Climate change biggest threat, but few willing to change lifestyle: Survey

Over 60% people in
10 relatively developed countries of the world believe climate change is the
biggest environmental threat to humanity, but nearly half (46%) of them say that
there was no real need for them to change their personal habits to protect the
environment. The numbers are from a survey carried out in September and
published to coincide with COP26 — the United Nations Climate Change
Conference.

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The survey, which covered
UK, US, France and Germany, observed that the widespread awareness of the
importance of the climate crisis illustrated in the study has “yet to be
coupled with a proportionate willingness to act”.

The survey
contains a double lesson for governments, said Emmanuel Riviere, director of
international polling at Kantar Public, to the Guardian. First, they have to
measure up to people’s expectations; but they also have to persuade people of
the solutions and “how we can fairly share responsibility for them.”

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According to the
survey, people generally saw themselves more committed to the environment than
their local community or any institution. Thirty-six per cent of respondents said
they felt they were “highly committed” to saving the environment. However, 21%
respondents had the same opinion of the media and only 19% of the local
government.

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An overwhelmingly
large number, 76%, said they would accept stricter environmental rules and
regulations and 74% said they are already proud of what they are doing for the
planet.

The solutions to
climate change also don’t seem resolved in the public imagination as 72% people
polled that they do not think there is agreement among experts on the best
solutions to preserve the planet.

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Resources to fight
climate change was also among priorities. A total of 69% respondents said they
needed more resources and equipment from public authorities and 60% said they
cannot financially afford to make all efforts necessary to fight climate change.
Fifty-five per cent respondents said they lack the information and guidance on
what to do to save the planet.