What Do the UK Elections Tell Us About Net Zero?

What Do the UK Elections Tell Us About Net Zero?

From Local Zero by Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities

June 2, 2026 · 1h 3m · Episode 114

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of the May 2026 UK elections on public attitudes towards net zero and climate policy.

Public attitudes play a crucial role in shaping climate policy—but what can the May 2026 election results tell us about how people really feel about net zero? In this episode, Matt and Jen reflect on the outcomes of the UK’s devolved administration and local council elections in May 2026 and explore what they might reveal about public views on sustainability and climate change. Are current approaches to net zero resonating with voters, or is there a need to rethink how climate action is framed and delivered? To unpack these questions, they’re joined by Professor Tavis Potts, Professor of Sustainable Development and Environmental Governance at the University of Aberdeen , and Daisy Powell-Chandler, Partner and Head of Energy and Environment Practice at Public First. Stick or twist? Why the UK's net-zero strategy is faltering and may need to change https://pureportal.strath.ac.uk/en/publications/stick-or-twist-why-the-uks-net-zero-strategy-is-faltering-and-may/fingerprints/ environmental, climate change, sustainability, education

People in this episode

Hosts: Matt, Jen

Guests: Professor Tavis Potts, Daisy Powell-Chandler

Topics covered

  • UK elections
  • net zero
  • public attitudes
  • climate policy
  • sustainability
  • climate change

Keywords

  • UK elections
  • net zero
  • climate policy
  • public attitudes
  • sustainability
  • climate change
  • environmental governance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Aberdeen, Public First

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