Research reveals 82% of Brazilians concerned about climate change
The study Culture and Climate – Perceptions and Practices in Brazil shows that 82.1 percent of Brazilians are concerned about climate change, with 53.4 percent describing themselves as “deeply concerned.” Despite this, 52.4 percent of respondents say they feel powerless to contribute effectively to addressing the problem. Even so, more than half - 54.6 percent - regularly seek information about climate issues through cultural products or institutions dedicated to culture.
The study was conducted by the non-governmental organization C de Cultura and the company Outra Onda Conteúdo, in partnership with the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). The full report was released this week during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém.
Mariana Resegue, executive director of C de Cultura, says the findings reflect a perception that the problem is larger than individuals’ capacity to address it. However, “there is a lack of communication and information about how each person can contribute and help strengthen mobilization to confront the effects of climate change.” She explains that the main goal of the study was to explore and encourage the connection between culture and the climate agenda.
The survey also found that 83.5 percent of participants believe they can learn more about and better understand the issue through cultural activities and products such as books, films, music, and museums - in other words, they see culture as a source of information. In addition, 73.3 percent view these activities and products as useful tools to help them confront the climate crisis, and 62.6 percent said they have already changed environmental or social habits inspired by some cultural work or institution.
“The study shows decision-makers that culture is an important platform for mobilizing and disseminating scientific knowledge, and for increasing public engagement around climate agendas,” says Mariana Resegue.
Another finding of the survey is the recognition of the importance of traditional populations: 77.5 percent agree that indigenous peoples, quilombola communities, and other similar groups can help Brazil confront climate change. On the other hand, only 34.3 percent acknowledged that these communities are particularly vulnerable and more affected by the impacts of the climate crisis.
Commitment
The survey also revealed that around 90 percent of respondents want politicians to be committed to environmental sustainability and social justice. However, the importance attributed to these issues varies according to political orientation: it reaches 98.8 percent among those who identify with the left and drops to 52.1 percent among respondents who describe themselves as right-wing.
The topic already featured prominently in the 2024 elections: 55.1 percent of left-leaning voters considered climate proposals a decisive factor in their voting choices, compared with 40.4 percent of participants who identify with the right.
