Share of population who believe in climate change Australia 2013-2023

A survey on the perception of climate change among the Australian public carried out in 2023 showed that 77 percent of the respondents confirmed that climate change was occurring. This figure represents a substantial increase in the proportion of individuals who held this opinion compared to the results obtained in 2013.

Climate change in Australia

Australia has seen significant changes in its climate patterns over recent years. In 2020, a positive anomaly was observed in the mean temperature in Australia, as it exceeded the reference value for that year by 1.15 degrees Celsius. The frequency of hot days and heatwaves has increased, and the duration and severity of droughts have also intensified, leading to water shortages and wildfires. Australia is already the driest inhabited continent globally, with over 70 percent of its land classified as arid or semi-arid. The total volume of rainfall across Australia has declined in recent years. These changes have had significant impacts on Australia's ecosystems, including coral reefs and forests, as well as on its economy, such as agriculture and tourism.

Public perception of climate change

The public perception of climate change in Australia has been a topic of concern in recent years. According to a July 2021 survey on the top concerns around the globe, climate change was the second most expressed concern in Australia. Another survey conducted about the willingness to spend money on climate change prevention showed that 25 percent of respondents were willing to spend between 100 and 500 Australian dollars to stop climate change. However, 17 percent of the survey participants said they would not be ready to pay any money at all. These figures suggest that many Australians acknowledge the reality of climate change and its human-caused nature. Nevertheless, there are still some individuals who deny or are unsure about the issue, which highlights the need for continued education and public awareness efforts.