Climate Change in Japan: Nationwide Survey Reveals High Concern and Emotional Impact — But Gaps in Knowledge and Action Remain

Results of the “Sophia University Climate Survey 2025” Released

Sophia University has released the results of the Sophia University Climate Survey 2025, a nationwide online survey examining public awareness, knowledge, emotions, and behaviors related to climate change. The study was conducted by a research team led by Professor Carola Hommerich (Principal Investigator) of the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Human Sciences.

The survey was carried out from August 27 to September 1, 2025, and collected valid responses from 5,000 individuals aged 15 to 74 across Japan.

As the impacts of climate change become increasingly visible in Japanese society and the urgency of countermeasures grows, the survey aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of public concern, understanding, emotional responses, and climate-related behaviors. Results are presented by age group, allowing for analysis of generational patterns and differences.

The full report is available below.

Sophia University Climate Survey

Key Findings

1．High Concern, but Limited Interest and Policy Awareness — Especially Among Young Adults

Overall, 76.3% of respondents reported that they were worried about climate change. However, only 58% stated that they were interested in the issue. In addition, 57% said they do not know what specific climate change measures the government has implemented, and a further 32.4% indicated that they are unsure—suggesting that public awareness of climate policy is limited.

Concern and interest are comparatively lower among respondents aged 20–39. In particular, among those aged 20–29, only 64.3% reported being worried about climate change, and more than 60% stated that they are either not interested in the topic or feel neutral about it.

By contrast, respondents aged 15–19 showed relatively higher levels of concern and interest compared to those in the immediately older age group.

2．Lower Climate Knowledge and Climate-Friendly Behavior Among 20–39-Year-Olds

Knowledge-based questions revealed relatively lower correct response rates among respondents aged 20–39. This group was also less likely to associate extreme weather events—such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall—with climate change. In addition, respondents in this age range reported engaging less frequently in climate-conscious behaviors compared to other age groups.

Notably, 16.4% of those aged 20–29 and 10% of those aged 30–39 stated that “climate change is not happening.”

3．Climate-Friendly Behavior Not Yet Fully Normalized — Embarrassment as a Barrier

The findings suggest that climate-conscious behavior is not yet widely embedded as a shared social norm. Particularly among younger respondents, some reported refraining from climate-friendly actions due to embarrassment about being perceived as “overly environmentally conscious” or “radical.” These perceptions appear to function as social barriers to action, especially among younger generations.

4．Widespread Emotional Impact; Stronger Diffuse Climate Anxiety Among Younger Respondents

Across all age groups, many respondents reported feelings of fear and sadness in response to changes in nature attributed to climate change. Emotional reactions included sadness over the diminishing distinctiveness of the four seasons and the loss of traditional landscapes.

Diffuse forms of climate anxiety—including difficulty concentrating and sleep disturbances—were reported more frequently among younger respondents. While climate change affects people emotionally across generations, the form and intensity of these effects appear to differ by age group.

Ongoing Analysis

The research team is currently conducting more detailed analyses of the relationships between climate knowledge, climate-related emotions, climate-conscious behavior, and engagement in climate activism. Further examination is also underway to identify specific barriers to action and how these vary across different population groups.

Comment from the Principal Investigator

Professor Hommerich stated:

“The results indicate that concern and anxiety about climate change are widespread. However, these feelings do not necessarily translate into knowledge or action. Among younger generations in particular, emotional impact does not always appear to be strongly connected to understanding or behavioral engagement. Going forward, it will be important to examine the social and psychological factors underlying this gap with careful attention.”

Survey Overview

Survey Period: August 27 – September 1, 2025

Target Population: Individuals aged 15–74 residing in Japan

Sample Size: 5,000 respondents (valid responses)

Survey Method: Online survey

Sampling Method: Cross-quota sampling by prefecture, gender, and age, proportionate to population distribution based on the Basic Resident Register (as of January 1, 2024)