Earth Day 2024: Thai Perspectives on Climate Change
The recent Ipsos Earth Day 2024 study reveals a complex picture of Thai attitudes towards climate change. While a significant portion of the population believes in collective action and the need for immediate measures, rising apathy and concerns about economic conditions present challenges.
Shared Responsibility Across Sectors
There is a strong sentiment among Thais that all sectors of society need to work together to combat climate change. 44% believe the government has a clear plan for this collaboration, but a substantial 68% feel the government would be failing its people by not taking immediate action. Similarly, 67% hold businesses accountable for the well-being of their employees and customers in the face of climate change. This sense of shared responsibility extends to individuals, with 68% believing inaction would be a failure towards future generations. Overall, a strong majority (77%) agree that Thailand needs to step up its efforts in the fight against climate change.
Overcoming Apathy and Climate Fatigue
Despite the call for action, the study also reveals a concerning trend of apathy and climate fatigue. While 77% of Thais acknowledge the potential impact of individual actions, a significant portion express doubts about the effectiveness of personal contributions. 1 in 3 (33%) believe changing their behaviour would make no difference, and 40% perceive the negative impacts of climate change as a distant future concern. Furthermore, 38% feel the situation is beyond control, leading to a sense of hopelessness.
Economic Concerns and Willingness to Invest
Economic anxieties also play a role in shaping public opinion. 43% of Thais believe the current economic climate is not conducive to investing in climate change mitigation measures. However, there's a notable willingness to contribute financially, with 55% expressing a readiness to pay more taxes to support climate action.
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