Summary
Report on
Environmental Public Opinion Survey in
Arab Countries 2000 |
Introduction
The opinion survey was organized by Environment & Development
magazine, in cooperation with UNEP/ROWA and CAMRE (Council of Arab
Ministers Responsible for the Environment).
The survey has been conducted without interviewers. The readers of
Environment & Development magazine and the viewers of FUTURE
Television were the main respondents. The questionnaire was attached
to Environment & Development magazine and was on its web site,
as well as on the web site of Future TV. The readers and/or viewers
of these media have filled the questionnaire and sent it back. The
questionnaire was also circulated through the offices of the League
of Arab States and UNEP/ROWA.
The combination of voluntary respondents through an environmental
magazine reaching both the specialized and the common readers, and
the Future TV, which reaches the general public, ensured respondents
from a wide range of categories that reflect the general public
opinion to a great extent.
Respondents came from 18 Arab countries. 71% of all respondents
possess university level education and 71 % of all sample have
average income. Only 22% of all respondents have an income above
average. 29% of all respondents are above 41 years old, 13% below 20
years old and 58% from 21-40 years old. 25% of all respondents are
University/school professors or teachers, 18% Professionals
(doctors, engineers, etc.), 16% managers or owners of companies, 17%
employees, 21% students, and 3% not working.
Brief Summary of Results
The majority of respondents (85.6%) feel that the environment where
they live has become worse in the past 10 years, mainly due to the
changes done by mankind (97.8%).
One fifth (21%) consider that the environment in their country is
good and even excellent, this was predominantly stated by those live
in the Gulf States. While those living in the Levant (Mashreq)
countries consider their country's environment fair or bad. In
particular nearly half of the Lebanese respondents consider their
environment as bad (48.7%).
People are aware of environmental danger that is affecting the
health of citizens in the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf
States and they think governments should do more efforts to protect
the environmental elements in each country.
The great majority of respondents are willing to participate in
environmentally safe actions in their every day's life in order to
improve and preserve their local environment.
Moreover, over three quarters of the sample (77%) are further
willing to pay somewhat higher taxes if they knew that money would
be spent to protect the local environment. The positive highest
tendency was seen by the Lebanese and North African nationals, while
the least tendency was revealed amongst Gulf States nationals.
Analysis of the Survey |
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Q.1: |
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Do you feel that …
environment has become better or worse in the past 10 years.
85.5% of all respondents have indicated that the environment has
gone towards worse and 14.5% have indicated that it has become
better. In one extreme, 97.3% of all Lebanese have indicated that
environment has become worse. Perhaps this is due to the high level
of environmental awareness that prevails in the country since 10
years. Also due to the presence of more than 70 environmental NGOs,
wide media coverage, and high educational level. On the other end,
35% of respondents from UAE have indicated that the environment has
become better. This is due to the fact that a lot of progress has
been achieved in UAE in the field of environment, primarily by the
efforts of Sheikh Zayed. 76-80 % of respondents in North African
countries indicated that their environment has become worse.
17.1 - 25.0 % of those not working or having educational level
below secondary and those having income above average have indicated
that their environment has become better, which is higher than the
overall average (14.5%). |
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Q.2: |
Do you think that…
environment changed due to mankind or uncontrollable natural forces.
97.8% of the respondents agree that environment has changed mainly
because of mankind. Only 2.2% have referred to natural forces, but
respondents from the Gulf region (Saudi Arabia 3%, UAE 4.8%) have
indicated higher rates. This is due to the fact that mankind has
achieved a lot of good things in the field of environment in these
countries.
On the other hand, 3.6-6.5% of those major groups which are not
working or having educational level below secondary and those having
low income, have indicated that their environment has changed due to
nature forces, which is higher than the overall average (2.2 %).
Perhaps this is due to the lack of awareness on environmental
problems among disadvantaged groups. |
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Q.3: |
How would you rate the
environment in your country?
Majority of respondents (77.8%) in all countries surveyed rated the
environments in their countries as fair or bad. Only minorities
rated their environments as excellent (3.6%) or good (17.8%). The
one exception was the Gulf region where 48.2% of respondents rated
their environments positively. In case of UAE this rate was 63.4%.
On the other extreme, only 7.5% of the Lebanese rated their
environment positively. While the figure for other Levant countries
is 21.7 %. 63.9 % of respondents from N. African countries rated
their environment as fair. As indicated earlier, those who have
rated positively are citizens of Gulf countries where positive
development have taken place. In case of negative rating, such as in
Lebanon, respondents have really experienced the deterioration of
the environment. But it should be clear that these figures do not
tell that the environment of a region or a country is better than
the other one.
