Public Views on the Transition to a Low-Carbon Future: Information Sheet
What is this project about?
This research will bring together members of the public from different backgrounds to talk about the benefits and challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon future, to help address climate change.
If you agree to take part, you will attend two online Zoom workshops and complete an online diary. During the workshops, researchers will provide information about how the Government is planning to transition to a low-carbon future and then you’ll be asked to discuss this information with a small group of fellow citizens. A facilitator will lead the discussions. Don’t worry, you do not need to be an expert on climate change or have strong opinions to take part. We are interested in the views of the public, so we want to hear what you have to say, whether it’s positive or negative.
Before and after each workshop we will send you a link to an online diary. As such, your task will be to contribute three diary entries around the workshops.
Here you will be able to record any thoughts you might have on how the transition to a low-carbon future might impact your normal, everyday life. This is a method that researchers use to make sure that any thoughts you have outside of the workshop can still feed into the Government’s plans for the transition.
Who has commissioned the project?
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). These are the Government departments responsible for reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and improving and protecting the environment.
Who is carrying out the project?
The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) will carry out this research in partnership with Eunomia Consulting . NatCen is a registered charity and is the largest, independent, non-profit social research organisation in Britain, founded in 1969. Eunomia provides expertise in environmental policy.
NatCen will be designing and running the workshops, supporting participants along the way, collecting and analysing data, and reporting findings to the Government. Eunomia will provide information about how society might transition to a low-carbon future in the workshops for you to discuss.
What will the workshops involve?
Each workshop will include around 70 people from a range of backgrounds and ages. A researcher from Eunomia will present information about the different changes to daily life and our environment which could help reduce carbon emissions and address the impacts of climate change. They will also explain the potential benefits of these changes.
Then, in small groups of up to 8 people, you will be asked your views on these changes – in particular which changes you feel are most beneficial and why. In your room there will be people from different backgrounds with different perspectives so you will be encouraged to exchange views, listen to and learn from each other. Each small group will be led by a trained NatCen facilitator who will ensure everyone has a chance to speak, that discussions remain respectful, and conversations stay on topic.
We will ask for your permission to audio-record the discussions so we can accurately capture what is said. We will also collect the written contributions you share through interactive exercises (for example, digital post-it notes and messages in the chat). All your contributions will be anonymous in the report we write about the workshops.
All the information you share will be stored securely and only accessible to the NatCen research team.
Where and when will the workshops be?
You have been invited to take part in two online workshops, held via Zoom on the following dates and at the following times:
- Workshop 1: Tuesday 3 February 2026, 5.30pm - 8:30pm
- Workshop 2: Tuesday 10 February 2026, 5.30pm - 8:30pm
Each workshop will last three hours, with breaks scheduled throughout.
You will receive the full instructions on how to join the session in advance. If you need help accessing the session (for example, a device to call on or an internet connection), please let us know and we will arrange assistance.
Do I have to prepare anything to take part in these workshops?
You don’t need to know anything about climate change to take part, we are interested in the views of the public. Before the first session, we will share some materials explaining some of the changes that might happen when transitioning to a low-carbon future. You’ll be asked to answer some diary questions about this information. It may be new information, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask Eunomia researchers questions about it during the workshops.
Why have I been invited to take part?
You have been invited because in November or December you completed a survey, commissioned by The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which asked your views on the benefits of various climate change policies. As you are a member of the NatCen panel, you consented to us re-contacting you.
We want to talk to people from the Panel who represent a range of perspectives and life experiences to contribute to the discussions. You do not need to know anything about climate change or policy. All views are welcome.
Why should I take part?
By taking part, you will help the Government understand:
- What the public value most about transitioning to a low-carbon future.
- What concerns the public have about transitioning to a low-carbon future.
- What types of changes the public would like prioritised when transitioning to a low-carbon future.
Your views will feed into evidence used by policymakers who are shaping future climate strategy, including the next carbon budget (CB7). Carbon budgets are restrictions on the total amount of greenhouse gases the UK can emit over a series of five-year periods.
You will receive a £120 Love2Shop e-voucher as a token of thanks for taking part in both workshops and completing the online diary. This voucher can be used with thousands of high-street shops and attractions. You will need to attend both workshops in -full, contribute to the discussions and complete the diary entries to receive the e-voucher. You will receive your e-voucher via email within 10 working days after the workshop. For more information on how you can redeem these vouchers please visit www.love2shoprewards.co.uk.
How we can help you to participate
NatCen can help make participation as easy as possible. The support we provide can include:
- Guidance with Zoom or online access.
- Providing a device or an internet connection if you do not have suitable access.
- Further assistance with accessibility needs and additional support based on your individual circumstances.
If you have questions or concerns about taking part, you can contact the freephone number or email address at the bottom of this document.
Do I have to take part?
No, taking part is voluntary. You do not have to take part if you don’t want to, you don’t have to discuss any topics you are uncomfortable with, and you can change your mind about taking part at any point.
How will information be collected and used?
With your permission, we will:
- Audio-record the small-group discussions,
- Collect written/ interactive contributions shared during the workshop activities,
- Collect diary entries,
- Store this information securely and confidentially.
This data will be used for research purposes only. Only NatCen researchers will have access to the recordings and anonymised transcripts. NatCen will use this data to write a report summarising the workshop findings for the Government. No names or identifying details will be included in any publications or outputs.
You can withdraw consent for us to process this data at any point by contacting the research team using the email address below. If you withdraw consent after taking part in the workshops, we will not include your diary entries in analysis. Transcriptions are anonymous so we will not be able to remove your contributions from the transcripts.
More information about how your data will be handled is available in the privacy notice which was provided alongside this document.
What happens if I agree to take part?
Before the workshop, we will send you all the details you will need to take part and discuss any support you may need. If you have any questions at all about the project, please contact NatCen via the freephone number or email below and a researcher will get back to you.
Who is NatCen Social Research?
We are the largest independent social research institute in Britain. We conduct research into a range of social issues. Find out more at: http://www.natcen.ac.uk
Contact us
Freephone number: 08081780074
Email: lowcarbonfuture@natcen.ac.uk