Who is responsible when it comes to trying to limit climate change? Who should take the lead in climate action? Six researchers tried to find answers to these questions to citizens of multiple African countries through an investigation carried out between 2021 and 2023.
Conducted with more than 50,000 people in 39 African countries between 2021 and 2023, this investigation was more interested in detail at 26,735 respondents who initially declared “ Having heard of climate change ». To the latter, a central question was therefore asked: “ In your opinion, who should have the main responsibility to try to limit climate change and reduce its impact? ». Among the possible responses were “businesses and industry”, “national government”, “rich or developed countries”, “ordinary Africans in their country”, “traditional chiefs” or “someone else”.
The survey stresses that citizens in West Africa are distinguished by the highest proportion of people believing that their own government is responsible for climate change. Nigeria, Liberia and Niger are thus the first three countries which prioritize climate action on their government, with an average of almost 75% of responsibility awarded to the State, according to the survey.
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