Day-to-day contingencies occupy most of the attention and concern of Chileans, depriving the Environment of priority among the most relevant problems to address, according to a study by GfK, a NIQ company, in the run-up to commemorating World Day. of the Environment, this Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
In this way, the environment was in 10th position among the things that most concern Chileans, with 13% of the preferences, in a list led by crime (54%), the lack of money to live in peace (33 %) and inflation or price increases (29%).
The study reveals that after several years, with an evident upward trend, environmental protection as a relevant social cause has been affected with the return to post-pandemic normality. This is verified in that the environment, as a social cause, went from 31% (2021) and 36% (2022), to 25% (2023) and 26% (2024).
It should be noted that social causes have diversified in recent years with new topics of interest, such as mental health (26%), children at social risk (23%), overcoming poverty (23%), care of animals (18%), among others.
Surprise
It is striking, against all odds, that the two youngest age segments, such as Generation Z and Millennials, give ground to the older sections (Generation X – Baby Boomers), in relation to their identification as environmentalists or environmentalists. In fact, 50% of Baby Boomers surveyed declare themselves ecologists or environmentalists (56% in 2023), versus 38% of Millennials surveyed, in a significant drop recorded since 2023, when this rate reached 46%.
Regarding climate change, the study showed that Chileans are willing to take actions to the extent that they do not imply profound changes in habits or incurring expenses.
The above is confirmed by knowing that 50% of those consulted are willing to “take garbage to recycling points”, 48% “avoid the use of disposable items” and 43% “unplug electrical appliances when they are not used” However, only 11% would buy organic or ecological foods despite having high prices, 7% would contribute as a member in an environmental group and 5% would pay taxes for the garbage they generate.
The research also revealed a conceptual disintegration regarding the word “Sustainability”, which apparently remains mired in an abstract idea.
When asked: What is Sustainability?, 32% associate it with taking care of the planet and the environment, 27% relate it to the circular economy and recycling, 18% feel that it has to do with savings and not depleting natural resources, while 14% think that it is something durable, sustainable, and that it can be maintained over time.