The success of climate policies depends on many factors, such as international cooperation, citizen support, state regulations, climate-friendly investments and the agency of the global business community. In the light of these ambitions, it is crucial to more deeply understand citizen support for financing the green transition. This is why Glocalities and Global Citizen conducted research in France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA among a representative sample of 5,221 citizens aged 18-70 years.
KEY FINDINGS FROM THE SURVEY
- 69% of respondents believe countries with the highest greenhouse gas emissions should pay more to finance the green transition.
- 65% support the idea that highly polluting industries, such as the fossil fuel sector, should be subject to special levies or taxes.
- 53% believe that wealthier governments should allocate additional funds to support poorer countries in their climate efforts.
- ‘Polluters Must Pay’ principle resonates, garnering broad support across the political spectrum, with both Democrats (77%) and Republicans (55%) in the US agreeing that countries that emit the most should pay more to fund the green transition.
The new study on the clean energy transition, underscores the broad consensus that those responsible for the most pollution should compensate for the environmental damage they cause. The research also reveals significant opportunities to build broad coalitions across countries to finance a sustainable future.
Opportunity for Coalition-Building Based on the Findings that ‘Polluters Must Pay’
The research findings offer a clear pathway for governments and organizations to foster greater international cooperation. The majority in all five countries surveyed believe that the highest emitters should assume more responsibility in financing the transition to clean energy.
Economic Competitiveness and Climate Action: A Shared Path Forward
The study also highlights a key strategy for broadening public support for climate action—by framing and further developing the green transition as a driver of economic competitiveness. Citizens positioned more moderately or conservatively on the political spectrum are more likely to support climate financing policies when they are presented in terms of economic benefits, job creation, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Communicating the benefits of the green transition in economic terms will help prevent backlash and reduce political polarization on the topic of climate action.
Call for Global Cooperation and Leadership
As the world struggles with the need for urgent climate action, this study highlights the need and potential for the development of broad proactive government coalitions that bring together diverse political and social groups to finance the green transition based on value-driven leadership, trust, and collective responsibility to foster collaboration.
FULL REPORT AND DETAILS
The full report can be downloaded for free by filling out the form at the side of this page.
Learn more about:
- Views on financing the green transition per country
- How political preferences influence citizen attitudes
- Understanding and connecting with citizens
- How to foster support for climate financing across the spectrum
About the survey
The survey was conducted in the US, UK, Italy, France and Germany among 5,221 respondents between 22 February and 24 March 2024. Quotas were set beforehand, and the datasets were weighed according to national census data. The survey samples were weighed to be representative for the populations of 18 to 70 years old with respect to age, gender, region and education
About Glocalities
Glocalities is an Amsterdam-based international research agency that specializes in global insights based on values, culture and psychology. The Glocalities research program, which started in 2014, now covers more than 35 countries. NGOs, companies and the public sector use Glocalities insights to connect with audiences, based on a deep understanding of trends, people and cultures. In the international Glocalities surveys we have incorporated several research instruments that provide a deeper understanding of people, such as values segments, universal archetypes and trends. These instruments make it possible to obtain a holistic view of groups of citizens and gain deeper knowledge of their drivers, aspirations and behaviors. Free reports on a multitude of topics such as the transition to a more sustainable future are available on our website. For more information, visit www.glocalities.com
About Global Citizen
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at www.globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
Would you like to know more?
For more information about the study, please contact Martijn Lampert.
