According to a United Nations survey, many people worldwide are calling for accelerated efforts to combat climate change.
The poll, touted as the largest of its kind, was unveiled by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) on Thursday, June 20.
The survey results indicate that the majority of participants from 62 out of the 77 countries surveyed advocate for a swift transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
This sentiment is strong in some of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters, with 80 percent support in China and 54 percent in the United States.
However, the enthusiasm is markedly lower in Russia, where only 16 percent favor the shift.
“As world leaders decide on the next round of pledges under the Paris Agreement by 2025, these results are undeniable evidence that people everywhere support bold climate action,” stated Cassie Flynn, the UNDP’s global climate director.
The survey conducted in collaboration with Oxford University and GeoPoll reached 75,000 individuals across 77 countries via randomized telephone calls.
These countries represent 87 percent of the global population, making this the most comprehensive poll on climate change to date.
An overwhelming 80 percent of respondents expressed a desire for stronger commitments to address climate issues, with the demand for action peaking at 89 percent in poorer nations that are most vulnerable to climate change.
Climate anxiety is notably high in countries such as Fiji, where 80 percent of respondents reported increased concern over the past year.
Afghanistan and Turkey followed closely with 78 percent and 77 percent, respectively. Conversely, Saudi Arabia saw the least increase in climate-related fears, with only 25 percent more concerned than before.
The survey also revealed that 56 percent of people think about climate change at least once a week.
More than half of those surveyed are more worried about climate change now compared to last year, whereas only 15 percent reported being less concerned.
The impact of climate change is also influencing personal decisions, with 69 percent of respondents acknowledging that global warming has affected significant life choices such as where to live, work, and what to purchase.
Despite these concerns, Achim Steiner, head of the UNDP, highlighted a disconnect between awareness and action. He described this “perception gap,” saying, “I would do more. But the others won’t. So I will not do anything.”
Fossil Fuel Usage On The Rise
Moreover, this survey comes amid reports that global fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions hit record highs last year.
According to the Statistical Review of World Energy report released on Thursday, fossil fuel consumption rose by 1.5 percent and emissions increased by 2.1 percent compared to 2022.
Despite this, renewable energy sources contributed more to the global energy mix than ever before, with their share rising to 14.6 percent.
Nick Wayth, CEO of the Energy Institute, commented on the findings, noting that while fossil fuel demand is peaking in advanced economies, growth continues in emerging markets due to economic development and improvements in quality of life.
“The progress of the transition is slow, but the big picture masks diverse energy stories playing out across different geographies.”
Nick Wayth
The report also highlighted regional disparities in energy consumption. The Global South accounted for 56 percent of total energy use, growing at twice the rate of the global average.
China emerged as the largest consumer of coal, responsible for 56 percent of global consumption, while India’s coal use surpassed that of Europe and North America combined for the first time.
Conversely, coal consumption in Europe and North America has fallen to its lowest levels since 1965, with the United States experiencing a 17 percent drop over the past decade.
China and India also saw significant increases in natural gas usage, with consumption rising by 7 percent.
Meanwhile, European demand fell by 7 percent, keeping global consumption relatively stable. China led the adoption of renewable energy, accounting for 63 percent of new global wind and solar capacity.
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