Earth Day 2022: Global attitudes to climate change
Washington, DC, April 18, 2022 — A new global Ipsos surveys find that, on average across 31 countries, half of adults (48%) worry about climate change. In Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Argentina, and Italy, more than two-thirds say that they have worried a great deal or a fair amount about climate change in the past two or three weeks, but fewer than three in 10 in China and Russia say so. In the United States, 38% report worrying at least a fair amount about climate change, but 29% say do not worry about it at all – a higher percentage than in any of the other 30 countries.
Key findings
- People are about equally likely to say that of their country’s government, of its businesses, and of individuals that they need to act now or risk failing future generations (68%-70% globally; 61%-62% in the U.S.)
- Only 39% on average across 31 countries, and 27% of Americans agree that their government has a clear plan in place to tackle climate change
- People across the world, including Americans, are split on whether their country and other countries will make significant progress to mitigate climate change in this next decade
- The public see high-profile sectors associated with carbon emissions as having a greater responsibility for reducing their contribution to climate change – particularly energy companies, sectors associated with transportation, and household goods
While climate change may not regularly be on people’s minds, it is not unrecognized. Seven in 10 globally (68%) are concerned about the impacts already being seen in their country, especially in South Africa and Chile, while a similar proportion (70%) worry about effects already seen in other countries. Among Americans, 61% are concerned about its effects in the U.S. and 60% about its effect in other countries.
The public recognizes that the onus to reduce carbon emissions sits firmly on the shoulders of the individual. Nearly three-quarters (74% globally, 71% in the U.S.) agree that individuals are responsible for reducing their contribution to climate change by reducing carbon emission. The highest proportions are found in South Africa (87%), Colombia (86%), Peru (84%) and Chile (84%). However, this does not excuse governments and businesses from doing their part: 77% globally and 73% in the U.S. say a great deal or a fair amount of responsibility lies with government while 76% globally and 73% in the U.S. say the same for businesses.
Some business sectors are seen as having a greater responsibility for reducing their contribution to climate change – particularly energy companies (82% globally, 79% in the U.S.), auto manufacturers (80%, 77%), airlines (77%, 76%), public transportation providers (77%, 75%), and household goods manufacturers (74%, 70%).
While the responsibility of governments is recognized by many, few are aware of any actions being taken. Only 39% on average globally and 27% in the U.S. agree that their country’s government has a clear strategy to tackle climate change. There is little difference in countries who already have legally binding commitments to achieving net zero such as Great Britain (39%), France (34%), Hungary (29%) and Sweden (38%).
Mallory Newall, Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs said: "While some Americans appreciate the threat that climate change represents, it is less of an urgent concern relative to broader economic or health concerns. And while a majority believe that people, businesses, and government all have a responsibility to tackle this issue, few Americans see our government as having a clear plan in place to do so."
