Support for renewable energy is practically unanimous: a PoderData survey (2024) shows that over 80% of Brazilians support investments in solar and wind energy and consider it essential that the country invest in clean energy sources. 

Recent surveys reveal widespread recognition of the importance of climate change among the Brazilian population. According to a Datafolha survey (2023), 92% of Brazilians acknowledge the consequences of climate change, and a significant proportion believe that addressing the issue should be a priority in public policy.

Support for renewable energy is practically unanimous: a PoderData survey (2024) shows that over 80% of Brazilians support investments in solar and wind energy and consider it essential that the country invest in clean energy sources. Concern about deforestation and forest preservation, especially in the Amazon, also stands out, with two-thirds of respondents indicating that deforestation needs to be more rigorously controlled. There is strong support for environmental oversight policies and accountability for those who deforest. Regarding the profile of supporters of these policies, young people, individuals with higher levels of education, and residents of the Southeast and South regions tend to demonstrate greater concern about the effects of climate change and a higher level of engagement with sustainability issues. Even so, support for environmental protection measures is overwhelming across all demographic groups, indicating that the issue is cross-cutting and of national interest.

Among the main reasons for supporting climate policies are the increasing frequency of extreme events, such as floods and droughts, concerns about impacts on health and food security, and the desire for Brazil to be a benchmark in clean energy and sustainable development.

Research also highlights some challenges: part of the population still has doubts about which actions are most urgent or effective, and there are concerns about the potential economic impacts of some policies, especially in regions that depend more on sectors of the economy sensitive to regulatory changes. Despite this, the general trend is toward strengthening climate change mitigation and adaptation actions, with a broad appreciation for science-based solutions, environmental education, and incentives for technological innovation. 

Regarding the usefulness of opinion polls, they play a crucial role in identifying societal priorities, mapping misinformation, and informing public policymaking. A recurring limitation is that many surveys still offer little cross-referencing between demographic variables, such as age group and location, and also tend to focus more on perceptions than on concrete environmental engagement practices. 

Future research could advance by investigating how support for climate policies translates into behavioral changes and active participation in the socio-environmental agenda.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Brazil Country Manager Carlos Alexandre de Oliveira.