Recent surveys among citizens in 18 of the globe’s largest economies reflect substantial support for broad tax reforms and political changes.
Majorities in 17 G20 nations back increased taxes on the wealthy and large businesses, as evidenced by data from Ipsos. For instance, 68% support a wealth tax, 70% endorse higher income taxes for the wealthy, and 69% favor increased taxes on large corporations.
Support for a wealth tax shows significant variation among countries. Indonesia leads with 86% support, followed by Turkey (78%), the UK (77%), and India (74%).
Conversely, it is notably lower in Saudi Arabia and Argentina, both at 54%. In the United States, France, and Germany, around two-thirds are in favor of such a tax (67%, 67%, and 68% respectively).
Climate change action is another area with strong backing. The survey reveals that 71% of respondents across 18 G20 countries believe urgent action is necessary within the next decade to cut carbon emissions across sectors like electricity, transportation, food, industry, and buildings.
High percentages of support come from Mexico (91%), South Africa (83%), and Brazil (81%). Even in countries with the lowest support, such as Saudi Arabia (52%) and Japan (53%), more than half of the respondents agree on the need for immediate action.
This survey aligns with upcoming discussions among G20 finance ministers in Brazil, where for the first time, taxing the wealthy is a key topic.
The findings highlight a strong call for using additional tax revenue to fund initiatives like green energy, universal health care, and worker rights enhancement.
Even less prevalent ideas like universal basic income and citizens’ assemblies receive support from roughly half of those surveyed.
Prominent voices like Owen Gaffney of Earth4All emphasize the need for swift action on climate change, stating that a majority believe significant actions are required this decade.
Similarly, Jane Madgwick from the Global Commons Alliance stresses the urgency in addressing climate issues and protecting the environment.
Views on economic growth are shifting, with 68% of respondents in 17 G20 countries agreeing that economic policies should prioritize the health and well-being of people and nature over profit maximization.
Furthermore, 62% believe a country’s economic success should be measured by citizen well-being rather than economic growth rates.
There is also a widespread distrust in government. Only 39% of people in 17 G20 nations trust their government to act in the public’s best interest, and just 37% have confidence in their government making beneficial long-term decisions.
Calls for overhauling political and economic systems are prevalent.
In the 17 G20 countries, 65% of respondents think their national political systems need either major changes or complete reform, with similar sentiments about their economic systems at 67%.
Sandrine Dixson-Declève, from Earth4All and the Club of Rome, points out that the survey underscores a strong desire for an economy benefitting both people and the planet.
Additionally, there is widespread mistrust in governments, especially in Europe.
Differences in optimism about the future are also evident.
While 62% of individuals in 18 G20 countries feel positive about their personal future, only 44% are optimistic about their country’s future and just 38% about the world’s future. Optimism is higher in emerging economies like Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and India, as well as in China and Saudi Arabia.
Conversely, it is lower in European countries, Japan, and South Korea.
