During the online session of the fifth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) which took place 22-23 February 2021, a short online poll was conducted.
The aim of the poll was to have the additional voices heard alongside government representatives and other high-level stakeholders who discussed, among other things, the contribution of the environmental dimension of sustainable development to building a resilient and inclusive post-pandemic world.
Highlights from the survey, which gathered over 700 responses, are as follows:
Over 98 per cent of respondents agreed that they were concerned about the decline of wildlife, pollinating insects or native flora in their country, as well as about the decline of natural ecosystems and biodiversity at a global scale. They also agreed that governments should invest more in restoring natural ecosystems such as forests, wetlands and coastal mangroves.
Over 95 per cent of those surveyed said they were more likely to purchase products from companies that invest in nature positive production processes and techniques.
About 96 per cent of respondents thought the restoration of nature to the economic development of their countries was critical or very important. Yet, only about 21 per cent thought their governments are doing enough to protect and restore nature.
About 46 per cent of respondents thought government post-COVID stimulus investments should be fully nature-positive and/or reduce greenhouse gas emissions. About half of all respondents thought 50 - 75 per cent of their governments' post-COVID stimulus packages should be geared towards a green recovery.
