High-Resolution Map of Climate Change Perception in China
In our recent study, we embarked on a comprehensive exploration of the evolving public perceptions of climate change in China, spanning provincial to prefecture-city levels. Drawing from two national surveys conducted in 2010 and 2023, we were able to capture the perception of a combined total of 15,833 respondents. Our primary tools for measurement were two pivotal questions that gauged climate change issue priority and risk perception:
- “Is climate change the most urgent environmental problem in China?” (Termed as ‘Perceived Priority’)
- “Will climate change have the greatest impact on you and your families compared to other environmental issues?” (Termed as ‘Perceived Impact’).
Perceived Priority of Climate Change
Across the board, there’s a noticeable uptick in the perceived priority of climate change in China. The national average surged from a modest 5.91% in 2010 to a more substantial 23.4% in 2023. This growth wasn’t uniform, with 2010 figures ranging from 4.4% in Beijing to 11.5% in Yunnan. By 2023, this span had expanded, with Guangdong at the lower end with 16.9% and Liaoning leading at 40.1%.