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Public understanding of “net zero” in Southampton

Public understanding of “net zero” in Southampton
Public understanding of “net zero” in Southampton
Whilst the term “net zero” has become commonplace in global and national climate commitments, the general public’s understanding and engagement with the term is more limited. This brief explores how residents of Southampton perceive “net zero” language, highlighting barriers to effective communication and behaviour change. Residents in Southampton encounter several challenges in understanding and responding to “net zero” language. Confusion around its meaning, technical jargon, political associations, and questions of urgency and personal responsibility all contribute to limited engagement. Enhancing clarity and trust in climate messaging is vital for encouraging meaningful behaviour change.
Net Zero, Carbon, public engagement
Collins, Rebecca
2ecdff66-29af-40e5-94aa-4750e6f3fe1b
Cole, Emily
dcbf7d47-c5ba-4b04-9881-55164dcaf4e0
Cannings, Laurence Patrick
d41b8fad-ab5e-4fd2-b96b-8d96834e2e8a
Collins, Rebecca
2ecdff66-29af-40e5-94aa-4750e6f3fe1b
Cole, Emily
dcbf7d47-c5ba-4b04-9881-55164dcaf4e0
Cannings, Laurence Patrick
d41b8fad-ab5e-4fd2-b96b-8d96834e2e8a

Collins, Rebecca, Cole, Emily and Cannings, Laurence Patrick (2025) Public understanding of “net zero” in Southampton.

Record type: Other

Abstract

Whilst the term “net zero” has become commonplace in global and national climate commitments, the general public’s understanding and engagement with the term is more limited. This brief explores how residents of Southampton perceive “net zero” language, highlighting barriers to effective communication and behaviour change. Residents in Southampton encounter several challenges in understanding and responding to “net zero” language. Confusion around its meaning, technical jargon, political associations, and questions of urgency and personal responsibility all contribute to limited engagement. Enhancing clarity and trust in climate messaging is vital for encouraging meaningful behaviour change.

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More information

Published date: 16 December 2025
Keywords: Net Zero, Carbon, public engagement
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Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 508647
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/508647
PURE UUID: 75a87e64-cab3-4b75-857c-aaf6f00832bf
ORCID for Rebecca Collins: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0003-1681-0860
ORCID for Emily Cole: ORCID iD orcid.org/0009-0008-1266-8813
ORCID for Laurence Patrick Cannings: ORCID iD orcid.org/0000-0002-1149-5833

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 28 Jan 2026 18:07
Last modified: 29 Jan 2026 05:13

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Contributors

Author: Rebecca Collins ORCID iD
Author: Emily Cole ORCID iD
Author: Laurence Patrick Cannings ORCID iD

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