Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Government has not adequately communicated to the general public the changes that individuals will need...
Conclusion
Government has not adequately communicated to the general public the changes that individuals will need to make in the transition to net zero emissions. Achieving Net Zero 7 Achieving net zero will depend on individuals choosing to change their behaviour, from personal lifestyle choices, as well as decisions that rely to some degree on related technological developments such as buying an electric car or changing how they heat their homes. The Climate Change Committee estimated in 2019 that 62% of remaining emissions reductions will rely to some degree on individual choices and behaviours. But there is a disconnect between people’s concern about climate change and their understanding of what is required to achieve emissions reductions in the UK. There has so far been no coordinated government messaging about the changes and choices people will need to make. A key challenge will be engaging with, and supporting, those who are currently employed in sectors that will either decline as part of the transition to net zero, such as oil and gas extraction, or will need to significantly change, such as mechanics who must transition to working primarily on electric vehicles. Supporting these people could be complementary to the ‘levelling up’ agenda whereby Government aims to create opportunity for everyone in all regions and address disparities in economic and social outcomes. The Department established a public engagement team to begin work in April 2020 but accepts that it needs to do more on its communication with the public. Recommendation: The Department should, in the next 12 months, develop a public engagement strategy that sets out how communications will be coordinated.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Ta rget implementation date: Autumn 2021 5.2 Reaching net zero will not only require changes to our energy systems with new technologies and inf rastructure, but also shifts in how we as individuals travel, what we buy and how we use energy. It will be vit al to engage the public on the challenge of, and their role in, and views on meeting our net zero target by 20 50. 5.3 In November 2020, the department launched its ‘Together for our Planet’ campaign, marking the one year to COP26 milestone. This campaign aims to raise awareness and understanding of COP26 and the work the UK is doing to combat climate change, while creating opportunities for people across the UK to participate in taking action on climate change the run-up to COP26. 5.4 Looking ahead, the government as a whole is increasing public engagement on climate action and our plans for net zero will take account of the importance of public engagement. The department agrees with the recommendation that government should set out more detail on its approach to public engagement on net zero, including how it plans to co-ordinate communications. It is planned to do so as part of the forthcoming Net Zero Strategy.