The Call for Bold Climate Action: Understanding the Global Consensus
A recent surge of studies reveals a striking fact: between 80% to 89% of the global population desires enhanced action from their governments to combat climate change. This statistic illustrates a notable consensus on the need for immediate and decisive climate policies.
Despite this overwhelming majority, climate action appears to be stagnant, particularly as extreme weather events wreak havoc across the globe. In the United States, for instance, the previous administration has been working to reverse essential climate initiatives, prioritizing fossil fuel interests over the necessary transition to renewable energy.
Disinformation campaigns, mainly fueled by the fossil fuel industry, have contributed to a climate of confusion and despair. Many citizens who are concerned about climate change do not realize they are part of a significant majority urging for change. As noted by Hannah Ritchie at Our World in Data:
“This ‘perception gap’ matters. Governments will change policy if they think they have strong public backing… If we systematically underestimate widespread support, we’ll keep quiet for fear of ‘rocking the boat.’”
This disconnect between the public’s concerns and government action highlights the importance of visibility and awareness. Addressing this gap is the primary goal of a new initiative called The 89 Percent Project, facilitated by Covering Climate Now and partnered with The Guardian and Agence France-Presse. This project aims to amplify the voices of those advocating for climate action by shifting the narrative from governmental policies to the public’s expectations for those policies.
The 89 Percent Project: A Platform for Climate Advocacy
Launching on April 20, 2025, The 89 Percent Project intends to highlight this broad support for climate action. During a dedicated week of journalism aligned with Earth Day, news organizations globally will focus on community perspectives regarding climate policy. This initiative will also coincide with a second round of programming in October, in the lead-up to the COP30 UN climate summit in Brazil.
A crucial aspect of this initiative is the opportunity for journalists worldwide to engage with their audiences on climate issues, thereby fostering a more informed public capable of demanding action. As emphasized by Mark Hertsgaard, a co-founder of CCNow, the project “flips the script by focusing on people and what those people want from their governments.”
Collective Action for a Sustainable Future
The 89 Percent Project aligns closely with the goals of Project Dandelion, which seeks to bridge the communication divide regarding climate change. It promotes a shift from a narrative of hopelessness to one of action and feasible solutions. Each individual can play a role in advocating for a transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, sustainable energy sources.
Now is the time for the voice of this majority to rise, demanding that governments and organizations commit to the necessary changes for a sustainable future. The public’s awareness and willingness to advocate for climate solutions can catalyze substantial progress.
In conclusion, with 89% of the global population supporting bold climate actions, there lies an immense opportunity for meaningful change. The climate crisis presents both a challenge and an opportunity for both present and future generations. Together, we can build hope and create a powerful movement toward a sustainable planet.
P.S. To coincide with International Women’s Day (March 8) and Earth Day (April 22), Project Dandelion collaborates with Doc Society and Kinema to provide complimentary screenings of the documentary Mrs. Robinson. This initiative aims to inspire bold leadership and action in the climate movement.