New Zealand: 8 in 10 Kiwis personally worried about climate change
Source: Asia Insurance Review | Sep 2019
The number of Kiwis who feel that climate change is important to them personally has grown to 79% now, from 72% last year, according to a survey commissioned by insurer IAG New Zealand.
The poll, which is the second annual such survey, attracted more than 1,000 respondents and was undertaken by market researcher Ipsos. Participants were asked a series of questions, including their thoughts on the potential effects climate change could have on people.
The other findings from the survey are:
- 69% of people said they had become more concerned about climate change over the past few years - up from 60% last year.
- More than 75% of respondents said they thought some people might have to move from where they live as a result of climate change.
- Three quarters thought land use would need to be reconsidered, 72% thought infrastructure would need to be upgraded, and 69% expected businesses to be hurt and jobs to be lost.
- When asked about other effects of climate change; 86% expected more frequent and extreme storms.
- 85% expected coastal locations to flood with sea levels rising, and 80% expected the loss of ecosystems and the extinction of animal and plant species.
- However, 47% thought climate change would create new jobs and businesses.
Actions
- 67% said they were prepared to act to reduce the impacts that climate change will have on them.
- But only 54% said they knew what they needed to do. Only 47% felt their actions would be effective. A