Global perception of the severity of local climate change effects 2023, by country

Opinion on climate change severity varies significantly by country, as revealed by a global survey conducted in 2023. Mexican respondents were the most concerned amongst the countries surveyed, with over 80 percent believing the effects of climate change in their local area to be severe. In contrast, only a quarter of Swedish respondents perceived a severe impact from climate change in their area.

Concerns about climate displacement

The survey also highlighted the concerns of respondents about possible displacement due to climate change. Around 68 percent of Turks expressed a fear of displacement from their homes within the next 25 years due to climate change. Around six out of 10 Brazilians felt similarly. In the past ten years, more than 200 million people have been displaced within their countries due to extreme weather conditions.

The views on future impact

Furthermore, the survey revealed varying expectations regarding the future impact of climate change. Almost 90 percent of South Korean respondents anticipated severe effects in their local area over the next ten years, while only half of Swedes shared this concern. This disparity in outlook emphasizes the importance of understanding regional differences in attitudes toward climate change and the necessity for tailored approaches to addressing this global challenge.