A new study published by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) this Thursday (20th) highlights significant global support for government actions against climate change. This unprecedented survey is the largest of its kind, encompassing 75,000 respondents across various countries.
According to the UNDP, 80% of respondents expressed a desire for their governments to take more decisive action to address the climate crisis. In Brazil, this figure was even higher, reaching 85%, positioning the country as one of the most supportive of environmental initiatives among the world’s heavily polluting nations.
Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP, emphasized the importance of the survey results and highlighted the surprisingly high level of global consensus. He urged leaders and policymakers to pay particular attention to this data as countries prepare for new commitments in the fight against climate change.
The survey not only reveals a perceived urgency in addressing climate change but also shows strong public support for implementing concrete and effective measures in this regard.
Additionally, the survey found broad support for transitioning to renewable energy, emphasizing the need to phase out fossil fuels and increase the use of renewable energy sources. Globally, 72% of respondents advocated for a rapid transition to renewable energy. This support remains consistent even in the ten countries with the highest production of oil, coal, or gas.

Surprisingly, only 7% of participants believe their country should not undertake any energy transition.
Cassie Flynn, Global Director for Climate Change at the UNDP, commented on the significance of these findings, stating: “These results are undeniable evidence that people around the world support bold climate action. The ‘People’s Climate Vote’ survey gave people everywhere a voice—including those who are traditionally hard to reach. For example, in nine of the 77 countries studied, individuals were asked about climate change issues for the first time. The next two years present us as an international community with one of the best opportunities to ensure that global warming stays below 1.5°C. We are ready.”
This survey underscores not only the urgency in addressing climate change but also the strong public support for a swift and effective transition to sustainable energy sources. With widespread public backing, governments have a unique opportunity to implement measures that can mitigate the effects of climate change and promote a more sustainable future.
Moreover, the survey identified a growing phenomenon known as “climate anxiety,” where citizens regularly reflect on the impacts of global climate change on their daily lives. Globally, 56% of respondents reported thinking about this at least once a week.
In less developed countries, this concern is even more pronounced, with six out of ten residents in these regions thinking daily about the consequences of the climate emergency. These individuals live in areas most vulnerable to extreme weather events exacerbated by global warming.
The survey was conducted in collaboration between the UNDP, the University of Oxford, and GeoPoll, surveying 75,000 people in 87 different languages. The margin of error varied by region, ranging from less than 1 percentage point to 3 percentage points.
These results not only highlight the extent of support for climate action but also the deep awareness and significant concern worldwide about the immediate impacts of climate change on people’s daily lives, especially in the most vulnerable areas.
The findings of the survey published by the UNDP clearly demonstrate global support for climate protection measures and a growing concern about the effects of global warming. With 80% of respondents worldwide and 85% of respondents in Brazil calling for more vigorous action against the climate crisis, there is strong consensus on the need for stricter environmental policies.
Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP, emphasized the importance of this data as a call to action for leaders and policymakers around the world. It is crucial that we seize this moment of global consensus to promote significant commitments to reduce emissions and to implement clean energy sources.
Furthermore, the survey highlighted the increasing concern about the impacts of climate change, with more than half of the respondents regularly contemplating the issue. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in less developed countries, where communities face immediate challenges from extreme weather events.
As a global community, we face a decisive opportunity to mitigate the impacts of climate change and foster a sustainable future for all. International cooperation and the implementation of effective policies are essential to achieving the goals set out in the Paris Agreement and ensuring a world where global warming is kept to safe levels.
Thus, it is imperative that we continue to act decisively and swiftly, harnessing the positive momentum of this survey to create a safer and more resilient future for generations to come.
Climate change is one of the greatest global threats facing humanity today, with devastating effects on all aspects of life on Earth. These challenges are diverse and widespread, ranging from changes in climate patterns to direct consequences for ecosystems, economies, and societies:
The primary indicator of climate change is the rise in average global temperatures. Since the onset of the industrial revolution, human activities have significantly increased the concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrogen oxides (NOx), enhancing the greenhouse effect and warming the planet.
Global warming leads to accelerated melting of glaciers and polar ice, causing sea levels to rise. This threatens coastal communities and low-lying islands, as well as sensitive ecosystems like polar regions.
The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as storms, hurricanes, droughts, and heatwaves, are increasing due to climate change. These events can cause significant economic damage, loss of life, and displacement of communities.
Changes in climate patterns affect the geographical distribution of species and can lead to the extinction of plants and animals that cannot adapt quickly enough. This endangers biodiversity and the essential ecosystem services vital for sustaining life on Earth.
Alterations in rainfall and temperature patterns threaten agricultural production and freshwater availability, jeopardizing food and water security for millions of people worldwide, particularly in already vulnerable regions.
Climate change also has direct implications for human health by increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke and cardiovascular diseases, and expanding the spread of tropical disease vectors, such as mosquitoes that transmit malaria and dengue fever.
The economic impacts of climate change are substantial, with losses in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and infrastructure. Additionally, the poorest and most marginalized communities are often the most affected, exacerbating social and economic inequalities.
Addressing the challenges of climate change requires urgent and coordinated action at the global, national, and local levels. It is essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the already unavoidable impacts, and strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities. Transitioning to a low-carbon economy and adopting sustainable practices are crucial to mitigating the worst predicted scenarios and ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for all.