Data from a survey on energy transition revealed that 85 percent of Brazilians can notice the effects of climate change in their daily lives, and nearly half (46%) describe them as severe. The study was conducted by Aurora Lab and More in Common and will be released Wednesday (May 27).

The main concerns expressed by the 2,630 participants regarding the effects of climate change were:

• having to cope with a higher cost of living – 53%;
• physical health problems – 45%;
• obstacles to getting to work – 40%;
• mental health issues – 32%;
• loss of income – 17%;
• job loss – 10%.

In the view 67 percent of respondents, the government should be the primary entity responsible for ensuring the protection of workers in this context. Employers were mentioned by seven percent, and self-organized groups, such as those focused on socio-environmental rights, by less than six percent.

The result came as a surprise to the researchers. “This is really concerning data because it removes – or at least does not place – the responsibility on employers. We are going to see more and more extreme weather events, and employers have a key role to play in ensuring workers’ protection during the transition process as well,” Aurora Lab Executive Director Gabriela Vuolo argued.

The survey also shows a high level of awareness (93%) that society’s production and consumption models need to be transformed in order to address the climate crisis.

Sixty-seven percent believe that these changes will benefit the working class by creating new jobs. Only 10 percent disagree with this and believe they will have the opposite effect, leading to job losses.

Social inequalities

The interviews also explored people’s views on the link between the energy transition and the country’s social structure. The majority (45%) believe that the shift to new energy sources will reduce social inequalities, compared to 17 percent who believe they will remain the same and 23 percent who think they will increase.

According to Gabriela Vuolo, some respondents believe that even wages could increase.

Fake news

According to the study, even in an era of widespread fake news, Brazilians still trust what science says. When it comes to climate, universities and scientists are the most credible source in the view of 69 percent of respondents, while social media is the primary source of information for 65 percent.

The interviews were conducted with people aged 16 and older in the capitals of nine Brazilian states from May to September 2025.