EarthOne: A Fresh Look at Our Planet
Got a minute to spare? You’ll want to hear about EarthOne and what the latest poll says about how people feel about climate change.
Why EarthOne Matters
AsiaOne has just launched EarthOne, a brand‑new section that puts environmental stories front‑and‑center. Think of it as a green newsroom where science meets everyday life—no boring jargon, just real talk about the planet we all share.
The Surprising Trend: Less Fear, More “Well‑That’s…something”
According to a massive Gallup World Risk Poll that dialed 125k people across 121 countries, people are not alarmed to the same extent they were a few years back. Over 20 years, fewer than half of respondents believe climate change is a “very serious threat” to their country.
- China’s numbers fall to 20%—even though it’s the world’s biggest polluter.
- Globally, the figure dips just under 49% (down 1.5 points from 2021).
- In the U.S., the second biggest polluter, confidence rises a tad to 51.5%.
- Regions facing the biggest ecological risks are surprisingly the least worried: Middle East & North Africa: 27.4%, South Asia: 39.1%.
“It’s a bit like a road trip where everyone pulls over to look at the scenery—only some of them have it in their rear‑view mirror,” says the poll analyst.
What That Means for Global Climate Talks
The downturn in anxiety comes just before the final showdown at COP27 in Egypt this November. Negotiators expect to hear that the planet is still in crisis mode—and that climate change is inflating other dangers.
Beyond Climate: The Other Threats That’re Already Knocking
Large research shows that these issues are piling on top of each other:
- 750 million people undernourished or already battling climate impacts.
- 1.4 billion people in 83 countries facing huge water stress—over 20% lack clean drinking water.
- In 2040, European nations like Greece, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal are slated to hit critical water shortages. The same goes for sub‑Saharan Africa, the Middle East and North Africa.
- Air pollution costs the global economy a whopping $8.1 trillion per year—equivalent to 6.1% of GDP—and kills 6‑9 million folks annually.
- Natural disaster costs have jumped to an average of $200 billion per year—a four‑fold rise since the 1980s.
“Negotiators at COP27 need to understand how these ecological threats are interlocking with climate change,” explains Steve Killelea, founder of a research institute in Sydney.
Bottom Line
Even as less people are dramatically terrified, the planet still looks like a runaway roller coaster. EarthOne’s new section is ready to keep you updated—so you can stand in the front row, laugh when something gets lightened, and seriously stay in the loop when it’s time to grab the reins.
