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Newly released survey data has suggested the number of Jersey residents who don't believe in climate change has risen over the past five years – and nearly one in 10 islanders are buying into conspiracy theories.
In 2019, research indicated that less than 1% of Jersey residents did not believe the climate was changing.
But the number has risen to 4% this year, according to a climate change survey conducted by Island Global Research.
Pictured: A total of 13% of survey respondents in Jersey said they were "not at all" worried about climate change.
A total of 727 people from Jersey took part in the survey, which was conducted between 22 November and 3 December 2024.
The number of islanders who believe the climate is changing and human activity is mainly responsible has fallen from 64% in 2019 to 55% in 2024.
Meanwhile, the number of Jersey residents who believe that the climate is changing, and human activity is partly responsible, together with other factors has risen from 31% in 2019 to 34% in this year.
And the number of people who believe that the climate is changing, but human activity is not at all responsible, has risen from 4% in 2019 to 7% in 2024.
Pictured: Survey respondents were categorised into one of six 'segments' depending on their attitudes to climate change.
The survey also saw respondents categorised into one of six 'segments' depending on their attitudes to climate change.
These segments ranged from 'alarmed' – islanders who are "convinced climate change is happening, human-caused, an urgent threat, and they strongly support climate policies" – to 'dismissive' people who "do not believe climate change is happening, caused by human activity, or a threat".
Around 9% of Jersey residents are 'dismissive' of climate change, most of whom "endorse conspiracy theories, such as 'climate change is a hoax'".
A further 8% are 'doubtful' – meaning that they "do not think climate change is happening or they believe it is just a natural cycle".
Pictured: Views on climate change in Jersey varied by age.
The research also showed that views on climate change varied by age.
Residents aged 16-39 are much more likely to be 'alarmed' about climate change than those aged over 40.
Almost 60% of 16- to 39-year-olds are "very worried about climate change", compared to just 27% of those aged over 65.
And 77% of islanders aged between 16 and 39 think that "the climate is changing and human activity is mainly responsible", compared to just 38% of those over the age of 65.
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