Among the age groups, those under 20 years of age indicated the
highest negative (fair + bad) rate (80.4%). While only 20.7-27.4% of
those groups which are not working or having educational level below
secondary and those having income above average, have rated their
environments as bad, which is less than the total average for bad
rating (29.8 %). |
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Q.4: |
Have you heard of the
following terms: Ozone … recycling, etc.
- 96.1 % of the total sample
has heard about Ozone issue. Only a small major of 3.1 %
has not heard about ozone. Out of this last group, the highest
rates are in the Gulf states (the highest in UAE 11.1 %), Egypt
(7.1%) and among respondents who have below average income and
below secondary education. Perhaps Ozone issue is not a priority
environmental concern with these major groups.
- 99.5 % of all respondents
know about Air Pollution.
- 98.3 % of the total sample
has heard about Climate Change phenomena, which is a
good sign and indicator that environmental awareness in this
regard has been effective during the last couple of years. Out
of minorities that have not heard about this issue are those
similar to ozone issue.
- 79.6 % of the total
respondents know about Greenhouse Effect. This is
strange, because it is related to Climate change phenomena. 22.2
% of the respondents have not heard about this issue. The
highest rates in this last group are registered in Gulf States,
29.9 % (34.8% in S. Arabia, 34.9 % in UAE) and in N. African
countries, 27 %. Other major groups that have not heard about
Greenhouse effect are the ones who have below secondary level
education, below average income and not working groups
(28.8-39.3 %).
- 89.2 % of the total
respondents know about Acid Rains, which is higher than
Greenhouse effect. This is strange because Arab countries do not
experience the problems created by acid rains. Only 10 % of the
total respondents have not heard about this issue. In this last
group, averages for regions are as follows: Levant 9.1%, Gulf
10.9% (UAE 19%) and N. Africa 11.1%. Other major groups that
have not heard about Greenhouse effect are the ones who have
below secondary level education, below average income and not
working groups (11.3 - 21.4 %).
- 85.8 % of the total
respondents know about Biodiversity. Only 13.2% of the
total respondents have not heard about this issue. In this last
group, averages for regions are as follows: Levant 9.8% (Lebanon
8.5%), Gulf 22.6.9% (the highest in Saudi Arabia 30.4%) and N.
Africa 5.6%. Other major groups that have not heard about
Greenhouse effect are the ones whose ages are below 20 years and
not working groups (18.8 % and 21.0% respectively).
- 97.3 % of the total
respondents have heard about Protected areas and National
parks. Among the major groups that have not heard about this
is the group of managers (4.1%).
- 98.2% of the total
respondents know about Desertification. Only 1.2% do not
know about desertification.
- 98.8 % of the total
respondents know about Toxic chemicals. Eventhough in
certain regions this is not a hot issue, but the media coverage
of this subject has created awareness.
- 87.6 % of the total
respondents have heard about Recycling. 11.3% have not
heard about it. In this last group, averages for regions are as
follows: Levant 6.4% (Lebanon 5.3%), Gulf 11.7% (the highest in
UAE 15.9 %) and N. Africa 29.4 %, which is the highest rate.
Other major groups that have not heard about recycling are the
ones whose ages range from 20-30 years (16.0 %) and not working
group (17.9 %).
- 95.4 % of the total
respondents have heard about Waste management. 4.0% have
not heard about it. In this last group, averages for regions are
as follows: Levant 3.1% (Egypt 2.0%, the lowest), Gulf 5.5% (the
highest in Saudi Arabia, 8.1 %) and N. Africa 4.0 %.
- 82.2 of the total
respondents have heard about Renewable energy. 16.8 %
have not heard about it. In this last group, averages for
regions are as follows: Levant 13.7%, Gulf 26.6% (the highest in
Saudi Arabia 31.1% and UAE 30.2 %) and N. Africa 7.1 %, which is
the lowest rate. It is clear that, wherever the countries
produce petroleum, interest in renewable energy is less and
wherever there is a need for it respondents are aware of its
benefits and use. Among the majo groups, those who have are less
than 20 years of age and those who are not working have low
interest in renewable.
- 83.4 % of the total
respondents have heard about Clean production. This is
strange, because it is a recent subject and refers to industrial
production. 15.3 % of the total respondents of the sample have
not heard about clean production. In this last group, averages
for regions are as follows: Levant 11.0% (Egypt 7.1%, the
lowest), Gulf 21.2% (the highest in Saudi Arabia, 27.4 %) and N.
Africa 19.0%.
- 97.5 % of the total
respondents know about soil erosion phenomena. And only
2.0 % of the respondents are not aware of its occurrence. Among
the major groups that belong to this category are: managers
(4.8%), below average income earners (3.2%) and not working
individuals (3.6%).
