The Global Commons Survey 2021 SWEDEN Summary public

© Ipsos | Global Commons Research Sweden Report | June 2021 | Version 1 | Internal/Client Use Only
SWEDEN
FAIRTRANS

© Ipsos | Global Commons Research| June 2021| Version 1 | Internal/Client Use Only
Global Commons
Survey
Attitudes to transformation and planetary stewardship
Sweden (summary)
Commissioned by the Global Commons Alliance and
FAIRTRANS
Supported by Earth4All
Project leader: Owen Gaffney
Ipsos MORI: Bridget Williams, Ruth Townend, & Sophie Thompson
FAIRTRANS: Stephan Barthel, Thomas Hahn.
August 2021

• Research to understand attitudes to planetary stewardship and social transformation. Questions
focused on: shared identity and values as planetary stewards, understanding the challenges to protecting
and restoring nature, attitudes towards responsibility for the global commons, attitudes towards major, social
transformation and the impact of COVID-19 on these, and attitudes actions supporting transformation.
• 19 countries within the G20 were included in the study, as well as Sweden (a total of 20 countries). This
report presents findings on Sweden only and compares responses from different demographic
groups with the national average.
• Fieldwork took place 5th – 7th May 2021 with a total of 1097 participants aged 16-65 across Sweden.
• Interviews were conducted online. In each country, the data is weighted to be representative of the
national population. This did not include weighting by population size due to large differences in population
across the G20 countries. Where results do not sum to 100, this may be due to computer rounding, multiple
responses, or the exclusion of ‘Don’t know’ categories.
What did we do?
3
Objectives and Methodology
© Ipsos | Global Commons Research Sweden Report| June 2021| Version 1 | Internal/Client Use Only

In this survey the term “global commons” and “nature” are
used interchangeably and defined to include life on Earth,
fresh air and climate, oceans, forests, ice sheets,
freshwater, and other processes that keep Earth stable
and resilient.
4
A note on terminology

5
Study coverage
© Ipsos | Global Commons Research Sweden Report | June 2021| Version 1 | Internal/Client Use Only
G20
Sweden
19 countries within the
G20 were included in the
study, as well as Sweden.
This report presents
findings on Sweden
only and compares
responses from different
demographic groups with
the national average.
In Sweden, 1097
participants aged 16-65
were interviewed in
Swedish. Interviews were
conducted online
between 5th – 7th May
2021.

6
Key findings: Attitudes to the global commons
G20
Sweden
• 40% of people are extremely worried or very
worried about the state of the global commons.
• 63% of people believe Earth is close to “tipping
points” because of human action.
• 67% of people believe the benefits of action to
protect the global commons outweigh the
costs.
• 74% of people want to do more to protect the
global commons.
Nature & climate

7
Key findings: The start of the decisive decade
G20
Sweden
• 56% of people want to move beyond GDP towards more
“wellbeing economies”
• 58% of people know a very rapid energy transition is
needed in the next decade.
• Just 13% of people are aware that sweeping societal
changes are needed in the next decade to safeguard
the global commons.
• Affordability is the number one barrier to greater action.
• Just 2 in 5 Swedes believe it is important to teach
children to protect nature.
• Just 35% of people think the media communicates
about nature and climate in a way that supports action.

8
Key findings: Covid-19 and transformation
G20
Sweden
• 54% of people are more aware of how
interconnected societies are because of the
Covid-19 crisis
• 68% of people agree that the pandemic has
shown that it is possible for people to
transform behaviour very rapidly.
• 66% of people agree the pandemic recovery
is a unique moment to build societies more
resilient to future shocks.

Summary
9
Half of those surveyed in Sweden support cooperation to address global challenges, particularly
those who feel like global citizens and hold pro-environmental attitudes.
When thinking about values, 2 in 5 view protection of nature including climate as an important
value to teach children. It ranked 5th out of the 12 values presented.
2 in 5 Swedes are worried about the state of nature, both today and in relation to protecting it for
future generations. They also understand the extent of interconnectedness between humans and
nature, while two thirds (67%) believe the benefits of protecting and restoring nature outweigh
the costs. However, there is scepticism about nature’s ability to support human life – particularly if
we carry on as we are – and people’s ability to use the global commons fairly.
Three quarters of Swedes surveyed want to do more to protect and restore nature in future
(74%). Barriers to action at present are cost, lack of knowledge and facilities, and competing
priorities.

