Nearly seven in 10 Australians believe that meaningful action on climate change will lead to long-term economic benefits, according to a new survey commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF).
Forty-five per cent of those surveyed said that action on climate change would produce some short-term costs ahead of the long-term benefits while a further 24 per cent said that climate action would make the economy stronger both now and in the long-term.
The ACF found that the majority of people in every electorate supported action on climate change, including 48 per cent who believe the benefits outweigh the costs and 19 per cent who would accept any costs over the short term.
“The results of this poll overturn the myth that people across Australia are not willing to pay for climate solutions,” said ACF CEO Kelly O’Shanassy.
“People want climate action, and many Australians want stronger climate targets for 2030.”
Ahead of the upcoming federal election, climate change was identified as one of the top three voting priorities by 30 per cent of respondents.
Individuals in electorates that are traditionally reliant on fossil fuel industries were mostly positive about the economic benefits of switching from coal and gas to clean energy in their communities according to the ACF.
“People across Australia want climate action because they know it’s good for their health and will create future opportunities for young people,” said Ms O’Shanassy.
“Across the country, a majority think the top climate solution is to replace gas and coal-fired power stations with renewable energy and battery storage.”
Forty-one per cent of Aussies said that the federal government’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 was “too little, too late” and six in 10 were not convinced that the commitment represented enough action.
In contrast, 29 per cent believed that the commitment would be enough to address climate change and 12 per cent stated it was too much.
More action on climate change would be mostly good for the Australian economy according to 42 per cent of respondents, ahead of those who expected the impact would be neutral (25 per cent) or mostly bad (23 per cent).
Fifty-five per cent of Aussies said that more action would have a positive impact on future opportunities for young people.
However, 33 per cent predicted a negative impact on the cost of living compared to 30 per cent who held the opposite view.
