Parents are deeply worried about the climate crisis and their children’s future, but a new University of Bath study shows many struggle to live low-carbon lives. Time pressures, lack of affordable options and structural barriers mean concern rarely translates into action. Researchers say parents remain a critical but under-recognised group in climate policy, with huge potential to shape the next generation’s environmental values.
The peer-reviewed study, published in Population & Environment , explores how UK parents of children under 15 understand and act on climate change, assessing their so-called “carbon capability” – the ability to make informed, effective low-carbon choices and influence others.
Based on a survey of 1,001 parents, 30 interviews and two focus groups, the research found that while parents feel a strong responsibility to safeguard their children’s future, most find it difficult to consistently model low-carbon behaviours at home.
Key findings:
Lead author Dr Sam Hampton from the Department of Psychology , Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) and the Institute of Sustainability and Climate Change (ISCC) at the University of Bath said:
“Parenting is an important moment of change, and parents are an under-recognised group in society with unique experiences and influence. With the right mix of support and structural change - like improved public transport, affordable sustainable products and incentives for low-carbon diets - parents could become powerful low-carbon role models for the next generations. While they are not consistently acting as low-carbon role models today, they have huge potential to shape their children’s values and behaviours – making them central to long-term climate action.”
Charlotte Howell, Co-Director of Parents for Future, said:
“Parents feel the urgency of the climate crisis deeply, but many of us are held back by barriers beyond their control. Parents were already juggling a lot of plates before the cost of living crisis struck. But with more government support and inclusive policy, we can move from worry to powerful action and build the world our children deserve.”
ENDS
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Notes to editors
Link to paper Parenting and climate change: assessing carbon capability in early parenthood | Population and Environment
DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s11111-025-00506-6
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Population and Environment
Parenting and climate change: assessing carbon capability in early parenthood
25-Sep-2025