Summary
10
Awareness of a need for major, social transformation is mixed – half (53%) selected 1-3 of the
transformations they were presented with, while a third (32%) selected between 4 and 7. The
energy system is the most well known area of transformation, although the gap in awareness
between the need for change in energy vs other areas is smaller than among the G20.
Involving communities in decisions about nature is seen as an important action supporting
transformation. Swedes also feel that we already have most of the tools we need to protect and
restore nature. However, they are divided on how far they will feel the benefits of protecting nature
in the short term.
Three quarters (76%) indicated support for science based targets for nature, but people are less
certain that their uptake will affect their purchasing decisions perhaps as this is not a well-known
issue yet. Those surveyed also have mixed feelings on how far the media helps them to
understand and act on environmental issues.
The COVID-19 pandemic is viewed as a key opportunity for change. People believe it
demonstrated what action was possible when faced with a global emergency.

11
WHO DO WE NEED TO ENGAGE?
Awareness of the need to protect nature and
support for action is highest among…
support for action is lowest among…
Degree
educated +
Higher earners
(700k KR+)
Those who hold
some idea of
being a global
citizen*
Those with pro-
environmental attitudes
Secondary
educated or lower
(Sometimes)
those in rural
areas
National (rather than
global) citizens
Those with less pro-
environmental attitudes
* This includes those who feel like both a national and global citizen,
and those who feel more like a global citizen

01
Shared identity
and values
12
How important is global cooperation
and protecting nature as a value?

13 ‒ © Ipsos | Global Commons Research Sweden Report | June 2021 | Version 1 | Internal/Client Use Only
JUST OVER HALF OF SWEDES SUPPORT GLOBAL COOPERATION WHEN TACKLING
GLOBAL CHALLENGES, SUCH AS PROTECTING AND RESTORING NATURE.
8%
51%
Agree: I support nations across the world working
together to solve global challenges
Agree: T3B Disagree: B3B
Q1a. Thinking about the following statements, where would you place yourself on the scales below? Please place yourself on the scale, from 1 to 10, or you may choose any number in between or answer don’t know: I support nations
across the world working together to solve global challenges. Sweden all adults aged 16-65 (1097)

JUST OVER 2 IN 5 BELIEVE THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO TEACH CHILDREN TO PROTECT
NATURE INCLUDING THE CLIMATE. THIS RANKS 5TH AMONG IMPORTANT VALUES, BEHIND
VALUES SUCH AS TOLERANCE & RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY, INDEPENDENCE AND MANNERS.
75%
62%
58%
55%
44%
41%
36% 35%
19%
16%
10%
4%
Tolerance &
respect for
others
Feeling of
responsibility
Independence Good manners Protection of
nature inc.
climate
Not being
selfish
(unselfishness)
Thrift, saving
money and
things
Imagination Determination,
perseverance
Hard work Obedience Religious faith
Important qualities to teach children
Q2. Here is a list of qualities that children can be encouraged to learn at home. Which, if any, do you consider to be especially important? Please choose up to five. Sweden all adults aged 16-65 (1097)

15
SIMILAR GROUPS OF
PEOPLE SUPPORT
GLOBAL COOPERATION
AND BELIEVE THAT
PROTECTING NATURE IS
AN IMPORTANT VALUE
TO TEACH CHILDREN
Support for countries working together to solve
global challenges is higher among those
educated to degree level or higher.
Support is also higher among those who hold
some idea of being global citizens – this being
that they either think of themselves as both a
national and global citizen, or more so as a
global citizen.
In addition, support is higher among those who
hold ‘pro-environmental’ attitudes – namely
those who worry about the state of nature,
believe the benefits of protecting nature
outweigh the costs and are more aware of the
need for major, social transformation.

