Global Call for Climate Action: 80% of People Demand More Environmental Efforts
According to an article by Earth.org, a significant global survey by the People’s Climate Vote, has revealed that 80% of the world's population is demanding greater action to combat climate change. This extensive survey, conducted by the UN Development Program aided by the University of Oxford, included over 73,000 participants from 77 countries, making it the largest climate-related survey to date.
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In the context of increasing heatwaves and widespread climate disruptions, the survey highlights a shift in public perception, with more individuals recognizing the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation measures. Participants from various backgrounds expressed heightened concern about the impact of climate change on their lives and mental well-being.
Released at a crucial time, the survey coincides with the most extensive global election year ever, involving nearly 4 billion eligible voters. It found that, on average, 43% of respondents across 89% of the surveyed countries believe their governments are the most influential entities in addressing the climate crisis, surpassing the influence of big businesses (14%), the United Nations (13%), and environmental activists (12%).
A notable 80% of respondents are calling for increased climate action, with the demand particularly strong in climate-vulnerable regions. In less developed countries, 89% of people want their governments to intensify efforts to combat climate change. Historically, poorer and developing nations have suffered the most from climate impacts despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, G20 nations, such as the United States, are responsible for roughly 75-80% of these emissions.
Furthermore, 72% of survey participants support a rapid shift away from fossil fuels toward clean energy. This call for a transition to renewable energy is echoed by the majority of people living in the world's top oil, coal, and gas-producing countries, with notable exceptions being Iraq (43%) and Russia (16%).
Support for a Swift Transition to Renewable Energy in Top Producing Countries:
Coal: China (80%), India (76%), Indonesia (55%), US (54%), Australia (69%), Russia (16%), South Africa (78%)
Natural Gas: US (54%), Russia (16%), Iran (79%), Canada (65%), Algeria (71%), Egypt (85%)
Oil: US (54%), Saudi Arabia (75%), Russia (16%), Canada (65%), China (80%), Iraq (43%), Nigeria (89%)
The burning of fossil fuels for electricity and heat remains the leading source of global greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary drivers of global warming. Over the last 50 years, fossil fuel consumption has more than doubled globally. In 2023, levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide reached record highs.
Scientists warn that climate change is accelerating more rapidly than anticipated, affecting all regions of the world. May's temperatures were the highest ever recorded for that month, following 2023, the hottest year on record. May's temperature was 1.52°C above the pre-industrial average, marking the 11th consecutive month exceeding the 1.5°C global warming limit established by the Paris Agreement.
As the effects of climate change become more apparent, 78% of people are calling for increased protection against extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, and cyclones, while 81% are advocating for more efforts to safeguard nature. Recent years have seen some of the most severe weather events on record, including devastating wildfires in Canada and Australia, and catastrophic floods in Libya and Pakistan.
Moreover, 79% of respondents believe that wealthier nations should assist poorer countries in tackling climate change. Despite a historic agreement at the UN COP27 summit to establish a loss and damage fund for developing countries, current commitments stand at $661 million, far below the estimated $400 billion needed annually to address the impacts of global warming.
