The United States has the most people not worried about climate change after surveying people in 31 countries. The market research company, Ipsos, asked participants how much they were worried about climate change with possible answers ranging from a great deal, a fair amount, a little or not at all, and 29 percent of U.S. participants answered “not at all.”
According to the survey, this percentage was the highest for that answer compared to all the other countries surveyed.
“People know that they have to change their behaviors in order to address climate change, but if the issue isn’t at the top of their priorities, they are unlikely to do so, unless there is an incentive that aligns with other priorities i.e. saving money, and/or being better for the lives and well-being of their families,” Pippa Bailey, director of UK climate change & sustainability practice at Ipsos, said.
While the U.S. had the highest percentage of respondents who answered “not at all,” another 28 percent said “a little,” and 38 percent said “a great deal” or “fair amount,” EcoWatch reported. Colombia had the highest percentage of participants surveyed (71 percent) to answered with either “a fair amount” or “a great deal” of concern about climate change.
“Despite 7 in 10 people being concerned about the impact of climate change on our planet, for the majority of people globally there are other issues they feel are more pressing, such as their family’s health, war, financial concerns and the ongoing pandemic,” Bailey said.
The survey collected opinions from 23,577 people ranging in age from 16 to 99 between February 18 and March 4, 2022. Out of these participants, 77 percent said the government is responsible for climate change, while 76 percent said businesses were next followed by 74 percent who said individuals.
“With 77 percent of people globally holding government to account for the issue and 76 percent saying the same about businesses, it is clear that people expect to see real change, both in public policy and the private sectors,” Bailey said.
And of the participants surveyed, 68 percent said businesses and governments need to act immediately on climate change.
“So, there are real opportunities for businesses and governments to provide additional incentives and messaging that will encourage change amongst consumers, but they must also recognize the need for change themselves.”
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