A pioneering study involving international researchers, including a contributor from Stellenbosch University, has revealed that awareness of the connection between extreme weather events and climate change significantly influences public support for climate policies. Published in the esteemed journal Nature Climate Change on 1 July 2025, this research sheds light on how varying extreme weather experiences sway opinions, particularly in the Global South.

The study examined how individuals’ experiences with extreme weather events and their belief that these occurrences are linked to climate change predict their support for five key climate policies: increasing taxes on carbon-intensive foods, raising taxes on fossil fuels, expanding public transportation infrastructure, increasing the use of sustainable energy, and protecting forested and land areas.

Utilising extensive datasets from 68 countries, the researchers quantified exposure to extreme weather events and sought to establish whether this exposure—as well as personal beliefs about climate change—affected support for the aforementioned policies. Notably, the study found that those who attributed extreme weather events to climate change exhibited higher levels of support for climate policies, irrespective of the frequency of such events.

“Our data suggest that if individuals attribute extreme weather events to climate change, support for climate policies is higher regardless of whether the events are more frequent,” stated the research team. They noted a potential reciprocal relationship where individuals who favour climate policies are also inclined to attribute extreme weather impacts to climate change.

Among the study’s findings, raising carbon taxes garnered the least support, with only 22% and 29% of participants showing strong favour towards increasing taxes on carbon-intensive foods and fossil fuels, respectively. Conversely, protecting forested and land areas emerged as a highly supported initiative, with 82% of respondents strongly supporting it. Additionally, a significant 75% backed the increased usage of sustainable energy, showcasing a public preference for more proactive environmental stewardship.

Geographically, the study highlighted substantial differences in support levels. African and Asian countries reported heightened backing for climate policies, while nations like the Czech Republic, Finland, and Norway exhibited below-average support. Specific demographics—such as younger, urban males with higher education—were identified as more likely to support climate policies.

Interestingly, the research indicated that the impact of certain extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves and tropical cyclones, was more pronounced among participants who strongly attributed these incidents to climate change. This suggests that the management strategies often employed in response to such weather, including flood protections and land-use regulations, may prompt a stronger call for related policies.

“The varied attribution of extreme weather to climate change across regions is noteworthy,” the researchers added. For instance, South Americans, particularly in Brazil and Colombia, were more inclined to link extreme weather to climate change, a sentiment fueled by personal experiences with climate impacts. Conversely, Northern Europeans and many Africans exhibited lower levels of attribution, likely due to lesser awareness of climate change ramifications.

The call for additional research into effective climate change communication became apparent, particularly concerning weather events frequently not associated with climate change. As the trend of extreme weather continues to escalate, understanding public perception remains pivotal in shaping future climate policy initiatives.

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