UN Survey Finds 4 in 5 People Want Stronger Climate Action

The Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, the largest-ever global survey on climate change opinions, has revealed significant worldwide support for intensified governmental action against the climate crisis. According to the survey, conducted by the UN Development Programme in collaboration with the University of Oxford and GeoPoll, a staggering 80 percent or four out of five respondents worldwide advocate for stronger measures from their governments to combat climate change.

The survey, which engaged over 75,000 individuals speaking 87 different languages across 77 countries, sought to gauge public sentiment on climate issues. It underscored a remarkable consensus among respondents, with 86 percent expressing a desire for countries to set aside geopolitical tensions and collaborate on climate change efforts, despite the prevailing global backdrop of heightened conflict and nationalism.

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner highlighted the unequivocal message conveyed by the survey results, highlighting a resounding call for world leaders to transcend political differences and take immediate, bold action against the climate crisis. The findings, spanning countries that collectively represent 87 percent of the global population, are unprecedented in their scope and reveal an astonishing level of global agreement on the urgency of addressing climate challenges.

The survey also illuminated strong support for climate action among the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters. In countries such as China, India, Brazil, and Italy, overwhelming majorities expressed backing for more stringent climate policies. Moreover, the survey indicated a significant gender disparity in some nations, with women notably more inclined than men to endorse heightened climate commitments. 

Beyond advocating for stronger governmental action, the survey found substantial global backing (72 percent) for a swift transition away from fossil fuels, underscoring a broad consensus on the need for renewable energy alternatives. This sentiment was evident even in major fossil fuel-producing countries, where a majority of respondents expressed support for phasing out fossil fuels.

The survey also shed light on growing climate anxieties worldwide, with a majority of respondents reporting increased concern compared to the previous year. This trend was particularly pronounced in vulnerable regions such as Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where the impacts of climate change are often more acutely felt.

Furthermore, the survey highlighted that climate change is increasingly influencing personal decisions globally, with a significant proportion of respondents indicating that their choices about where to live or work are being shaped by climate considerations.

The findings serve as a critical call to policymakers worldwide as they prepare to enhance their climate commitments under global agreements like the Paris Agreement, reflecting widespread public support for bold, decisive climate action.