Business – Public concern for climate change drops amid war and conflict – France 24

Report on Shifting Public Priorities and the Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

A recent survey reveals a significant shift in public priorities, with geopolitical conflict supplanting climate change as the primary global concern. This report analyzes the implications of this trend on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action). It incorporates expert analysis from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), highlighting the persistent role of consumer behavior in advancing SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), despite the change in overarching public sentiment.

2.0 Analysis of Survey Findings on Global Concerns

The survey data indicates a notable decline in public anxiety regarding climate change. The primary findings are as follows:

• War and conflict are now the dominant public worry, displacing climate change from its previous position of high concern.
• This shift in public focus poses a direct challenge to maintaining political and social momentum for achieving the targets set under SDG 13: Climate Action.
• The prioritization of immediate security threats, linked to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, over long-term environmental risks is a key takeaway.

3.0 Expert Commentary: Consumer Behavior and Sustainable Consumption

In an interview with Subhra Batthachargee, Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council, a counter-trend was identified in consumer habits. This provides a crucial perspective on grassroots support for the sustainability agenda.

3.1 Key Insights

1. Sustained Green Consumerism: Despite the survey’s findings, consumers continue to demonstrate a preference for sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly products.
2. Support for SDG 12: This purchasing behavior directly contributes to the objectives of SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by creating market demand for sustainable supply chains.
3. Advancing SDG 15: The work of organizations like the FSC, supported by consumer choice, is fundamental to protecting forests and biodiversity, aligning with SDG 15: Life on Land.

4.0 Strategic Recommendations and Path Forward

Based on the analysis, Subhra Batthachargee suggests a strategic pivot in communication to re-engage the public on climate issues. The core recommendation is to bridge the gap between abstract climate science and daily life.

4.1 Actionable Strategies

• Translate Climate Impacts: It is imperative to translate the high-level impacts of climate change into tangible consequences and actionable steps relevant to daily life.
• Leverage Consumer Power: Continue to empower consumers to make informed choices that support sustainable production, thereby using market forces to drive progress towards SDGs 12, 13, and 15.
• Integrate Global Goals: Emphasize the interconnectedness of the SDGs, demonstrating how instability (related to SDG 16) can exacerbate environmental degradation and vice versa, creating a holistic case for the 2030 Agenda.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  The article directly addresses this goal by mentioning a “sharp slide in public concern for climate change” and the need to “translate the impacts of climate change into what it means for day to day action.”

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  This goal is connected through the statement that “consumers are still preferring to shop green,” which highlights the role of consumer behavior and sustainable consumption patterns.

• SDG 15: Life on Land

  The involvement of the “Director General of the Forest Stewardship Council” directly links the article’s content to the sustainable management of forests, a key component of this SDG.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning.

  The article’s focus on the decline in “public concern for climate change” and the statement about needing to “translate the impacts of climate change” for the public directly relate to improving awareness and capacity regarding climate issues.

• Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.

  The mention of consumers “preferring to shop green” indicates an existing level of awareness about sustainable lifestyles, which this target aims to promote universally.

• Target 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.

  The reference to the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), an organization dedicated to promoting responsible forest management, directly aligns with the objective of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicator for Target 13.3: Level of public concern for climate change.

  The article explicitly mentions a “new survey” that measures public concern. This survey acts as a direct, albeit informal, indicator of public awareness and engagement with climate change issues.

• Implied Indicator for Target 12.8: Consumer preference for sustainable products.

  The statement that “consumers are still preferring to shop green” serves as an implied indicator of the public’s awareness and adoption of sustainable consumption habits.

• Implied Indicator for Target 15.2: Progress in sustainable forest management certification.

  The presence and role of the Forest Stewardship Council imply the use of certification systems to verify and promote sustainably managed forests. The adoption of such certifications by businesses and consumers is a measure of progress.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: france24.com