In recent meetings held in Ottawa, Ontario, discussions on a global treaty on plastic pollution took place. GlobeScan’s global public opinion research has shown varying levels of concern about single-use plastic waste in the environment across different countries. A survey of nearly 30,000 people in 31 countries and territories was conducted to gather insights into this issue.
The results of the survey, which was conducted by Radar and drew on GlobeScan’s extensive polling data, reveal that countries like Mexico, Brazil, and India view single-use plastic waste as a very serious problem. On the other hand, countries like the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and China are becoming less concerned about it. For instance, only one-third of Chinese respondents viewed single-use plastic waste as very serious compared to almost three-quarters of people in Mexico and Brazil.
The decrease in concern in some countries is likely due to progress being made in reducing single-use plastics. Bans on items like plastic straws and bags have become more common, leading to a shift in perception towards this issue. However, concern remains high in many countries, particularly in Latin America, where people also feel that plastic waste is negatively impacting their health. As people increasingly connect plastic waste with health issues, regulatory measures are expected to continue.
The survey question asked respondents to rate the seriousness of single-use plastic waste in the environment. The results provide valuable insights into public perception on this pressing issue. The data collected in July-August 2023 sheds light on the evolving attitudes towards plastic pollution across the globe.
Overall, GlobeScan’s research highlights a shift in perception towards single-use plastic waste as a serious problem globally but also shows that concerns vary widely between countries depending on factors such as progress made reducing plastics and cultural attitudes towards health issues related to plastics pollution.
