Global public perception about climate change policies

What is it about?

Urgent measures are needed to mitigate the impact of global warming. Some progress has been made in terms of developing climate change policies. However, their implementation is yet to make a dent in carbon emissions. This article provides an overview of what the public thinks about climate change policies. The authors conducted surveys of 30,000 people from 28 countries. Their report describes public opinions across three main policies. These include carbon pricing, regulations, and subsidies for sustainable energy. From the surveys, the authors found that the public is worried about the impact of climate change. Many people supported global agreements. However, they were concerned about the related costs. Clear communication about the policies and their pros and cons can increase public support towards climate action. Educating them about additional policy benefits like new jobs and health outcomes can also encourage acceptance.

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Photo by Ma Ti on Unsplash

Photo by Ma Ti on Unsplash

Why is it important?

To effectively tackle global warming, there is a need to decrease greenhouse gas emissions across the world. To achieve this goal, 35 countries so far have committed to becoming carbon net zero in the next 20 years. However, there is a wide gap between the goals and the policies which need to be developed to achieve them. Public support is essential to decrease carbon emissions. For this, it is important to make the public aware of the situation and required measures. Well-informed people are more likely to accept essential changes. In addition, public support can help speed up the adoption of climate change policies. KEY TAKEAWAY: It is important to educate the public about the impact of climate change policies. Public support can help governments devise effective policies at a global level. Disclaimer - This summary was prepared by Kudos Innovations Ltd and does not necessarily represent the views of International Monetary Fund (IMF).