- 82.5 % of the total
respondents know about the problems of shore sand removal.
16.3 % of all are not aware of it. Only 7.5 % of Lebanese have
not heard about this problem, while 25.2 % respondents living in
the Gulf region and 21,5% of respondents below 30 years of age
have not heard about this issue. In Lebanon this was a hot issue
and most of its citizens know about it.
- 93.8 % of the total
respondents know about the problems of overhunting. Only
5.4% are unaware. The major group, which is not so much aware of
hunting, are those respondents who are below 20 years of age.
- 88.3 % of the total
respondents know about the dangers of Overgrazing. Only
10.4 % are unaware of it. 11.9 % of the Lebanese and 22.2 % of
UAE respondents are unaware of the dangers of overgrazing.
- 73.0% of the total
respondents know about the term Environmental gains,
which is a new terminology. 25.6 % of the respondents do not
know what it is. Out of this last group, 33.3 % of Egyptians,
35.6% of Saudis, 31% of N. Africans are not aware of this issue.
Also 39.3% of respondents below 20 years of age are not familiar
with this terminology.
- 71.9 % of the total
respondents know about the term Sustainable development.
27.0% of total respondents do not know what it is. Other details
are similar to the previous subject.
- 89.6 % of the total
respondents know about the term environmentally friendly
products. 9.1 % do not know. In this last group, averages
for regions are as follows: Levant 2.9% (Lebanon 3.1%, the
lowest), Gulf 15.0% (the highest in Saudi Arabia, 21.5 %) and N.
Africa 19.8%.
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Q.5: |
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Do you
think that the following issues are problems in your country?
Cutting trees, Deforestation …environmental awareness.
- 68.1% of all respondents
have indicated that cutting trees and deforestation are
major problems in their countries. In case of Lebanon 94.7% is
recorded, which is the highest rate. The percentages for the
regions are: Levant 81.1%, Gulf 44.2% and N. Africa 70.6%.
Countries that have little forestlands have indicated lower
rates than the average. In case of Lebanon, there is high level
of awareness on this issue and that during the war years many
forests were destroyed and respondents are aware of what
happened. Among major groups the teachers and professors have
marked the highest rate (82.6%) and the group with income above
average have marked the lowest rate (51.0%).
- 55% of all respondents
have indicated that desert expansion is a major
environmental problem. The percentages for the regions are:
Levant 48.7% (Egypt with 35.7 % and Lebanon with 48.7% being the
lowest rates in Levant region), Gulf 54.7% and N. Africa 79.4%.
It is strange that Lebanese are not aware if desertification
exists in the country. 33.3% of Egyptians have indicated that
desertification is not a problem. Perhaps they have taken it
granted, because more than 90% of Egypt is desert. Out of major
groups, highest rates of indication of desertification, as a
major environmental problem is as follows: those who are between
31-40 years old have rated 64.0%, teachers 60.1%, those who have
above secondary education 56%.
- 68.6% of respondents have
indicated that water scarcity is a major problem in their
countries. The percentages for the regions are: Levant 65.8%
(Syria 84 % being the highest rate in Levant region), Gulf 77.7%
and N. Africa 59.5%. 14.8% of Lebanese and 31% of Egyptians have
indicated that water scarcity is not an environmental
problem for them (while 42.9% have indicated that it is a major
problem and 26% as a minor problem). It seems that because of
the Nile river many Egyptians do not feel the scarcity of water.
- Among the major groups,
21.4% of respondents less than 20 years old and 17.5 % of not
working respondents have rated that water scarcity is not a
problem, as well as 19% of students. 68% of respondents have
indicated that fresh water pollution is a major problem
in their countries. The percentages for the regions are: Levant
81.1% (Lebanon with 88.1% being the highest rate in Levant
region), Gulf 56.2% and N. Africa 47.7%. These last two figures
are low, perhaps because of the lack of surface fresh water
sources in the region. 10.2% of all respondents have indicated
that water pollution is not a problem in their countries. It is
strange that 23.8% of respondents from UAE have indicated that
fresh water pollution is not a problem. Perhaps this is due to
the fact that their water is obtained by desalinization and used
directly. Among major groups, 16.2% of those who have below
secondary education and 14.9% of those who have above average
income level have indicated that water pollution is not a
problem.
- 71.4% of all respondents
have indicated that pollution of lakes, rivers and coastal
zones is a major problem in their countries. The percentages
for the regions are: Levant 84.9% (Lebanon with 92.8% being the
highest rate in Levant region, followed by Egypt 81.0%), Gulf
51.5% and N. Africa 63.5%. Due to low population densities, Gulf
states have the least pollution. Out of major groups, the least
numbers are recorded by above average income group (58.2%) and
the highest (81.7%) by teachers and professors.
