Complicated environmental jargon is leading to confusion, demotivation or indifference when it comes to climate action for four in five (80%) Brits, a new study by E.ON has revealed1. Six in ten (64%) of those surveyed also say they want to take climate action but feel overwhelmed by the numbers and jargon or are deterred by the lack of information available on the topic, resulting in climate inaction.

Seven in ten (72%) are unaware of the difference between ‘net zero’ and ‘zero carbon’, whilst a quarter of people (27%) admit to not fully understanding what the phrase ‘carbon footprint’ actually means. According to the new research, which questioned 1,500 people around the country, only 10% of Brits know what COP26 – the key United Nations Climate Change Conference – actually is.

Commenting on the research, Michael Lewis, CEO of E.ON UK, said: “Knowing more is often the key to doing more – especially when asking people to make changes to their homes and their lifestyles in order to help combat the climate crisis. We need to make this something people want to do, as well as something they need to do, and this includes simplifying the language we use so people can properly understand the benefits of a cleaner, greener lifestyle.

“We know great things can be achieved when we all do our bit. Together, across Europe, we’re responsible for reducing carbon emissions by more than 99 million tonnes a year2. That’s the same as the amount of energy used by nearly 12 million homes in one year. Here in the UK, we’re already helping to make our customers’ homes, businesses and communities more sustainable, helping us all to take action for the climate, together.”

The research also revealed that almost two thirds (62%) of those asked have bluffed their way through conversations about the environment with friends and family, whilst four in five (82%) would do more for the environment if they saw less carbon jargon and instead received simpler information about what they could do to reduce their impact on the planet.

To help combat the confusion, E.ON has produced a new Green Glossary, designed to give simple explanations for some of the key energy and environmental phrases people hear every day, as well as helping people to visualise how much a tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) really is, and what a kilowatt hour (kWh) is and what it can power.