UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt Emerge as Climate Optimists, While Technology Takes Centre Stage
Epson's Climate Reality Barometer, now in its third year, has unveiled striking findings about the global response to climate change, with a particular focus on the views of over 30,000 individuals across 39 markets, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. The results underscore a growing optimism in these regions that climate change can be addressed effectively.
According to the survey, respondents in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt rank among the world's Top 10 most optimistic populations when it comes to believing that climate change can be solved. This optimism aligns with an increased recognition of climate change as a major global issue in the GCC and North Africa, surpassing other concerns. Moreover, technology is seen as a vital tool in addressing the climate crisis.
Key findings from the survey:
Climate Change Recognition: In the UAE, 57 percent of respondents cite "Climate Change" among the top three pressing global issues, while in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, the figures stand at 43 percent and 62 percent, respectively.
Optimism Levels: Optimism about averting a climate disaster in our lifetime is remarkably high in the GCC and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In Saudi Arabia, a staggering 79 percent of respondents express optimism, the highest rate among all 39 markets surveyed. The UAE ranks seventh globally, with 66 percent of people surveyed believing in averting a climate crisis, while Egypt is the fourth-highest, at 69 percent.
Corporate and Personal Accountability: Neil Colquhoun, President of Epson EME, emphasized the importance of corporate and personal accountability in combatting climate change. Respondents in the UAE and Saudi Arabia plan to adopt more sustainable lifestyles with the help of innovative technologies, including buying electric vehicles (57 percent in UAE and 58 percent in KSA) and using renewable energy (51 percent in UAE and 49 percent in KSA). Additionally, nearly half (48 percent) of UAE respondents plan to boycott unsustainable brands, reflecting increased consumer awareness and its potential impact on purchasing decisions.
Corporate Initiatives: The survey highlights the role that companies can play in addressing climate change. In the UAE, 43 percent of respondents believe that investing in environmental technologies is the most important way for companies to combat climate change. Furthermore, 42 percent of UAE respondents are encouraging companies to improve their recycling and reuse of products and materials.
Employee Participation: A collaborative approach is deemed essential, with 48 percent of working individuals in the UAE planning to encourage their workplaces to further their net-zero strategies. Additionally, 29 percent in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia emphasize the importance of employee participation in environmental activities as a crucial contribution to the fight against climate change.
Colquhoun commented on the findings, stating, "With their youthful, technology-centric populations and government focus on increasing sustainability and adopting alternative energy sources, it's refreshing to see the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt among the Top 10 most optimistic countries about averting climate disaster."
The survey reinforces the importance of sustainability in the Middle East region and the role of technology as a crucial enabler in mitigating climate impact. Epson remains committed to creating sustainable solutions that align with these global priorities.
As the UAE prepares to host COP28, the focus on corporate and personal accountability to combat climate change takes centre stage, promising a brighter, more sustainable future for the region.
