A new poll found that for nearly three in four Londoners the cost-of-living crisis has made it more difficult to take action.
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Climate campaigners and activists say that going “green” is currently a “luxury” for Londoners given financial pressures.
Although nine in ten Londoners are motivated to tackle climate change, the cost of climate action is too great for most people in London.
A new poll by London Councils found that for nearly three in four Londoners the cost-of-living crisis has made it more difficult to take action.
Climate activist Mark Shayler said the cost of living crisis “has made everything harder” and that “going green has come with a price premium”.
“It is more of a luxury for some than it is for others and until we can make these environmental products cost the same or less for everyone, we are not going to balance the scales, but that is beginning to happen”.
The issues Londoners face
While motivated to tackle the climate crisis mounting financial pressures mean residents have been put off from going “green”, instead focusing on paying food and heating bills.
Since the cost-of-living crisis began, Londoners say that their savings have dwindled, with one in four reporting to have no savings at all, according to Statista.
Given the recent economic downturn, going “green” is considered an unpopular investment due to the heavy cost attached.
Installing solar panels can costs Londoners anywhere between £5,000 and £11,000. CREDIT: ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
Installing solar panels can costs Londoners anywhere between £5,000 and £11,000.
Meanwhile, under the Government’s boiler upgrade scheme, homeowners will have to invest around £6,000 to install a heat pump.
This is after a £7,500 grant from the Government.
Adrian Waddelove, from the Energy and Utilities Alliance, said:
“There seems to be a massive gap between what some companies and policymakers are pushing us towards, and the actual reality for millions of people”.
Cheryl Hughes, founder of environmental company Going Green, said that when faced with immediate financial pressures, people are less concerned with future issues.
“We’re quite short-term thinking creatures. If you can’t afford to pay your gas bills then it will be hard to afford solar panels, which ultimately will save you money but if you haven’t got that money upfront, then it’s a big ask.”
In September, London Councils invested £2m into its climate programme focused on infrastructure and carbon emissions.
But Mr Shayler said awareness of public support schemes is low and that they need to be publicised better.
Is going ‘green’ a middle-class luxury?
In 2023, London is the second most expensive European city to live in according to data and consultancy firm ECA International.
Homeowners have to invest around £6,000 to install a heat pump, even after a £7,500 Government grant. CREDIT: ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
Currently, going “green” is more accessible for those with more disposable income.
Mr Shayler said that for Londoners “money that we have left over, has to do so much more,” given the “exacerbated” costs in the city.
But, campaigners say there is a misconception that tackling climate change is only a middle-class problem due to the costs attached.
Mr Shayler adds that how brands have marketed themselves contributes to this misconception.
“Brands have felt they can get away with a higher price point and consequently that prices people on lower incomes out.”
To rectify this misconception, Cheryl Hughes urges Londoners to view the climate crisis as an issue for everyone, regardless of income.
Going forward
Shayler said: “We cannot buy ourselves out of a climate crisis, the best thing you can do is not consume as much, consume jointly, and consume for longer”.
He says Londoners shouldn’t “get hung up on shifting energy supply, the supply is shifting for you”.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the use of renewable energy has increased by 5.8% over the last year in the UK.
Ultimately, Mr Shayler says: “We need to remove the stigma and the guilt for the people who can’t afford and just say that that transition is coming, just use less”.
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HeadlineCampaigners say cost of going green ‘too high’ for Londoners
Short HeadlineCost of going green 'too high' for Londoners
StandfirstLondon Councils found nearly three in four Londoners cannot afford to make their homes sustainable.
Climate campaigners and activists say that going “green” is currently a “luxury” for Londoners given financial pressures.
Although nine in ten Londoners are motivated to tackle climate change, the cost of climate action is too great for most people in London.
A new poll by London Councils found that for nearly three in four Londoners the cost-of-living crisis has made it more difficult to take action.
Climate activist Mark Shayler said the cost of living crisis “has made everything harder” and that “going green has come with a price premium”.
“It is more of a luxury for some than it is for others and until we can make these environmental products cost the same or less for everyone, we are not going to balance the scales, but that is beginning to happen”.
The issues Londoners face
While motivated to tackle the climate crisis mounting financial pressures mean residents have been put off from going “green”, instead focusing on paying food and heating bills.
Since the cost-of-living crisis began, Londoners say that their savings have dwindled, with one in four reporting to have no savings at all, according to Statista.
Given the recent economic downturn, going “green” is considered an unpopular investment due to the heavy cost attached.
Installing solar panels can costs Londoners anywhere between £5,000 and £11,000. CREDIT: ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
Installing solar panels can costs Londoners anywhere between £5,000 and £11,000.
Meanwhile, under the Government’s boiler upgrade scheme, homeowners will have to invest around £6,000 to install a heat pump.
This is after a £7,500 grant from the Government.
Adrian Waddelove, from the Energy and Utilities Alliance, said:
“There seems to be a massive gap between what some companies and policymakers are pushing us towards, and the actual reality for millions of people”.
Cheryl Hughes, founder of environmental company Going Green, said that when faced with immediate financial pressures, people are less concerned with future issues.
“We’re quite short-term thinking creatures. If you can’t afford to pay your gas bills then it will be hard to afford solar panels, which ultimately will save you money but if you haven’t got that money upfront, then it’s a big ask.”
In September, London Councils invested £2m into its climate programme focused on infrastructure and carbon emissions.
But Mr Shayler said awareness of public support schemes is low and that they need to be publicised better.
Is going ‘green’ a middle-class luxury?
In 2023, London is the second most expensive European city to live in according to data and consultancy firm ECA International.
Homeowners have to invest around £6,000 to install a heat pump, even after a £7,500 Government grant. CREDIT: ADOBE STOCK PHOTO
Currently, going “green” is more accessible for those with more disposable income.
Mr Shayler said that for Londoners “money that we have left over, has to do so much more,” given the “exacerbated” costs in the city.
But, campaigners say there is a misconception that tackling climate change is only a middle-class problem due to the costs attached.
Mr Shayler adds that how brands have marketed themselves contributes to this misconception.
“Brands have felt they can get away with a higher price point and consequently that prices people on lower incomes out.”
To rectify this misconception, Cheryl Hughes urges Londoners to view the climate crisis as an issue for everyone, regardless of income.
Going forward
Shayler said: “We cannot buy ourselves out of a climate crisis, the best thing you can do is not consume as much, consume jointly, and consume for longer”.
He says Londoners shouldn’t “get hung up on shifting energy supply, the supply is shifting for you”.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the use of renewable energy has increased by 5.8% over the last year in the UK.
Ultimately, Mr Shayler says: “We need to remove the stigma and the guilt for the people who can’t afford and just say that that transition is coming, just use less”.
