A landmark global survey, UNDP’s Peoples’ Climate Vote 2024, reveals widespread public concern over climate change and strong demand for government action. Conducted across 77 countries and covering 87% of the world’s population, the survey found that 80% of respondents want their governments to take stronger climate action. Compared to last year, 53% of participants reported increased worry about climate change, while 15% felt less concerned.
The survey highlights rising concern in Least Developed Countries (LDCs), where 59% of respondents reported heightened worry, compared with 50% in G20 nations. Countries with the largest increases in concern include Fiji (80%), Afghanistan (78%), Mexico (77%), and Türkiye (77%), while Saudi Arabia saw the highest share of people becoming less worried (53%). Women generally expressed more concern than men, with 55% reporting increased worry compared to 51% of men.
Climate change is increasingly shaping daily thoughts and major life decisions. More than half of respondents (56%) said they think about climate change every day or every week. Extreme weather and environmental impacts are influencing choices about where people live, work, and what they buy, with 33% stating climate change significantly affects their major decisions. The effect is especially pronounced in LDCs, reaching 74%, and is highest in Afghanistan (94%) and Niger (88%).
The survey also emphasizes strong public support for transitioning away from fossil fuels. Türkiye, Nigeria, and Italy lead with 89% of respondents favoring rapid transition, while countries like Uganda (33%) and Madagascar (34%) show more cautious attitudes. Across all countries, the call for stronger government commitments remains high, with 89% in LDCs and 76% in G20 nations advocating for accelerated climate action.
These findings underscore growing global awareness and urgency around climate change, highlighting the need for governments to respond to public demand with policies that protect communities, promote sustainability, and enable a rapid transition to low-carbon economies. UNDP provides an interactive platform allowing users to explore detailed results for each country, reinforcing transparency and engagement in climate policymaking.
