A recent global survey reveals that countries in the Global South are more hopeful about climate change than European nations. Conducted by researchers from Aarhus University and IIASA, the survey indicates that individuals in developing economies largely support climate intervention technologies. Key emotions, particularly hope and fear, are significant predictors of support for these technologies, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives in climate discussions.
A global survey involving over 30,000 participants from 30 countries examined public sentiment regarding climate change and its influence on attitudes towards climate interventions. Conducted by researchers from Aarhus University and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, the survey was conducted online in multiple languages from August to December 2022. The findings are detailed in the journal Risk Analysis.
The study focused on five key “climate emotions”: fear, hope, anger, sadness, and worry, mapping their intensity across different countries. Results indicate that 11 out of the 12 most hopeful nations regarding climate change are developing or emerging economies in the Global South, such as Nigeria, Kenya, India, and Indonesia. The only exception was the United States.
In contrast, European countries like Germany, Austria, and Sweden displayed minimal hope despite experiencing less climate-related harm and fewer natural disasters. Participants from southern European nations including Spain, Italy, and Greece showed substantial anger and sadness about climate issues. Brazil was identified as the country with the highest levels of fear and worry related to climate change.
The study also delved into how climate emotions correlate with support for innovative climate intervention technologies, including solar radiation modification (SRM) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Chad M. Baum, the lead author, noted a rising interest in these technologies amid increasing climate crises and insufficient emissions reductions.
The analysis found that hope—predominant among Global South respondents—was a significant predictor of support for climate intervention strategies, particularly SRM and direct air capture. Fear also played a role but was less influential than hope and worry, indicating that a desire for protective actions can enhance support for controversial interventions, as outlined by Baum. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging diverse global perspectives on climate change and potential solutions.
This survey highlights a stark contrast in climate emotions and perceptions between the Global South and Europe. Developing nations express more hope and willingness to support climate interventions despite facing significant challenges, while European nations exhibit lower hope despite fewer climate impacts. Understanding these emotional responses is crucial for shaping effective climate policies that acknowledge global diversity.
Original Source: www.technologynetworks.com