02
Awareness of the
state of the
global commons
Levels of concern about nature and
humans’ relationship with it
16

AROUND 2 IN 5 IN SWEDEN ARE EXTREMELY OR VERY WORRIED ABOUT THE STATE OF
NATURE. WORRY IS SLIGHTLY HIGHER ABOUT THE STATE IN WHICH WE WILL LEAVE
NATURE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.
40%
45%
19%
17%
The state of nature today
The state in which we will leave nature for future
generations
Worry about the state of nature
NET: Extremely/very worried NET: Not at all/not very worried
Q3. How worried, if at all, are you about the following nowadays? Sweden all adults aged 16-65 (1097)

18
WORRY ABOUT THE
STATE OF NATURE
BOTH NOW AND FOR
THE WAY WE’LL LEAVE
IT FOR FUTURE
GENERATIONS IS
HIGHEST AMONG
SIMILAR GROUPS
As expected, worry about the state of nature
today is highest among those who are also
worried about the state of nature in future and
vice versa.
Worry is also higher among those who hold
some idea of being global citizens – this being
that they either think of themselves as both a
global citizen.
Worry is highest among those who hold ‘pro-
environmental’ attitudes as well – namely
those believe the benefits of protecting nature

TWO THIRDS BELIEVE THAT THE BENEFITS OF TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT NATURE
ARE GREATER THAN ANY COSTS. MOST RECOGNISE THAT HUMAN HEALTH / ACTIVITY
AND THE STATE OF NATURE ARE LINKED.
84%
67%
63%
3%
10%
10%
Things that threaten nature can be threats to human health too
The benefits of taking action to protect nature are greater than any costs
Because of human activities, the Earth is close to ‘tipping points’ in nature where climate or
nature may change suddenly, or may be more difficult to stabilise in the future
Attitudes towards nature and human needs
NET: Strongly/tend to agree NET: Strongly/tend to disagree
Q4. To what extent, if at all, do you agree or disagree with the following statements about nature and human needs. Sweden all adults aged 16-65 (1097)

THERE IS SOME SCEPTICISM ABOUT THE ABILITY OF NATURE TO MEET HUMAN NEEDS,
PARTICULARLY IF WE CARRY ON AS WE ARE NOW. LACK OF TRUST IN OTHERS TO USE
THE GLOBAL COMMONS FAIRLY IS ALSO HIGH.
41%
31%
14%
10%
22%
38%
64%
70%
Nature can meet the needs of humans right now
Nature is already too damaged to continue meeting humans’ needs in the long-term
If people carry on as we are, nature will still be able to meet the needs of humans in the
future
Other people can be trusted to use nature in a way that is fair to the needs of everyone
Attitudes towards nature and human needs
Q4. To what extent, if at all, do you agree or disagree with the following statements about nature and human needs. Sweden all adults aged 16-65 (1097)

03
Attitudes to
planetary
stewardship
And barriers to doing more to protect
nature
21

THREE QUARTERS OF PEOPLE IN SWEDEN SURVEYED WANT TO DO MORE TO PROTECT
AND RESTORE NATURE IN FUTURE – HOWEVER 1 IN 10 DO NOT.
74%
11%
14%
I want to do more to protect and restore
nature in future
I do not want to do more to protect and
restore nature in future
Don’t know/Prefer not to say
Willingness to do more to protect nature in future
Q5a. Which of these best describes how you personally feel? Sweden all adults aged 16-65 (1097)

23
WILLINGNESS TO DO MORE
TO PROTECT NATURE IS
HIGHEST AMONG SIMILAR
GROUPS TO THOSE WHO
SUPPORT GLOBAL
COOPERATION, TEACHING
CHILDREN TO PROTECT
NATURE AND ARE WORRIED
ABOUT THE STATE OF
NATURE
It is highest among those aged 25-34.
It is also higher among those who hold some
idea of being global citizens – this being that
they either think of themselves as both a
global citizen.
Willingness is also highest among those who
hold ‘pro-environmental’ attitudes – namely
those who worry about the state of nature,
believe the benefits of protecting nature

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS AND LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ARE THE TOP BARRIERS TO SWEDES
TAKING ACTION TO PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURE CURRENTLY.
39%
33%
20% 19%
15%
12%
10%
I don’t have enough
money to do more
I don’t know what
else I can do, or
how to do this
I have to prioritise
other things
The facilities I
would need to do
more are not
available to me
I haven’t prioritised
this up until now,
but I am planning to
None of the
above/don't know
I don’t have time to
do more
Barriers to protecting and restoring nature
Q5b. You said you would like to do more to protect and restore nature. Which, if any of the following, are preventing you from doing more to protect and restore nature at present? Sweden all adults aged 16-65 who want to do more in
future to protect and restore nature (1097)

