In the wake of unprecedented global heatwaves and escalating climate impacts, a groundbreaking global survey conducted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with the University of Oxford has unveiled a profound shift in public sentiment towards climate change. Published last week, the second edition of the People’s Climate Vote engaged over 73,000 individuals across 77 countries, representing an astounding 87% of the world’s population.

The survey, conducted in 87 languages and spanning diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds, underscores a resounding global concern regarding the imminent threats posed by climate change. An overwhelming majority expressed fears over its potential impacts on livelihoods and mental health. This heightened anxiety is mirrored in the survey’s findings, where 80% of respondents indicated a strong desire for their respective governments to intensify efforts in combating climate change.

Amidst these findings, a striking consensus emerges: citizens across the globe are demanding more ambitious action from their leaders. The sentiment is particularly pronounced in vulnerable regions, with 89% of respondents from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) urging their governments to bolster commitments to tackle the climate crisis. Despite contributing the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, these nations often bear the brunt of climate-related disasters, underscoring the urgent need for equitable global responses.

One of the survey’s most compelling revelations is the widespread call for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources. A staggering 72% of participants advocated for this shift, with significant support observed even in countries traditionally reliant on fossil fuel extraction and consumption. This growing consensus highlights a global awareness of the detrimental impact of fossil fuels, which remain the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis.

The urgency of these demands is further underscored by recent climatological data. Temperature records continue to be shattered, with May marking the highest temperatures ever recorded for that month. This trend of consecutive record-breaking temperatures follows 2023, which was noted as the hottest year in recorded history. Such alarming statistics serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating pace of climate change, far outstripping earlier predictions by climate scientists.

In response to the escalating climate impacts, nearly 78% of survey participants emphasized the need for enhanced protections against extreme weather events. From devastating heatwaves and prolonged droughts to catastrophic floods and powerful tropical cyclones, these events have become increasingly frequent and severe, posing grave risks to communities worldwide. The demand for comprehensive climate resilience measures is echoed in the survey’s findings, with an overwhelming 81% calling for intensified action to safeguard natural ecosystems, which play a crucial role in mitigating climate impacts.

Beyond national borders, there is a clear consensus on the need for global solidarity. A resounding 79% of respondents advocated for wealthier nations to provide substantial support to developing countries grappling with the adverse effects of climate change. This sentiment reflects a longstanding call for climate finance and compensation mechanisms to address the economic, social, and cultural losses inflicted by anthropogenic climate change, commonly referred to as “loss and damage.”

The survey’s timing is particularly poignant against the backdrop of 2024, heralded as the largest global election year in history, with over 4 billion people eligible to vote. The findings underscore a pivotal moment for political leaders and policymakers worldwide, highlighting an unprecedented mandate for decisive action on climate change.

Despite widespread public consensus, the survey also sheds light on prevailing perceptions of responsibility. A significant 43% of respondents attributed primary responsibility for addressing the climate crisis to their respective governments, ahead of big businesses, international organizations like the United Nations, and environmental activists. This sentiment reflects a growing expectation for governmental leadership in implementing transformative climate policies and initiatives.

As countries prepare to navigate the complexities of global climate negotiations, including the upcoming COP conferences, the survey serves as a critical barometer of public opinion, urging leaders to heed the overwhelming calls for action. The collective voice of 73,000 individuals across diverse backgrounds and geographies resonates with urgency, demanding nothing less than a decisive and coordinated global response to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.

The survey’s findings serve as a clarion call to policymakers and leaders worldwide, urging them to translate public sentiment into concrete policies that safeguard our planet and future generations from the ravages of climate change.