While the majority of the world’s population is deeply concerned about climate change, many remain silent. Why? Because they think they are the only ones.
This is according to a large-scale, global study by Oxford University and the United Nations, published in The Guardian. The study – the largest ever in this field – surveyed more than 130.000 people in 125 countries. The result? A whopping 89% of people think their government should do more about climate change.
At the same time, a majority of respondents believe that their fellow citizens do not share the same concerns. This paradoxical observation creates what social psychologists call a “spiral of silence”: because people believe that their opinions are unpopular, they express them less often. This reinforces the impression that there is little support, while the opposite is true.
Climate action: broadly supported, but poorly visible
Not only do people think governments should do more, but willingness to act is high: nearly 70% of respondents globally say they would be willing to spend 1% of their income on climate action. But again, many think others would not do so.
According to the researchers, it is crucial to correct this misconception. When people realize that they are not alone, they feel empowered to speak out, vote for climate-sensitive parties or engage in other ways for change. Even small signals – such as public expressions of support – can make a big psychological difference.
The Dutch context: space for open discussion
In the Netherlands, the climate debate is sometimes fierce, especially around topics such as nuclear energy, windmills and biomass. But this research shows that the support for climate action is much greater than is often thought. The lack of visibility of that support is the problem, not the support itself.
For everyone who is committed to a more sustainable society – from policymakers to energy cooperatives and sustainable entrepreneurs – there is a clear task here: make the support visible. Open conversations, honest communication and shared values can help break the silence and make the public debate less polarized.
Because the climate crisis demands collective action. And that starts with the realization that we already possess that collectiveness.
