868. The benefits of net zero are not guaranteed. Overall, 78% of the UK population say that there are barriers which prevent them taking more action on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.605 In response to Opinium's poll, 10% said they do not know what actions they can take to reduce their emissions, 40% said that cost is the biggest issue preventing them from making green choices, and 20% said that difficulty avoiding unsustainable products and lack of infrastructure are prohibitive.606 These issues came up frequently in engagement carried out by the Review.
869. Government must act upon three key barriers:
• Agency: People want to help reach net zero - but often they do not feel empowered to do so. People need to be engaged on the key issues and armed with the information and advice they need to make informed decisions.
• Affordability: Low carbon technologies like electric vehicles and heat pumps often come with high upfront costs, putting them out of reach for many.
• Accessibility: Accessing low carbon products, services and infrastructure is not always easy.
870. These barriers can affect different groups in different ways, and government needs to ensure the transition is fair for everyone. For example, those on higher incomes are more likely to be able to afford low carbon choices and the benefits they bring, and those living in urban areas are more likely to have access to key infrastructure (like public transport and electric vehicle charge points) than those in rural communities.
"A key challenge associated with the transition to Net Zero is how to fairly spread the costs and benefits of policies used to achieve decarbonisation across all aspects of society. This can be achieved if, at the same time as reducing emissions across the economy, all people, places and communities are supported, benefits from the transition are fairly shared and no-one is left behind.'' - Centre for Research into Demand Solutions607
"Without a strategic approach, there is a risk of creating disproportionate impacts for households based on income- and place-based dimensions. For example, many of the changes required to decarbonise homes (e.g. energy efficiency retrofits, heat pumps, electric vehicles) are currently unaffordable and/or disruptive for households to adopt.' - London School of Economics608
871. Government must act decisively in response to these barriers, to ensure net zero works for everyone. Government should ensure that people are empowered to play their part, that green choices are affordable and accessible for everyone, and that the transition is fair and leaves nobody behind.
872. Nuanced responses to these challenges are required. In many cases, specific elements of the transition come with their own specific issues that warrant dedicated attention. Section 5.2 sets out a series of specific recommendations focused on how people travel, and the products people buy and throw away.
873. The Review proposes a new mission to increase the energy efficiency of our homes, boost low carbon heating and reduce energy demand. The cheapest energy is the energy we do not use. Major steps can be taken to reduce our energy use without any changes to our lifestyle. This, alongside moving to low carbon heating systems, can significantly reduce emissions and deliver other co-benefits. This mission is set out in section 5.3.