Climate change is considered a greater threat than war by most people living in some of the world’s major economies.according to new data presented to diplomats and military officials meeting in Germany on Friday for a key security summit.
(Read here: Plastic pollution exceeded bearable ‘limits’ for the planet)
The survey commissioned by the Munich Security Conference revealed that concern about global warminghabitat destruction and extreme weather conditions are the top three risks cited by 12,000 people surveyed worldwide in November.
(You may be interested in: ‘Green economy would create more jobs than those lost in coal mining’)
The results are notable as the conduct of the survey coincided with some of the first reports of an escalation in military tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
“The notion of the apparent inevitability of climate change, the perception of a lack of political control and the widespread (and growing) skepticism about whether others will do their part make it even more difficult to solve,” says the study, which will be presented in the three-day meeting, which will be attended by leaders such as the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, and the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz.
The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, he urged nations to de-escalate military tensions and coordinate efforts to cut emissions.
“The climate crisis is out of control,” he told attendees on Friday. “This could further destabilize entire regions.”
The security implications of global warming are increasingly drawing the attention of military and intelligence authorities.
The Biden Administration warned in October that climate change will exacerbate instability around the world by forcing vulnerable people to flee the hardest-hit regions.
Rising sea levels, melting permafrost and superstorms are known threat multipliers among defense officials who will discuss the issue this weekend in the German city.
One of the key tasks of leaders is to help populations overcome feelings of hopelessness when facing the climate crisis, according to the report.
(In other news: Scientists prepare announcement of new evidence on climate change)
“People surveyed are now even more aware of the risks,” he says.
“People around the world are increasingly concerned about the impacts of climate change.”
The survey, conducted by Kekst CNC in November, polled people in Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Africa, the United States and the United Kingdom.
The coronavirus pandemic, cyber-attacks, the financial crisis and misinformation were among the other top threats mentioned.
Russia ranked 23rd among perceived threats, followed by Iran, in 28th place; North Korea, at 29; and the US, at 30.
BLOOMBERG
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