- 42.2% of all respondents
have indicated that Climate Change is a major problem in
their countries. The percentages for the regions are: Levant
48.5% (Lebanon with 52.2% being the highest rate and Egypt with
28.6% the lowest rate in Levant region), Gulf 31.8% and N.
Africa 40.5%. Lower rates for countries with wide expanses of
deserts looks normal, perhaps due to prevailing desert
conditions they have not felt that climate change is affecting
them. Among the major groups, teachers have indicated the
highest rate (54.1%).
- 69.7% of all respondents
have indicated that Air Pollution is a major problem in
their countries. The percentages for the regions are: Levant
79.7% (Lebanon with 82.7% being the highest rate in the region),
Gulf and N. Africa about 57.8%. Out of major groups teachers
(79.4%), below average income group (79%) and not working
persons (82.1%) have recorded the highest rates.
- 67.1% of all respondents
have indicated that Hazardous waste dumped by Industry
is a major problem in their countries. The percentages for the
regions are: Levant 76.3% (Lebanon with 81.8% being the highest
rate in the region), Gulf 50.7% and N. Africa 67.5%. Out of
major groups, respondents less than 20 years old (73.2%) and
teachers (72.5%) have indicated the highest rates.
- 65.1% of all respondents
have indicated that Pesticide abuse is a major problem
in their countries. The percentages for the regions are: Levant
75.3% (Lebanon with 78.9% being the highest rate in the region),
Gulf 59.1% and N. Africa 38.9%. This last one is the lowest
recorded rate. Out of major groups 41 years and above (68%),
teachers (76.1%) and secondary level education possessors
(78.8%) have recorded the highest rates.
- 55.7% of all respondents
have indicated that Solid Waste Treatment is a major
problem in their countries. This figure looks very low, because
always it has been rated as the top environmental issue, due to
the fact that it is observed with naked eye and bothers the
respondents. But it seems that the respondents are unaware of
the treatment options and difficulties that are faced. The
percentages for the regions are: Levant 63.7% (Lebanon with
68.2% being the highest rate in the region), Gulf 43.1% and N.
Africa 52.4%. Gulf states being scarcely populated, solid waste
does not present a priority environmental issue for them. Out of
major groups 41 years and above (63.3%) and teachers (65.1%)
have recorded the highest rates.
- 70.2 % of all respondents
have indicated that Environmentally unfriendly behavior
is a major problem in their countries. The percentages for the
regions are: Levant 80.1% (Lebanon with 82.7% and Egypt with
81.0% have recorded the highest rates in the region), Gulf 57.7%
and N. Africa 59.5%. Out of major groups, up to 20 years old
(75.9%) and teachers (78%) have recorded the highest rates. The
lowest rate being for those who do not work (60.7%).
- 62.7% of all respondents
have indicated that Lack of Environmental Awareness Programs
is a major problem in their countries. The percentages for the
regions are: Levant 69.53% (Syria with 76.7% being the highest
rate in the region), Gulf 54.7% and N. Africa 54%. Out of major
groups, 31 to 40 year olds (66.5%) and teachers (70.6%) have
recorded the highest rates.
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Q.6: |
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Do you
think that the following caused damage to the environment?
Population growth, … Failure to develop control systems …
- Majority (50.5%- 87.6%) of
the respondents have indicated that population growth, tree
cutting and burning of forests, hazardous wastes from industry,
use of pesticides, soil erosion, urban growth, industrial
development, intensive use of fossil fuels, wars, exploitation
of natural resources, ignorance due to the lack on environmental
awareness and education, failure to adopt environmental policies
to control pollution, and failure to develop control and
monitoring systems are the causes that damage the
environment. 50.5% being the least rate, indicated for soil
erosion and 87.6% being the highest rate indicated for hazardous
wastes produced by the industry.
- Among the three regions,
Mashreq has usually recorded the highest rates. In the case of
Maghreb, tree cutting, industrial wastes, soil erosion (92.9%),
and industrial development are the highest rated, as main causes
for damage to the environment. Respondents from the Gulf region
have rated the issues below the total averages. This implies
that, relatively speaking, there are no severe environmental
problems in the region, because of low population, low level of
industrial pollution, unavailability of natural forests, etc.
- Among the major groups,
teachers and professors, respondents older than 41 years,
respondents having above secondary level education and to a
certain extent respondents occupying semi-private jobs have
indicated the highest rates. On the other hand, respondents
having above average income, or are below 20 years old, or not
working, have often indicated rates which are the lowest of all
groups. But at certain instances young respondents and women
have indicated high rates.
