Support for Australian climate leadership and for business decarbonisation efforts remains strong compared with last year said the Carbon Market Institute (CMI). Essential poll research released by CMI today found almost two thirds understood the link between climate change and cost of living and that more Australians than not now have confidence in carbon offsetting.
“While election campaigning is focusing on energy issues, climate concerns are alive in the shadows, and neither Australians expectations for leadership nor understanding that climate change is a cost of living issue should be discounted,” said John Connor, CEO CMI.
“Most Australians identify climate change as a cost driver or contributor. Almost two thirds (62%) agreed that impacts of climate change, such as more frequent and severe bushfires and flooding, worsen the cost of living through insurance cost increases and grocery prices, just 13% disagreed,” said Connor.
The Essential survey was conducted online from 12 to 17 March 2025 and is based on 1,133 participants. Other key findings compared with May 2024 survey findings in brackets included:
- 54% (55%) agreed that Australia has a leadership role to play in supporting their Pacific neighbours, particularly those on the front lines of climate change, just 19% disagreed.
- 52% (52%) agreed that developed countries like Australia should set stronger climate targets than developing countries, just 22% disagreed.
- 75% (77%) agreed businesses should decarbonise and use carbon credits to become net zero–49% (50%) or net negative emissions–26% (27%).
- 62% agreed having strong climate change commitments is a good way for a company to show it cares about Australia’s environment and long-term future.
- 47% (46%) agreed they were more likely vote for a political party that supports the transition away from the burning of fossil fuels (e.g. coal, oil and gas), 21% disagreed.
- More Australians than not now have confidence in carbon offsets than those that don’t with opinion still divided–45% have confidence compared with 42% who do not, the split was 43%:46% last year.
“Despite Trumpian headwinds and the reality of daily cost of living struggles, Australians’ expectations for climate leadership from government and business has remained strong, this should reinforce the importance of continued climate policy progress,” said Connor.
“As we highlighted in our budget response, short-term cost of living measures need to translate into long-term policy continuity and certainty for investors in a resilient, net zero emissions and nature positive Australia,” concluded Connor.
Link to the Essential Research report.
