About a quarter of adults believe climate change is not caused by human activity, labeling it as a natural fluctuation. This view marks a five-point rise over three years, according to Ipsos, who surveyed 24,001 adults across five continents from August 30 to September 26, 2022. Meanwhile, belief in human-caused warming remained high at 63%, slipping six points in the same period.
This report is the fourth edition of Ipsos’ Global Barometer of Climate Change Perceptions, prepared for EDF. Globally, the top public concern centers on inflation and the rising cost of living, with 62% reporting a ten-point increase from the previous year. Poverty and inequality follow (46%), and the health system ranks third (42%).
The environment sits in fourth place with an average concern level of 40%. Seven in ten respondents expressed worry about environmental issues, though this figure showed a slight decline of one point.
The barometer also highlights growing doubt about personal responsibility for climate action, with a shift toward viewing governments and corporations as primary drivers of change. In recent years, the sense of individual obligation has fallen by seven points since 2020, and the perception that personal lifestyle changes are necessary dropped by three points, even though half of the global population believes people should modify their behavior to reduce their environmental footprint.
But sustainable practices are on the rise
Individual transportation choices show notable improvement. Sixty-one percent of people say they avoid using their car at least occasionally, up from 49% in 2019. The proportion avoiding air travel rose from 41% to 52%, and the use of renewable energy for heating reached 44%
On consumption, 57% of respondents report avoiding products from distant locations, a five-point increase. Meat consumption remains a significant climate factor, with no clear decline, while public understanding underestimates the emissions from agriculture and digital technology.
Maria Villar, the head of Sustainability and ESG in Spain for Ipsos, explains that meeting basic needs remains a key concern, with climate change and environmental issues staying among the top worries for individuals today. He notes that data underscore the importance of how companies position themselves, broaden their outreach, and take action in line with customer expectations.
He adds that results align with the idea that firms enabling sustainable choices without making daily tasks more burdensome will be rewarded.
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The environment department notes that ongoing data collection continues to shape policy conversations and corporate strategies alike.