- Two-thirds (68%) of Gambians say they have heard of climate change, a 12- percentage-point increase compared to 2022 (56%) (Figure 1).
- Among those who have heard of climate change: o Two-thirds (67%) say it is making life in Gambia worse (Figure 2). o Eight in 10 blame climate change on human activity (61%) or a combination of human activity and natural processes (19%) (Figure 3). o Three-fourths (76%) say the government must take immediate action to limit climate change “even if it is expensive or causes some job losses or other harm to our economy.” And large majorities call for climate action by developed countries (81%), including by providing climate aid to Gambia (83%) (Figure 4). o Half (50%) see the government as bearing primary responsibility for limiting climate change, while one-fifth (21%) say the private sector should bear the burden (Figure 5).
A large majority of Gambians who have heard of climate change say the government must act now to limit its effects, the latest Afrobarometer survey shows. Most climate-aware citizens also call on developed countries to contribute to efforts to fight climate change, including by providing aid to support Gambia in responding to the crisis.
Climate awareness is fairly widespread in Gambian society, with two-thirds reporting familiarity with the concept of climate change. And among those who report awareness, two-thirds say it is negatively impacting their lives.
Despite strong calls for external aid, half of those who display knowledge of climate change see the Gambian government as bearing the main responsibility for addressing climate challenges, while a further one-fifth lay responsibility at the door of business and industry.