Agreement on most important global issue: the environment

The recent surge in prominence of environmental concerns is reflected when respondents are asked to name what they consider to be the most important global issue -  the environment, including climate change, pollution and natural disasters are the first issue mentioned by 33% of all respondents. With high-profile conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East it is no surprise that the second most frequently mentioned issue is war and conflict (mentioned by 13%), followed by poverty and inequality (11%).

It is revealing that the environment is the top issue in the USA, Canada and five out of seven European countries. The only exceptions are France and Turkey, where it ranks third.

Concerns vary by religion – terrorism top priority for Muslims

People’s demographic characteristics – age, gender, level of education – mostly do not seem to have a major impact on their perception of major global issues. An exception is religious affiliation. Christians and those of no religion agree on the importance of environmental issues, whereas Muslims (most of whom are Turkish in this study) rank terrorism ahead of the environment and consider unemployment a key concern.

Action on the environment likely to involve lifestyle changes

Many who cite the environment as an important global issue say they are ready to make lifestyle changes to help address the problem. Significant proportions claim it is likely they will make changes include making their homes more energy efficient, reducing electrical appliance use, and avoiding car use. They are also likely to take on a lobbying role (by voting and publishing their opinion) and contribute financially – whether in terms of higher taxes or additional contributions.

Action on poverty and inequality likely to be fair trade purchasing

Those who mentioned poverty and inequality as important global issues are most likely to respond by purchasing fair trade goods. There is slightly less willingness to pay higher taxes in response to this issue than among those concerned about the environment.

Willingness to act to tackle top global concerns

Most likely to publish their opinions: younger and high income individuals

Looking across all issues of concern, younger age groups are more likely to respond by publishing their opinions (e.g. via online discussions, blogs, forums, letters to newspapers). High income individuals and those attaining a higher educational level also feel such action will help address global problems. Turkish citizens are most likely to speak out, while UK citizens are least likely.

Willingness to pay taxes to tackle most important global issue

Terrorism and the environment are the top-of-mind issues on which there is greatest willingness to contemplate paying extra taxes. There is much less of a consensus about paying increased taxes to address national issues such as economic crisis or unemployment.

Willingness to contribute in other ways

Americans and Irish are the most likely to cast their vote according to a candidate or party's position on their top global concern, but the Turkish are the most likely contribute financially in another way and volunteer their time to tackle their top global concern. Americans also score highly on these measures of contribution whilst the French are the least likely to act on every measure.

Willing to contribute financially voluntarily to address top global concern

Willing to cast vote according to a candidate or party's position on top global concern

Willing to volunteer time to help address top global concern

Willing to Publish opinion to help address top global concern