Trust, politics and AI. What people think about climate news
Summary
A recent report, "Climate change news audiences report 2025," from the Reuters Institute, based on survey data from eight countries, reveals a gentle but clear downward slope in weekly climate news exposure. The study, co-authored by Waqas Ejaz and Mitali Mukherjee, found that 47% of respondents now encounter climate news weekly, down from 55% two years prior. This decline is concentrated in richer, higher-emission countries like the UK, US, France, Germany, and Japan, with France seeing a 15 percentage point drop since 2022. The primary drivers of this decline are reduced TV consumption of climate news and decreased engagement among older audiences (over 45). Trust in climate news media remains steady at around 50%, with scientists being the most trusted source (71%) and politicians the least (23%). Public confidence in political leaders' climate decisions is low, with only one in three expressing confidence, though India stands out with 60% confidence. Perceptions of AI's impact on climate change are largely uncertain, with India and Pakistan being more optimistic, while France views AI as potentially harmful.
Key takeaway
For news organizations and climate communicators aiming to re-engage audiences, you should prioritize developing content that offers clear explanations, contextual understanding, and practical guidance on climate action. Focus on inspiring hope and showcasing solutions, as these are significant unmet needs, especially for older demographics and those in high-emission countries where engagement is declining. Additionally, you must enhance coverage explaining AI's complex role in climate change, as public understanding is currently low.
Key insights
Global climate news engagement is declining, particularly in high-emission nations, driven by TV and older audiences.
Principles
- Climate news exposure is not universally declining.
- Scientists are the most trusted source for climate information.
- Public confidence in political climate leadership is low.
Method
The report utilized survey data from eight countries to track public attitudes, news consumption habits, and trust in institutions regarding climate change, including new sections on AI's perceived impact and user needs for climate news.
In practice
- Focus climate coverage on clarity, context, and usefulness.
- Address the unmet need for hopeful, solution-oriented stories.
- Improve media's explanation of AI's climate impact.
Topics
- Climate News Engagement
- Public Trust in Climate Information
- AI's Climate Impact Perception
- Climate Journalism
- User Needs Model
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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism.