10 Countries That Believe In Climate Change

Climate change is a subject that often triggers concerns in this century regarding food security, depleting natural resources, soil humidity, and water resources among other issues. However, not all countries of the world react in the same way to climate change. The world has both climate change believers and deniers and the percentage of these two types of people varies from country to country. Below is a list of countries that are the biggest believers in climate change.

1. Brazil 

86% of the residents of Brazil believe that climate change is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. In the past, Brazil was known to be one of the countries in the world that championed actions targeted at promoting the use of renewable energy and deforestation. However, challenges faced by the county in addressing issues of climate change include scarce human resources, poor infrastructure, and the current leadership that does not prioritize environmental policy. According to the current President of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, the environmental policies are suffocating economic growth. Nonetheless, Brazil is still among the top countries in the world with regards to the cleanest electricity portfolios.

2. Burkina Faso 

In Burkina Faso, 79% of the residents are concerned about climate change. Evidence of climate change includes pockets of drought experienced by the eastern and southern regions of the country that normally experience favorable weather. The country has also noted a significant increase in temperature and a reduction in agricultural productivity. Consequently, the government of Burkina Faso has been at the forefront of assisting villagers in digging wells to help them access water. It has also adopted the National Adaptation Program of Action (NAPA) which helps in assessing the vulnerability of the country and its capacity to adapt to climate change. Additionally, the government also seeks to provide platforms for the use of innovation, education, and knowledge to build resilient and safe communities.

3. Chile 

In Chile, 77% of the people consider climate change as the greatest external threat that they have to deal with as a nation. The first evidence of climate change in the country is the shrinking of the Laguna de Aculeo which used to be a favorite retreat spot for most Chileans. Secondly, Chile experiences weather chaos made up of torrential rains in the north, as well as wildfires and prolonged drought in the south. Thirdly, the country is also experiencing water shortages that have hit the largest industries in Chile which are mining and agriculture. The earthquake that took place in China in 2010 is believed to have heightened the drought in the country. Government action in a bid to minimize the effects of climate change includes investing millions of dollars in desalination plants, new reservoir projects, and upgraded irrigation systems.

4. India 

Research indicates that 76% of Indian residents are concerned about the glaring effects of climate change in their country. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned the country about likely disasters that could result from climate change if nothing is done to minimize its effects. The country is among the most hit nations due to its high levels of economic inequalities and a booming population. Currently, the country is experiencing an increased frequency of heat waves, a higher variation in precipitation patterns, water shortages, and food security challenges.

5. Uganda

76% of the residents of Uganda, an East African nation, are also concerned about the evidence of climate change in the country. The country is experiencing significant impacts of climate change including frequent floods, droughts, and landslides. Uganda also experiences decreased rainfall which is also less predictable and less evenly distributed in the various regions of the country. Unfortunately, even when it rains, the country receives heavy downpours that often result in floods that damage crops, businesses, and homes.

6. Peru

According to 75% of the residents of Peru, climate change is an alarming situation. Evidence of climate change in the country includes sea-level rise resulting in beach erosion, higher glacial melt resulting in higher levels of Lake Palcacocha that easily results in floods, severe weather such as rainstorms, hurricanes, and snowstorms, and heightened drought. The government continues to support efforts to reduce these effects of climate change. First, it is committed to reducing deforestation to zero by 2021. Secondly, the government has formed alliances with non-governmental and non-profit organizations to help in alleviating the effects of climate change and reduce its greenhouse emissions.

7. Philippines 

In 2015, the Global Climate Risk Index ranked the Philippines as the country most affected by climate change in the world. Today, 72% of residents of the Philippines are still concerned about the results of climate change in the country. Some of the effects of climate change in the country include deadly typhoons, extreme weather conditions, and warmer temperatures. In dealing with these challenges, the country is faced with limitations such as the high population scattered across thousands of islands, higher risk for tropical storms, and the financial implications.

8. Venezuela

Among the residents of Venezuela, 72% believe climate change is a serious problem. Evidence of climate change in Venezuela includes an increase in average temperatures, torrential rains, massive flooding, hurricanes, mudslides, and droughts. Unfortunately, these issues continue without intervention due to the negligent attitude of the government.

9. Vietnam

According to the IPCC 2018 report, Vietnam is among the most vulnerable states with regards to climate change due to its high dependence on the agricultural sector. Additionally, 69% of the residents of Vietnam are concerned about the increasingly detrimental effects of climate change. Such effects include increased typhoons, landslides, droughts, and numerous tropical storms. Nonetheless, the country’s abundant renewal energy is a positive influence on climate change.

10. Ghana

People in Ghana, specifically 68% of the residents, are concerned about the seriousness of the effects of climate change. The vulnerability of Ghana to climate change is associated with its exposure to sea erosion, increased floods, erratic rainfall, and increased droughts. A large percentage of the country’s workforce (45%) still depends on the rain to engage in farming. Climate change is also affecting the health of the country’s citizens as it results in an increase in the incidence of waterborne diseases and higher rates of malnutrition.