With 80% of people globally wanting their country to do more on climate change, the Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, the world’s largest standalone public opinion survey on climate change, reveals an urgent global demand for climate action. Surveying over 73,000 people across 77 countries, this second edition expands significantly from its 2021 predecessor, capturing the voices of 87% of the world’s population through inclusive, randomised telephone polling.
This survey comes at a critical juncture for both domestic and international climate strategies. The past year has seen unprecedented climate-related disasters, from Canada’s historic wildfires to Cyclone Freddy’s devastating impact on Mozambique and Madagascar. Every continent has been affected, exemplifying the intensifying climate crisis.
The survey’s timing is pivotal as it precedes major climate conferences, including COP29 in November 2024, where nations will discuss heightened climate ambitions and financial commitments. The survey’s insights will guide leaders as they update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for the 2025 COP30, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement.
Key findings from the survey show the growing concern among the global population about climate change. Over half (53%) of respondents reported increased worry compared to last year, with the sentiment particularly strong in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The survey highlights a pervasive awareness of climate issues, with 56% of people thinking about climate change on a daily or weekly basis.
Climate change is also influencing major life decisions for 69% of the world’s population, with extreme weather events worsening for nearly half (43%) of respondents. Despite these challenges, there is a mixed perception of national efforts on climate action. While 49% believe their countries are performing well, significant dissatisfaction remains, especially regarding big businesses' efforts, which only 39% of respondents view positively.
The urgency for stronger climate commitments is clear: 80% of people globally call for their countries to intensify their climate actions. This demand is particularly pronounced in climate-vulnerable regions and LDCs. Additionally, 72% of respondents advocate for a swift transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and 78% want more protection against extreme weather events.
There is also a strong interest in enhanced education on climate change, with 80% supporting increased climate education in schools. The survey also reveals a significant call for international cooperation, with 86% of people urging countries to set aside disagreements and collaborate on climate solutions. There is also widespread support for richer countries to aid poorer nations in addressing climate challenges, with 79% backing this sentiment.
World leaders can't ignore the People’s Climate Vote 2024, as they prepare for upcoming climate conferences and the updating of NDCs, this survey is a reminder of the urgent need for bold, collaborative efforts to combat the escalating climate crisis.
Read more about the People's Climate Vote and check out your country's result here:
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The People's Climate Vote 2024 reveals a powerful global consensus: 80% of people want their countries to take stronger action on climate change. This widespread demand for change reflects a growing awareness of the urgent need to protect our planet for future generations. It's a call to action that policymakers can't afford to ignore.
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Countries aren't doing enough to limit dangerous global warming. Countries have debated how to combat climate change since the early 1990s. These negotiations have produced several important accords, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
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Dear colleagues, many thanks for your interest and kind words. The Peoples’ Climate Vote has enlisted the voices of people everywhere – including amongst groups traditionally the most difficult to poll. 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. We hope the results of the survey are useful to all of you. We look forward to further collaboration on this, and if you have any questions for us, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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@UNDP Thank you for your dedicated efforts. It's clear that global consensus for urgent climate action is strong and widespread. Your work in capturing these voices, especially from traditionally hard-to-reach groups, is invaluable!
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It is ideal for the people to take the mantle and demand accountability from their leaders.
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@joseph_githinji Yes we can demand accountability but they need to be governed by the rules of the Law.
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it's a call for leaders to see that practical actions are taken
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This overwhelming demand for stronger environmental policies is a clear message to leaders everywhere: we need urgent and significant action now to protect our planet
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This is a big step and it will make an advantage to the entire global
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@jane_kamau_670 It will be a good step if they walk the talk.
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Great to see people's approval for their governments to do more on climate action.This is a clear authority from the givers of power, governments nolonger have excuses not to address climate change
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If we all decided to move forward as a group we would surely make a significant step ahead in ensuring that we have a great future.
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With such a clear mandate from the public, leaders must prioritize decisive actions at upcoming climate conferences and hope this momentum translates into impactful policies and real change
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@dickson_mutai Hoping they make policies and measures that can reduce carbon emissions.