## Public Perceptions of Climate Policies: Evidence from Cross-Country Surveys

_IMF News, February 9, 2023_

## Source details

**Canonical URL:** [Public Perceptions of Climate Policies: Evidence from Cross-Country Surveys](https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2023/02/09/sp020923-public-perceptions-of-climate-policies)

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- [Markdown version](/en/news/articles/2023/02/09/sp020923-public-perceptions-of-climate-policies/index.md)
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## Bibliographic details
- Published: February 9, 2023

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### Context and scope
- Introductory remarks by IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li at the launch of the new IMF Staff Discussion Note titled "Public Perceptions of Climate Mitigation Policies: Evidence from Cross-Country Surveys".
- As prepared for delivery on February 9, 2023.
- Survey coverage: almost 30 thousand individuals across four continents, covering 28 countries—including 11 in Asia.
- Survey sample spans some of the largest emitters as well as those most vulnerable to climate shocks.

### Major findings
- Perceived urgency and priority
  - An overwhelming majority of the public views climate change as an immediate threat.
  - Many people report they are already personally affected by climate change, including in the Asia and Pacific region.
  - A majority recognizes that reducing emissions is a top priority.
- International cooperation
  - Across all countries, a majority of people believe that tackling climate change is a common goal that can only be achieved if all countries work together.
- Knowledge and awareness gaps
  - Large shares of the population in many countries are unaware of their national commitments to cut emissions.
  - The survey shows big gaps in the public’s knowledge and support for key policies.
- Distribution of responsibility
  - In both advanced economies and emerging markets, most people think that all countries should pay.

### Policy implications and recommendations
- Communication and transparency
  - Clear and transparent communication is identified as the top action governments can take to bridge knowledge gaps and build support for policies.
- Targeting vulnerable groups and co-benefits
  - People are more likely to support policies that protect economically vulnerable groups.
  - Emphasizing positive spillovers—such as better air quality—can increase public support for climate policies.
- Multilateral approaches
  - Public support for collective action underscores the importance of joint measures across borders to address the shared challenge.

### Purpose and intended use
- The study aims to help governments increase support for strong climate action, including joint measures across borders, to close the gap toward keeping global warming below 1.5 to 2 degrees compared with pre-industrial times.

*Introductory Remarks by IMF Deputy Managing Director Bo Li at the launch of the new IMF Staff Discussion Note — February 9, 2023.*

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## References

- [Paper: Public Perceptions of Climate Mitigation Policies: Evidence from Cross-Country Surveys](https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/Staff-Discussion-Notes/Issues/2023/02/07/Public-Perceptions-of-Climate-Mitigation-Policies-Evidence-from-Cross-Country-Surveys-528057)
- [Blog: Support for Climate Action Hinges on Public Understanding of Policy](https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2023/02/09/support-for-climate-action-hinges-on-public-understanding-of-policy)
- [Bo Li](https://www.imf.org/en/About/senior-officials/Bios/bo-li)
- [Singapore and the IMF](http://www.imf.org/external/country/SGP/index.htm)
- [Speeches](https://www.imf.org/en/news/searchnews)
- [PRESS CENTER](http://presscenter.imf.org/)
- [https://www.imf.org/en/home](https://www.imf.org/en/home)

_Source: https://www.imf.org/en/news/articles/2023/02/09/sp020923-public-perceptions-of-climate-policies_