Nearly Half Now Feel the Climate Crisis

This month, Climate Week NYC serves as a pivotal event in addressing the escalating concerns about climate change. As the world grapples with the increasing impacts of extreme weather, this event brings together leaders from various countries and sectors to discuss and implement actionable solutions. 

Recent public opinion data from GlobeScan’s Radar survey indicates that the percentage of people who say they feel personally impacted by climate change has been consistently increasing since the metric was first tracked in 2020. Currently, 45 percent of respondents in 26 markets tracked since 2020 say they are greatly affected.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

We are currently approaching a critical juncture in the public perception of the climate crisis, with nearly half of the global population feeling directly impacted by climate change. Will this unprecedented level of concern translate into active support for climate policy and action? Responses to the climate crisis will likely be diverse and unpredictable. While some people will call for more decisive climate action, others will focus on adaptation measures and some may choose to deny the reality of climate change and politicize the issue. Leaders from government, business, and civil society must navigate this complex environment and adapt their communication strategies to effectively engage with the public no matter where they stand on the responses to the climate crisis.

Survey Question: How much are you personally affected by each of the following? – Climate change or global warming

Surveyed Markets 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, Türkiye, UK, USA, and Vietnam

Source: GlobeScan Radar Trends Report (survey of 30,216 people in the general public in July ‒ August 2024)​