Recent public opinion data from GlobeScan show that we are rapidly approaching a climate tipping point where soon half the global population will likely feel they are greatly personally affected by climate change. The proportion that says they feel greatly personally impacted has increased year on year since the start of tracking this metric in 2020, with over four in ten now saying they are greatly affected.
As global leaders gather in Dubai for COP28, the pressure is on to make progress on addressing the climate crisis at a time when more and more people around the world are experiencing the effects of the climate crisis personally – whether by increased temperatures, extreme weather events like flooding or drought, or increased food prices. We are entering a new era where public reactions to intensifying climatic conditions are unknown and likely non-linear. Some will respond by supporting stronger climate action, some will resort to a call for more adaptation, and some will look to double down on denial and politicize the agenda. Leaders will need to engage and communicate with the public in different and evolving ways.
Read more in our report Consumers Will Not Save the World: Why Now Is the Time for a Reset
Survey question: How much are you personally affected by Climate change or global warming?
Data in the chart include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA, and Vietnam.
Source: GlobeScan Healthy & Sustainable Living Report (survey of 29,565 people in the general public in July ‒ August 2023)
