A new global survey by Ipsos shows at least 1 in 2 (52%) urban Indians believe, govt should be focusing on the economic recovery from COVID-19, over combating climate change.
Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India, said, “Right now, combating the second wave of COVID19 itself is overwhelming and not to forget the collateral impact on the economy, of both the 1st and the 2nd wave – urban Indians display discretion by urging govt to focus on the gargantuan pandemic and its economic damage over climate change challenges.”
“2021 is a super year for international environmental policy with major deals in progress on climate, biodiversity, food and oceans. There is consensus across stakeholders that only collective effort can provide the outcomes.
“Adoption of behavioral changes (on food, spending and commuting) could be the best decisions on combating climate change on World Earth Day,” Adarkar added.
Combating Climate Change, Shared Responsibility
Urban Indians expect each stakeholder (govt, businesses and citizens) to step up – 65% urban Indians believe govt should play a responsible role in tacking climate change in order to avoid failing in the eyes of citizens; 68% urban Indians want businesses to combat climate change for the sake of their employees and customers; 69% urban Indians want individuals to combat climate change for the sake of future generations.
Top 3 behavioral changes urban Indians plan to adopt once COVID19 restrictions are lifted!
Top three behavioural changes urban Indians plan to make a way of life included: 49% urban Indians say they will be doing what they can, to avoid throwing away food (e.g. making a list before shopping, keeping track of what needs eating, using up leftovers)
46% be doing errands and journeys on foot or by bike rather than by car, e.g. their commute, school run, trips to the shops.
46% will be buying only what they really need, rather than shopping for clothes, shoes and other things for fun (online or in person).
Personal actions on Climate Change 2021
Urban Indians plan to do the following at an individual level: Recycling materials such as glass, paper, and plastic (62%), avoiding products which have a lot of packaging (61%), walking, cycling or using public transport instead of driving a car or motorbike (60%).
Avoiding buying new goods, for example mending what you have or buying used products instead (59%), Not flying, or replacing some flights with train or bus journeys (57%), Eating fewer dairy products or replacing dairy products with alternatives such as soya milk (56%), Saving water at home, for example by having shorter showers or not watering your garden/yard (54%).
Eating less meat, or replacing the meat in some meals with alternatives such as beans (53%) and Saving energy at home, for example by installing insulation or switching off lights (52%).