Urgent call to reduce carbon footprint after UK’s summer temperatures

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But 67 percent also believe large UK retailers should work more closely together to overcome climate challenges.

Of these, 62 percent believe more collaboration would have a better impact, while 53 percent feel it would help develop a universal standard for others to follow.

But many also recognise their own accountability, as the heatwave caused 32 per ent to reflect on how their actions have been damaging to the environment.

However, when polled about which countries they think should be taking greater action on climate change, the UK ranked fifth – behind the likes of China, United States, India and Russia.

The research, commissioned by The John Lewis Partnership to launch its Nature Plan, highlights the importance of safeguarding our natural world to turn back the tide on climate change and plans to protect and restore biodiversity across its retail operations.

Marija Rompani, director of ethics and sustainability at the John Lewis Partnership, said: “We all know that we can’t exist without nature, it is essential for our survival, and it will play a vital role in solving the problem of climate change.

“We can’t solve one without the other, the crises of nature loss and climate change are inextricably linked.

“And yet, the UK currently languishes in the bottom 10 percent of global countries for its abundance of nature.

“That’s unacceptable and given the tiny window in which we have to get this right, delaying action is simply not an option.”

Following the soaring heat this summer, the public has shown a willingness to adapt, with 30 percent wanting to do more to reduce their own environmental footprint.

And for 31 percent, it made them want to support brands which are doing their part to protect and restore the environment.

In fact, of the 58 percent who are planning to replace some of the meat in their diet with more plant-based meals, 52 percent are doing so because of the environmental benefits.

But while 36 percent are doing so because it is more of an ethical choice, a third view it as an opportunity to cut costs from their food bills.

Interestingly, 57 percent of those polled, via OnePoll, feel it is important retailers responsibly source wherever in the world they get their products.

While 26 percent think it’s important retailers responsibly source only in the UK.

Marija Rompani added: “This research shows the British public are considering their own actions and so are we.

“This is why we’re going back to our roots and focusing our efforts on protecting and restoring nature.

“Whether it’s eliminating fossil fuel use across our transport operations, investing millions in conservation projects in regions where we source our products, collaborating with other retailers, or helping our farmers make the transition to net zero, we are acting where we can make the biggest impact.”

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