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If two thirds of the public believe climate change is real, support renewables, and want government action… why does it feel like net zero is suddenly on shaky ground?
At February’s Earth Set Live, we took on one of the most consequential shifts in the transition right now: the rise of climate opposition inside mainstream politics.
This was a serious look at what’s actually driving the backlash. Energy bills. Industrial decline. Security fears. Media narratives. Political realignment.
Fiona Howarth was joined by:
Luke Shore, Deputy CEO at Project Tempo
Alex Carr, Deputy Director at Clean Air Task Force (CATF)
Sam Hall, Director of the Conservative Environment Network
Together, they unpacked what’s really happening beneath the headlines.
In this episode you’ll learn:
- Why public belief in climate change remains high — but urgency has slipped behind cost of living pressures
- How energy prices became the fault line in UK climate politics
- Why “net zero” polls worse than “climate action” — and what that means for communication
- What’s behind the growing divide between Conservative voters and Conservative leadership
- Whether Clean Power 2030 is a strategic masterstroke or a political vulnerability
- The industrial trilemma facing Europe: decarbonise, stay competitive, keep industry
- Why renewables curtailment has become such a powerful symbol in the debate
- Whether moving levies from electricity to gas would ease the pressure or inflame it
- How media framing shapes public perception more than most climate advocates admit
- And whether democracy is capable of delivering long-term climate strategy in short political cycles
Key threads that emerged
Affordability now drives the politics.
The debate has shifted. It is no longer primarily about whether climate change is real. It is about who pays, when, and how much.
Climate is now industrial strategy.
Energy security, supply chains, clean manufacturing and geopolitical competition are shaping climate policy as much as emissions targets.
Market design may matter more than targets.
Grid reform, storage, electrification incentives and pricing structures could determine whether the transition accelerates or stalls.
Public support is not collapsing.
Despite louder opposition voices, broad support for climate action remains resilient. The challenge is reconnecting the transition to tangible everyday benefit.
Episode Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by the Clean Air Task Force (CATF).
CATF is a global nonprofit working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by accelerating the development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With more than 25 years of internationally recognised expertise in climate policy, CATF is known for its pragmatic, non-ideological approach, focused on what works at scale.
From industrial decarbonisation and clean firm power to methane reduction and advanced technologies, CATF works across policy, innovation and markets to help deliver durable climate solutions.
Learn more about their work at:
https://www.catf.us/
Join Earth Set live
Earth Set convenes founders, policymakers, investors and operators shaping how the green transition actually happens.
We meet monthly in London. First Tuesday of every month.
Tickets and details: earthset.co
If you enjoyed this episode, please...
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- Join us in person next month.
The transition will not be decided by technology alone.
It will be shaped by politics, economics and public trust. See you at the next event.
