Key Takeaways
- Widespread support for moving away from fossil fuels: Majorities in most markets say a transition to renewable energy is “very much needed,” especially in the Global South.
- Mixed signals in developed markets: Support is more moderate in Europe and North America, reflecting competing priorities amid economic stress.
- Saudi Arabia’s surprising support: Despite the country blocking a COP30 deal to phase out fossil fuels, 54 percent of Saudis say the transition is “very much needed.”
COP30 closed without agreement on phasing out fossil fuels, reinforcing concerns about the difficulty of achieving global climate goals amid geopolitical tensions and entrenched interests.
Public opinion, however, signals clear expectations: people want faster progress toward renewables, and failure to act risks widening the gap between citizens and policymakers.
Recent GlobeScan research reveals strong global support for a renewable energy transition, particularly in the Global South. Majorities in Kenya (80%), South Africa (79%), Indonesia (77%), Nigeria (76%), and Morocco (75%) say a shift away from fossil fuels is “very much needed.” Latin America also shows robust backing, with Brazil (74%), Peru (71%), and Mexico (67%) strongly endorsing the move.
In contrast, support is more moderate in Europe and North America in countries like Germany (43%), the UK (47%), Canada (50%), and the USA (48%), reflecting competing priorities amid economic pressures and deeply entrenched fossil-based energy systems.
Notably, Saudi Arabia (54%) stands out. Despite opposing a COP30 deal to phase out fossil fuels, over half of its citizens favor the transition, signaling growing momentum even in traditionally oil-dependent economies.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
The disconnect between strong global support for a shift to renewable energy and COP30’s lack of results underscores the urgency for governments and businesses to accelerate the transition. Momentum exists, even in fossil-fuel economies, but structural and political barriers persist. Bridging this gap will require bold leadership and collaborative action beyond the negotiation table.
Survey Question: In the past few years, some societies have begun shifting from fossil-based energy (e.g., oil, gas, coal) to renewable sources of energy (e.g., wind, water, solar) to address climate change. This is often called the transition to the green economy. How much would you say the shift to the green economy is needed?
Countries surveyed: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Egypt, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Türkiye, UK, USA, and Vietnam.
