- Fewer than four in 10 Mozambicans (37%) say they have heard of climate change (Figure 1). Awareness of climate change is particularly low among women (32%), rural residents (31%), and citizens who live in the North (25%). In other countries in the region, awareness ranges from about three in 10 citizens in Botswana (29%) and Tanzania (32%) to three-fourths (74%) in Malawi
- Among citizens who are aware of climate change: Nearly half (47%) say it is making life in Mozambique worse, while 40% say it is making life in the country better (Figure 2). More than six in 10 believe that ordinary citizens can help curb climate change (63%) and say that the government must take immediate action to limit climate change, even if it is expensive, causes job losses, or takes a toll on the economy (68%) (Figure 3). Most assign primary responsibility for fighting climate change to the government (36%) or to ordinary citizens (30%) (Figure 4). Large majorities say more action to limit climate change is needed from business and industry (87%), the government (85%), developed countries (80%), and ordinary citizens (72%) (Figure 5)
Despite multiple weather disasters highlighting its perils, a majority of Mozambicans remain unfamiliar with climate change and its effects, the latest Afrobarometer survey indicates.
Fewer than four in 10 citizens say they have heard of climate change, and among those who are aware of climate change, fewer than half say it is making life in the country worse.
Majorities of climate-change-aware respondents say ordinary citizens can help curb climate change and want the government to take immediate action even if it is expensive.
In Mozambicans’ eyes, the government and ordinary citizens share primary responsibility for fighting climate change and reducing its impact. Large majorities say greater efforts are needed from business and industry, the government, developed countries, and citizens.
Climate change is a pressing issue with significant impacts in Mozambique. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns have led to increased droughts and floods, threatening agriculture and food security. The country is also vulnerable to cyclones and sea-level rises, exacerbating the risks faced by coastal communities.