Lexi Webster
Australians are divided in their views on climate change, with a range of attitudes and beliefs. While most Australians accept that climate change is occurring, there is less consensus on the urgency of the problem and its causes. Some surveys indicate that only a minority consider it a serious issue, while others suggest that over 70% of Australians are concerned about climate change and its impacts, such as natural disasters, cost-of-living pressures, and environmental damage. There is also a disconnect between Australians and scientists regarding the need for urgent action, with younger, more educated, and inner-city Australians expressing greater concern. Despite these differences, there is broad support for renewable energy and reducing emissions, with many recognising the potential economic benefits of transitioning to clean energy sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Concern about climate change | 70% of Australians are concerned about climate change and its impacts. |
| Concern about climate change cost | Three in four (75%) are concerned about more expensive insurance premiums and supply chain disruptions. |
| Top three climate change impacts of concern | More droughts and flooding affecting crop production and food supply (80%), more bushfires (79%), and the extinction of animal and plant species (79%). |
| Belief in human-caused climate change | 60% accept climate disruption is human-caused, 70% in 2022; 63% agree with the WHO that it's the greatest health threat, compared to 75% globally. |
| Support for climate action | Majority support, especially among those with natural disaster experience; support for government policies remains high. |
| Support for renewable energy transition | Strong support, but concerns about economic impacts and misinformation; support for windfall profits tax and fossil fuel export levy. |
| Understanding of climate change | Varies, with young, students, women, university-educated, and inner-urban Australians having higher levels of understanding. |
| Trust in information sources | Technical experts and academics are the most trusted sources; government and large businesses are seen as having power but performing poorly. |
| Action expectations | Australians expect government action; 45% believe fossil fuel producers should pay for response costs. |
| Climate change strategies | National Climate Resilience and Adaptation Strategy 2021-2025, Net Zero 2050 plan, Powering Australia plan, Renewable Energy Target scheme, National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting scheme, Safeguard Mechanism. |
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What You'll Learn
- Australians are concerned about climate change and its impacts, including cost-of-living pressures
- There is strong support for climate action, but economic impacts and misinformation are threats to public backing
- Australians are divided along age, education, political, and demographic lines in their views and responses to climate change
- Most Australians accept climate change is happening, but only 60% agree it is human-caused
- The Australian government has a Net Zero 2050 plan, focusing on jobs, energy bills, and emissions reduction
Australians are concerned about climate change and its impacts, including cost-of-living pressures
The impacts of climate change that Australians are most concerned about include more frequent and severe droughts, flooding, and bushfires, which can disrupt crop production and food supply chains, leading to potential increases in food prices and cost-of-living expenses. Additionally, Australians recognize the threat of climate change to the country's unique plant and animal species, with 79% expressing concern about the potential extinction of these species.
Economic concerns related to the transition to renewable energy have also influenced Australians' perspectives on climate change. While there is strong support for transitioning to renewable energy sources, there is uncertainty about the potential negative impacts on the cost of living and energy reliability. Australians want to see a clear emphasis on managing energy prices and ensuring a reliable energy supply during the transition.
The experiences of natural disasters, such as the 2022 floods, have played a significant role in shaping Australians' concerns about climate change. Those with direct exposure to natural disasters or extreme weather events exhibit higher levels of awareness, concern, and support for government action to address climate change. This suggests that personal experiences of climate impacts can influence Australians' attitudes and priorities.
Despite some skepticism and varying levels of understanding, the majority of Australians accept that climate change is occurring. However, there is a disconnect between Australians and scientists regarding the urgency of climate action, with only a minority considering it a serious problem requiring immediate attention. Nonetheless, Australians continue to demonstrate support for government policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change and transitioning to renewable energy sources.
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There is strong support for climate action, but economic impacts and misinformation are threats to public backing
Australians are highly aware of the impacts of climate change on their country, and there is a clear public expectation of government action. A majority of Australians support the transition to renewable energy and recognise the need to reduce emissions. However, there are emerging threats to public backing for this transition, mainly concerning economic impacts and misinformation.
The latest surveys reveal that Australians are concerned about the impact of climate change on the cost of living. Three-quarters of Australians are concerned about more expensive insurance premiums and supply chain disruptions, which could make it harder to buy necessities. There is also concern about the negative impacts of the transition to renewable energy on energy reliability and costs, particularly in the context of high inflation. The perceived economic benefits of the transition are unclear to many, who are unsure about the broader economic impact and the effect on jobs.
Misinformation about climate change and renewable energy is widespread and believable, complicating public understanding. Australians find it challenging to navigate conflicting opinions, and many are uncertain about the trajectory of the transition to net zero. While governments and large businesses are seen as having the most power to influence climate change, they are perceived to be performing poorly. Trust in technical experts and academics as sources of information on climate-related issues remains high.
Despite these challenges, there is still strong support for climate action in Australia. Australians have experienced extreme weather and natural disasters, prompting more urgent calls for climate action and greater support for government policies. Young, student, female, university-educated, and inner-urban Australians have relatively high levels of understanding and concern about climate change and the need for action. Overall, there is a clear recognition of the seriousness of climate change and its impacts, and a majority support following pathways to avoid the worst effects.
