Global conflict is a key concern for 52% of consumers, with climate change well behind on 31%, a new study unveiled at the Forest Stewardship Council‘s (FSC) general assembly (pictured) has revealed.
The 2025 Global Consumer Awareness Survey was conducted with Ipsos across 50 countries, talking to more than 40,000 respondents. It suggests a ‘sharp slide’ in public concern for climate change, ‘even after the hottest year on record’, the FSC noted.
Among European countries, public concern over climate change has fallen by between six and ten percentage points since 2022, the study found.
In France, climate change is cited as a top concern by 45% of respondents, down from 52% three years ago, while in Denmark the percentage has fallen from 51% to 41%.
Elsewhere, in Spain, climate change is seen as a top concern by 37% of respondents (down from 44%), in UK by 35% (down from 45%) and in Germany by 34% (down from 42%).
‘Concern gap’
“This concern gap shows why we must work with the concrete realities of people’s lives if we are to address climate change effectively,” commented Subhra Bhattacharjee, FSC director general.
“The survey shows a clear contradiction: people report lower worry about climate change, and yet they reward brands that can prove sustainability. This disconnect between abstract concepts and practical choices points to a clear need: make climate action tangible in daily life.”
Concerns about particular aspects of climate change are ranked highly in some markets – for example, Canadians express strong concern about forest-related issues like wildfires, due to their potential local impact.
Other markets have seen a notable increase in concern about climate change, including Japan and Brazil, which buck the global decline.
Consumer choices
Despite climate change becoming less of a priority for many, consumers are still seeking to make more sustainable shopping choices where possible – with 72% across 29 markets saying they prefer to purchase products that do not harm plants or animals.
“Even if climate change isn’t always top of mind, people are increasingly voting with their wallets,” added Helen Chepkemoi Too, senior director of markets at FSC. “They want sustainable choices – and they reward brands that can prove their impact.”
The FSC general assembly is taking place in Panama this year. Read more here. [Main photo: FSC]
