For 86%, protecting forests is key against the climate crisis

An unprecedented survey by Greenpeace found that 86% of people believe that protecting forests is a fundamental part of combating the climate crisis.

The research was released as part of the pre-COP30, which takes place in Brasília and brings together negotiators from around 50 countries in preparation for the UN Climate Conference to be held in November.

The survey also showed that 82% want their governments to take more measures in relation to forests to combat deforestation.

And 77% believe that more effective results can be achieved through global agreements to end deforestation.

The survey was carried out by interviewing 17 thousand people, in 17 countries on 5 continents. There were a thousand interviewees per country between the 5th and 17th of September.

Brazilian cut

The survey data shows that Brazilians are even more likely to defend measures to protect forests and against deforestation.

92% believe in the importance of protecting forests against the climate crisis and 93% believe that governments should do more to combat deforestation.

Furthermore, 80% of Brazilians interviewed trust indigenous peoples more than any other entity to protect forests. In the world the rate is 78%.

The executive coordinator of Apib (Articulation of Indigenous Peoples of Brazil), Kleber Karipuna, states that “this is a very significant survey, as it not only expresses the opinion of the vast majority of the population about the importance of keeping forests and all biomes standing and preserved, but also reveals society’s trust in indigenous peoples to protect the planet’s biodiversity”.

Results in light of COP30

On the eve of COP30, the data may encourage heads of state to adopt protective measures.

For the executive director of Greenpeace Brazil, “world leaders must listen to their people and act in accordance with their moral, legal and political responsibilities to end deforestation, in order to maintain the target of 1.5°C (increase in the global average temperature)”.

Likewise, Greenpeace International biodiversity policy expert An Lambrechts commented on the data and pushed for action:

“If we want to maintain the 1.5°C target, COP30 will need to present an action plan to end forest destruction by 2030.

The results of this survey show that many people understand the urgency and want governments to act. There is no better time than a COP in the Amazon for this.”

Greenpeace also carried out an awareness campaign, projecting the message “COP30: Act for forests, act for climate” at the National Congress, which in Portuguese means “COP 30: Act for the forests, act for the climate”.