Is Political and Economic Transformation Needed to Face Climate Change?

Most of us have probably felt the impacts of climate change: days get hotter, the weather is unpredictable, and disasters become more severe. But do people recognize the relationship between political and economic systems and the environment? A global survey commissioned by Earth4All and the Global Commons Alliance explores people’s perceptions of political and economic transformation for environmental preservation.

People’s Perceptions

The survey was conducted by consulting firm Ipsos on 22,000 participants aged 18 to 55-75 across 22 countries, comprising 18 G20 countries and four countries outside the forum. The results of the survey offer a broad overview of how people perceive the idea of political and economic transformation in relation to the environment.

Based on the survey, only 44% of the respondents in the G20 countries recognize how economic activities can directly impact the environment. Still, there is a general agreement that economic transformation is needed. A good 68% of the survey participants in the G20 countries agreed that the economy should prioritize the health and wellbeing of people and the planet instead of only focusing on profit and wealth.

Furthermore, over half of the respondents acknowledge the high prevalence of economic inequality and how it disproportionately impacts those with poor economic conditions. These people mostly come from lower—and higher-middle-income countries. 

Support for Political and Economic Transformation

Regarding political and economic transformation, people in countries with high exposure to climate and environmental risks tend to support national and international reform. However, only 39% of the respondents in the G20 countries trusted their governments to make decisions that could benefit most people.

Over 60% of those surveyed in the G20 countries stated that their political and economic systems need complete reform or significant changes. A similar percentage of respondents agreed that global political and economic systems, including international institutions such as the United Nations, also require major changes.

Then, what transformations are supported by the people? The survey revealed that 68% of adults in 17 G20 countries support the policy proposal to impose higher taxes on wealthy people’s income and wealth. The tax revenues would then fund major economic and lifestyle changes toward environmental stewardship. Furthermore, there is also support for other forms of taxes, including higher carbon taxes and higher tax rates for large businesses.

Changing for the Better

The world is changing, and doing business as usual is no longer possible. This sentiment is echoed by the respondents of this survey, particularly those residing in countries with some of the biggest economies in the world. While many people would benefit from more information and education on the matter, some are already pressing for change. 

Owen Gaffney, co-lead of the Earth4All initiative, stated, “Our survey results provide a clear mandate from those across the G20 countries surveyed: redistribute wealth. Greater equality will build stronger democracies to drive a fair transformation for a more stable planet.”

Now more than ever, it is crucial for governments, businesses, and other people in power to take immediate action to prevent further environmental damage. Political and economic transformation must be done with the spirit of leaving no one behind to achieve the path toward sustainability in the economic, social, and environmental sectors.

Read the full report here.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

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