22/04/2026
See our Haringey local election survey outcome below, just out. Thanks to all who participated.
Overwhelming support for action on climate and nature shown in election survey
Recent studies (1) show that between 80% and 89% of the world’s population wants to see climate action, and Haringey residents are no different.
Ahead of the local elections on 7 May, Haringey Friends of the Earth gathered views of Haringey residents on the environmental issues that concern them most. We twice invited the five leading political parties to ask their Haringey members to complete the survey. 240 people from all areas completed our survey - and levels of support are similar.
Given the high housing density in the borough, it's no coincidence that the desire for more trees and green space tops the poll at 94.6%, while over 90% of people want better access to shade and green space. A typical comment was “Plant more trees on streets” please “It felt so oppressive with no shade”.
A similar number (90%) want the Council to protect nature sites like Pinkham Way. Others felt that trees alone were not the whole answer: “Other habitats such as meadow, grassland and scrub are also vital” was one reply.
Support for Haringey to ensure all new buildings are energy efficient and have heat pumps and solar panels was also strong, with 90% saying it is very important for all new builds to have these included.
“Residents should be supported to install solar panels and batteries to better manage their load on the power distribution network”
90% also think that Haringey should invest in insulation, heat pumps and solar for Council homes, and provide financial support to people struggling with energy bills.
Rented accommodation is massive in Haringey and over 80% want stronger action to make landlords improve the energy efficiency of the homes they rent.
Curbing traffic around schools also received a lot of support with 87% agreeing it should be reduced to improve young people's health.
“Every Primary and secondary school should be a "School Street" ie no traffic or parking at start and end of school”
A similar figure supports the provision of better cycle lanes across the borough.
There was also support for healthier ways to get to and from school. Here is a request to make cycling safer.
“Provide universal on-road cycle training for all pupils …build safe cycle routes to all schools – in addition to school streets.”
The survey also sought people's views on the value of strong and resilient communities. There was notably high support (84%) for improving support for refugees and migrants to enable them to rebuild their lives and contribute to society. One practical suggestion focused on education:
“They should be offered English language courses and training suitable for making their existing qualifications valid in the UK for when they do gain the right to work and remain”
and 89% thought the council should be working with community groups to halt hatred and division.
One comment summarised the majority view.
“Refugees and migrants … contribute to our society. And we have a duty of care to our humans (AND) to provide safe shelter and take care of our fellow human beings when they are in need”
Notes 1: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/sep/24/climate-crisis-silent-majority-quotes
Data
240 Survey responses were collected online and in person during March/April 2026
Anonymised data is available on request from FOE.
Readers who are part of the 80-89% of the population who want to see climate action tell us their ideas on how to make their voices heard
