Only a third of Romanians see the government as responsible for combating climate change

Only a third of Romanians see the government as responsible for combating climate change, a percentage much lower than the global average (60%), according to a recent study by Ipsos in 33 countries. The same source shows that interest in global warming is declining worldwide.

Among the other main findings is the fact that in most of the 33 countries included in the research, citizens believe that developed countries should contribute more to combat global warming. Moreover, both globally and in Romania, most people want to contribute to combating the effects of climate change but don’t know how.

Only 1 in 10 Romanians believe that their country can set an example in combating climate change, compared to 3 in 10 globally. Almost 60% of Romanians, especially those from Generation X, believe that Romania has not yet proven its ability to be a global leader in this area. Similarly, 6 out of 10 Romanians believe that their country should play a more active role in this fight. This belief is even stronger among young people from Generation Z.

While the majority of respondents in 28 of the 33 countries included in the study believe that governments and companies play an essential role in combating the climate crisis, only 33% of Romanians hold the government accountable. One in two Romanians think that individual responsibility is important when it comes to combating climate change. The global average in this regard stands at 63%.

Romanians - especially those from Generation Z and Millennials - are inclined to put the issue of climate change on the back burner. 39% of each generation believe that current financial difficulties do not allow adequate concern for this issue. Also, fewer Romanians (only 20%, compared to 30% globally) are willing to pay additional taxes from their incomes to contribute to preventing climate change.

Seven out of ten people globally believe that developed countries should intensify their efforts in the fight against climate change. In Romania, this opinion is just as widespread (67%). There is a particular inclination of those from Generation X (78%) and Baby Boomers (75%) to say that developed countries should take more decisive actions.

Only 1 in 2 citizens (46% globally, 48% in Romania) believe that developed countries are currently living up to expectations and serve as a model in combating climate change.

In 2022, an average of 51% of the population in 31 countries considered recycling as one of the most effective ways households can contribute to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. However, this belief has significantly dropped by 2023, reaching 33%, and remained relatively stable in 2024, at 34%. In Romania, the proportion of those who consider recycling as the main solution is currently 7% higher than the global average.