Two in Three Indians Feel Climate Change May Be Beyond Control, Reveals Ipsos Earth Day 2026 Survey

A growing share of Indians feel that climate change may already be beyond human control, reflecting a deepening sense of pessimism that stands out against global sentiment. Nearly two in three respondents in India (62%) say it may be too late to act, even as many across international markets continue to express faith in the effectiveness of climate action.

This skepticism is rooted in lived experiences. Increasingly frequent and severe climate events, ranging from floods and landslides to hazardous air pollution, have reinforced a sense of inevitability among citizens. While visible policy measures such as restrictions on single-use plastics and emission control efforts are underway, recurring environmental challenges continue to shape public perception that progress is not keeping pace with the scale of the problem.

On Earth Day 2026, Ipsos unveils these findings from its People & Climate Change global survey spanning 31 countries, aligned with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet,” announced by EARTHDAY.ORG. The report offers a comprehensive view of how citizens perceive the climate crisis and the pathway to Net Zero, underscoring the importance of collective action to accelerate clean energy adoption and strengthen environmental accountability.

Parijat Chakraborty, Group Service Line Leader, Public Affairs, Corporate Reputation and ESG, Ipsos India, said: “While visible policy measures such as restrictions on single-use plastics and emission control efforts are underway, recurring environmental challenges continue to shape public perception that progress is not keeping pace with the scale of the problem.”

Despite this sentiment, India stands out globally for its trust in institutional leadership. A majority of respondents believe the government has a clear and coordinated plan to tackle climate change in collaboration with businesses and citizens, positioning India among markets where confidence in institutional action remains strong.

However, the survey reveals a complex paradox. While many Indians believe more should be done to combat climate change, there is also a perception that the country is being asked to make disproportionate sacrifices. This reflects an ongoing tension between developmental priorities and environmental responsibility, a dynamic that is increasingly relevant for emerging economies.

Parijat Chakraborty added: “Indians clearly expect leadership from both government and business, with strong accountability placed on their ability to act decisively and collaboratively. At the same time, there is a noticeable gap in how individuals perceive their own role. Bridging this gap will be critical. Collective action driven by policy, enabled by businesses, and embraced by citizens can make sustainable choices more accessible and impactful at scale.”

Expectations of leadership are clear. Responsibility for driving climate action is placed primarily on government and businesses, with strong accountability expectations for both. At the same time, belief in the power of individual action remains limited, highlighting a gap between awareness and engagement.

As the world marks Earth Day 2026, the Ipsos findings serve as a call to action. The pathway to meaningful climate progress lies in shared responsibility. Empowering individuals, strengthening institutional trust, and delivering tangible outcomes will be essential to accelerating the transition to a sustainable future.