Global warming: 80% of people ask governments for strong measures, in the largest survey in history

Global warming was the focus of a large survey, sponsored by United Nations and developed by a team of theUniversity of Oxfordwhich involved approximately 75,000 people from 77 different countries. It is called The People’s Climate Vote 2024 and it is a gigantic job, which the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) defined «the largest public opinion poll on climate change in history». And whose results have just been made known. Well, despite the denials, the The vast majority of people are calling on their governments to take tougher measures, including rapidly abandoning fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy.

“The message is clear: 80% of respondents want their countries to strengthen commitments to address climate change,” said Achim Steiner, UNDP administrator. This sentiment is widespread globally, with 86% of respondents in Spain and Colombia in favor of tightening commitments, rising to 88% in Mexico and 83% in Argentina. The survey also shows a strong desire for international cooperation on the climate, with 86% of those interviewed in favor of collaboration between countries – despite geopolitical tensions – particularly high in the G20 countries, such as Mexico (95%), France and Italy (93%).

How the survey was conducted

The research, which began in September 2023, concluded last month and represents 87% of the world’s population. The survey was conducted by telephone, using 15 key questions, including the speed with which countries should transition from fossil to renewable energy. Results: 72% of respondents responded “quickly” or “very quickly”, while only 7% said they were against it. Surprisingly, even in the main oil, gas and coal producing countries there is a strong belief in the need for an energy transition. For example, 75% of respondents in Saudi Arabia and 54% in the United States support this change, although in Iraq and Russia, only 43% and 16% favor a rapid transition.

Climate Anxiety Around the World

The impact of global warming is felt daily: 56% of people think about this topic at least weekly, while 69% say it influences important decisions in their lives. In developing countries, this percentage rises to 74%, reflecting the greater vulnerability of these populations which is often the cause of migratory phenomena. The survey also highlights how climate change not only increases average temperatures, but also intensifies extreme weather events. 43% of respondents said they had worsened compared to the previous year, with Algeria (74%), Spain (73%) and Turkey (72%) among the countries most affected. “The results of this unprecedented survey reveal a surprising level of consensus. We urge leaders and politicians to take this into account.», concluded Achim Steiner.

What do Italians think?

And finally, here is what we feel, based on the answers provided in the survey:

• How often do you think about climate change?
  Several times a year 40%
  Weekly 31%
  Daily 24%
  Never 5%
• Compared to last year, are you more or less worried about climate change?
  More worried 65%
  About the same 33%
  Least worried 1%
• When you think about extreme weather events – such as droughts, floods, storms, and extreme heat or cold – has your community’s experience this year been…
  Worse than usual 56%
  More or less as usual 39%
  Better than usual 3%
• How concerned are you about the effects of climate change on future generations?
  Enough 41%
  Very 37%
  Extremely 16%
  Not much 5%
  Not at all 1%
• How does your country deal with climate change?
  Pretty bad 29%
  Neither good nor bad 29%
  Very bad 22%
  Fairly good 12%
  Very good 1%