Attitudes to COP30

Key Findings

One in two know the aims of COP30, while few know where it will be held. Only 12% are aware where COP30 will be held in November. Brazil was the most likely to know it is held in the Amazon city of Belem (35%). Slightly more know of the conference’s purpose. Forty-four per cent know COP was a meeting between countries to negotiate actions to combat climate change. This knowledge was highest in Europe and Indonesia.

People more likely to think the conference is symbolic than effective. Across 30 countries, 49% say COP30 will be merely symbolic without real change, while only 34% think it will be effective and bring concrete results in the fight against climate change. However, there are differences across regions. Europe and North America are less likely to think COP30 will produce effective outcomes, with Asia and LATAM more optimistic.

Strong belief business is not doing enough. A majority in all 30 countries surveyed thinks companies prioritise profits over the environment. Sixty-nine per cent on average believe this to be case with only 11% thinking businesses put the environment first. Ireland (76%), followed by Hungary, France and Sweden (all 74%), are most likely to think this is the case. Sixty-five per cent across 30 countries feel companies and industries should be required to allocate part of their profits to fund actions against climate change.

Politicians seen as the biggest obstacle to meeting climate goals. Forty-two per cent on average across 30 countries say lack of political will from government leaders is an obstacle to meeting climate goals. This feeling is most likely held in LATAM. The region makes up five of the six countries most likely to agree with this statement: Peru (57%), Colombia (53%), Argentina (51%), Chile and Mexico (both 50%).

Lack of enforcement against deforestation and pollution as well as not enough funding also major obstacles. Thirty-four per cent say lack of enforcement against deforestation and pollution is one of the main obstacles to tackling climate change. Romania (54%) and Indonesia (53%) are the most likely to say this.