New research commissioned by global refurbished tech marketplace Back Market reveals the scale at which consumers are witnessing the visible effects of climate change in their daily lives – but also the stark disconnect between awareness and action.
When asked about changes in nature, nearly four in five UK adults (89%) said they have noticed differences over their lifetime. The top shifts include hotter summers (39%), more frequent storms and extreme weather events (33%), milder winters (31%), more litter and pollution in natural areas (29%), and declines in water quality (23%). Additionally, more than one in five (22%) even reported a noticeable change in local wildlife, such as fewer birds and insects.
Despite this growing visibility, many remain hesitant to alter their behaviour. While nearly half of Brits (47%) say that environmental changes in nature have encouraged them to shop in a more environmentally friendly way, more than a third (35%) admit these changes have not influenced their habits.
The divide is particularly stark when it comes to technology purchases. Four in ten (41%)2 say that climate change plays a role in their tech-buying choices – for example, prioritising energy efficiency or longer-lasting products. Yet, a slightly higher share (46%)3 say visible changes in the environment don’t affect how they shop for tech, underscoring the challenge of linking personal consumption to global issues.
When asked what would make them shop for tech more sustainably, cost and clarity top the list: one-third (33%) cite lower prices for eco-friendly tech as their main motivator, followed by clearer information about which products are environmentally friendly (27%) and a better understanding of the impact of their tech purchases (25%). A smaller proportion (22%) say they would be influenced by rewards or incentives, while just 9% admit they would only be swayed by pressure from friends, family, or community.
These findings echo Back Market’s earlier Earth Month research, which revealed that while 58% of Brits admit they’re not as eco-friendly as they would like to be, convenience, cost, and habit remain major barriers. More than a third (35%) admitted to upgrading their tech even when their devices still worked, and 26% admitted choosing to buy new rather than repair – highlighting how deeply ingrained tech-related “eco-sins” remain.
“With most Brits already seeing the effects of climate change first-hand, the challenge is no longer awareness – it’s action,” said Luke Forshaw, Head of Brand at Back Market. “Our research shows that while people recognise the changes happening around them, too many still don’t see how their everyday choices, particularly around tech, connect to the bigger picture. When you consider that humanity produces 62 million tonnes of electronic waste every year, making it one of the world’s fastest-growing waste streams, there has never been a more critical moment to rethink our relationship with technology and choose longevity over landfill. Making sustainable options more affordable, accessible, and transparent is key to bridging that gap.”
In light of this research, Back Market is launching the Last Shot Gallery, a free immersive exhibition on Oct 17th in London, highlighting the environmental cost of planned obsolescence and fast-tech consumption. Featuring hyper-real artworks of iconic landmarks at risk, from the Cliffs of Dover, to Iguazu Falls, and the River Seine. The findings are also backed by data from Professor Mark Maslin (UCL), the gallery promotes one of the most impactful climate solutions: extending the life of tech devices through repair and reuse.