Wealth Tax, Urgent Climate Action Among G20 Citizens

A new survey of adult citizens in the world's largest economies revealed strong support for tax reforms and broader political and economic changes. Conducted by Ipsos for Earth4All and the Global Commons Alliance, the survey highlights that around 68% of respondents across 17 G20 countries back a tax on wealthy individuals to fund major changes in economy and lifestyle, including climate change solutions. 

In 17 G20 countries surveyed, most people believe economies should prioritize the health and well-being of people and nature over profit and wealth. Moreover, 68% agree that their country's economic success should be measured by the health and well-being of its citizens rather than the pace of economic growth. However, trust in government is low, with only 39% believing their government can make decisions benefiting the majority, and just 37% trusting their government to make long-term decisions.

Support for a wealth tax was highest in Indonesia at 86%, Turkey at 78%, the UK at 77%, and India at 74%, and lowest in Saudi Arabia and Argentina, both at 54%, though still over half in these countries. In the United States, France, and Germany, around two-thirds support a wealth tax, with rates of 67%, 67%, and 68%, respectively.

Additionally, 71% of citizens across 18 G20 countries believe urgent action is needed within the next decade to reduce carbon emissions from electricity, transport, food, industry, and buildings. This belief is particularly strong in Mexico at 91%, South Africa at 83%, and Brazil at 81%, and lowest in Saudi Arabia at 52%, Japan at 53%, the United States at 62%, and Italy at 62%.

These findings come as G20 finance ministers prepare to meet in Brazil this July, with wealth tax on the agenda for the first time. The survey underscores broad support for using additional tax revenues to fund green energy initiatives, universal healthcare, and strengthening workers' rights. Less popular proposals, such as universal basic income and investment in citizens' assemblies, still attract support from about half of respondents.

"The message to politicians could not be clearer. The vast majority of people we surveyed in the world's largest economies believe major immediate action is needed this decade to tackle climate change and protect nature. At the same time, many feel the economy is not working for them and want political and economic reforms. It is possible this may well help explain the rise in populist leaders,” stated Owen Gaffney, Co-Lead, Earth4All initiative.

Jane Madgwick, Executive Director, Global Commons Alliance, echoed this urgency. “Science demands a giant leap to address the planetary crisis, climate change and to protect nature. And 71% of citizens in 18 G20 countries surveyed support immediate action within the next decade to reduce carbon emissions," he said.

Additionally, the survey revealed a general optimism about personal futures, with 62% of respondents across 18 G20 countries feeling positive about their own future. However, only 44% feel optimistic about their country's future, and 38% about the future of the world. Optimism is highest in emerging economies like Indonesia, Mexico, Brazil, and India, along with China and Saudi Arabia, while it is lower in Europe, Japan, and South Korea.