Public want urgent global action to tackle climate change

73% of people want world leaders to agree a global deal and 66% think action must happen now, according to a new Populus survey. The survey reveals an appetite for action on climate change by the UK public, with only 20% agreeing that it can wait a few years. But the survey also showed that just 40% of people recognise the potential impact of climate change on their lifestyle.

So, as the recent IPCC Synthesis report shows, the science is clear, but how will climate change impact what we do day-to-day, from a morning cup of coffee to the car we drive and the home we live in? DECC is teaming up with a huge range of organisations and individuals, such as the UN, Microsoft and the Natural History Museum to bring the issue to life.

On the 25th of November, a huge Twitter event was held about the impact of climate change and the actions that can be taken. The 10-hour global event was broken down into hourly slots, one after another, and each themed around a different subject such as health, cities and sport. There was a different expert for each session who responded to questions – submitted via Twitter – about how climate change will impact the featured subject matter or the action that can be taken.

Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey said: “We are at a global turning point – never before have so many countries made clear their determination to act to tackle climate change. Those governments are backed by a groundswell of people who want to see action in their own countries and around the world."

Get involved using the hashtag #BackClimateAction and follow @DECCgovuk.