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Australians are divided along age, education, political, and demographic lines in their views and responses to climate change
A 2022 survey revealed that young (under 35), students, women, university-educated, and inner-urban Australians had relatively high levels of understanding and concern about climate change and the need for action. This demographic also reported high levels of exposure to extreme weather events and natural disasters, with 37% experiencing at least one such event in the previous year.
In contrast, older, less-educated, and rural Australians tend to be more sceptical about the existence and urgency of climate change. They are also less likely to support government action to address the issue. This divide is reflected in the country's politics, with conservative and far-right voters, particularly those supporting the One Nation party, being the most sceptical of any conservative or far-right voters in the world about the human causes of climate change.
While overall, Australians express support for climate action, including renewable energy and emissions reduction, there are nuances within this sentiment. For instance, while a majority (55%) support limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C, only 45% believe that fossil fuel producers should bear the costs of responding to climate change. This discrepancy highlights a reluctance to shoulder the economic burden of transitioning away from fossil fuels, which aligns with the concerns of those worried about the impact of climate action on their cost of living and energy reliability.
The impact of misinformation and conflicting opinions in the media landscape further complicates Australians' understanding of climate change. While technical experts and academics remain the most trusted sources of information, many Australians also rely on their personal observations and experiences to shape their views. This has resulted in a disconnect between Australians and scientists over the urgency of climate action, with only 60% accepting that climate disruption is primarily human-caused.
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Most Australians accept climate change is happening, but only 60% agree it is human-caused
Australians are concerned about climate change and its impacts, including its potential to compound existing cost-of-living pressures. Climate change remains at the forefront of the nation's consciousness, with over 70% of Australians expressing concern about the issue. This concern is particularly acute among those with natural disaster experience, who demonstrate disproportionately high levels of distress about climate change and are more likely to support government action and engage in pro-environmental behaviours.
However, there is a disconnect between Australians' acceptance of climate change and their recognition of its urgency. While most Australians acknowledge that climate change is occurring, only 60% accept that it is primarily human-caused. This percentage is lower than the global average of 73% and reflects a decline in recent years. The scepticism surrounding the human contribution to climate change may be influenced by the rise of conspiracy theories and attacks on scientific institutions.
Despite this scepticism, Australians generally support the transition to renewable energy and recognise the need to reduce emissions. They also support specific actions, such as limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C and phasing out coal mining. However, concerns about the economic impacts of this transition, particularly on the cost of living and energy reliability, have been rising. Australians want to see clear communication and stronger actions from governments and businesses to sustain public support and achieve the country's climate goals.
The Australian government has developed strategies to address climate change, such as the Net Zero 2050 plan and the Powering Australia plan, which aims to create jobs, reduce energy costs, and boost renewable energy sources. Various initiatives, such as the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), are also financing low-emissions technology and clean energy projects. While these efforts are underway, Australia faces challenges in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change.
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The Australian government has a Net Zero 2050 plan, focusing on jobs, energy bills, and emissions reduction
Australians are highly aware of the impacts of climate change and are concerned about its effects on the cost of living, including insurance premiums and supply chain disruptions. Natural disasters already cost the Australian economy $38 billion annually, with projections of this figure rising to $73 billion by 2060. As a result, there is a clear public expectation of government action.
The Australian government has a Net Zero 2050 plan, which aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This plan focuses on jobs, energy bills, and emissions reduction, with the following key components:
- The plan is technology-driven, aiming to lower technology costs and accelerate their deployment across the economy, including ultra-low-cost solar.
- It aims to preserve existing industries and jobs, particularly in regional Australia, and will not shut down coal or gas production.
- The plan will drive down energy prices and secure reliable power, ensuring affordable and reliable energy for all Australians.
- It will support investment in renewable energy and low-emissions activities, including through the Powering Australia agenda and the National Energy Transformation Partnership.
- The plan will boost the deployment of community batteries and improve access to consumer energy resources, such as rooftop solar and household batteries.
- It will strengthen Australia's competitiveness in a decarbonising global economy, positioning the country to benefit from new industrial and export opportunities.
- The plan will support the development of critical minerals, low-carbon liquid fuels, and the emergence of Australia's green metals industry.
The Australian government's Net Zero 2050 plan aims to address the concerns of Australians about climate change and its potential impacts on the economy and cost of living. However, there is scepticism about the government's ability to meet its targets, and clear and consistent communication will be crucial in sustaining public support.
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Frequently asked questions
Overall, Australians are concerned about climate change and support climate action and the transition to renewable energy. However, there is a notable divide along age, education, political and demographic lines. Younger, more educated Australians tend to have higher levels of understanding and concern about climate change.
According to a 2024 global poll, 60% of Australians accept that climate disruption is human-caused, which is lower than the global average of 73%. This percentage is a decrease from the previous poll 18 months prior, where 70% of Australians agreed that climate change was caused by human activity.
Australians are taking various actions to address climate change. Many support government policies and initiatives, with 55% supporting the International Energy Agency's pathway to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Australians are also concerned about the impact of climate change on the cost of living, with three-quarters worried about more expensive insurance premiums and supply chain disruptions.
