GHD CROSSROADS research uncovers British consensus on climate action amid stark generational divides

15 January 2024, London, UK – Research from global professional services company GHD uncovers significant intergenerational differences in how Brits view the future of the nation’s infrastructure and climate resilience. While the country is broadly united on the need for decisive action to future-proof communities, GHD’s CROSSROADS research – spanning 13,000 adults across ten countries – highlights sharp divides between younger and older generations on the best approach to addressing key sectoral issues.

The findings come at a critical moment for the UK, following the election of a new Labour government and amid global geopolitical shifts. With economic challenges persisting and trade uncertainties rising, today’s decisions are poised to shape Britain’s infrastructure and environmental legacy for decades to come.

In the UK, when asked to consider whether the decisions being made by current leaders would leave their communities in a better or worse state 30 years from now, Gen Z displayed clear optimism, with a net positive outlook of +21%, believing their community’s future would be much better or a little better. In contrast, Gen X had a net negative outlook of -32%, while Baby Boomers were even more pessimistic, with a net negative outlook of -46%.

This optimism is paired with strong public agreement that the government should bear the responsibility in the fight against climate change. 85% of Millennials, 83% of Baby Boomers, and 81% of Gen Z surveyed believe the government needs to do more to motivate and incentivise people to act on climate change.

Similarly, there is a generational consensus that the government must prepare the UK’s critical infrastructure to better withstand extreme weather events. Across generations, Gen Z (87%), Millennials (86%) and Baby Boomers (86%) believe the government must prepare our buildings, roads and homes to withstand floods, fires and storms due to a changing climate.

GHD EMEA CEO, Simon Light, commented on the findings: “This research comes at a critical juncture globally, as geopolitical shifts and economic pressures reshape priorities. Emerging as a global climate leader, the UK Government used this year’s COP29 to reaffirm its commitment to accelerating the energy transition - furthermore, it is encouraging to see the outlined plans for the UK grid to be entirely powered by clean energy in 2030. To ensure these strategies are successfully delivered, it is essential that the various generational perspectives are gathered, understood and deployed into future energy transition related programmes."

“As revealed by CROSSROADS, the optimism displayed by the nation’s younger generation is a positive signal, but it also highlights the importance of addressing where the public sees responsibility for action. It is crucial to understand the priorities of different generations. Looking ahead, incorporating younger, more diverse voices into decision-making across public and private sectors is essential to fostering policies that deliver lasting benefits.

“CROSSROADS offers a rare glimpse into public sentiment, providing valuable sectoral insights for leaders to consider. We encourage all key stakeholders to reflect on these findings, and we look forward to sharing these insights with our clients to inform our work and ensure we leave behind a positive legacy.”

CROSSROADS insights into public sentiment across key sectors
CROSSROADS also provides key insights into public sentiment on transport, housing, energy, and water, highlighting significant generational divides on how to best address pressing challenges, offering policymakers and business leaders valuable guidance.
 
Transport
The British public are largely in favour of sustainable and safe travel, despite of road congestion issues and  Gen Z (80%) and Millennials (74%) believe that they would use public transport more often if it was easier, cheaper and more reliable.
 
The older generations are slightly less concerned, with Gen X (64%) and Baby Boomers (71%) less likely to use public transport based upon these considerations.

Gen Z are more likely to believe there should be a cost to using higher-polluting vehicles, with just under 2 in 3 (65%) believing that these users should pay higher vehicle costs. Comparatively, only 48% of Baby Boomers agree with this sentiment.
  
Building and housing
Affordable and varied housing is a top priority for Gen Z. Notably, 78% of Gen Z respondents agree that there is a need for more varied and affordable housing options, and they are equally open to living in communities with a mix of social and traditional, private owned housing.

There are huge disparities between generations on the impact of housing costs. Gen Z (72%) and Millennials (70%) are far more likely to believe that increased housing costs has made it harder to afford basic necessities. In contrast, only 55% of Gen X and 36% of Baby Boomer have felt the same impact.

Energy
The feasibility of the energy transition is a also a prime concern across the British public. Over 60% of Brits across generations are worried that clean in the energy future will not be affordable or reliable.

Younger generations are much more open to the prospects clean energy will have in their personal lives. Just under three quarters of Millennials (74%) and Gen Z (74%) believe that the switch to clean energy will open up new industries and jobs. Conversely, Baby Boomers (54%) and Gen X (55%) are much less likely to agree.

Water
The UK public's perception of water infrastructure reflects both generational differences and challenges within the sector, shaped by environmental pressures and infrastructure issues.
 
Younger generations, particularly Gen Z, show a stronger inclination toward sustainable practices, with 70% expressing willingness to use treated or recycled wastewater, compared to just over half of Baby Boomers and Gen X.
 
Concerns about water quality, driven by aging infrastructure and underinvestment, have fueled support for greater intervention. Nearly half of UK respondents express willingness to pay more for household water use to ensure clean drinking water and proper sanitation for all, a sentiment that rises significantly among Gen Z, with 67% supporting such measures.

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 11,000+ professionals are connected across 160 offices located on five continents.