Britons want businesses to fund environmental action

New research from 1% for the Planet says 74% of UK adults think businesses should financially support environmental initiatives. The findings suggest public pressure is rising as extreme weather, weak trust in corporate claims and expectations for third-party verification reshape how Britons judge companies.

Why it matters: - Britons are signaling that environmental action should not fall only on governments or consumers. - The research suggests business funding could unlock major new money for climate and nature projects. - Public skepticism is high, which raises the bar for companies making sustainability claims.

What happened: - 1% for the Planet commissioned research showing 74% of Britons believe UK businesses have a responsibility to financially contribute to environmental initiatives. - The survey found 52% of Britons say this summer’s very hot weather increased their urgency around climate change and environmental action. - The share rises to 70% among Gen Z and 63% among Millennials. - The research was based on 2,000 UK adults surveyed by OnePoll between Sept. 17 and 23, 2026, with a sample nationally representative by age, gender and region.

The details: - A 1% contribution from UK private sector turnover would equal about £55 billion a year. - When asked how much revenue businesses should set aside for environmental solutions, the top response was 3% to 5% at 22%. - Another 20% chose 1% to 2%. - Younger respondents were more demanding, with 84% of Gen Z and 82% of Millennials agreeing that UK businesses should financially contribute to environmental initiatives. - 54% of respondents said large corporations and multinationals have the greatest obligation to support environmental protection. - 30% said all businesses should contribute the same percentage of turnover, regardless of size. - Climate and decarbonisation ranked as the top funding priority at 52%. - Conservation and restoration followed at 49%. - 52% of Britons said they do not trust the environmental and sustainability claims UK companies typically make in marketing and advertising. - 51% said independent third-party certification would make them more likely to choose one company over another. - That figure climbs to 73% among Gen Z and 61% among Millennials. - The £55 billion estimate is based on 1% of roughly £5.52 trillion in total UK private sector turnover, using UK government Business Population Estimates 2025 data. - The research comes from 1% for the Planet, a global organization that asks businesses to commit 1% of annual turnover to vetted environmental solutions. - The organization says it has certified more than $939 million in contributions to date and operates in more than 100 countries across 65 industries. - The group was co-founded in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard and Craig Mathews. - The group describes itself as a trusted framework for corporate philanthropy. - A press kit is available online, and more information is available at the organization's website.

Between the lines: - The data points to a gap between corporate sustainability messaging and public trust. - Younger consumers appear both more urgent on climate and more likely to reward verified claims. - The emphasis on independent certification suggests reputational credibility is becoming a competitive issue, not just a moral one.

What’s next: - Businesses facing consumer scrutiny may need to show clearer proof of environmental spending and outcomes. - Companies seeking trust may lean more heavily on third-party certification and measurable commitments. - Public pressure could continue to build if extreme weather keeps intensifying.

The bottom line: - Britons want companies to put real money behind climate action, and they want proof that the money is doing what businesses claim it is doing.