Global South Exhibits More Optimism on Climate Change Than Europe

A global survey finds that countries in the Global South exhibit more hope regarding climate change than European nations. Among the most hopeful countries are developing economies, while Europeans show lower hope levels. Key emotions—hope and fear—play a crucial role in support for climate interventions, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives in climate action strategies.

A global survey involving over 30,000 individuals across 30 nations has uncovered the varying emotional responses to climate change and their relationship to support for interventions. The research, led by Aarhus University and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, examined responses in 19 languages from August to December 2022 and was published in the journal Risk Analysis.

The study focused on five predominant climate emotions: fear, hope, anger, sadness, and worry. An analysis revealed that 11 out of the 12 most hopeful countries were developing economies from the Global South, such as Nigeria, India, and Indonesia, with the United States being the only Global North nation. Conversely, European nations, including Germany and Sweden, showed lower levels of hope despite experiencing fewer climate disasters.

Countries in Southern Europe exhibited heightened anger and sadness regarding climate change, with Brazil reporting the highest levels of fear and worry. The study also aimed to understand how climate emotions correlate with public support for climate interventions like solar radiation modification (SRM) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Dr. Chad M. Baum emphasized the growing recognition of climate interventions in light of more frequent climate disasters.

The research indicated that hope was a significant factor in supporting climate intervention technologies, with respondents from the Global South expressing this sentiment most strongly. Fear was also linked positively to support for these interventions, albeit less significantly than hope and worry. Dr. Baum cautioned that neglecting diverse viewpoints from the Global South could have crucial implications for addressing climate change effectively.

The study underscores the differing emotional landscapes regarding climate change across the globe, highlighting that countries in the Global South express more hope than their European counterparts. This hope significantly influences support for climate intervention technologies. In light of increasing climate disasters and the urgency for action, recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives from all regions is essential for successful climate action.

Original Source: www.technologynetworks.com