In March 2023, the Ministry for the Environment commissioned The Research Agency (TRA) to provide a summary of existing publicly available domestic and international research into public attitudes towards climate change.
The audit aimed to understand what data was available on public perceptions of climate change, including whether these were shifting in light of the severe weather events in early 2023, and inform climate work programmes.
In March 2023, the Ministry for the Environment commissioned The Research Agency (TRA) to provide a summary of existing publicly available domestic and international research into public attitudes towards climate change.
The audit aimed to understand what data was available on public perceptions of climate change, including whether these were shifting in light of the severe weather events in early 2023, and inform climate work programmes.
The report presents a summary of findings from freely available sources, largely based on surveys. It includes data on knowledge, motivations, barriers, needs, sentiments, social licence, and segmentation of households, businesses and local government in New Zealand. It also looks at what is known about Māori and Pacifica perspectives, and summarises gaps in the existing publicly-available information.
This is independent research, and the information contained within it does not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry for the Environment.
Summary of findings
- There is high recognition and concern for the impact of climate change in New Zealand, and the general public support climate action.
- Climate change no longer feels like a distant issue for many New Zealanders.
- However, there is a disconnect between climate beliefs and action, and people do not always know which actions to take.
- Climate pressures compete with other pressures, such as cost-of-living.
- As a society, New Zealand believes there is a need to act on climate change.
- People want more climate information from government and businesses.