56% of Australians agree that if individuals don’t act now to combat climate change, we will be failing future generations. While this is consistent with last year’s result, it lags behind the global average of 64% across 32 countries.

Recent national polling reveals that Australians remain moderately concerned about climate change, with a consistent majority in favour of stronger action against it. However, there are clear differences in support based on age, political affiliation, and region. Current polling also highlights key perceptions around the renewable energy transition, business responsibility, and the health implications of climate change.

Overall Attitudes Toward Climate Change 

• According to Ipsos’ 2025 People & Climate Change study, 56% of Australians agree that if individuals don’t act now to combat climate change, we will be failing future generations. While this is consistent with last year’s result, it lags behind the global average of 64% across 32 countries.
• Similarly, 56% believe the nation should do more to combat climate change, indicating some public frustration with current efforts, although this has declined slightly from 60% in 2023.

The 2025 Lowy Institute Poll found:

• 51% of Australians view climate change as a “serious and pressing problem” requiring immediate action, even if it comes with significant economic costs.
• 33% believe we can respond more slowly, with low-cost steps.
• Only 15% think we should avoid action until we’re sure of the problem’s severity — a slight increase from last year.

Demographic and Political Divides – 2025 Lowy Institute Poll

• Age
  • Young Australians (18–29) are the most concerned, with 63% stating climate change is serious and urgent.
  • Concern declines with age: only 46% of Australians aged 60 and above share this urgency.
  • Notably, the largest drop in concern since last year came from young Australians — a 10-point decrease — suggesting emerging climate fatigue or disillusionment.
• Political Affiliation
  • 66% of Labor supporters view climate change as a serious and pressing issue.
  • In contrast, only 27% of Liberal–National Coalition voters hold the same view.
  • Among Coalition supporters, 48% prefer a gradual, low-cost approach to climate action — showing cost concerns weigh heavily in centre-right attitudes.

• Regional Variation
  • The Northern Territory shows the highest level of urgency, with 70% of residents supporting immediate climate action. This likely reflects the region’s heightened exposure to climate impacts (e.g., heat, drought, natural disasters).

Views on Renewable Energy and the Transition – IPSOS 

• 44% of Australians (per Ipsos) think switching to renewables will increase household energy bills, potentially limiting support for faster transitions.
• 36% believe that electric cars are as bad for the planet as petrol vehicles, showing ongoing misinformation or scepticism.
• 27% are concerned that offshore wind farms harm wildlife, reflecting concerns about environmental trade-offs.

Business and Health Perspectives

• 53% of Australians believe businesses that fail to act on climate change are failing their employees and customers.
• 38% agree climate change is the single biggest health threat facing humanity, highlighting a growing recognition of the public health dimensions of the climate crisis.

This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Australia Country Manager Jesica Gregory.