Spain and Brazil top BBC climate change concern list

 Spain and Brazil are the countries most concerned about climate change, according to new research from BBC World News and Synovate. It has also found that the US has shown the biggest growth in levels over the past year.

The report, which was published today (July 7), shows that 88% of respondents in Spain and 86% of respondents in Brazil are concerned about climate change, while 80% of respondents in the US say they are worried about the environment, up from 57% last year.

The survey, which looks at global attitudes to climate change across 22 markets on six continents, found that of those people who think one country is responsible for climate change, 61% believe the US is at fault. This is down from 66% in 2007. However, 18% blame China, which is up from 14% last year.

Consumers believe that the main danger from climate change is erratic weather conditions, with 26% of respondents citing it compared to 21% last year.

But the report shows that people believe they are responsible for changing their own behaviour with 45% believing it is down to ordinary citizens to make a difference. It says that 81% of respondents saving power compared to 76% in 2007, 70% recycling waste, compared to 65% last year and 68% reducing their use of packaging bags, up from 53% last year.

BBC World News head of audience insight, Jeremy Nye, says: “In nearly all markets, citizens believe it is up to ordinary people to change their behaviour- the way in which global issues and personal behaviour are intertwined explains the increasing relevance of international news.”