New polling released today by the government is highlighting the public’s strong support for renewable energy to boost the economy.
The poll shows that a record 76% of people agree that renewable energy industries and developments provide economic benefits to the UK. Only 4% disagreed.
Meanwhile, support for non-renewable and fossil fuel technologies hit new levels of opposition. Only 32% of the public supported nuclear energy while shale gas, or ‘fracking’, also hit a high of 45% opposed.
Juliet Davenport, CEO and Founder, Good Energy, said:
“As we start to look beyond the coronavirus, we need to be stronger and bolder than ever on renewable energy and climate change. The recovery package should be a catalyst for a clean, green future and a chance to leave our fossil fuel dependence in the past. People now know that there is an alternative, they do not have to tolerate toxic air pollution as the trade-off for keeping our economy going. We urge the government to act now to protect nature and future generations from climate catastrophe.”
The public is also anxious about the impact of climate change with 76% saying they were either very concerned or fairly concerned about the crisis. In addition:
68% think climate change is already having an impact in the UK
56% think it is having an impact on their local area (a great deal + to some extent)
61% expect to see more flooding in the UK over the next 15-20 years.
The Public Attitudes Tracker has been conducted quarterly by the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy since 2012. For the latest survey, data was collected in March using a sample of 1,851 adults in the UK. The full data can be accessed here
About Good Energy: www.goodenergy.co.uk
Good Energy powers homes and businesses with 100% renewable electricity from a community of over 1500 UK generators and owns and operate two wind farms, including the UK’s first commercial wind farm, and six solar farms. In addition, Good Energy offers a green gas product which contains 6% biomethane — gas produced here in the UK from food waste. To make it completely carbon neutral, emissions from the rest of the gas its customers use is balanced through supporting verified carbon-reduction schemes which support green gas internationally.
- Established to tackle climate change and help deliver energy security for the UK.
- Founded in 1999 by Juliet Davenport OBE.
- A British company based in Chippenham, Wiltshire.
- Good Energy’s electricity comes from local, natural sources like sunshine, wind and rain.
