A new survey, the largest standalone public opinion study on climate change, reveals that a vast majority of people worldwide support more ambitious efforts to combat the climate crisis. The Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, conducted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) with the University of Oxford and GeoPoll, indicates that 80% of global citizens want their governments to take stronger action against climate change. Even more striking, 86% desire their countries to overcome geopolitical differences and collaborate on this critical issue.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
The Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024 surveyed over 75,000 individuals speaking 87 different languages across 77 countries, representing 87% of the global population. Participants were asked 15 questions designed to gauge their experiences with climate change and their expectations for governmental response. This extensive survey included marginalized groups in some of the poorest parts of the world, ensuring a broad and inclusive perspective.
KEY FINDINGS ON CLIMATE ACTION
The survey highlights an extraordinary global consensus for robust climate action. Amidst increasing conflicts and rising nationalism, 80% of respondents believe their governments should take stronger measures to address the climate crisis. Additionally, 86% advocate for setting aside geopolitical differences to tackle climate change collaboratively.
SUPPORT AMONG MAJOR EMITTERS
Support for stronger climate action is prevalent even in the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. The survey shows majorities favouring enhanced climate measures, ranging from 66% in the United States and Russia to 93% in Italy. Other notable figures include 73% in China, 77% in South Africa and India, 85% in Brazil, and 88% in Iran.
In five major emitters—Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United States—women were significantly more supportive of stronger climate commitments than men, with a gap of 10 to 17 percentage points. This gender difference was most pronounced in Germany, where 75% of women, compared to 58% of men, supported increased climate action.
FOSSIL FUEL PHASEOUT
The survey reveals a global majority of 72% supporting a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. This sentiment is strong even in top oil, coal, and gas-producing countries, with 89% in Nigeria and Turkey, 80% in China, 76% in Germany, and 75% in Saudi Arabia favouring the transition. Only 7% of respondents globally opposed transitioning away from fossil fuels.
CLIMATE ANXIETY AND ITS IMPACT
Climate change is a pressing concern for many, with 56% of respondents thinking about it regularly, and 53% feeling more worried than the previous year. In Least Developed Countries (LDCs), these figures are higher, with 63% considering climate change regularly and 59% expressing increased worry.
Climate change impacts major life decisions for 69% of respondents globally, including where to live or work. This influence is more significant in LDCs (74%) compared to Western and Northern Europe (52%) and Northern America (42%).
Professor Stephen Fisher of Oxford University’s Department of Sociology said: ‘A survey of this size was a huge scientific endeavour. While maintaining rigorous methodology, special efforts were also made to include people from marginalised groups in the poorest parts of the world. This is some of the very highest quality global data on public opinions on climate change available.’
POWERFUL MESSAGE
The Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024 sends a powerful message: global citizens demand bold and immediate climate action from their leaders. UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner emphasized the unprecedented level of consensus revealed by the survey, urging leaders to heed this call as they develop their next climate action pledges under the Paris Agreement.
Cassie Flynn, Global Director of Climate Change at UNDP, highlighted the urgency of the next two years for maintaining global warming under 1.5°C. The survey’s results, encompassing voices from traditionally hard-to-reach groups, underscore the widespread demand for ambitious climate policies.
Through initiatives like the Climate Promise, the UNDP is committed to supporting policymakers in enhancing their climate action plans. The Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024 reaffirms that citizens worldwide are united in their call for decisive, collective action to combat the climate crisis.
