Japan’s concern grows, but survey shows lowest climate action engagement

Ipsos published the Human and Climate Change Report 2025, drawing on data from 32 countries to examine global attitudes toward climate change and the perceived responsibility for addressing it. The report reveals that Japan lags behind all other nations in public engagement with climate action.

Ipsos conducted the survey online using its platforms. A total of 23,745 individuals from 32 countries participated between 24 January and 7 February 2025. Respondents were adults aged 16 to 74, with age ranges varying slightly by country.

Just 40 percent of Japanese respondents feel individual action is necessary to address climate change, a sharp decline of 19 points from 2021. This is the most significant drop recorded across the survey, positioning Japan at the bottom of the list. Agreement with the statement that failure to act now would let future generations down also dropped from 59 percent in 2021 to 40 percent in 2025.

Beyond personal responsibility, trust in institutional action is also notably low. Japan recorded the lowest agreement rates for statements about governmental and corporate responsibility, including the belief that failure by the government to act would let its citizens down, and that inaction by businesses would disappoint employees and customers. These figures suggest a deep-rooted scepticism in Japan regarding the roles of state and corporate sectors in addressing environmental issues.

Despite this apparent disengagement, concern about the local impacts of climate change has increased. Eighty-one percent of Japanese respondents said they are worried about climate-related effects in their country, a 12-point rise since 2022. This shift mirrors a global trend, especially in countries highly exposed to climate risks such as the Philippines and Turkey.

While it would be more insightful to delve deeper into the individual reasons behind survey responses, it is undeniable that there is a segment of the population aware that the climate crisis will affect their lives personally. This points to a gap between awareness and action—and opportunities to bridge that gap.

Consider two approaches. First, connect people in Japan with trustworthy organisations that take climate-positive actions.

Although organisations need to reflect more deeply and show greater commitment, many local governments and organisations are already acting in line with planetary well-being. These are led by forward-thinking leaders who prioritise the environment. Shifting consumers towards such organisations—even specific brands—can encourage action, whether conscious or not. This includes accommodations powered entirely by renewable energy, grocery stores operating circular food systems, and fashion labels minimising their environmental impact. Such shifts could prompt even disengaged organisations to pay attention, particularly when their financial interests and votes are involved.

Second, offer hope. If distrust in government and companies pushes people away, we can redirect that momentum by pulling them toward grassroots activists.

Across Japan, small but determined climate groups are active. Youths from Fridays For Future continue to protest for climate action and climate justice. The recent Climate Reality® Tour in Japan introduced a new cohort of Climate Reality Leadership Corps volunteers. They are evidence that there are individuals in Japan ready and willing to take action. These activists and their work can spark contagious hope and inspire others to get involved.