A new study by Ipsos reveals that while a majority of Australians support the transition to renewable energy, concerns about its impact on cost-of-living and household energy bills have significantly increased over the past year.
The 2024 Ipsos Climate Change study, unveiled at Sydney’s Greenhouse Tech Hub, found that 59 per cent of Australians support the country’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy generation.
However, 41 per cent are worried about the negative effects of this transition on cost-of-living and household energy bills, marking a 10 per cent increase since 2022.
The research highlights a growing tension between environmental aspirations and economic realities.
Despite strong support for renewable energy, especially among Gen Z, Millennials, and in inner regional areas, Australians are increasingly prioritising energy affordability and supply reliability.
Cost-of-living concerns have shifted priorities for the energy transition.
The study reports a 13 per cent increase in Australians wanting to see energy prices prioritised, along with network reliability.
Consequently, support for Australia taking a global leadership role in energy transition has declined from 64 per cent in 2022 to 58 per cent in 2024.
The study also reveals a significant knowledge gap and scepticism about Australia’s climate action progress.
Half of the respondents believe there are no plans for the energy transition or that it simply won’t happen.
Moreover, 54 per cent say they don’t understand the actions being taken to meet Australia’s net zero commitments.
Stuart Clark, Director of Public Affairs at Ipsos Australia, emphasised the need for better communication about the energy transition.
“Most Australians are supportive of the energy transition, but there’s not a strong belief that it’s already underway,” Clark stated.
He urged Australian governments and businesses to address the information vacuum currently filled with misinformation.
The study also found that alternative narratives about the energy transition are highly believable to many Australians.
For instance, 68 per cent find it believable that transitioning to renewable energy will lead to increased household energy prices.
As Australia continues its path towards net zero emissions by 2050, these findings underscore the importance of balancing environmental goals with economic concerns and the critical need for clear, factual communication about the energy transition process.
