Over 60% say Government should lead on climate action, CCE poll of 3.9k reveals
Polling conducted by the Centre for Climate Engagement (CCE) at Hughes Hall reveals that more than 60% of respondents believe the Government should take the lead on climate action. The poll was conducted in the run-up to, and during, the Cambridge Zero Community Day: Forging a Future for Our Planet, a free engagement event celebrating climate innovation, creativity and action.
Across social media, live exhibitions, and a Citizens’ Jury event featuring representatives from local government, business, community and student groups, over 3,900 people shared their views. In every setting, the majority of respondents identified the government as the key actor in addressing the climate emergency.
Poll results summary
- Online (3,843 votes): Government 60%, Business 17%, Local communities 23%
- Exhibition poll: Government 78%, Business 16%, Local communities 5%
- Citizens’ Jury – before: Government 67%, Business 11%, Local communities 22%
- Citizens’ Jury – after: Government 81%, Business 0%, Local communities 19%
The Citizens’ Jury, which brought together voices from across the Cambridge community—including students, business leaders, community groups, and local authorities—prompted rich discussion on shared responsibility and the importance of collective action.
“Polling gathered in the lead-up to and during the event showed that over 60% of people believe the government should lead on climate action. This clear result reinforces our key message from the day: if you care about the climate, use your vote.
Voting is one of the most powerful ways to influence the direction of climate policy—from setting national targets to funding local and global green initiatives. But effective climate action doesn’t stop at the ballot box. It requires all of us—governments, businesses and communities—working together.
Collaboration across sectors is essential to achieving real, lasting change.”
Dr Paul Jefferiss, Director, Centre for Climate Engagement
The Centre will continue to engage with local and national partners in policy, legal and business communities to advance climate leadership. It welcomes new collaborations and strategic partnerships to tackle challenges and accelerate the transition to a safe and resilient climate.
About the Centre for Climate Engagement
The Centre for Climate Engagement (CCE) bridges academic, business, and legal communities to advance climate leadership. Founded in 2018 and based at Hughes Hall, Cambridge, CCE combines insights from the University and the global climate research community with the knowledge of experienced business and legal practitioners to inform governance and policy decisions that support the transition to a safe and resilient climate.
CCE’s mission is to build broad-based, enduring support for climate action by convening, creating, and communicating. It unites diverse perspectives, identify barriers, advance solutions, share insights, and build partnerships to accelerate progress and amplify collective climate impact.
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