Although concern for the climate change is still present in Mexicothe global survey Earth Day 2024by Ipsosreveals a complex mix of commitment, skepticism and climate fatigue among the population.
While Mexicans are more willing than the global average to take responsibility, a sense of helplessness is also beginning to grow, especially among the youngest.
According to the study, 76% of Mexicans agree that if people do not act now, they would be failing future generations, a figure that exceeds the global average by 13 points. In addition, 70% believe that both government and business have an urgent responsibility to address the climate problem.
Between will and frustration
Despite this high perception of shared responsibility, only 35% of Mexicans believe that their country has a clear plan to confront the climate changeThis reflects a disconnect between perceived urgency and trust in institutions.
In parallel, 76% believe that Mexico should do more in this fight, a figure that is also above the global average (63%).
Too late to act?
Worryingly, 34% of Mexicans consider that it is already "too late" to do something about the problem. climate changea possible indicator of possible climatic fatiguethat most strongly affects the millennials and the generation Z.
Among these groups, the perception is also more common that there is no point in changing individual behavior, because it will not make a significant difference.
The survey also shows a gap between beliefs and actions with the greatest environmental impact. For example, Mexicans tend to overestimate the effect of using ozone-depleting products (29%), over practices such as reducing the use of polluting transport or modifying consumption patterns.
Action yes, but with real support
In this scenario, incentives become key. Easy access to practical information (42%) and economic benefits such as tax reductions (35%) are the main factors that could mobilize more people. Interest is not dead, but it needs to be fed with tangible resources.
The survey also shows that Mexicans clearly perceive that the transition to the clean energies will bring benefits such as improved air quality (70%) and protection of the natural environment (68%), but they also express uncertainty about the economic cost of these changes.
A country willing to do more
Compared to the global average, Mexico stands out as one of the most committed countries in terms of citizen perception: more people here are willing to pay more taxes to combat climate change (32%), and more also agree that every small change in daily life can have a big impact (79%).
The challenge is clear: to keep that will alive and turn it into effective policies, before apathy overcomes commitment.
Source: Ipsos