04
Attitudes to
transformation
Where do people see the greatest
need for change, and how has
COVID-19 affected this?
25

26
Ipsos Earth Day 2021 polling data shows that the public feel they
are likely to take climate action in 2021.
However, this and our Perils of Perception data shows that while
the public believe they know what action they should take,
higher-impact climate actions are consistently at the bottom
of their list.
Ipsos Perils of Perception research shows the public
overestimate low-impact changes and underestimate high
impact ones. Ipsos calls Ipsos calls this discrepancy between
what people believe vs what is actually true about climate
change, the ‘believe-true gap.’

Base: 21,011 online adults aged 16-74 across 30 markets, 19 Feb – 5 Mar 2021
Likelihood to take action on climate change 2021 across markets
Q. Thinking about things you might do in order to limit your own contribution to climate change, how
likely or unlikely would you be to make the following changes within the next year? % likely
TOT ARG AUS BEL BRACAN CH CHL CHN COL ESP FRA GB GER HK HUN IND ITA JAP KSAKORMALMEX NLD PER POL RUS SAF SE TUR USA
Avoiding products which have a lot of
packaging 59% 60% 58% 59% 54% 60% 52% 62% 70% 60% 62% 46% 55% 50% 76% 57% 61% 56% 60% 62% 79% 70% 56% 58% 62% 44% 56% 58% 52% 48% 60%
Avoiding buying new goods, for
example mending what you have or
buying used products instead
53% 51% 53% 48% 44% 53% 56% 58% 64% 57% 58% 41% 49% 52% 69% 49% 59% 55% 53% 55% 74% 66% 55% 50% 55% 46% 46% 47% 40% 48% 53%
Saving water at home, for example by
having shorter showers or not watering
your garden/yard
51% 52% 52% 45% 40% 51% 52% 54% 66% 47% 55% 32% 46% 43% 76% 46% 54% 49% 58% 55% 74% 68% 44% 45% 53% 35% 45% 48% 35% 49% 54%
Saving energy at home, for example by
installing insulation or switching off
lights
51% 47% 51% 44% 41% 50% 47% 53% 69% 48% 57% 29% 46% 47% 72% 47% 52% 54% 61% 56% 74% 69% 44% 48% 51% 31% 48% 50% 38% 44% 52%
Recycling materials such as glass, paper
and plastic 50% 54% 48% 35% 46% 41% 39% 55% 66% 48% 49% 28% 38% 40% 76% 47% 62% 40% 63% 63% 73% 68% 46% 41% 54% 32% 64% 53% 26% 48% 48%
Walking, cycling or using public
transport instead of driving a car or
motorbike
48% 46% 43% 40% 43% 42% 44% 55% 66% 48% 58% 33% 42% 40% 67% 41% 60% 49% 49% 53% 68% 54% 50% 43% 50% 33% 48% 45% 35% 47% 37%
Not flying, or replacing some flights
with train or bus journeys 45% 49% 40% 39% 44% 36% 46% 51% 65% 53% 54% 32% 36% 40% 44% 35% 57% 44% 46% 57% 58% 55% 54% 36% 55% 35% 35% 41% 34% 46% 37%
Eating less meat, or replacing the meat
in some meals with alternatives such as
beans
43% 44% 38% 36% 40% 32% 43% 48% 57% 55% 49% 30% 32% 39% 58% 41% 53% 48% 34% 59% 54% 55% 54% 34% 57% 35% 29% 40% 30% 36% 31%
Eating fewer dairy products or
replacing dairy products with
alternatives such as soya milk
39% 43% 31% 27% 46% 25% 33% 45% 57% 55% 36% 25% 28% 32% 58% 32% 56% 39% 33% 49% 62% 57% 57% 28% 55% 27% 22% 34% 24% 30% 28%
Top three actions:
#1 in market
#2 in market
#3 in market

