Lhe political commitments for the climate are largely the result of collective awareness. The results of a investigation carried out in 20 countries and on more than 40,000 respondents show that there is almost unanimous recognition (more than 75% of respondents in each country) of the major threat posed by climate change.
The French are particularly aware of the human origin of climate change. A investigation of nearly 3,000 French residents shows that more than 90% of those surveyed recognize that climate change is occurring, and 35% describe it as “catastrophic”.
However, there is a gap between the perceived seriousness of climate change and actual behavior: the car remains the majority for commuting, even short distances, the average shower lasts nine minutes (against five recommended), the reduction in the volume of household waste is far from the set objectives; the French take the plane five times more than the world average.
Lack of awareness
Citizens therefore do not seem fully prepared to make all the necessary efforts to effectively combat climate change. One hypothesis to explain this differential between declared attitudes and actual behavior is the lack of awareness on the part of citizens of the degree of profound transformation that would be necessary to avoid a collective catastrophe.
An increase in skills on climate issues could contribute to this awareness. Many initiatives today state the objective of training in these issues. In April 2021, Axa launched the Climate School, online training dedicated to environmental issues, aimed at employees of companies in all sectors. EDF is increasing training for all of its employees, particularly on the environment and sustainable development.
Thus, thirty-two thousand of its employees participated in the climate fresco, a climate change awareness workshop. According to figures from the association providing this workshop, a million people have participated in a climate fresco since its creation in 2018, mainly in universities, businesses and local authorities.
All of these training initiatives mobilize significant resources in time (and money for paid training), with the promise that those who participate will be “motivated and equipped to act at their level”.
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