In the lead-up to the upcoming UK general election, more than 2,000 Greenpeace supporters have been trained to canvass door-to-door as part of “Project Climate Vote.” The initiative aims to elevate climate change as a significant electoral issue rather than promoting a specific political party. As a charity, Greenpeace is legally prohibited from endorsing any political party.

Since its inception last summer, the campaigners have visited over 42,000 households, aiming to make climate action a pivotal concern for voters. Despite public concern about climate change, recent polls indicate that voters prioritize issues like inflation, the economy, healthcare, and immigration over environmental concerns.

The different approaches to climate policy among the key political parties are noteworthy. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of the Conservative Party has endorsed new oil and gas licenses and decelerated the phaseout of petrol cars and gas boilers, emphasizing “energy security.” In contrast, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer advocates for transitioning away from fossil fuels, citing the economic opportunities of renewable energy. Other parties, such as the Liberal Democrats, the Greens, and the Scottish National Party, have also prioritized climate action in their platforms.

Recent polls and voter trends suggest that climate change is a significant concern among the public. Two-thirds of Britons express worry over climate issues, and many believe the government is not doing enough, according to a YouGov poll. Both older and younger voters have shown comparable levels of concern about climate change. Electoral success for green policies is also evident in the re-elections of Sadiq Khan and Ben Houchen, who have championed clean air and net-zero agendas.

Despite this, the influence of the Green Party remains limited under the current electoral system. The Greens hope to win up to four parliamentary seats in the upcoming election, although internal debates persist about the best strategy for advancing climate policy nationally, with some arguing that support for Labour might be more effective.

In focus groups, voters expressed skepticism about political promises on climate action, noting a history of unmet commitments. Some voters are pragmatic, associating climate policies with immediate local and national benefits rather than as a global effort. This sentiment is being addressed by Greenpeace volunteers, who frame climate action as beneficial for “warm homes, cheap transport, and green spaces.”

In key swing seats like Welwyn Hatfield, held by Conservative Grant Shapps, Greenpeace volunteers have been active. The aim has been to dispel the notion that there is significant opposition to climate action among voters. Campaigners report mixed responses, with some residents showing strong support while others remain indifferent.

To date, nearly 200,000 people have pledged to be “climate voters,” with Greenpeace operating across 404 constituencies. The organization continues to push for climate change to emerge as a decisive issue in the election, believing direct voter engagement to be more telling and effective than media portrayals.