Public attitudes and action on energy and climate change: September 2022

Findings

In the July-September 2022 quarter, we saw cost of living top the list of important issues for New Zealanders, at 93%.

Climate change remained at the bottom, with just 68% of people describing it as important or very important. Despite this, belief in climate change remains steady at 83%, and 74% of people agreed they are prepared to change their own personal behaviour in order to reduce climate change.

And we’re seeing more people taking action in reducing their energy use at home.

An electric milestone

In this quarter, people considering an EV or PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) reached 50%. Consideration for hybrid vehicles reached 55% and petrol is at just 62%, down from 79% in the first half of 2019. It’s likely the Clean Car Discount, announced in June 2021, and rising petrol prices, have contributed to this shift.