New research suggests that the poorest 40% of households in the UK will bear the brunt of current net-zero policies. The study, led by the University of York and featured in a report from The Young Foundation, highlights the need for green policies to address existing inequalities.

To avoid making things worse for these households and ensure a smooth transition to a greener world, the report calls for environmental policies to be more mindful of the disparities that already exist.

“We are in the middle of a climate crisis and net zero changes are an essential part of this,” the researchers say. “They are already shaping how we live—but if we go too far down this road without supporting those in most need we will leave them behind.”

A joint approach

Updates to home energy, like setting up smart systems and adopting new tech such as heat pumps, may be out of reach for those with lower incomes, according to research.

The study reveals that people on tight budgets may struggle to cover the costs of these changes on their own. This lack of access to these upgrades could leave certain groups stuck with outdated, costly-to-operate homes, further worsening their situation.

“Net zero policies need to recognize existing inequalities and respond to them—for example—policies should remove the financial barriers that prevent low income households from participating in the transition through new financial support packages,” the researchers explain.

The report suggests that policymakers should involve communities more in decision-making. Collaborating with local communities to grasp their needs and concerns has been a longstanding practice in environmental policymaking. The report encourages a more robust application of this approach, particularly concerning the goal of achieving net-zero emissions.

“When we think about transition to a greener future, we often think about the scientific, industrial and technological solutions that need to be put in place to manage the change,” the authors conclude. “But this is a human transition that requires participation from individuals, households and communities, and this means involving people at all stages of the journey, and recognizing that we’re not all starting from a level playing field.”