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Q.7: |
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If we
keep doing what we are doing now, do you think that, in 50 years,
the environment in your country and in the world would be better or
worse?
The majority (58.7%) of all respondents have indicated that after
50 years the environment would be much worse in their countries.
13.8% of all respondents have rated the environment as much better,
15.8% slightly better, and 10.1% as slightly worse.
Only 39.3 % of Saudis and 44.5% of respondents from the Emirates
have indicated that it will become worse. On the other hand, 68.7%
of Mashreq and 51.6% of Maghreb have indicated that it would become
worse.
The highest indication for "much worse" case (65.1%) is
that of teachers and professors and the lowest rate of indication
(53.1%) is that of the group having above average income. |
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Q.8: |
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Who do you think has a
major role in protecting the environment? Government, NGOs, …
individuals.
95.2% of all respondents have indicated that the government has a
major role in protecting the environment. Averages for the
three regions correspond to this figure. But the highest rate is
indicated in the case of Syria (97.3%). All major groups have
indicated figures that are very near to the overall average. In this
issue all agree that the government should play the leading role.
On the other hand, other actors that have been indicated as players
of a major role, for protecting the environment, include the
business (69.7%), farmers (52.3%), International agencies (74%),
NGOs (70%) and individuals (82.5%). |
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Q.9: |
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How much danger do you
feel there is to the health of respondents if the environment grows
worse?
96.9% of all respondents have rated the environmental deterioration
as a great danger to health. All regions and groups agree to this
fact. In case of Egypt this indication is 100%. In general, whenever
"health" is the issue, all agree to it. |
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Q.10: |
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Do you think that
preserving the environment for future generations should be a major
priority?
96.6% of all respondents have rated the preservation of the
environment for the future generation as a major priority. All
regions and groups agree to this fact. |
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Q.11: |
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Do you favour or oppose:
(a) A stronger action by your government to stop environmental
degradation ? (b) Do you favour stricter laws to minimize industrial
and other sorts of pollution ?
(a) - 97.1% of all respondents agree that governments should take
stronger action to stop the environmental degradation. All regions
and groups agree to this fact. In case of UAE 100% is indicated and
in case of students 98.2% is indicated.
(b) - 92.5 % of all respondents favour that governments should
develop stricter laws to minimize pollution.
The percentages for the regions are: Levant 92.1%, Gulf 94.5% and
N. Africa 89.7%. (Egypt and UAE with 95.2% rating are the highest in
all Arab countries). Out of majority groups, 31 to 40 year olds
(95.8%) and those having university education (95.2%) have recorded
the highest rates. |
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Q.12: |
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Would you be willing to
pay somewhat higher taxes if you knew that the money would be spent
to protect the environment?
77.0% of all respondents are willing to pay taxes, 18.4% slightly
willing to pay, and only 3.5% not willing to pay taxes. The
percentages for the regions are: Levant 80.9%, Gulf 67.5% and N.
Africa 82.5%. (Lebanon with 82.7% rating stands the highest level in
all Arab countries). Out of major groups above 41 years old,
teachers and managers have recorded the highest rates. |
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Q.13: |
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Do you think that NGOs can
play a major role in solving environmental problems?
89.7% of all respondents have indicated that NGOs can have a major
role and 10.3% as no major role. The percentages for the regions
are: Levant 91.9%, Gulf 85.4% and N. Africa 90.5%. Out of major
groups above 41 years old, teachers, below secondary education
possessors and below average income group have recorded the highest
rates. |
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Q.14: |
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Do you think that your
country should do more or less than it is doing now in protecting
the environment?
95% of all respondents have indicated that governments should do
more for protecting the environment. The percentages for the regions
are: Levant 97.5%, Gulf 91.6% and N. Africa 92.9%. Syria and Lebanon
have indicated the highest rates 98.5%. Out of major groups below 20
years olds, teachers and professionals have recorded the highest
rates (95.5 -96.8 %). |
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Q.15a: |
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Name the politician you
think is working best for the environment in the Arab world?
The majority of the respondants did not mention specific names and
opted for "No body" or "I don't know". |
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Q.15b: |
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Name the politician you
think is working best for the environment worldwide.
The majority of the respondants did not mention specific names and
opted for "No body" or "I don't know". |
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Q.16: |
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Would you yourself be
willing to perform environmentally safe actions in your everyday
life?
93.3% of all respondents have indicated they are ready to practice
all of the 14 environmental measures that are listed in Q.16. This
is great. It gives hope that environmentally aware respondents can
do things and catalyze positive changes that affect the behavior of
their surroundings towards positive environmental thinking. The
rating for using public transportation is the lowest (78.1%) among
the 14 measures listed. This is particularly true for rich
countries. |
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Q.17: |
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Do you agree or disagree
with that ?