Q.
28
There is some
change on
sustainable
behaviours
since 2020,
before the
COVID-19
pandemic
Sweden – trended
Q. Thinking about things you might
do in order to limit your own
contribution to climate change, how
likely or unlikely would you be to
make the following changes within
the next year?
Likely
18%
22%
33%
30%
31%
34%
36%
45%
47%
24%
26%
30%
34%
35%
35%
38%
40%
52%
Eating fewer dairy products or
replacing dairy products with
alternatives such as soya milk
Recycling materials such as glass,
paper and plastic
Eating less meat, or replacing the
meat in some meals with
alternatives such as beans
Not flying, or replacing some flights
with train or bus journeys
Walking, cycling or using public
transport instead of driving a car or
motorbike
Saving water at home, for example
by having shorter showers or not
watering your garden/yard
Saving energy at home, for
example by installing insulation or
switching off lights
Avoiding buying new goods, for
example mending what you have or
buying used products instead
Avoiding products which have a lot
of packaging
2021
2020
vs
2020
© Ipsos | Global Commons Research| June
2021| Version 1 | Internal/Client Use Only
+5
-5
+2
+1
+4
+4
+4
-3
+6
Base: 2021: 500 online adults aged 16-74 in Sweden; 2020: 500 online adults aged 16-74 in
Sweden

29
Within this context of desire to act but a lack of understanding
around the most effective ways to act, this study for the
Global Commons Alliance shows that awareness of a need
for major, societal change across the G20 is also less well
developed.
People are also more aware of the need to transform high
profile parts of our socio-economic systems e.g. the
energy system, with further work needed to raise awareness
of other needs.

30 ‒
PEOPLE ARE MOST AWARE OF A SCIENTIFIC CONSENSUS AROUND A NEED TO TRANSFORM
ENERGY SYSTEMS. WHILE AWARENESS OF NEEDS FOR CHANGE IN OTHER AREAS IS LOWER,
THE GAP BETWEEN ENERGY AND THESE IS SMALLER THAN AMONG THE G20.
58%
49%
46%
40% 39%
29%
23%
14%
The balance between
the use of fossil fuels
and renewable
energy (sources like
wind and solar power)
for electricity,
transport, heating and
businesses
What we eat and how
it is produced
The extent of flying
and shipping, and
how these are
powered (by fossil
fuels or renewable
energy)
The values that guide
how people,
businesses and
governments behave
How the economy
runs (e.g. the way
goods and services
are made, sold, and
used)
Whether the cost of
goods and services
includes the cost of
the damage they do
to nature
How unequal things
are in [nation] e.g. the
gap between rich and
poor people
None of these/don't
know
In which of the following areas do you think scientists agree that major, transformational change is
needed in the next 10 years to protect and restore nature?
Q6. In which, if any, of the following areas do you think scientists agree that major, transformational change is needed in the next ten years to protect and restore nature. Sweden all adults aged 16-65 (1097))

THE MAJORITY ARE AWARE OF A NEED FOR TRANSFORMATION IN 1-3 OF THE AREAS
THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH. ENCOURAGINGLY A THIRD ARE MORE AWARE OF THE
NEED FOR WIDESPREAD CHANGE TO PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURE.
4%
53%
19%
13%
Number of areas requiring transformation
6-7 transformations
4-5 transformations
1-3 transformations
No transformations
Q6. In which, if any, of the following areas do you think scientists agree that major, transformational change is needed in the next ten years to protect and restore nature. Sweden all adults aged 16-65 (1097))
NB: figures may not sum to 100 due to rounding
32%
57%

32
THE GROUPS WITH HIGHER
AWARENESS OF THE NEED
FOR MORE MAJOR, SOCIAL
TRANSFORMATION IN THE
NEXT 10 YEARS DIFFER
FROM THOSE WITH LOWER
AWARENESS
Awareness of a need for broader social transformation
is highest among those educated to degree level or
higher and earning 700k KR+.
It is also highest among those who hold ‘pro-
environmental’ attitudes – namely those who worry
about the state of nature and believe the benefits of
protecting nature outweigh the costs.
Awareness of a need for broader social transformation
is lowest among middle income earners (300k –
699.9k KR a year).
It is also lowest among those who hold less ‘pro-
environmental’ attitudes – namely those who are not
worried about the state of nature and do not believe
the benefits of protecting nature outweigh the costs.

