Developing countries demand green initiatives

Op Ed: Green economy polling gives hope for green and fair transitions | 11/12/24

A recent survey conducted by the Green Economy Coalition (GEC) in collaboration with polling firm Savanta shows that seven in ten individuals worldwide prioritize environmental protection over economic growth. This finding challenges widely held beliefs, as the demand for green initiatives is notably more pronounced in developing countries compared to their wealthier counterparts. The survey engaged over 10,000 respondents across ten nations—Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, South Africa, and Turkey—and demonstrated robust public support for environmental protection in each of these countries.

In this context and as the year comes to end, Jean McLean, GEC Convenor interim, shares her thoughts and reflects on significant trends shaping global politics and economics as this global survey on citizen attitudes, presenting a more nuanced and optimistic perspective for a green and equitable transition.

The GEC is the world’s largest alliance for green and fair economies and also a PAGE’s action partner. It brings together multilateral agencies, civil society organizations, businesses, think tanks, youth, and citizen movements to foster collaboration and drive impactful change.

Green economy polling gives hope for green and fair transitions

As 2024 comes to a close, we at the Green Economy Coalition have been reflecting on a couple of important trends that have shaping global politics and economics over the past 12 months: fragmentation of the political centre, the curse of incumbency, greater economic and social volatility, and ever-increasing polarisation of the electorate.

But this gloomy picture isn’t the whole story. In fact, there’s another narrative emerging, thanks to our just-launched global survey on citizen attitudes – one which paints a much more nuanced and hopeful picture for a green and fair transition.

People value the environment more than simple economic growth

Our research – conducted in partnership with the respected polling firm Savanta, and fielding more than ten thousand responses across ten countries – found that, globally, seven in ten people would prioritise environmental protection over economic growth.

Contrary to many established narratives, demand for green action is considerably stronger in poorer countries than wealthier ones.

The survey polled citizens from all demographics and walks of life across Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, South Africa, and Turkey, and found growing concern around the future, but also ambition for resolute action. These results suggest that the citizens of less developed countries aren’t just ready to participate in environmental action – they want to set the agenda for systemic change .

These results also challenge the idea that environmental protection is a luxury only developed nations can afford. Instead, we see people in emerging economies demanding a different approach to development, one that recognises that environmental sustainability is critical for long-term economic prosperity.

Emerging economies leading the way

Leadership on balancing environmental stewardship and economic development can be found in emerging economies, as well as the strongest commitment to this more inclusive economic vision.

Demand for environmental protection is strongest in emerging economies compared with richer Western nations, with public support highest in Turkey (91%), Nigeria (89%) and South Africa (88%).
Middle-aged respondents (aged 45-64) are the group most willing to make changes to their lifestyle in order to achieve sustainability, with 62% responding positively.

An overwhelming majority of respondents (77%) are either “very” or “extremely” concerned about the impact of current environmental policies on future generations – and again, this concern is significantly higher in less-developed countries like Nigeria (88%) compared with richer nations such as Australia (50%).

Demand for more inclusive policies and government action

We can see indicators that people are up for more transformative policies than are being offered by our politicians.

Lack of government support is the leading factor preventing respondents from making better choices for the environment – demonstrating an appetite for stricter regulations around industrial pollution, waste management, and investment in clean energy.
This lack of government support is much more keenly felt in emerging economies like Nigeria (65%) and Peru (61%) than developed ones like Australia (34%).

Furthermore, a ranking of expressed preferences between the 10 countries surveyed showed that – contrary to received wisdom, the citizens of less developed countries like China, Nigeria and Indonesia are in fact far more willing to accept higher costs in return for securing environmental action. The citizens of less developed countries aren’t just ready to participate in environmental action – they want to set the agenda for systemic change. In fact, the richest economy of those surveyed – Australia – was consistently the lowest performing respondent group across metrics of green demand and economic trade-offs.

Indonesia credit Jorge Franganillo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/

Despite the strong public support for environmental action, there is a notable split in trust towards political leaders’ ability to ensure a sustainable future. [...] This underscores the need for stronger civil society mobilisation, public engagement in environmental leadership to incentivise proactive positive government policies then benefit people and the planet.

Generations Green

The survey, which was conducted between October and November 2024, reveals a dynamic shift in environmental leadership. The results also lay out generational dynamics which play a significant role in shaping environmental engagement.

Younger generations are the most likely to be actively seeking green jobs, the most likely to support renewable energy investments, and are more supportive of higher taxes to fund environmental protection. On the other hand, those aged 65+ are the most supportive of reducing pollution, providing affordable clean energy, and addressing intergenerational imbalances. There is potential for a complimentary cross generational partnership here to drive ambition towards a green and fair low carbon economy.

Trust in the future

Despite the strong public support for environmental action, there is a notable split in trust towards political leaders’ ability to ensure a sustainable future. While China shows remarkably high trust levels (83%), countries like Peru (23%), Australia (27%), and South Africa (28%) exhibit significant scepticism. This underscores the need for stronger civil society mobilisation, public engagement in environmental leadership to incentivise proactive positive government policies then benefit people and the planet.

An opinion piece by Jean McLean, Green Economy Coalition’s Convenor interim