- The environment in
your country is steadily getting worse, because too little is
being done to protect it.
72.8% of all respondents agree and 26.4 % disagree. The
percentages for the regions are: Levant 88.4%, Gulf 50.7% and N.
Africa 61.1%. Lebanon has indicated the highest rates 96.2%. In
case of UAE, only 38.1% of all respondents have agreed and 61.9%
disagreed. This is an indication that in UAE, as well as in
other Gulf countries, positive improvements are taking place,
that is, much work is being done to protect the environment.
Out of major groups below 20 years olds (81.3%), teachers and
professors (83.9%), and the group with income below the average
(85.5%) have recorded the highest rates in agreeing to the
statement "too little is being done to protect the
environment".
- Life in your
country is so difficult that what's happening to the environment
is not a top concern.
57% of all respondents agree and 42.1 % disagree. The
percentages for the regions are: Levant 73.9%, Gulf 34.7% and N.
Africa 41.3%. Lebanon has indicated the highest rates 81.1%. In
case of UAE, only 27% of all respondents have agreed and 71.4%
disagreed. This is an indication that in UAE, as well as in
other Gulf countries and in Maghreb life is not so difficult as
in Mashreq.
Out of major groups below 20 years olds (67.9%), teachers and
professors (66.5%), and the group with income below the average
(71%) have recorded the highest rates in agreeing to the
statement.
- Those who build and
run factories and cut down forests do not care about the
environment and cause pollution dangerous to health.
91.6% of all respondents agree and 7.4 % disagree. The
percentages for the regions are: Levant 95.6%, Gulf 87.2% and N.
Africa 85.7%. Syria has indicated the highest rate 98.6%.
Out of major groups, above 30 years olds, semi private
institutions and the group with income below the average have
recorded the highest rates in agreeing to the statement.
- World nations will
get together in time to protect the environment for future
generations.
73.9% of all respondents agree and 23.8 % disagree with this
statement. All of the tree regions and major groups have
indicated ratings very close to this average.
- With industry
dumping hazardous and toxic wastes, car and factory emissions
polluting the air, the health of future generations is in real
danger.
94.8% of all respondents agree and 4.0 % disagree to this
statement. The percentages for the regions are: Levant 97.9%,
Gulf 92.3% and N. Africa 88.1%. Syria has indicated the highest
rate 100% followed by Lebanon with 97.5%.
Out of major groups, up to 20 years olds (97.3%), students
(97.8%) and the group with income below the average (98.4%) have
recorded the highest rates in agreeing to the statement. As it
was indicated before, health issues have recorded the highest
rates.
|
General
Observations
- Those who have income level
above the average have recorded lowest rates. This gives the
impression that they do not care much.
- Most of the respondents are
aware of global environmental issues.
- Majority of all respondents
have indicated that governments should have policies,
environmental planning and play central roles. The next highest
rating is indicated for UN agencies as players of important
roles.
- Lebanese have recorded the
highest rates. This is due to the awareness prevailing during
the last decade. Also in Lebanon there are more than 60
environmental NGOs who promote environmental awareness. On the
other hand, coverage of environmental issues by the free media
have made the public aware of the environmental problems.
- Respondents in the Gulf
region, particularly in UAE and Saudi Arabia, are more
optimistic, because they were able to improve their
environments. E.g. forests are established in the deserts of UAE
and Saudi Arabia. Also their low populations have not caused
environmental problems.
- In Mashreq there are more
environmental problems than in Maghreb and the Gulf. This is due
to high population and industrial development in Mashreq.
- In Maghreb, income level
per capita is lower than the other two regions. This fact
controls the overexploitation of natural resources and
evolvement of environmental problems.
- Young respondents,
students, teachers, group with average income, etc. are among
the major groups that have high level of environmental
awareness.
- Populations that have high
rates of readerships are more aware to environmental problems
than other groups.
- Environmental awareness
raising is urgently needed in all Arab countries and at all
levels.
|
Results of the Environmental
Opinion Survey
Arab Public Opinion & the Environment
Environment & Development magazine / UNEP - ROWA / CAMRE |
This survey was conducted to
determine the level of awareness on the environmental issues in the
Arab World and to find out the level of public enthusiasm for
cooperation towards mitigating such issues. Following are the
results of the survey:
- The word "environment"
is used to describe the world around us, - land, sea, air,
rivers, lakes, climate, etc. Do you feel that the environment
where you live has become better or worse in the last 10 years?
