Public concern about climate change in Kenya has fallen sharply despite the country’s continued exposure to extreme weather, according to new data released by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) during its General Assembly. The 2025 Global Consumer Awareness Survey, conducted with IPSOS across 50 countries and more than 40,000 respondents, shows that Kenyans are now more worried about war and conflict (52 percent) than about climate change (31 percent).
The report reveals that climate concern in Kenya has dropped from 42 percent in 2022 to 30 percent this year—a steeper decline than in South Africa, where concern fell from 32 to 25 percent. However, the survey also finds that Kenyans remain highly alert to the impact of forest loss, ranking deforestation as their top environmental concern.
In fact, 47 percent of Kenyan respondents identified deforestation as a major issue, the highest rate recorded globally. Worries about droughts and floods, which are closely linked to forest degradation, were cited by 40 percent of Kenyans—well above the global average of 29 percent.
“When people see forests under pressure, they connect the dots between nature, water, and livelihoods,” said Subhra Bhattacharjee, FSC Director General. “The message is clear: protecting forests is not just about trees—it is about stability, resilience, and hope in a changing climate.”
While climate change may be slipping down the list of public priorities, Kenyan consumers continue to act on sustainability at the checkout. The survey found that 79 percent of Kenyans believe information about product sustainability should be verified by an independent organisation—an indicator that transparency and credible certification still matter.
“Even as global priorities shift, people here continue to care about forests and the livelihoods they sustain,” said Annah Agasha, Deputy Director, FSC Africa. “They want transparency, fairness, and proof that the products they buy make a real difference.”
Across Africa, the survey highlights regional differences. South Africans showed higher concern for the loss of plant and animal species (42 percent), while 32 percent of Egyptians cited wildfires as their top environmental challenge.
The findings underscore the importance of integrating environmental, social, and economic strategies. FSC has urged global and national leaders not to let climate action fall behind amid other crises such as conflict and inflation.
The full results are being discussed this week at the FSC General Assembly, where global stakeholders are debating the future of responsible forest management and its role in tackling climate emergencies.
The 2025 FSC x IPSOS Global Consumer Awareness Survey interviewed more than 40,000 people in 50 countries. Comparisons are based on the 32 markets surveyed in both 2022 and 2025.
