Majority of Britons expect UK to miss 2050 net-zero target
Only 12% of Brits believe the country will succeed in reaching its 2050 net-zero emissions target, while a significant majority foresee failure or remain uncertain.
A new YouGov poll reveals deep public scepticism about the UK’s ability to meet its 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target. Out of 5,302 British adults surveyed on 30 April 2025, just 1% believe the country will “definitely succeed”, with another 11% saying it will “probably succeed”.
In stark contrast, 46% think the UK will “probably fail” and another 28% are convinced it will “definitely fail”.
The findings come amid growing political and economic challenges to green policy implementation. With less than 25 years to meet legally binding climate commitments, the data suggests a trust gap between government ambition and public belief.
Can credibility be restored before it’s too late?
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