Better: 14.5%
Worse: 85.5%
- Do you think the
environment has changed mainly because of
Mankind: 97.8%
Uncontrollable natural forces: 2.2%
- How would you rate
the environment in your country?
Excellent: 3.6%
Good: 17.8%
Fair: 48%
Poor: 29.8%
No answer: 0.8%
- Have you heard of
the following terms?
|
Yes
% |
No
% |
No
answer % |
| Ozone
depletion |
96.1 |
3.1 |
0.8 |
| Air
pollution |
99.5 |
0 |
0.5 |
| Climate
change |
98.3 |
0.8 |
0.9 |
| Greenhouse
effect |
76.9 |
22.2 |
0.9 |
| Acid
rain |
89.2 |
10 |
0.8 |
| Biodiversity |
85.8 |
13.2 |
1
|
| Protected
areas / national parks |
97.3
|
2
|
0.7
|
|
Desertification |
98.2
|
1.2
|
0.6
|
| Toxic
chemicals |
98.8 |
0.6 |
0.7
|
| Recycling
|
87.6
|
11.3
|
1
|
|
Waste management |
95.4
|
4
|
0.7
|
| Renewable
energy |
82.2
|
16.8
|
1
|
|
Clean production |
83.4
|
15.3
|
1.2 |
|
Soil erosion |
97.5 |
2
|
0.5
|
| Shore
sand removal |
82.5
|
16.3 |
1.1
|
| Over
hunting |
93.8
|
5.4
|
0.8
|
| Overgrazing |
88.3
|
10.4
|
1.2
|
|
Environmental gains |
73
|
25.6
|
1.4
|
|
Sustainable development |
71.9
|
27
|
1.1
|
| Environment
friendly products |
89.6
|
9.1
|
1.4
|
- Do you think the
following issues are problems in your country?
|
Major
% |
Minor
% |
Not
a problem % |
No
answer % |
| Cutting
down trees and forests |
68.1 |
20 |
10.9 |
1 |
| Desert
expansion |
55 |
28.8 |
14.6 |
1.6 |
| Water
scarcity |
68.6 |
19.4 |
11 |
1 |
| Drinking
water pollution |
68 |
21.2 |
10.2 |
0.6 |
| Pollution
of lakes, rivers and coastal areas |
71.4 |
22.2 |
5.6 |
0.8 |
| Climate
changes |
42.2 |
43.9 |
12.8 |
1.1 |
| Air
pollution |
69.7 |
25.6 |
3.9 |
0.8 |
| Hazardous
wastes dumped by industry |
67.1 |
26.6 |
4.9 |
1.4 |
| Pesticide
abuse |
65.1 |
28.8 |
5.4 |
0.7 |
| Solid
waste treatment |
55.7 |
33.1 |
10.2 |
1 |
| Non-environmental
behaviour |
70.2 |
26.2 |
2.6 |
1 |
| Lack
of environmental awareness programs |
62.7 |
29.5 |
6.6 |
1.1 |
- Do you think the
following caused damage to the environment?
|
Major
% |
Minor
% |
Not
a problem % |
No
answer % |
| Population
growth |
54.4 |
32.3 |
11.6 |
1.7 |
| Cutting
down trees and forest fires |
83.6 |
12.1 |
3.4 |
0.9 |
| Use
of toxic chemicals to kill pests and weeds |
87.6 |
9.5 |
1.6 |
1.2 |
| Industries
emitting dangerous chemicals |
71.1 |
25.4 |
2.4 |
1.1 |
| Rapid
growth of cities and towns |
50.5 |
41 |
7.3 |
1.2 |
| Growth
and development of industry |
69.6 |
25.2 |
4 |
1.2 |
| Soil
erosion caused by poor farming methods |
62.4 |
29.9 |
6.6 |
1.1 |
| Overuse
of fossil fuel failure of governments to adopt effective
policies to control pollution |
64.5 |
25.5 |
5 |
5 |
| War
and military activities failure to develop control and
monitoring systems compatible with urban and industrial
growth |
64.5 |
23.1 |
10.9 |
1.5 |
| Exploitation
of natural resources |
74.1 |
22.3 |
2.3 |
1.2 |
| Ignorance
due to lack of environmental education |
79.6 |
18.6 |
0.9 |
0.9 |
| Failure
to adopt effective policies to control pollution |
83.1 |
13.5 |
2.5 |
0.9 |
| Failure
to develop control and monitoring systems compatible with
urban and industrial growth |
78.6 |
18.5 |
1.8 |
1.1 |
- If we keep up doing
what we are doing now, do you think that, in 50 years, the
environment in your country and in the world will be
Much better: 13.8%
Little better: 15.8%
Little worse: 10.1%
Much worse: 58.7%
No answer: 1.6%
- Who do you think
has a major role in protecting the environment?
|
Major
role % |
Minor
role % |
No
role % |
No
answer % |
| Government |
95.2 |
4 |
0.1 |
0.7 |
| Business |
69.7 |
26 |
2.7 |
1.6 |
| Farmers |
52.3 |
43.2 |
3.3 |
1.2 |
| International
organizations |
74.9 |
23 |
1.1 |
0.9 |
| NGO's |
70 |
27.2 |
1.6 |
1.2 |
| Individuals
|
82.5 |
16.1 |
0.6 |
0.8 |
- How much danger do
you feel there is to the health of people if the environment
grows worse?
