洛伊国际政策研究所-2021年气候调查（英文）-2021.5-14页_1mb

Lowy Institute Climate Poll 2021 Summary

Core Content

The Lowy Institute Climate Poll 2021 provides insights into Australian public opinion on climate change and related policies. Conducted by the Social Research Centre between 12 and 26 April 2021, the survey included 3286 Australian adults and had a margin of error of approximately 1.8%. The design effect for the survey was estimated at 1.62.

Main Findings

• Concern about Climate Change:

  • 60% of Australians believe global warming is a serious and pressing problem and that steps should be taken now, even with significant costs. This is an 8-point increase from 2020 and a 4-point increase from 2019.
  • 30% believe the problem should be addressed gradually with low-cost steps.
  • Only 9% think we should not take any steps until we are sure global warming is a problem, one of the lowest percentages in the past decade.

• Energy Policy Priorities:

  • 55% of Australians believe the government's main priority for energy policy should be reducing carbon emissions, an 8-point increase from 2019.
  • 32% think the priority should be reducing household bills, a 6-point decrease from 2019.
  • 12% believe reducing the risk of power blackouts should be the priority.

• Support for Climate Policies:

  • 91% support subsidies for renewable energy technology development.
  • 78% support setting a net-zero emissions target for 2050.
  • 77% support subsidies for electric vehicle purchases.
  • 64% support introducing an emissions trading scheme or a carbon tax.
  • 63% support banning new coal mines and reducing coal exports.
  • 30% support subsidies for new coal-fired power plants.

• International Climate Efforts:

  • Australians believe many large countries are doing too little to combat climate change.
  • 82% think China is doing too little.
  • 81% think India is doing too little.
  • 71% think the United States is doing too little.
  • 60% think Australia is doing too little.
  • 53% think the United Kingdom is doing too little.
  • 49% think the European Union is doing too little.

• Support for International Climate Negotiations:

  • 70% believe Australia should join other countries like the United Kingdom and the United States to increase its commitments.
  • 29% believe Australia should continue with its current policies.

• Age and Location Differences:

  • There is a significant gap in concern between younger (18-29) and older (over 60) Australians, with 76% of the younger group and 50% of the older group believing global warming is a serious and pressing problem.
  • The gap between urban and regional populations is smaller, with 63% of urban Australians and 56% of regional and remote Australians expressing concern.

• Nuclear Power:

  • 47% support removing the ban on nuclear power.
  • 51% oppose the measure.

Key Information

• The survey used a mixed-mode approach (online and telephone) to ensure broad coverage and included a nationally representative sample.
• The majority of Australians support taking action on climate change, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewable energy.
• Support for coal-related policies has declined, with a majority opposing new coal mines and coal exports.
• There is a notable shift in public opinion towards more aggressive climate action, especially among younger Australians.
• Australians are generally dissatisfied with the efforts of major global economies, including China, India, the United States, and Australia itself, in combating climate change.
• The government's proposed 'gas-fired recovery' is supported by 58% of Australians.
• The poll highlights a growing consensus on the need for stronger climate commitments and a more proactive stance on international negotiations.