Press Release (Example 3) - Global climate survey

BOSTON (June 5, 2024) – A large majority of Americans are now willing to take measures previously unheard of, such as drinking recycled wastewater to address ongoing water shortages, according to a new Veolia survey. The survey highlights growing anxiety about climate change, with worsening weather patterns, droughts, and floods making it a daily reality for many Americans. There is also a shift towards acceptance of solutions once considered extreme, driven by concerns for public health and the need for new investments in environmental solutions.

Fred Van Heems, President of Veolia North America, said: 
"From the latest survey results, we can see that the anxiety and concern that Americans feel about climate change and the dangers it poses to our health and well-being are only growing more pronounced. At the same time, we see that many Americans remain hopeful that it’s not too late to take steps to reverse these impacts and preserve the planet for our children and future generations – but we need to act. Global public opinion that includes America is also convinced that inaction will cost humanity more than the necessary investments to the ecological transition."

U.S. Highlights

• 57%  of Americans are certain that the costs of the consequences of climate disruption are going to be greater than the investments needed for ecological transformation
• 61% of Americans said they feel exposed and vulnerable to a deterioration in their quality of life due to worsening climate conditions
   
• 57% of Americans said they feel exposed and vulnerable to health risks due to worsening climate conditions
  • Of those, 54% said they were concerned about the impact climate change was having on their mental health
• 61% (+19% compared to 2022) of Americans expressed willingness to drink recycled wastewater in order to adapt to severe water shortages
   
• 74% expressed willingness to eat food from agriculture that uses recycled wastewater for fertilizer
   
• 82% expressed willingness to pay more out of their own pocket to help cover costs for eliminating micropollutants in drinking water supplies
   

• 53% of Americans remain confident that the future of humanity is still in our hands, and that meaningful steps can still be taken to reverse and mitigate impacts.

   

ABOUT THE METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted in 26 countries across 5 continents, reaching more than 29,500 individuals (between 1,000 and 2,000 per country / 2,000 in the US). Countries were chosen for their demographic weight, their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, and to ensure diversity in ecological political and cultural backgrounds. Overall, these countries represent nearly 60% of the world's population and 67% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The survey was conducted online from October 17 to December 6, 2023. For each of the 26 countries, a representative sample of residents aged 18 and over was gathered. Frequency: the barometer is published every 18 months (allowing for long-term evolution of representations, opinions, and behaviors).