Technology alone won’t get us to Net Zero. People will.

The urgency of climate action is undeniable. The science is clear: we must urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the potentially devastating impacts of human-induced climate change. Progress has been made - many countries are moving steadily towards Net Zero. In the UK, emissions have fallen by 50.4% compared to 1990 levels, largely thanks to technological advances and changes in energy generation.

Yet, according to the Climate Change Committee, more than 80% of the emissions reductions needed by 2030 must come from sectors beyond energy - such as transport, buildings, and industry. Transport is now the UK’s single largest contributor to emissions, meaning many operational activities within the public sector will need to be carefully re-examined if these targets are to be achieved.

The challenge, however, is not purely technological or policy-related. While these remain essential enablers of change, the human factor may play a far greater role than often acknowledged.

What does science say about societal attitudes towards climate change?

Over the past decade, research has shown that support for Net Zero remains consistently strong across the UK, with most people aware of the target and concerned about climate change. But awareness doesn’t always translate into action.

Studies suggest that the biggest drivers of public support are whether policies feel fair and whether people believe they will actually work. When revenues from measures like carbon pricing are transparently recycled into green projects or targeted rebates, support rises sharply. Similarly, highlighting tangible benefits - such as cleaner air, warmer homes, or lower bills - helps people see the personal value in Net Zero, not just the abstract goal.

At the same time, there are persistent challenges. Many people underestimate how much their peers care about climate change, which can dampen motivation. Others remain sceptical about costs or are unsure how to make changes in their own lives - particularly in areas like home heating or transport. The evidence makes one thing clear: hearts and minds matter just as much as technology. People want to feel included, treated fairly, and confident that their sacrifices will lead to real results.

For public sector leaders, this means building trust, showing progress, and engaging communities in ways that make Net Zero not only achievable, but desirable.

Psychology and Climate Change - Cognitive Dissonance

Understanding attitudes is one piece of the puzzle. Another is psychology - specifically, a concept called cognitive dissonance. This describes the discomfort we feel when our actions clash with our values. For example, someone might believe climate change is urgent, yet still commute by car or keep the heating on high. Instead of confronting that tension, it’s often easier to rationalise inaction - telling ourselves, “My small actions won’t make a difference”, or shifting responsibility by thinking, “It’s really down to government and big business, not me’’.

This helps explain why some well-intentioned staff hesitate when asked to change behaviours at work. It isn’t always denial - it’s often about resolving discomfort without altering daily routines. The result can be subtle resistance: downplaying the effectiveness of initiatives, questioning the fairness of policies, or simply ignoring sustainability reminders. In other words, people unconsciously protect themselves from the stress of inconsistency, even if it means disengaging from climate action.

For public sector organisations, the lesson is clear: reducing dissonance is as important as setting carbon budgets. That means providing feedback loops to show staff how their actions add up, creating supportive norms where low-carbon behaviour is the default, and offering positive reinforcement through recognition or incentives. By making climate-friendly behaviours easier, visible, and rewarding, organisations can help staff align their values with their everyday choices—transforming a source of discomfort into a driver of change.

Net Zero and Social Equity - The role of policy makers

Alongside psychology and behaviour, equity must also remain central to Net Zero planning. Not everyone experiences the challenges - or the solutions - of climate action in the same way.

As Professor Karen Lucas of the University of Manchester observes, “Electric vehicles … will mostly benefit richer and middle-income households who can afford to buy them, leaving behind the almost 50% of households who still don’t own or have regular access to a vehicle.” Effective Net Zero strategies must not only reduce emissions but also do so in ways that are fair to all, particularly those on lower incomes or in underserved areas.

The risk, Lucas argues, is that a transition focused only on the latest green technologies - like electric vehicles - could reinforce transport poverty. Instead, she advocates investing in improved public and community transport to reconnect people with jobs, education, and essential services: “Low income households are disproportionately and adversely affected by limitations on public transport … smaller, local walking and cycling projects … could benefit the poorest households.”

In short, equity must be at the heart of climate policy - not an afterthought. When Net Zero planning is inclusive, it doesn’t just cut carbon; it improves lives, reduces inequality, and strengthens communities – and this perception may also play a role in how those communities engage with Net Zero initiatives.

Conclusion

The road to Net Zero is about far more than deploying technology or updating policies - it is about people, culture, psychology, and fairness. For the public sector, success will depend on building trust, addressing psychological barriers, and ensuring the benefits of transition are shared by all.

These themes and many others will be at the forefront of discussion at the IGPP conference, Achieving Net Zero in the Public Sector 2025, taking place on 25th September in Manchester, where leaders will explore not only how to reach Net Zero, but how to bring people with them on the journey. 

Click here to view further information and to book your free place.