensure excellent standards of professionalism to build and maintain public trust. Green technology must be reliable, timely and prove its value in both the short and long term.
• Support technology innovation in order to provide improvements in efficiency and drive down costs.
• Think in the long term – it is essential that the longer-term impact of any new technologies and innovations are considered.
• Actively identify opportunities for incentivised behaviour change.
• Promote a green post-Covid-19 recovery.