NET-ZERO SURVEY
Key findings
Newton conducted a survey among a representative sample of adults in the US and UK to better understand current thoughts and actions relating to net zero.
Our survey suggests that the proportion of people with a full understanding of what net zero means is low, with younger generations generally more familiar with the topic.
However, many are already investing with climate concerns in mind, and a considerable number plan to do so in the future, indicating that there could be scope for both investment and educational opportunities.
‘Net zero’ refers to the goal of achieving a balance between the volume of greenhouse gases added to the atmosphere and those taken out, i.e. the volume added should be no more than the volume taken away.
THE STATS
Familiarity with net zero - UK
INVESTMENT STATUS
Percentages refer to the proportion of respondents within each sub-group that is familiar with net zero.
Have investments
Don't have an investment
AGE
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
EDUCATION
Secondary education or less
Some university/vocational
University degree+
Familiarity with net zero - US
INVESTMENT STATUS
Percentages refer to the proportion of respondents within each sub-group that is familiar with net zero.
Have investments
Don't have an investment
AGE
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
EDUCATION
High school graduate or less
some college/2-year degree
4-year college degree+
After being presented with the definition of net-zero, 30% of respondents recognised that they have thought about the implications of it in terms of their daily life, 11% have considered it relating to their investments, and 14% have thought about both, with those aged between 25-34 the most likely to do so.
While more than half have not thought about net zero in their day-to-day lives, many are taking actions relating to climate change, including recycling or reusing, reducing waste, and purchasing reusable products. This indicates a possible disconnect between net-zero initiatives and climate-change action.
At present,
of respondents in the UK and
in the US who are active or potential investors currently invest with climate concerns in mind, and
an additional
and
respectively do not currently invest but plan to take actions within the foreseeable future. Younger respondents are more likely to have taken action or plan to take action in the future.
While income growth is top of mind when investing, respondents do view climate change and sustainability as important considerations.
UK
To prioritise regular income
To help address climate change
To prioritise capital growth
To have sustainability goals
To help my community
I don't plan to invest in the future
Other
US
To prioritise regular income
To help address climate change
To prioritise capital growth
To have sustainability goals
To help my community
I don't plan to invest in the future
Other
Positively, the majority of respondents are in favour of policies that support net-zero goals, with
in the UK and
in the US in favour.
In the US, the Northeast and Western regions are more likely to be in favour of these policies than the Mid-West and Southern regions, possibly reflecting the differing political viewpoints.
Overall, only about a quarter feel that corporations and investment managers are doing enough to support net zero.
ABOUT THE SURVEY
Newton’s net-zero survey was administered online by Directions Research through their Global Xcelerant Omnibus survey methodology using a demographically representative sample of adults. Fieldwork took place between 13 and 14 October 2022.
United Kingdom: 1,016 participants
United States: 1,034 participants
Subgroups:
- Age
- Investment
- Education
Important Information
The research and data contained in this material was commissioned by Newton in 2022. No warranty is given to the accuracy or completeness of this information, and no liability is accepted for errors or omissions in such information. Information or data obtained from outside sources is third party data. These opinions should not be construed as investment or any other advice and are subject to change. This material is for information purposes only. Any reference to a specific security, country or sector should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell investments in those securities, countries or sectors. ‘Newton’ and/or ‘Newton Investment Management’ is a corporate brand which refers to the following group of affiliated companies: Newton Investment Management Limited (NIM), Newton Investment Management North America LLC (NIMNA) and Newton Investment Management Japan Limited (NIMJ). NIMNA was established in 2021 and is comprised of the equity and multi-asset teams from an affiliate, Mellon Investments Corporation. NIMJ was established in March 2023 and is comprised of the Japanese equity management division of an affiliate, BNY Mellon Investment Management Japan Limited. Issued in the US by NIMNA. NIMNA is a registered investment adviser with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) and subsidiary of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (‘BNY Mellon’). Issued in Canada by NIMNA. In Canada, NIMNA is availing itself of the International Adviser Exemption (IAE) in the following Provinces: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario and the foreign commodity trading advisor exemption in Ontario. The IAE is in compliance with National Instrument 31-103, Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Issued in the UK by NIM, The Bank of New York Mellon Centre, 160 Queen Victoria Street, London, EC4V 4LA. Registered in England No. 01371973. NIM is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, 12 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN and is a subsidiary of BNY Mellon. This material is for Australian wholesale clients only and is not intended for distribution to, nor should it be relied upon by, retail clients. This information has not been prepared to take into account the investment objectives, financial objectives or particular needs of any particular person. Before making an investment decision you should carefully consider, with or without the assistance of a financial adviser, whether such an investment strategy is appropriate in light of your particular investment needs, objectives and financial circumstances. NIM is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence in respect of the financial services it provides to wholesale clients in Australia and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority of the UK under UK laws, which differ from Australian laws. NIM is providing financial services to wholesale clients in Australia in reliance on ASIC Corporations (Repeal and Transitional) Instrument 2016/396, a copy of which is on the website of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, www.asic.gov.au. The instrument exempts entities that are authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA, such as NIM, from the need to hold an Australian financial services license under the Corporations Act 2001 for certain financial services provided to Australian wholesale clients on certain conditions. Financial services provided by NIM are regulated by the FCA under the laws and regulatory requirements of the United Kingdom, which are different to the laws applying in Australia.