Climate Crisis and Corona Virus Special Survey

Do Israelis want their government to improve the economy's readiness for the climate crisis? IDI's special survey on public attitudes to the climate crisis says that an overwhelming majority (89%) says "yes."

Background and Methodology

In the context of the corona crisis, the Center for Governance and Economy at the Israel Democracy Institute, conducted a survey, to examine the public’s view of the climate crisis. The survey was conducted with the assistance and methodological oversight of the Guttman Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research. The sampling was done by the Midgam Company. 

The survey was based on a representative sample of the employed population, and included 757 respondents, of whom 361 were men and 396 women, constituting 48% and 52% of the sample, respectively. This sample was adjusted to reflect the current distribution of men and women in the labor force: in Israel: 53% men (1,981,832 workers) and 47% women (1,746,179 workers).

Main Findings

89% of the respondents believe that the Israeli government should take action to improve the economy's preparedness for the climate crisis, and only 6% believe that no government action is needed. 5% reported that they do not know how to answer this question.

Do you think the government of Israel should act to improve the economy’s preparedness for the climate crisis? (Total sample, by age and levels of education)

Among those who believe that the Israeli government should take action to improve the Israeli economy's preparedness s for climate crisis; 24% believe that it should act mainly to improve the economy's competitiveness; 21% stated that it should focus on improving transportation infrastructure. The remaining responses were divided up equally – among three categories: the government should focus on green building; improving public space in cities; and lowering energy costs.

How do you think the government of Israel should act to improve the Israeli economy’s preparedness for climate crisis? (Among those who believe the government should act)

About 46% of the respondents stated that the corona crisis heightened their concern with regard to the dangers of the climate crisis, compared with 54% who indicated that the corona crisis had no impact on the level of their concern.

Did the corona crisis increase your concern regarding the dangers of the climate crisis (Total sample, by age and levels of education)

The percentage reporting that the corona crisis has heightened their concern about the dangers of the climate crisis drops with level of education (41% among those with academic education; 48% among those with technological training; and 52% of the others). In addition, the percentage of those reporting greater concern gradually decreases with age (up to retirement age): from 54% among 18- to 24-year-olds, to 47% between the ages of 25-44, and 37% between the ages of 55 and 64. At age 65 and above, the percentage reporting that the corona crisis increased their concern about the dangers of climate crisis rises to 52%

28% of the survey respondents believe that the climate crisis is linked to the corona crisis, compared to 42% who do not think there is a connection, and about 30% who responded that they do not know. The percentage of those who believe that such a connection exists, decreases with age: from 37% between the ages of 18 and 24 to 21% between the ages of 55 and 64, rising again to 28% among those age 65 and older.

In your opinion, is the corona crisis linked to the climate crisis (Total sample)