Climate Concerns Fade Globally as Crises Mount

According to a recent survey of 40,000 people worldwide, concerns about climate change have decreased in the United States, China, and many Western countries compared to other pressing issues. As of October 2025, war, economic hardship, and disease have become more pressing overall concerns for the respondents.

While climate change worries have risen in some places, including India, Brazil, and Japan, the overall trend suggests a shift in global priorities. Subhra Bhattacharjee, director general of the Forest Stewardship Council, explains that people are "juggling multiple crises" and facing "policy uncertainty globally," which has led to a diminished sense of agency in addressing climate change.

This shift in public sentiment could undermine the prospects for coordinated international action to address rising carbon dioxide levels, even as climate campaigners and international bodies like the United Nations continue to promote solutions. The situation bolsters the case against climate action for those who have dismissed it as a "scam," like former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Bhattacharjee emphasizes the need to communicate climate change in more concrete, relatable terms that connect to people's daily lives and the tangible benefits of action. As the world prepares for the upcoming COP30 climate talks in Brazil, the challenge of maintaining public support for difficult decisions on climate change remains a significant hurdle.