OVER HALF OF PEOPLE IN SWEDEN SUPPORT MOVING TO A ‘WELLBEING ECONOMY’
THAT PRIORITISES THE HEALTH AND WELLBEING OF PEOPLE AND THE PLANET OVER
PROFIT.
56%
16%
11%
56%
The way [country]’s economy works should prioritise the health and wellbeing of
people and nature rather than focussing solely on profit and increasing wealth in
[country]
[Country]’s Government should prioritise jobs and business profits in existing
industries, even if this means some harm to nature
Attitudes towards transformation
Q7: To what extent, if at all, do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Sweden all adults aged 16-65 (1097)

TWO THIRDS SUPPORT EMPOWERING LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN DECISIONS ABOUT
NATURE – WHILE OVER HALF SUPPORT EMPOWERING INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS
TO PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURE GLOBALLY.
69%
57%
6%
13%
Decisions about nature that affect communities must involve the communities (e.g.
regions, cities, towns/villages) they will affect
International organisations like the United Nations should be given more power to
protect and restore nature at a global level

2 IN 5 BELIEVE THAT WE ALREADY HAVE MOST OF THE TOOLS THAT WE NEED TO
PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURE, BUT OPINION IS DIVIDED ON HOW FAR SWEDES
WOULD FEEL THE BENEFIT OF PROTECTING NATURE IN THE SHORT TERM.
59%
37%
14%
26%
Most of the things we can do to protect and restore nature are already known, but not
yet put into practice
Government action to protect and restore nature will not benefit people in [country] in the
short term (over the next 3-5 years)

05
COVID-19 is
shaping attitudes
to transformation
What can the COVID-19 pandemic
and responses to it tell us about
social transformation?
36

THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN SWEDEN SEE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AS A KEY
OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE AND A CLEAR EXAMPLE THAT CHANGE IS POSSIBLE.
68%
66%
58%
54%
16%
11%
8%
12%
16%
58%
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown how quickly people can change their behaviour in a
crisis
The Covid-19 pandemic is a unique moment to transform societies to be able to better
deal with ‘shocks’ (such as pandemics and other extreme events) in future
[Country]’s government should communicate directly with people about restoring nature,
in a way similar to how they have communicated about the Covid-19 pandemic
The Covid-19 pandemic has made me more aware of how connected people are to
others across the world
People have enough to worry about with Covid-19 right now, this is not the time to be
talking about restoring nature
Impact of COVID-19 on attitudes to transformation

06
Actions
supporting
transformation
How should we support major,
transformational change?
38

HALF OF PEOPLE IN SWEDEN SURVEYED BELIEVE THAT PROTECTING NATURE WILL
TAKE A HUGE AMOUNT OF EFFORT – BUT ARE DIVIDED ON HOW FAR PEOPLE AND
NATURE ARE IN OPPOSITION.
55%
31%
19%
39%
It would take a huge amount of effort for people to protect nature and make it more resilient
for future generations
People and nature are often in opposition – what is good for people is often bad for nature
Actions supporting transformation

40 ‒ © Ipsos | Global Commons Research Sweden Report | August 2021 | Version 3 | Internal/Client Use Only
THREE QUARTERS INDICATE SUPPORT FOR SCIENCE-BASED TARGETS FOR NATURE.
76% 5%
Targets for achieving the protection and restoration of nature should be based on
science

PEOPLE ARE DIVIDED ON HOW FAR UPTAKE OF SCIENCE BASED TARGETS MAY AFFECT
THEIR PURCHASING DECISIONS, PERHAPS AS THIS IS A NEWER ISSUE. ALMOST HALF
WOULD PREFER TO VISIT AND LIVE IN CITIES THAT PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURE.
47%
28%
14%
37%
When choosing where to live or where to visit, I would be more attracted to cities that
work to protect nature, than to cities that do not do this
When choosing between products or services, it makes no difference to me if the
business supplying these has set targets based on science to protect and restore nature

OPINION IS MIXED ON HOW FAR MEDIA COVERAGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES HELPS
OR HINDERS UNDERSTANDING AND ABILITY TO ACT.
42%
35%
20%
27%
In the main, the media in [country] report on issues of nature and climate change in ways that
leave me unclear about what I can do to help
In the main, the media in [country] report on issues of nature and climate change in ways that
help me to understand these issues

