A survey by the European Investment Bank (EIB) found that citizens in Europe, the United States, Japan and China believe their countries should compensate poorer nations to help them deal with the impact of climate change.
The fifth annual climate survey, conducted by the bank, polled more than 30,000 people and revealed a global consensus to finance the fight against climate change, even if this means increasing taxes and ending fossil fuel subsidies.
However, concerns about the economic impact of climate action still prevail around the world. The majority of respondents said the transition to a low-carbon economy will only be successful if it also tackles inequalities.
“The EIB’s latest Climate Survey highlights people’s deep understanding of climate change and their commitment to tackling it head-on,” said the bank’s vice-president, Ambroise Fayolle.
“They recognize that a successful transition to a carbon neutral world must be accompanied by tackling social and economic inequalities, domestically and globally.”
Climate finance for adaptation and loss and damage will be a central issue at COP28, which begins in Dubai on Thursday (30).
More than 60% of respondents in the European Union and the United States agreed that their countries should provide resources for this, reported the EIB, the European Union’s credit arm.
While China still considers itself a developing country and believes industrialized nations should provide the majority of climate finance, nearly three-quarters of those surveyed in the country say China, the world’s biggest carbon polluter, should also contribute.
Interviewees from all over the planet ranked climate change as one of the world’s three biggest challenges, alongside the rising cost of living and economic inequality.
The survey also revealed strong global support for ending subsidies and tax breaks for fossil fuels, something that should be another important topic at COP28.
In India and China, the two largest providers of fossil fuel subsidies, more than 90% of respondents agree that such incentives should be eliminated.
In the USA, Europe and Japan, around three-quarters of the sample had the same positioning.
Source: CNN Brasil
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