CGTN Poll: Developing countries show greater resolve in tackling climate change

A survey conducted by CGTN and Renmin University of China through the New Era Institute of International Communication (NEIIC) reveals a strong global consensus on the urgency of tackling climate change, with developing countries showing particularly high levels of resolve and commitment. 

The survey, covering 7,658 respondents across 38 countries, highlights a clear willingness among developing countries to embrace green solutions and calls for increased global cooperation to address the accelerating climate crisis.

A significant 90.3 percent of respondents said that addressing climate change is urgent and that the international community must build consensus and take more practical steps.

Severe extreme weather events, such as heat waves, hurricanes and floods, are sparking widespread concern among people worldwide. Survey results show that 90.4 percent of global respondents believe the frequency of extreme weather events has rapidly increased in recent years, 87.3 percent feel that the frequent occurrence of these events reflects a rapid deterioration in global climate, and 89.8 percent are "very concerned" or "concerned" about climate governance issues.

In the survey, 87 percent of respondents indicated that strengthening international cooperation is the key to achieving more effective global climate governance. However, the survey also revealed that compared to respondents from developed countries, those from developing countries exhibit a stronger willingness, as well as greater determination and resolve in addressing climate change issues.

The survey found that 80.8 percent of respondents from developing countries expressed a "willingness to pay extra for environmentally friendly products," which is 26.5 percentage points higher than respondents from developed countries. Additionally, 86.6 percent of developing country respondents actively embrace new energy technologies and products, 17 points higher than in developed countries. Furthermore, 96.1 percent of respondents from developing countries support accelerating the development of green industries to combat climate change, nearly 11 percentage points higher than their counterparts in developed nations.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change states that the largest share of historical and current global greenhouse gas emissions originates from developed countries, thus establishing the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" between developed and developing countries. The survey reveals that 75.3 percent of respondents believe developed countries lack sincerity and action in global climate governance, significantly slowing cooperative efforts. As much as 73.9 percent consider it irresponsible for developed countries to delay fulfilling their climate aid commitments. 

Meanwhile, 85.8 percent of respondents call for developed countries to provide crucial climate financing to support developing countries in advancing the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, 89.8 percent feel that developed countries bear essential historical and moral responsibility for human-induced climate change and urge them to show greater ambition and action on this issue.

The survey included respondents from both developed countries, such as the United States, Germany and Japan, as well as from developing countries, such as Argentina, India and Kenya.