A new poll commissioned by WWF ahead of this year’s Earth Hour (22 March 8.30-9.30pm) has revealed strong support for government action on the environment and nature, with the majority of people saying that the UK government is not doing enough to protect it.
The survey, conducted by More in Common, shows that only 24% of the British public feel the UK Government is doing enough to protect the environment, while just 12% say it is doing too much. Graphics of the full results are included below.
Strikingly, the results show a desire for stronger government action on the issue across the political spectrum, with 52% of Labour voters, 47% of Conservative voters, 65% of Liberal Democrat voters and 45% of Reform voters saying the government is not doing enough to protect the environment and nature.
When it comes to businesses in the UK, more than half of Brits agree that companies need to do more to reduce their environmental impact, 26% thinking they are doing enough, and 7% saying they do too much.
Views were slightly more favourable at the local level, with 47% of people believing their councils should do more to safeguard the environment, 31% saying they were doing the right amount, and 9% saying they were doing too much.
WWF is calling on people to take part in its annual Earth Hour by switching off lights at 8.30pm on Saturday, 22 March. Landmarks across the UK, including the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace, The London Eye and the O2 will join buildings and monuments around the world in going dark to raise awareness of the urgent need for action on nature and climate change.
Other participating landmarks include London City Hall, Trafalgar Square, Windsor Castle, Clarence House, Piccadilly Lights, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Tate St Ives, The Liver Building, Arbroath Abbey, Linlithgow Palace, The Engine Shed, Sueno’s Stone and Stirling Castle.
Earth Hour is also a time to switch off on a personal level, connect with loved ones and reflect on the collective impact people are having on the planet. Individuals can participate at home or in their communities, with ideas available at WWF’s Prescription for Nature hub.
Most of the UK public (58%) think they are doing about the right amount when it comes to protecting the environment and nature, the poll found, but the majority of those who expressed an opinion (48%) said the government should be doing more to help people reduce their environmental footprint further.
Support for stronger government action is particularly high among young people, with 65% of 18–24-year-olds indicating they would like to see more support to reduce their footprint.
As WWF’s Earth Hour approaches, the environmental charity is calling for a Living Planet Act in the UK, which would set legally binding targets to halt the destruction of nature, protect biodiversity, and ensure our natural world thrives for generations. This Act would provide the robust legal framework needed to accelerate the climate and nature action that Brits are demanding and hold both Government and businesses accountable for their environmental impact.
Tanya Steele, Chief Executive at WWF UK said:
“The public clearly care deeply about nature and the environment and are saying they want to see more action from the government. People are doing their bit, and they want to see political leaders follow suit to look after our natural world.
“We’re calling on Ministers to bring forward a new law – a Living Planet Act – to make sure the needs of people, nature and climate are balanced, now and for future generations.
“It comes at a time when people around the world are uniting for Earth Hour – a powerful collective moment to appreciate the natural world, reflect on the urgency of saving it and demand the leadership needed to secure our future.”
