The survey and workshops investigated who the public feels is leading the debate on energy at the moment and where they would like leadership to come from.

The research shows that Britons are looking for leadership, but feel they are not finding it. Half agree that no one is showing leadership on the energy debate in the UK.

Britons want organisations rather than individuals to lead, and spontaneously pick out the Government (9%), government scientists (10%) and environmental groups (6%) as those that should lead the way. In addition 4% specifically mention Greenpeace and the same number mention the Green Party. In contrast, few mention any individuals as those best placed to lead the debate.

Though Britons do not look to business to lead on the energy debate in terms of energy production and usage, a strong view was expressed in the workshops that companies need to be environmentally-friendly. Indeed, this sentiment is backed up in the survey, with 85% agreeing that business needs to lead by example when it comes to reducing the nation’s impact on the environment.

Trust towards organisations

Though there is a desire for leadership, Britons also express a lack of trust in many organisations and groups.

This applies across the board. Even though NGOs, and to a lesser extent, the BBC and academics are seen as the most trusted sources on environmental issues, these bodies are still not trusted by many. Trust in the private sector is lowest among the younger adults whereas trust in campaign groups and commentators tends to be high among younger adults and diminishes with age.

Airlines, the car and power industries are all generally mistrusted on environmental issues. Thus, those industries blamed for the most significant damage to the environment are also viewed as the least trustworthy.

Q. And to what extent would you trust the following to tell the truth on environment issues and climate change?
Base: All UK adults who have heard of climate change (1,917) Brunswick Research