07
Global
citizenship
43
What attitudes are held by those who
feel like a global citizen?

44 ‒
SWEDES ARE FAR MORE LIKELY TO HAVE A STRONGER NATIONAL THAN GLOBAL
IDENTITY, WITH ONLY 15% FEELING LIKE A GLOBAL CITIZEN.
46%
15%
Citizenship attitudes
Global not national citizen: T3B National not global citizen: B3B
Q1b. Thinking about the following statements, where would you place yourself on the scales below? Please place yourself on the scale, from 1 to 10, or you may choose any number in between or answer don’t know: I feel [nationality],
not a global citizen` To `I feel like a global citizen, not [nationality? . Global Citizen T3B (164) or National Citizen T3B (507).
© Ipsos | Global Commons Research Sweden Report | August 2021 | Version 3 | Internal/Client Use Only

45
THE GROUPS OF
PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE
HIGHEST AFFINITY TO
FEELING LIKE A
GLOBAL CITIZEN ARE
SIMILAR TO THE
SWEDISH POPULATION
AS A WHOLE
However, this is also highest among
those educated to degree level or
higher.

46 ‒
THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE GLOBAL CITIZENS ARE MORE WORRIED ABOUT THE STATE OF
NATURE THAN THOSE WHO FEEL MORE LIKE SWEDISH CITIZENS.
Q3. How worried, if at all, are you about the following nowadays?. All adults aged 16-65 who answered Q1b. Global Citizen T3B (164) or National Citizen T3B (507).
About the state
of nature today
About the state in
which we will
leave nature for
future generations
33%
47%
0
39%
49%
44%
32%
0
41%
33%
23%
21%
0
20%
18%
National Citizen
Global Citizen
National Citizen
Global Citizen
Worry about the state of nature
NET: Extremely/very worried
NET: Not at all/not very worried

Nature can meet the needs of humans right now
If people carry on as we are, nature will still be able to meet
the needs of humans in the future
Nature is already too damaged to continue meeting
humans’ needs in the long-term
Other people can be trusted to use nature in a way that is
fair to the needs of everyone
The benefits of taking action to protect nature are greater
than any costs
Because of human activities, the Earth is close to ‘tipping
points’ in nature where climate or nature may change
suddenly, or may be more difficult to stabilise in the future
Things that threaten nature can be threats to human health
too
47 ‒
THOSE WHO FEEL MORE LIKE GLOBAL CITIZENS TEND TO BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT
NATURE’S ABILITY TO MEET OUR NEEDS IN FUTURE AND BEING CLOSE TO EARTH’S
TIPPING POINTS.
Q4. To what extent, if at all, do you agree or disagree with the following statements about nature and human needs. All adults aged 16-65 who answered Q1b. . Global Citizen T3B (164) or National Citizen T3B (507).
45%
45%
0
14%
21%
0
26%
44%
0
8%
17%
0
61%
73%
0
56%
76%
0
85%
83%
18%
24%
0
62%
61%
0
39%
36%
0
75%
64%
0
11%
12%
0
11%
6%
0
3%
4%
National Citizen
Global Citizen
National Citizen
Global Citizen
National Citizen
Global Citizen
National Citizen
Global Citizen
National Citizen
Global Citizen
National Citizen
Global Citizen
National Citizen
Global Citizen

48 ‒
THOSE WHO FEEL MORE LIKE GLOBAL CITIZENS ARE PARTICULARLY MORE AWARE OF
THE NEED FOR MAJOR TRANSFORMATION IN THE SWEDISH ENERGY SYSTEM, DIETS
AND SOCIETY IN TERMS OF REDUCING INEQUALITY.
Q6: In which, if any, of the following areas do you think scientists agree that major, transformational change is needed in the next ten years to protect and restore nature. All adults aged 16-65 who answered Q1b. Global Citizen T3B
(164) or National Citizen T3B (507).
52%
42% 42%
36% 36%
19%
26%
60%
52%
46%
43% 43%
32% 30%
The balance between the
use of fossil fuels and
renewable energy
(sources like wind and
solar power) for electricity,
transport, heating and
businesses
What we eat and how it is
produced
The extent of flying and
shipping, and how these
are powered (by fossil
fuels or renewable
energy)
The values that guide how
people, businesses and
governments behave
How the economy runs
(e.g. the way goods and
services are made, sold,
and used)
How unequal things are in
[nation] e.g. the gap
between rich and poor
people
Whether the cost of goods
and services includes the
cost of the damage they
do to nature
In which of the following areas do you think scientists agree that major, transformational change is
needed in the next 10 years to protect and restore nature?
National Citizen Global Citizen

