GlobeScan’s recent research on global public opinion reveals varying levels of concern about single-use plastic waste in the environment. The survey, conducted by Radar and based on GlobeScan’s extensive polling data, highlights a shift in perception towards this issue.
Countries like Mexico, Brazil, and India continue to view single-use plastic waste as a very serious problem, while countries like the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and China are becoming less worried about it. For example, only one-third of Chinese respondents view 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 the progress being made in reducing single-use plastics, with bans on items like plastic straws and bags becoming more common. 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, with results providing 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.