Newham residents want climate action but face cost barriers

Newham residents are deeply concerned about climate change and keen to play their part in tackling it – but many feel constrained by cost, availability and limited choices in their day-to-day lives. That is the clear message from new research by the University of East London’s world-leading Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), based on a large-scale survey of more than 570 Newham residents and supported by focus groups across the London borough.

The study found that concern about climate change in Newham is significantly greater than the London average, with residents also more likely to say its impacts are already affecting their everyday lives. Nearly three-quarters would support council-led action on climate change and more than half trust the London Borough of Newham to deliver it – even though fewer than one in three are aware of the borough’s Just Transition Plan.

Across food, travel, home energy and consumer choices, residents are already making changes where they can. Many report going meat-free at least once a week, using public transport or active travel for non-work journeys, reducing electricity use at home and repairing, reusing or recycling goods rather than replacing them. In several areas, Newham residents are more likely than Londoners overall to take up lower-impact options.

However, the research also highlights a persistent gap between willingness and ability. Cost emerges as a major barrier to greener home energy and heating, while availability and suitability limit options such as food growing, active travel and switching to low-carbon technologies – particularly for renters and those in insecure housing. Preference and habit also play a role, underlining the importance of education, information and visible local alternatives.

Dr Mehri Khosravi, one of the report’s authors, said the findings challenge the idea that communities like Newham lack interest in climate action. "What we see very clearly is that concern and motivation are already there,” she said.

The challenge is that many of the barriers residents face are structural – linked to affordability, housing and access – and these are not things individuals can fix on their own.”

The research points to strong public support for practical, place-based solutions, from better public transport and safer walking and cycling routes to improved recycling services, more sustainable food options and clearer guidance on low-carbon energy choices. Focus group participants also called for deeper engagement with faith groups, community organisations and residents with green skills to help shape local action.

Dr Khosravi added that the findings underline the importance of a just transition that works for everyone.

“Newham residents are already doing a great deal within their means,” she said. “If local and regional partners can reduce costs, improve availability and communicate more clearly, there is real potential to unlock further change and ensure the transition to a green economy is fair, inclusive and rooted in local priorities.”

Jacob Heitland, Director of Climate Action at the London Borough of Newham, said the findings reflect how residents are already engaging with climate action in everyday ways.

“Our residents have long been at the forefront of climate action in ways that connect directly to their everyday lives – from choosing healthier diets to using more active travel options than the London average – as set out in our Just Transition Plan launched in 2023,” he said.

The gaps remain in the systems needed to support and scale these efforts, including better access to energy-efficiency schemes and reducing the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis. A just transition requires us not only to recognise residents’ leadership, but to create the conditions that make sustainable choices easier, fairer and more accessible.”

He added that the council will use the findings to strengthen engagement with local communities.

“We will use this research to ensure residents are aware of the council’s plans – not only by raising awareness, but by involving them from the outset in shaping them,” he said. “This includes deeper engagement with community groups, building stronger relationships, creating collaborative spaces for action such as our recently launched Circular Construction Hub, and providing Just Transition training to build shared understanding and collective capacity for change.”