As G20 finance ministers prepare to consider a wealth tax next month, a large majority of people in G20 countries (68%*) support the idea. Higher carbon taxes, higher progressive taxation on income, and higher corporation taxes also receive very strong support across G20 countries to fund lifestyle and economic transformation.
People want political and economic reform. Roughly two in a new survey of 22,000 citizens in the world’s largest economies reveals overwhelming support for tax reforms and broader political and economic reform.
Over two-thirds (68%*) of respondents back a wealth tax, with only 11% opposed, while 70% support higher income taxes for high earners, and 69% favour increased corporation tax, according to the survey conducted by Ipsos. Support for a wealth tax is highest in Indonesia (86%), Turkey (78%), the UK (77%), and India (74%).
Support is lowest in Saudi Arabia (54%), Argentina (54%), and Denmark (55%), but still over half the populations surveyed. In the United States, France, and Germany, around two in three people support a wealth tax (67%, 67%, and 68%, respectively).
The survey, commissioned by Earth4All and the Global Commons Alliance, explored support for economic and political transformation across G20 nations. Results also show that 71% of G20 citizens believe the world has a decade to act to protect the planet. This belief rises to 91% of Mexicans, 86% of Kenyans, 83% of South Africans, and 81% of Brazilians. This belief is lowest—but still over half the population – in Saudi Arabia (52%), Japan (53%), the United States (62%), and Italy (62%).
(The members of the G-20 are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the U.K. and the U.S., as well as the European Union, represented by the rotating council presidency and the European Central Bank.)
Broad support for green energy, nature, health initiatives – The findings come as finance ministers from G20 countries, including the United States, China, and India, prepare to meet in Brazil this July. For the first time, a wealth tax is on the agenda as these nations deliberate on strategies to address economic and environmental challenges. The survey highlighted broad support for using additional tax revenues to fund policies that protect nature, reduce inequality, and promote healthy living. Key areas with strong backing include green energy initiatives, universal healthcare, and strengthening workers’ rights. Even less popular policies, such as universal basic income and investment in citizens’ assemblies to strengthen democracy, attract support from about half of respondents.
Move beyond growth to measure economic success – Across the G20, most people believe economies must move beyond a singular focus on economic growth. 68% of those surveyed agree that the economy should prioritise the health and wellbeing of people and nature rather than focusing solely on profit and increasing wealth. Furthermore, 62% believe that a country’s economic success should be measured by the health and wellbeing of its citizens, not just economic growth.
Trust in government low; demand for political, economic reform high – Trust in government remains low, with only 39% of G20 citizens believing their government can be trusted to make decisions for the benefit of the majority in the short term and just 37% trusting their government to make long-term decisions for future generations. This lack of trust is particularly pronounced in Europe. There is a notable demand for reform of national and global political and economic systems. In the G20, 65% of respondents believe their national political system needs major changes. A similar number (68%) feel the same about their economic system.
Optimism – The survey also asked whether people are optimistic about their future. On average, 62% of G20 citizens are optimistic about their own future. However, only 44% feel positive about their country’s future, while 38% are optimistic about the future of the world. People in emerging economies like India and Mexico are the most optimistic, while European citizens, for example, in France, Sweden, and the UK, are significantly less hopeful.
** Notes: Global percentages are an arithmetic average of national results of G20 countries surveyed. The average is not weighted by population size. Russia was not included in the survey.
In China, a smaller survey with fewer economic and political questions was distributed. Non-G20 countries included, Austria, Denmark, Kenya, and Sweden, are not included in the G20 total figures presented
Comments – Owen Gaffney, co-lead of the Earth4All initiative: “People want political and economic reform. They feel their economy is not working for them, which is why some are turning to populist political parties. Despite this, the vast majority of people still believe urgent action is needed this decade to tackle the planetary emergency. Our survey results provide a clear mandate from G20 citizens: redistribute wealth. Greater equality will build stronger democracies to drive a fair transformation for a stable planet.”
Jane Madgwick, Executive Director at the Global Commons Alliance: “Science demands a giant leap to address the planetary crisis, and the public agrees. 71% of G20 citizens support immediate, comprehensive measures this decade.”
Sandrine Dixson Declève, executive chair of Earth4All and co-president of the Club of Rome: “This survey proves once again that citizens across G20 countries believe it is time for an economy that delivers greater wellbeing, more climate solutions, and less inequality. But the results also show a growing lack of trust in government, especially in Europe. With the recent European elections moving towards the radical right due to growing social tension, we need to hold governments accountable to introduce an economy that services people and the planet at the same time.”
For more information and to arrange interviews: Terry Collins: tc@tca.tc / +1-416-878-8712
Florence Howarth: florence@forster.co.uk / +44 07505504293
Samuel O’Flynn: samuel@forster.co.uk / +44 07801849967
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Notes to Editors – The full Ipsos research is available at the following link as of 25 June 2024: https://earth4all.life/global-survey. In addition to a global report, regional reports for all surveyed countries are available. Ipsos surveyed 22,000 people across the G20 countries. Russia was not included in the survey. In China, a smaller survey with fewer economic and political questions was distributed. Non G20 countries included were Austria, Denmark, Kenya and Sweden. They are not included in the G20 total figures presented. Global percentages are an arithmetic average of national results of G20 countries surveyed. The average is not weighted by population size. Supporting partners include the Policy Institute Kings College, ISWE, and the Wellbeing Economy Alliance.
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About Earth4All – Earth4All is a vibrant collective of leading economic thinkers, scientists and advocates, convened byThe Club of Rome, the BINorwegian Business School, the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and theStockholm Resilience Centre.
Earth4All builds on the legacies of The Limits to Growth and thePlanetary Boundaries frameworks.Earth for All: A Survival Guide for Humanity,published in September 2022 and presents the results of a major two-year research collaboration. Earth4All advocates for five key turnarounds to achieve wellbeing for all within planetary boundaries:
Eliminate poverty by growing the economies of the poorest countries through green investment and cancelling their debts to high-income countries .
Reduce inequality by increasing taxes on the top 10%, strengthening workers’ rights and introducing citizens’ funds to give everyone access to a nation’s wealth.
Empower women by increasing access to education, putting them in leadership positions and equalising pensions.
Transform food systems by cutting waste and stopping the conversion of wild landscapes to farmland.
Transform energy use by immediately phasing out fossil fuels, electrifying everything and seriously investing in renewables and energy efficiency.
About The Global Commons Alliance – The Global Commons Alliance is a growing coalition of scientists, philanthropists, civil society groups, businesses and innovators, enabling collective action to safeguard the global commons.
The Global Commons Alliance’s mission is to mobilize citizens, companies, cities and countries to accelerate systems change, and become better guardians of the global commons.
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