After a brief phase of positive political action, protecting our climate seems to be losing popularity again. By systematically “ghosting” climate research and the institutions and terms associated with it, the Trump administration is doing everything it can to erase the climate crisis from the collective consciousness. In many other countries, too, climate protection is being politically pushed into the background.
Reporting on the climate crisis tends to paint a narrow, defensive picture. The root causes are often relegated to a footnote—if they’re mentioned at all. Solutions are rarely discussed. As a result, people who advocate for climate action are left with the impression—reinforced by politicians, the fossil fuel industry, mainstream media, and social platforms—that they are in the minority.
But the numbers tell a very different story. A clear majority of people around the world are calling on their governments to take stronger climate action. This growing public demand is echoed by a rising body of robust scientific research. Even we were surprised by the strength of the data.
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Studies show strong support for more climate protection
One of these studies was the People’s Climate Vote of 2024. It found that 89 percent of people in lower-income countries support stronger climate protection measures. These countries are home to roughly four-fifths of the global population. In wealthier industrialised nations, support was slightly lower but still significant, at around two-thirds. Overall, when responses from both high- and low-income countries are combined, the study concludes that “80 percent of people worldwide want their governments to take more climate protection measures.”
Similar results were found by the Yale and George Mason University Center Programs on Climate Change Communication. Together, these institutions are widely regarded as the global gold standard in public opinion research on climate change.
A study by Nature Climate Change also confirms that the majority of the world’s population does not realise that it is, in fact, the majority. The report states that people around the world systematically underestimate the willingness of their fellow citizens to take action.
You are not alone
Widespread public support for climate action—a response to the growing threat of heatwaves, droughts, and floods—offers a much-needed glimmer of hope. But it also raises a critical question: how can this shared demand be transformed into meaningful change?
Climate science has made it clear. We already possess the tools and knowledge needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C. What’s missing is the political will to implement these measures at the scale and speed required. And it’s likely that many in the silent majority are unaware that solving the climate crisis is still possible.
So what will it take for this majority to realise that they are not alone? That most people around the world share their concerns and aspirations? What needs to happen for their actions as citizens and consumers to reflect this awareness—and for their political influence to grow? And how can media coverage evolve to become more confident, solutions-focused, and forward-looking?
These questions are at the heart of the “89 Percent” project by the non-profit organisation Covering Climate Now. Launched in late April, this one-year media initiative invites newsrooms across the globe to report independently or collaboratively on the climate realities within their communities—making the invisible visible.
The 89 Percent project
The 89 Percent project kicked off with an intensive week of reporting involving major media outlets from around the world. Leading partners include The Guardian and Agence France-Presse, with coverage also coming from The Nation, Rolling Stone, Scientific American, and Time in the United States; National Observer in Canada; Deutsche Welle in Germany; Corriere della Sera in Italy; Asahi Shimbun in Japan; and the multinational network Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism based in Jordan. An overview of these inspiring stories can be found here: Stories that inspire.
In the months ahead, the project will continue with in-depth reporting that explores other dimensions of public opinion on climate action. Alongside media partners, we’ll be working to make the silent majority visible—through events, training sessions, interviews, and more. The initiative will culminate in a second global reporting week, timed to lead into the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil this November.
How can I take part?
Every editorial team or individual journalist can take part by sharing the contributions they have already made and publishing articles on the topic of “The 89 Percent” in October.
All Covering Climate Now (CCNow ) partners have access to the Sharing Library, in which all contributions from other partners can be offered or used. Registering as a partner is very easy: CCNow
If you don’t want to become an official partner, simply write a message to CCNow. Your contribution will also be published as part of the 89 Percent initiative.
Not a journalist or editorial office? You can still stay up to date via the website and publicise the initiative under #The89Percent in your network on BlueSky, LinkedIn, Instagram or Threads.
