The Decline of Climate Skepticism in France: An Analysis of Climate Change Attitudes over the Last Two Decades

Abstract

This article analyzes the evolution of public attitudes toward climate change in France. In the context of a challenging economic environment, the climate crisis continues to be a significant concern for the French populace, a concern that is exacerbated by the increasing frequency of climate-related disasters globally. Utilizing a logit model applied to four waves of a longitudinal survey conducted in 2000, 2010, 2019, and 2021, our findings indicate a noteworthy decline in climate skepticism. This reduction is correlated with an enhanced recognition of the scientific consensus on climate change and a broader adoption of environmentally responsible behaviors. Our analysis reveals significant associations between political orientation and climate skepticism: individuals who voted for far-right parties demonstrate a higher propensity for skepticism, whereas those who supported environmentalist parties exhibit a lower likelihood of skepticism. These findings highlight the critical need for ongoing efforts to communicate climate science effectively, promote pro-environmental behaviors, and acknowledge the pivotal role of political actors in mitigating climate skepticism.