In a powerful call to action, 80% of people worldwide demand stronger government measures to combat the climate crisis, according to the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024. This unprecedented survey, the largest standalone public opinion poll on climate change, underscores a broad consensus for bold climate action across the globe.
The survey, involving over 75,000 participants from 77 countries, highlights an overwhelming desire for unified global action. A striking 86% of respondents urge nations to set aside geopolitical differences and collaborate on tackling climate change. This call for cooperation comes amid rising international tensions and nationalism, signaling a widespread acknowledgment of climate change as a borderless issue that requires collective effort.
“The message from the Peoples’ Climate Vote is clear: global citizens want their leaders to act decisively and together to address the climate crisis,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP Administrator. “The survey’s scope and depth reveal a truly remarkable consensus. We urge leaders to take note as they develop their next climate action plans.”
Support from Major Emitters
The survey, conducted with the University of Oxford and GeoPoll, shows strong support for increased climate action in the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. In the United States and Russia, 66% of people favor stronger action, while support is even higher in China (73%), South Africa and India (77%), Brazil (85%), Iran (88%), and Italy (93%).
Gender disparities were also noted in five major emitters—Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and the United States—where women showed significantly more support for stronger climate commitments than men. In Germany, for instance, 75% of women compared to 58% of men favor more aggressive climate policies.
Transitioning from Fossil Fuels
A notable 72% of global respondents support a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. This includes countries among the top 10 producers of oil, coal, or gas, where majorities ranging from 89% in Nigeria to 54% in the United States endorse moving towards cleaner energy sources.
Rising Climate Anxiety
The findings also reveal widespread climate anxiety, with 56% of people thinking about climate change regularly. This concern is more pronounced in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where 63% consider climate change frequently. Additionally, more than half of the global respondents (53%) reported being more worried about climate change compared to last year, with the figure reaching 59% in LDCs and 71% in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Climate change is also impacting personal decisions, with 69% globally stating that it influences major life choices such as where to live or work. This impact is more significant in LDCs (74%) compared to Western and Northern Europe (52%) and Northern America (42%).
A Call for Bold Leadership
“The scale of this survey was an extraordinary scientific endeavor, capturing voices from some of the world’s most marginalized groups,” said Professor Stephen Fisher of the University of Oxford. Cassie Flynn, UNDP’s Global Director of Climate Change, added, “As we approach the next round of climate pledges under the Paris Agreement, these results underscore the urgent need for bold and united climate action. We must leverage this consensus to keep global warming under 1.5°C.”
The UNDP’s Climate Promise initiative has already seen over 100 developing countries commit to enhanced climate action plans, with 91% raising their targets for emission reductions and 93% strengthening adaptation strategies.
This report underscores a global mandate for urgent and united action on climate change, reflecting a widespread public demand for governmental accountability and leadership in combating the climate crisis.
Featured image credit: Freepik
