Climate change and the environment are becoming a more prominent issue in public debate across Great Britain, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

ONS data collected between 5 and 30 August 2026 found that 62% of adults identified climate change and the environment as an important issue facing the UK. That was up from 53% in June and was the highest level recorded since late 2024.

The increase came during a summer marked by exceptionally high temperatures. The Met Office has provisionally described summer 2026 as the UK's hottest summer on record, while hot and dry conditions also led to wildfire warnings in parts of England and Wales.

The figures provide a useful snapshot of how environmental issues are featuring in the wider UK public conversation. Cost of living, the NHS and the economy remained the three most commonly reported important issues, at 89%, 79% and 70% respectively.

Water use has also become part of the discussion. The ONS found that 88% of adults reported taking at least one action to reduce their water use during the previous month, while 48% said they were using less tap water in their gardens.

The figures are likely to keep climate policy in focus as the UK debates energy, water management, environmental targets and the economic costs of adapting to extreme weather.