Climate of the nation 2016: Australian attitudes on climate change

Examines the views of Australians about matters relating to climate change and energy policy, through the ups and downs of changing weather patterns, related natural disasters and the waxing and waning of the political landscape. Executive Summary The Climate Institute has been conducting our annual Climate of the Nation attitudinal research since 2007. It is the longest continuous survey of community attitudes about climate change. During this time we have charted the views of Australians about matters relating to climate change and energy policy, through the ups and downs of changing weather patterns, related natural disasters and the waxing and waning of the political landscape. This year\u27s research, conducted by polling over 2,000 people across the country, as well as holding focus groups in Brisbane, Melbourne and Newcastle, once again benchmarks the views of everyday people on these key issues. And we compare and contrast them to the findings over these past years. For many years now, Australians have been through a heavily contested political and media climate change debate. They have been presented with views that intensely question and debate the scientific evidence about climate change, its projected impacts and the cost of solutions. Progress and reversals of government climate and energy policy have been a constant. This has resulted in an erosion of the trust Australians have in leadership on this issue, predominantly at the federal government level, which people overwhelmingly indicate has the greatest responsibility to act. For some, this has encouraged a lack of urgency. However, an increasing majority support action to reduce emissions and are frustrated with Australia’s lack of commitment in developing renewable energy, especially solar and wind energy. People may have grown weary of the political debate, but they increasingly accept the science and want solutions. In fact, a large majority not only think climate change is happening, they increasingly trust the science that suggests it is due to human activity – a view that was in the minority in 2012. Three quarters see economic benefits flowing from leadership on climate action and energy policy, including new jobs and investment in clean energy. The majority also think Australia should be a world leader in finding solutions to climate change. In short, while Australians are frustrated by the debate they want action, see opportunities for our country in taking it, and want clarity about how they and their communities can contribute