7%
2%
53%
58%
16%
19%
11% 16%
Number of areas requiring transformation
6-7 transformations
4-5 transformations
1-3 transformations
No transformations
49 ‒
THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE GLOBAL CITIZENS ARE MORE AWARE OF A NEED FOR
WIDESPREAD MAJOR TRANSFORMATION THAN THOSE WHO FEEL MORE LIKE SWEDES.
Q6: In which, if any, of the following areas do you think scientists agree that major, transformational change is needed in the next ten years to protect and restore nature. All adults aged 16-65 who answered Q1b. Global Citizen T3B
(164) or National Citizen T3B (507).
27%
60%
35%
60%

50 ‒
TWO THIRDS OF THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE GLOBAL CITIZENS SUPPORT COOPERATING TO
TACKLE GLOBAL CHALLENGES. THIS IS COMPARED TO 2 IN 5 OF THOSE WHO FEEL
MORE SWEDISH.
Q1a. Thinking about the following statements, where would you place yourself on the scales below? Please place yourself on the scale, from 1 to 10, or you may choose any number in between or answer don’t know: I support nations
across the world working together to solve global challenges. All adults aged 16-65 who answered Q1b. Global Citizen T3B (164) or National Citizen T3B (507).
14%
4%
40%
66%
I support nations across the world working together to solve global challenges
Agree: T3B Disagree: B3B

74%
60%
68%
63%
39% 38% 37%
34%
19%
17%
12%
4%
74%
58%
56%
49%
45% 45%
38%
35%
21%
1%
8% 6%
Tolerance and
respect for
other people
Independence Feeling of
responsibility
Good manners Not being
selfish
(unselfishness)
Protection of
nature
including
climate
Thrift, saving
money and
things
Imagination Determination,
perseverance
Hard work Obedience Religious faith
51 ‒
WHILE THOSE WHO FEEL LIKE GLOBAL CITIZENS SHOW HIGHER SUPPORT FOR TEACHING
CHILDREN TO PROTECT AND RESTORE NATURE, THIS RANKS 5TH FOR BOTH GROUPS AMONG
INTERGENERATIONAL VALUES.
Q2. Here is a list of qualities that children can be encouraged to learn at home. Which, if any, do you consider to be especially important? Please choose up to five. All adults aged 16-65 who answered Q1b. Global Citizen T3B (164) or
National Citizen T3B (507).

Summary
52
Around half of people surveyed in Sweden support cooperating with other countries when faced
with global challenges.
People are worried about the state of nature now and in future, and willingness to act to protect
and restore nature is apparent. There is a need to tackle current perceived barriers to action to
help people begin to take more action.
There is also an awareness of the consensus on the need for social transformation – while
this is still somewhat limited, awareness of a need for widespread change is higher in Sweden than
across the G20. Building on this awareness may get more people to think more broadly about the
major, social transformations required within the next 10 years to protect and restore nature.
Despite all of the hardship it has caused, the COVID-19 pandemic is felt to present a key
opportunity for change that should be harnessed. People have seen what action can be taken in
response to a global emergency and believe that COVID-19 presents a unique moment to
transform societies.

53
HOW SHOULD WE ENGAGE?
support for action is highest among…
support for action is lowest among…
Degree
educated +
Higher earners
(£45k+)
Those who
hold some
idea of being
a global
citizen
Those with pro-
environmental
attitudes
Secondary
educated or
lower
(Sometimes)
those in
rural areas
National
(rather than
global)
citizens
Those with less
pro-environmental
attitudes
Engagement on protecting and restoring
nature, the need for major social change
and the need to take action should build
on the established views of these groups
Engagement with these groups will be
more challenging should work to
encourage awareness and support
* This includes those who feel like both a national and global citizen, and those who feel more
like a global citizen

08
Appendix
54

The Global Commons Survey 2021 SWEDEN Summary public

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The Global Commons Survey 2021 SWEDEN Summary public