Epson Survey Shows Global Attention Focused on Climate Change
08 October 2022: Across the world, people are stepping up personal efforts to avert climate change, according to the latest findings from Epson’s second Climate Reality Barometer. Epson’s report indicate that while the world economy proves to be a distraction from efforts to address climate challenges, climate change remains a primary concern for many.
Epson’s 2022 Climate Reality Barometer surveyed 26,205 general respondents from the following markets: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, U.K., USA and Vietnam.
Commenting on the Survey,Yasunori Ogawa, Global President of Epson, said “Epson’s corporate purpose is focused on improving lives and the planet, and we will devote significant resources to achieve this. As the world gathers for COP 27, our Climate Reality Barometer aims to raise awareness and empower transformational change.”
The survey also reveals that people are increasingly optimistic that climate disaster can be averted in their lifetime – though data also shows that there are significant variations in confidence levels, driven by factors such as economics and age.“Rapidly emerging and fast-growing economies record levels of climate optimism significantly above the global average: China (76.2%); India (78.3%); Indonesia (62.6%); Kenya (76%); Mexico (66%); and the Philippines (71.9%).
The 2022 Epson Climate Reality Barometer shows progress – but also that short-term economic demands are in danger of distracting governments, businesses and individuals from immediate environmental action,” said Keith Kratzberg, president and CEO, Epson America.
The individual country members of the G7 all record levels of optimism significantly below the 48% global average: Canada (36.6%); France (22.5%); Germany (23.8%); Italy (25.2%); Japan (10.4%); the U.K. (28.4%); and the U.S. (39.4%).“Over a third (36.9%) have tried recycling for longer than a year and still do this. Over a quarter (27.8%) have tried reducing plastic use for longer than a year and still do this. A quarter (28.1%) have tried using renewable energy resources for at least six months.
Environmental scientist and Co-CE of Change by Degrees, Dr. Tara Shine, said, “This survey shows that people across the world remain hopeful that their actions alongside those of government and corporations can transform society for the better. Planning for the long term and enabling people to take climate action now is the most powerful action countries can take to sustain climate optimism, reduce carbon pollution and build resilience to climate impacts.”
Epson’s findings show that respondents do recognise the impacts of climate change. More than eight in 10 people (80.2%) cite the evidence of their own eyes – witnessing climate change in their daily lives – as the most influential factor in building awareness.
Between 2021 and 2022, the number of respondents who have, or plan to: – Walk and/or cycle more has grown from around 83.7% to 87.2% – 31.8% have done so for more than a year
– Change to renewable energies has grown from 78.2% to 82.4% – 18.6% have done so for more than a year
– Reduce international business and leisure travel has grown from 65.1% to 68.2% – 23% have done so for more than a year
– Switch to electric vehicles has grown from 68% to 72.7% – 10.6% have done so for more than a year
– Adopt a plant-based diet has grown from 67.6% to 68.9% – 16.5% have done so for more than a year