Skip to main content

A new global study reveals a widespread lack of understanding of the term ‘Climate Justice’, even among those living in regions most affected by climate change.

Conducted by researchers from the University of Nottingham’s School of Psychology, the study involved 5,627 adults across 11 countries, Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Japan, Netherlands, Nigeria, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, and United States.

Despite the unfamiliarity with the term, many respondents recognized the broader social, historical, and economic injustices tied to climate change.

Published in Nature Climate Change, the study highlights that two-thirds of those surveyed had never heard of the concept of climate justice. Nonetheless, there was strong support for principles associated with it: 78% of respondents agreed that poorer populations suffer more from the effects of climate change, and that these communities should have a greater role in climate-related decision-making. Additionally, 70% recognized capitalism and colonialism as underlying factors of the climate crisis.

Dr. Charles Ogunbode, Assistant Professor in Applied Psychology at the University of Nottingham, who led the research, noted the irony that climate discourse often focuses on affluent regions. “Citizens of frontline, climate-vulnerable countries, are largely confined to being the subjects of climate discourse, as opposed to active participants,” he said. “The unbalanced discourse matches the inequalities that characterise climate change itself.”

He emphasized the need for more inclusive discussions, aligning with the study’s finding that public understanding of climate justice remains limited.

This research is the first to explore public perceptions of climate justice outside Europe and North America. The findings suggest that while many people may not be familiar with the term itself, they recognize the unequal impacts of climate change and support fairer, more just responses to the crisis.

Dr. Ogunbode expressed hope that climate advocates will use this data to push for more equitable climate policies: “By revealing the wide endorsement of climate justice principles around the world, we hope that climate advocates will leverage our research to further pressurise policymakers and leaders to enact just responses to the climate crisis.”

The study offers a clearer picture of global attitudes toward climate justice, underscoring the potential to improve public understanding and communication. As the world faces increasing climate challenges, ensuring that affected communities have a stronger voice in policy decisions may be key to achieving fair and effective climate solutions.

Journal Reference:
Ogunbode, C.A., Doran, R., Ayanian, A.H. et al. ‘Climate justice beliefs related to climate action and policy support around the world’, Nature Climate Change (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-024-02168-y

Article Source:
Press Release/Material by University of Nottingham
Featured image credit: Freepik

Healthy diets, key to sustainable food system in China
Image of a supermarket (v. food system)
Healthy diets, key to sustainable food system in ChinaClimate

Healthy diets, key to sustainable food system in China

A study published in Nature Food reveals that China's current food system trajectory does not align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Using…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskJanuary 22, 2025 Full article
Seaweed supplement slashes methane emissions in grazing cattle by nearly 40%
Image: Cows
Seaweed supplement slashes methane emissions in grazing cattle by nearly 40%Climate

Seaweed supplement slashes methane emissions in grazing cattle by nearly 40%

In an important milestone for sustainable livestock farming, researchers at the University of California, Davis, have shown that feeding grazing beef cattle a seaweed supplement…
Muser NewsDeskMuser NewsDeskDecember 3, 2024 Full article
Methane’s complex role in future ozone recovery
Image: Earth (s. ozone, climate)
Methane’s complex role in future ozone recoveryClimate

Methane’s complex role in future ozone recovery

New study highlights dual role of methane in future ozone layer recovery Summary: A new study published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences explores the intricate…
SourceSourceMarch 9, 2025 Full article