Great danger: 96.9%
Little danger: 1%
No danger: 0.1%
No answer: 1.9%
- Do you think that
preserving the environment for future generations should be a
Major priority: 96.6%
Minor priority: 0.9%
Not a priority: 0%
No answer: 2.5%
- Do you favour or
oppose
|
Favor
|
Oppose |
No
answer |
| Stronger
action by your government to stop environmental degradation. |
97.1% |
1.7% |
1.2% |
| Stronger
laws to minimize industrial and other sorts of pollution |
92.5% |
5.4% |
2% |
- Would you be
willing to pay somewhat higher taxes if you knew that the money
would be spent to protect the environment?
Very willing: 77%
Slightly willing:18.4%
Not at all willing: 3.5%
No answer: 1.1%
- Do you think NGOs
can play a major role in solving environmental problems?
Yes: 89.7%
No: 10.3%
- Do you think your
country should do more or less than it is doing now to protect
the environment?
More: 95%
Doing less: 0.3%
Same as now: 3.3%
No answer: 1.4%
- Name the politician
you think is working best for the environment:
|
I don't
know |
Nobody |
| In the
Arab world |
39.7% |
11.8% |
| Worldwide |
63% |
11.5% |
- Would you,
yourself, be willing to do environmentally safe actions in your
everyday life?
|
Willing
% |
Not
willing % |
No
answer % |
| Instead
of driving a private car, use public transportation, as far
as possible, or walk |
78.1 |
20.6 |
1.2 |
| Buy
refreshments and foods in returnable, rather than throw-away
containers |
95.5 |
3.5 |
1 |
| Buy
organically grown healthy foods rather than conventionally
grown or processed products |
96.5 |
2.8 |
0.7 |
| Buy
goods that are not overpackaged |
89.7 |
9.5 |
0.8 |
| Apply
3R principle (reduce-reuse-recycle) for solid waste
management at domestic level |
95.1 |
3.9 |
1 |
| Purchase
and use recycled paper products |
93.2 |
5.8 |
1 |
| Use
electricity efficiently at home and office |
97.8 |
1.4 |
0.8 |
| Use
fresh water efficiently indoors and in gardens |
97.6 |
1.7 |
0.7 |
| Plant
trees or grow seedlings every day, and give them to friends |
84.9 |
13.9 |
1.1 |
| Buy
environmentally safe home appliances like: CFC-free
refrigerators dish washers, that use water efficiently,
efficient lamps that last long and consume less electricity
|
95.5 |
3.7 |
0.8 |
| Refrain
from dumping toxic material (such as motor oil, acids,
medicines) in water systems |
97.3 |
1.7 |
1 |
| Use
rechargeable batteries |
93.2 |
5.9 |
0.9 |
| Use
unleaded gasoline |
94.8 |
3.6 |
1.6 |
| Refrain
from hunting birds |
96.8 |
2.4 |
0.8 |
- Do you agree or
disagree that
|
Agree
% |
Disagree
% |
No
answer % |
| The
environment in your country is steadily getting worse,
because too little is being done to protect it |
72.8 |
26.4 |
0.8 |
| Life
in your country is so difficult that what's happening to the
environment is not a top concern |
57 |
42.1 |
0.9 |
| Those
who build and run factories and cut down forests do not care
about the environment and cause pollution dangerous to
health |
91.6 |
7.4 |
1 |
| World
nations will get together in time to protect the environment
for future generations |
73.9 |
23.8 |
2.3 |
| With
industry dumping hazardous and toxic wastes, car and factory
emissions polluting the air, the health of future
generations is in real danger |
94.8 |
4 |
1.2 |
The Participants
Age:
Under 20: 12.7%
21-30: 31.2%
31-40: 27.1%
41-50: 20.9%
51 and above: 8.2%
Education:
Elementary: 0.7%
Intermediate: 3.7%
Secondary: 16.6%
Vocational: 8.2%
University: 70.9%
Household income:
Above average: 22%
Average: 71%
Below average: 7% |
|
