The majority of people in the world want more concrete actions for the climate, but often they don’t know it. The international project “The 89 Percent Project” aims to give a voice to this large community and show that change is possible.
Have you ever had the feeling that the people who are really worried about the climate are only a few?
Between alarming news and political decisions that are often slow, it may seem that commitment to the planet concerns only a small minority. But the reality is very different.
According to recent international studies, between 80% and 89% of the world’s population would like governments to do much more to fight climate change.
A huge percentage, which tells a surprising truth: there is a large majority of people in favor of climate action. However, many are not aware of it and think they are just a small drop in the ocean.
This perception creates what some researchers call the climate “silent majority”.
A Majority That Wants to Act for the Planet
An important survey published in the scientific journal Nature Climate Change involved more than 135,000 people in 125 countries.
The results are very significant.
About 68.5% of respondents said they would be willing to contribute 1% of their income to support actions against climate change.
Yet the same participants think that less than half of the people would do the same.
In other words, many people are ready to act, but they underestimate the commitment of others. This collective misunderstanding can slow down change, because when we believe we are alone, we tend to act less.
And What Happens in Italy?
Also in Italy, support for stronger climate action is very high.
According to survey data, 92% of Italians would like the government to do more to address the climate crisis.
However, the willingness to contribute economically is slightly lower than the global average and stands at around 63.7%.
Another interesting figure concerns the perception of others: only 39% of Italians think that other citizens are also ready to do their part.
This shows how important it is to better tell the stories of those who act for the climate, in order to make visible what often remains hidden.
The Project That Wants to Give a Voice to 89% of the World
With this objective in mind, The 89 Percent Project was created, an international initiative promoted by the journalistic organization Covering Climate Now.
The project involves more than 500 news organizations around the world that have decided to collaborate to tell a different story about climate: that of people and communities who are asking for and building change.
Among the participating media are important international news organizations such as The Guardian, AFP, Deutsche Welle, and The New York Times.
The goal is simple but powerful: to make visible the majority of people who want to protect the planet.
A Year to Tell Stories of Change
The project was launched on April 21, on the occasion of Earth Day, and will last for one year.
During these months, newsrooms around the world will tell stories of citizens, communities, and initiatives that are contributing to the fight against the climate crisis.
The path was also shared during COP30, the United Nations Climate Conference held in Brazil.
In addition to journalistic articles, the project also includes:
- training events
- Social media campaigns
- awareness initiatives
- in-depth coverage of solutions to the climate crisis
Because informing also means building awareness and participation.
Solutions Exist (And They Are Already Underway)
When we talk about climate change, we often think only about the problems. But there are also many solutions.
Among the most important are:
- the spread of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power
- more ambitious public policies to reduce emissions
- new, more responsible consumption habits
- more sustainable economic models
- projects for the conservation of ancient forests and tree planting
But alongside major political decisions, there are also the daily choices of people.
And it is precisely here that each of us can make a difference.
Daily Actions That Can Make a Difference
Acting for the climate does not only mean big global changes. Often it is the small daily choices that build wider transformations.
For example, we can:
- choose sustainable travel and environmentally conscious accommodations
- prefer low-impact means of transport
- reduce energy waste in everyday life
- support companies and projects engaged in the ecological transition
- talk about the environment and climate in our community
Even the way we travel can help protect the planet. Choosing slower tourism, respectful of territories and local communities, is already an important step.
We Are Not Alone: We Are the Majority
The climate crisis is one of the biggest challenges of our time. But knowing that the majority of people in the world want to act is news that can change the perspective.
We are not an isolated minority.
We are millions of people who share the same desire to protect the Earth.
And this is precisely the most powerful message of The 89 Percent Project: when the majority becomes visible, change becomes much closer.
Cover image: photo via Canva PRO
