Summary: A recent global survey shows that 72% of people in G20 countries support making serious environmental damage a criminal offense, reflecting growing concern about climate change and nature loss.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
A new international survey has uncovered widespread support for criminalizing actions that cause severe harm to the environment. The Global Commons Survey 2024, conducted by Ipsos UK and commissioned by Earth4All and the Global Commons Alliance (GCA), found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of respondents across 18 G20 countries favor making it a criminal offense for government or business leaders to approve actions causing serious damage to nature and climate.
This striking level of support for environmental protection comes amid growing public concern about the state of the planet. The survey revealed that 59% of respondents are very or extremely worried about the current state of nature, a slight increase from a similar survey conducted in 2021. Moreover, 69% of those polled believe that Earth is approaching tipping points related to climate and nature due to human activities.
Why it matters: The strong public backing for environmental protection measures, including criminal penalties, could influence policymakers to take more decisive action on climate change and biodiversity loss. This shift in public opinion may also impact business practices and investment decisions as companies seek to align with societal expectations.
A Social Tipping Point for Environmental Action
The survey introduced a novel approach to categorizing respondents based on their attitudes towards planetary stewardship. Five distinct segments were identified:
- Planetary Stewards
- Concerned Optimists
- Steady Progressives
- Climate Skeptics
- The Unengaged
Notably, the first three groups, which advocate for strong environmental action, comprise 61% of respondents across the G20 countries surveyed. This majority represents a social tipping point, with more people now demanding action to protect the planet than those who do not.
Owen Gaffney, co-lead of the Earth4All initiative, commented on this shift: “The majority of people want to protect the global commons; 71% believe the world needs to take action immediately. Our survey demonstrates that people across the world’s largest economies are acutely aware of the urgent need to safeguard our planet for future generations.”
Gender and Regional Differences in Environmental Concern
The survey uncovered significant gender disparities in attitudes towards environmental issues:
- 62% of women are extremely or very worried about the state of nature today, compared to 56% of men
- 74% of women believe major environmental action should be taken immediately, versus 68% of men
- Women are less likely to believe that technology alone can solve environmental problems without lifestyle changes (35% compared to 44% of men)
Regionally, the survey found that people in emerging economies such as India (87%), China (79%), and Indonesia (79%) feel more personally exposed to climate change compared to those in Europe and the United States. This perceived exposure correlates with higher levels of concern and urgency regarding climate action.
Legal Implications and the Push for Ecocide Laws
The strong support for criminalizing environmental damage aligns with recent legislative developments in several countries. Belgium recently recognized ecocide as a federal crime, while similar laws have been passed in Chile and France. Ecocide bills have also been proposed in Brazil, Italy, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, and Scotland, among others.
Jojo Mehta, Co-founder and CEO of Stop Ecocide International, highlighted the significance of these policy shifts: “We’re seeing significant policy shifts in favour of ecocide legislation at the domestic, regional, and international levels. Most notably, at the start of this year, the European Union included ‘qualified offences’ in its newly revised Environmental Crime Directive that can encompass ‘conduct comparable to ecocide.’ This means EU member states now have two years to bring these rules into national law – a huge moment felt across the globe.”
Mehta added that the survey results demonstrate strong public support for such laws: “People clearly understand that the most severe forms of environmental destruction harm all of us, and that there is real deterrent potential in creating personal criminal liability for top decision-makers. Damage prevention is always the best policy, which is precisely what ecocide law is about.”
Challenges and Future Directions
While the survey results indicate growing public support for environmental protection, several challenges remain:
- Implementing effective legislation: Crafting and enforcing laws that criminalize environmental damage will require careful consideration and international cooperation.
- Balancing economic concerns: Policymakers must find ways to address environmental issues without unduly burdening businesses or hindering economic growth.
- Engaging the unengaged: The survey identified a significant portion of the population that remains indifferent to environmental issues. Finding ways to engage this group will be crucial for building broader support for climate action.
- Addressing regional disparities: The survey highlighted differences in perceived climate risk between developed and emerging economies. Addressing these disparities in global climate negotiations will be essential for creating effective international policies.
As the world grapples with the escalating challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, this survey provides valuable insights into public attitudes and expectations. The strong support for environmental protection measures, including criminal penalties for severe damage, suggests that there may be growing political will to take more decisive action in the coming years.
Quiz:
- What percentage of surveyed G20 countries support making serious environmental damage a criminal offense? a) 59% b) 61% c) 69% d) 72%
- Which of the following is NOT one of the five “Planetary Stewardship Segments” identified in the survey? a) Planetary Stewards b) Concerned Optimists c) Climate Activists d) The Unengaged
- According to the survey, which group feels more personally exposed to climate change? a) People in European countries b) People in the United States c) People in emerging economies like India and China d) Climate Skeptics
Answer Key:
- d) 72%
- c) Climate Activists
- c) People in emerging economies like India and China
