According to a United Nations survey, four out of five people want their countries to intensify efforts in combating climate change. This survey is noted as the largest of its kind on the topic.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) released the survey results on Thursday, revealing that the majority in 62 out of 77 countries surveyed support a swift transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

Nations including the top greenhouse gas emitters, like China with 80 percent support and the United States with 54 percent, favor this shift. However, in Russia, only 16 percent expressed approval.

Global Support for Climate Action

“As global leaders determine the next set of pledges for the Paris Agreement by 2025, these findings clearly show that people worldwide advocate for significant climate action,” stated Cassie Flynn, UNDP global climate director.

The survey, conducted in partnership with Oxford University and GeoPoll, involved 15 questions administered through random telephone calls to 75,000 people across 77 countries, representing 87 percent of the global population – making it the largest survey of its kind.

Overall, 80 percent of surveyed individuals demand stronger commitments to tackling climate change, with this figure climbing to 89 percent in less affluent countries bearing the severe impacts of climate change.

In poorer regions like Fiji, 80 percent of people are more worried about climate change compared to last year, followed closely by Afghanistan (78 percent) and Turkey (77 percent). Contrarily, in Saudi Arabia, only 25 percent have shown a heightened concern.

The survey highlights that 56 percent of respondents think about climate change at least weekly. Over half claimed to be more concerned about climate change this year compared to last, while 15 percent felt less worried.

Climate change influences major life decisions for many, with 69 percent indicating that global warming had impacted choices regarding residence, employment, and purchases.

However, Achim Steiner, head of the UNDP, explained that these concerns do not necessarily drive voting or consumer behavior.

He referred to a "perception gap" in climate actions, summarizing people's attitudes as: "I am willing to do more, but others won’t, so I’m reluctant to act."