UK public demands bold climate action and nature restoration

New polling indicates significant public demand for increased climate action and nature restoration in the United Kingdom following a summer of record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather.

Data commissioned by Global Witness shows that 75% of the public are concerned about how extreme heat impacts the NHS's ability to treat patients, while 63% are concerned about its impact on schools. Support for specific interventions is high, including 75% backing solar-powered air conditioning in schools and hospitals, and 69% supporting a legal maximum indoor working temperature of 30 Celsius.

Separately, YouGov polling commissioned by Rewilding Britain found that 62% of Britons want the government to invest more in nature restoration to mitigate future extreme weather. The poll also revealed that 74% of respondents believe the UK government is currently not preparing the country adequately for events such as flooding, droughts, and heatwaves. Rewilding Britain has called for the establishment of a Climate Shock Fund to invest in nature-based solutions like peatland rewetting and woodland expansion to build community resilience.