12 February 2026
New data from Quilter has found there is a clear disconnect between the levels of concern regarding climate change, the desire to invest aligned with net zero and actual investment from consumers.
A survey of its customer panel found that three quarters (74%) of people are concerned about climate change, yet only one in seven (14%) are knowingly investing in funds with goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with more than two-fifths (43%) unsure if they were invested in such a fund.
The disconnect between everyday life and consumers’ investments is stark. Two-thirds (67%) of people say they are reducing their home energy usage to help combat the effects of climate change, while six in ten (60%) are reducing food waste. Meanwhile, nearly half (45%) said they aim to walk instead of drive, while 40% are composting.
The desire to invest in a responsible and sustainable way from consumers is still very much present. More than four in ten (44%) think their investments should play a role in achieving net zero emissions, while a similar amount (42%) would like the option to invest in companies which are enabling the green transition.
Furthermore, exactly half say it is important to understand the climate emissions of their investments.
Quilter believes this data shows there is an opportunity to realign people’s desire to invest in responsible and sustainable funds with their understanding of specific fund objectives.
Ido Eisenberg, head of responsible investment at Quilter, said: “This data clearly shows that people understand that their investment choices can impact climate change - and are impacted by it, just as their everyday lives and activities are. The intention is there, but there is currently a gap with how people approach their investments. People want there to be a stronger connection between their investments, climate change and decarbonisation and that needs to be better enabled by the investment industry.
“Part of this is an education piece, but as an industry we need to keep making it easier for consumers to research and understand what responsible and sustainable funds are setting out to achieve. There have been positive steps in this regard through clearer labelling and thorough education, and we are making it a priority to work closely with advisers to help close that gap.
“There is enormous potential here. People want their investments to play a role in the transition to net zero, and they want the option to back companies driving the green transition, and avoid those high polluters with no plans to change. We need to approach this head on, therefore, and ensure people are given that choice and understanding.”
