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COP29 Fails to Ease Public Climate Anxiety

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, January 21st 2026 at 8:43 GMT by Deadline.com
      Locale: UNITED STATES, FRANCE, EGYPT, MOROCCO, KENYA, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, ETHIOPIA, NIGERIA

Baku, Azerbaijan - January 21st, 2026 - A newly released Ipsos survey, conducted in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Climate Action Coalition (ECCA), reveals a stark reality: despite widespread disappointment surrounding the recently concluded COP29 climate conference, public concern about climate change remains significantly high globally. The findings, published today, paint a picture of a population deeply worried about the future, yet increasingly frustrated with the perceived inaction of governments worldwide.

The survey, based on responses from over 26,000 adults across 32 countries, underscores a growing chasm between public expectations and the tangible actions being taken to mitigate the climate crisis. While the COP29 conference, hosted this year in Baku, Azerbaijan, aimed to accelerate climate action, its outcomes have largely been met with criticism, further exacerbating this disconnect. The feeling that opportunities for meaningful progress were missed is palpable, according to Ipsos representatives.

Persistent Worry, Eroding Trust:

A key takeaway from the survey is the enduring level of public anxiety surrounding climate change. Over 70% of respondents in numerous regions identified climate change as a "serious threat," indicating a widespread recognition of the potential catastrophic consequences. This level of concern transcends geographical boundaries, reflecting a global awareness of the impending challenges. However, this heightened concern is juxtaposed against a worrying lack of confidence in governmental responses. Only a minority expressed belief in their respective governments' ability to effectively address the issue. The Ipsos spokesperson articulated this sentiment, stating, "The public is deeply worried, and that worry is translating into frustration. COP29 felt like a pivotal moment that fell short, and this has understandably eroded trust in the processes designed to tackle climate change."

The Importance of Global Collaboration Remains:

Despite rising skepticism surrounding the efficacy of COP conferences--a trend already observed in previous years--the survey highlights that the public still recognizes the critical importance of international collaboration. The overwhelming majority of respondents continue to believe that tackling climate change requires a unified, global effort. This suggests that while the format and outcomes of COP events might be subject to criticism, the underlying principle of shared responsibility and cooperative action remains firmly entrenched in public opinion.

Regional Differences in Perception:

The survey also revealed significant regional variations in both the intensity of concern and the degree of trust placed in government action. Latin America and Africa exhibited notably higher levels of concern regarding climate change, while Europe and North America demonstrated greater skepticism towards governmental efforts. This disparity likely reflects differing levels of exposure to climate-related impacts, economic vulnerabilities, and perceptions of governmental responsiveness across these regions. For example, regions already experiencing severe weather events or resource scarcity may understandably express higher levels of concern.

Methodology and Implications for the Future:

The survey was rigorously conducted online between November 23rd and December 4th, 2025, ensuring a representative sample across the 32 participating countries. Weighting was applied to the data to accurately reflect the demographic composition of each nation, bolstering the reliability of the findings. The full report, available on the Ipsos website, provides a more detailed breakdown of the results and associated analysis.

The implications of this survey are significant. It serves as a stark reminder that while political leaders may grapple with complex negotiations and competing interests, the public's concern about climate change remains unwavering. Furthermore, it underscores the urgent need to rebuild trust between governments and citizens by demonstrating concrete, impactful action. Future COP conferences, and indeed all climate policy initiatives, must prioritize transparency, accountability, and genuinely impactful outcomes to regain the public's confidence and ensure continued engagement in the fight against climate change. Failure to do so risks further eroding public trust and hindering the collective effort needed to avert the most severe consequences of a warming planet. The disconnect highlighted by this survey represents a potential crisis in climate governance, one that requires immediate and sustained attention.