- New survey shows that 77% of adults (18-75) surveyed in the UK support a policy proposal for wealthy people to pay a higher tax on their wealth, as a means of funding major changes to our economies and lifestyles.
- A majority of people surveyed in the UK believe the political system of the UK needs major changes (39%) or to be completely reformed (24%). While also, a majority believes the economic system of the UK needs major changes (43%) or to be completely reformed (21%). 70% agree that the way the UK’s economy works should prioritise the health and wellbeing of people and nature rather than focussing solely on profit and increasing wealth.
- Over two-thirds (69%) of those surveyed in the UK believe the world needs to take major action immediately – within the next decade – to reduce carbon emissions from electricity, transport, food, industry, and buildings.
Nearly eight out of ten of those surveyed in the UK (77%) support a wealth tax on wealthy people as a means of funding major changes to our economy and lifestyles, according to a new Ipsos survey commissioned by Earth4All – an international team of economists and scientists – and the Global Commons Alliance – a coalition of experts on a mission to protect the natural world.
The survey also shows that 78% of participants in the UK support higher rates of income tax for wealthy people, while 76% support higher tax rates for large businesses, as a means of funding major changes to our economy and lifestyles.
The Ipsos survey was conducted in 18 G20 countries plus Austria, Denmark, Kenya and Sweden. The findings come as finance ministers from G20 countries – including the United States, China and India – prepare to meet in Brazil this July. For the first time, a wealth tax is on the agenda, as these nations deliberate on strategies to address the world’s economic and environmental challenges.
The new findings show that 70% of those surveyed in the UK agree that the way economy works should prioritise the health and wellbeing of people and nature rather than focusing solely on profit and increasing wealth. While six in 10 (61%) agree that the economic success of a country should be measured by the health and wellbeing of its citizens not how fast the economy is growing.
When it comes to the climate change and protecting nature, the findings reveal that UK adults understand its urgency. Over two-thirds (69%) of those surveyed believe that the world needs to take major action immediately – within the next decade – to reduce carbon emissions from electricity, transport, food, industry, and buildings.
Meanwhile, 77% of UK adults surveyed support a ‘polluter pays’ policy proposal: that people and companies that pollute the environment, for example by causing greenhouse gas emissions, should pay higher taxes, with the money raised shared out among people and companies who pollute less.
A majority of those people surveyed in UK believe that the UK’s political and economic systems need to be reformed: just under two thirds (63%) believe the political system of the UK needs major changes or to be completely reformed, while 64% believe the economic system of the UK needs major changes or to be completely reformed.
Owen Gaffney, co-lead of the Earth4All initiative, “A majority of people in the UK want political and economic reform. Many feel their economy is not working for them. And a majority believe urgent action is needed this decade to tackle the planetary emergency.
“At Earth4All we believe that these survey results show a widespread appetite for bold and progressive change in the UK. A majority of UK citizens surveyed support policy proposals for higher tax on the wealth and/or income of wealthy people and/or higher tax rates for large businesses. Our research shows that greater equality will build stronger democracies to drive a fair transformation for a more stable planet.”
Jane Madgwick, Executive Director at the Global Commons Alliance, echoed this urgency, saying, “Science demands a giant leap to address the planetary crisis, climate change and to protect nature. And 69% of citizens surveyed in the UK believe immediate action within the next decade is required to reduce carbon emissions.”
Sandrine Dixson-Declève, executive chair of Earth4All and co-president of The Club of Rome and, said: “This survey shows that many UK citizens believe it is time for an economy that delivers greater wellbeing, more climate solutions and less inequality. But its results also show a growing lack of trust in government.
“Growing social tension could mean that some people are turning to populist parties in the run-up to the general election on 4 July, and we need a government that will upgrade our economic system – so it places as much importance on people and the planet as it does on prosperity.”
Further findings from the survey show that 65% of those surveyed in the UK agree that there is too much economic inequality in the UK these days, and 66% agree that the economic system in the UK hurts people who have least money.
Only a minority of those surveyed in the UK (29%) agree that the UK government can be trusted to make decisions for the benefit of the majority of people. While only 24% agree that the UK government can be trusted to make long-term decisions that will benefit the majority of people 20 or 30 years from now.
80% of those surveyed in the UK believe that having a democratic political system would be a good way of governing the country. While 31% think having a strong leader who does not have to bother with parliament and elections would be a good way of governing the country.
The survey also asked whether people were optimistic or pessimistic about the future. 57% of those surveyed in the UK are optimistic about their own future. However, only 30% are optimistic about the future of the UK, and only 25% are optimistic about the future of the world.