Public Awareness of Biodiversity has Increased in France, UK, Brazil: Survey

About 90 per cent of the people in countries including France, the United Kingdom, Brazil and China now recognise the value of biodiversity, according to a study conducted by a non-profit Union for Ethical Biotrade (UEBT), as cited in a report by Down To Earth. Awareness in Germany and the US also exceeds 75 per cent, a significant increase from past few years.

Announcing the findings in a press conference, David Ainsworth from the United Nations Environment Programme and Rik Kutsch Lojenga, executive director of UEBT, highlighted that public awareness of biodiversity has reached unprecedented levels, with more than 80 per cent people being able to accurately explain the meaning of biodiversity.

The study, surveying 6,000 people across Brazil, China, the US, France, Germany and the UK, found that biodiversity is now seen as the second most pressing global issue, following climate change. However, public concern for climate change has slightly diminished.

The report also mentioned about the public expectations from businesses regarding biodiversity. Over 80 per cent of respondents wanted companies to support biodiversity plans and to share specific actions for consumers to promote sustainability.

Despite consumer awareness and readiness to promote sustainability, there exists a significant trust gap between them and the companies. Although approximately 86 per cent of respondents believe businesses are morally liable to protect biodiversity, many of the respondents are not confident that companies are taking sufficient actions.

The survey also indicated a shift in consumers' purchasing habits, with 82 per cent of consumers wanting to make a positive impact on society by choosing biodegradable and biodiversity-conscious products.

As the Convention on Biological Diversity at 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) comes to a close in few days, the insights shared in the report during the conference would inspire both consumer behaviour and corporate responsibility initiatives.