Global support for the clean energy transition remains strong, with most citizens across 10 countries believing that the transition to clean energy will foster jobs creation and improve quality of life.

The latest findings from the GHD CROSSROADS report reveal a clear willingness to adopt renewable energy initiatives, however, it also reveals significant concerns about the affordability, reliability, and understanding of clean energy, particularly among older generations.

"The energy transition is a once-in-a-generation reform," says Dr Tej Gidda, GHD’s Global Leader for Future Energy. 

"It's not happening in a vacuum but alongside other critical infrastructure and societal shifts. As we move forward, there is a responsibility to not just benefit from the gains but to leave a lasting, sustainable legacy for future generations.

"This isn't just about keeping the lights on today, but about building the foundations for tomorrow."

GHD’s CROSSROADS intergenerational equity research was based on a comprehensive survey conducted across 10 countries: Australia, Canada, Chile, New Zealand, the Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A total of 13,000 adults, sampled to be representative of age, gender and region in these countries, participated in the survey.

The GHD CROSSROADS report highlights an optimistic outlook on the economic benefits of clean energy. On average, 75 percent of respondents across the 10 surveyed countries agree with the statement: "I believe the switch to clean energy will open up new industries and jobs for my community."

This strong belief underscores the widespread perception that clean energy initiatives will drive economic growth and employment opportunities, particularly in emerging countries.

However, the report also points to a generational divide in confidence levels, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), who have experienced numerous economic shifts throughout their lifetimes, are notably less confident about the job creation potential of clean energy. 

“The scepticism among Baby Boomers may be rooted in concerns over whether the rapid pace of change and new industries can truly replace the traditional sectors they’ve relied on for decades,” says Dr Gidda.

“Younger generations, on the other hand, tend to have a more global perspective and are generally more hopeful about the potential for innovation and clean energy to drive the future.”

Despite the optimism surrounding job creation, the report finds that concerns about the affordability and reliability of clean energy persist across all surveyed countries.

A significant portion of respondents agree with the statement: "I am worried that clean energy in the future will not be affordable or reliable," with Chile showing the highest level of concern at 85 percent and the UK the lowest at 62 percent. The 10-country average was 75 percent.

“These concerns reflect the challenges that governments and industry face in ensuring that the clean energy transition is both economically viable, equitable and dependable,” says Dr Gidda. 

The report also reveals that there is strong support for government financial assistance in the transition to clean energy, with 73 percent of respondents agreeing that governments should allocate funds to help households and businesses adopt clean energy more rapidly. 

This sentiment reflects a widespread recognition that government intervention is necessary to accelerate the transition and make it accessible to all citizens.

Despite this general support, Baby Boomers are again less enthusiastic about the use of government funds for this purpose, particularly in the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

This hesitancy may be linked to concerns about fiscal responsibility or concerns about the effectiveness of government interventions in driving meaningful change.

The generational divide in attitudes towards government assistance suggests that targeted communication and education efforts may be needed to build broader consensus on the role of public funding in the clean energy transition.

While there is broad agreement on the importance of switching to clean energy, the GHD CROSSROADS report highlights significant knowledge gaps among the global population.

When respondents were asked whether they understand the changes required to ensure a clean energy future, the 10-country average was 76 percent.

Knowledge was lowest in the US (64 percent), Australia (64 percent) and Canada (65 percent).  

Survey respondents overwhelmingly agree that governments should do more to educate communities about the importance of clean energy, with the Philippines showing the highest level of support at 97 percent. 

Even in the US, where support is comparatively lower, 73 percent of respondents still believe that more should be done to raise awareness and understanding.

“To truly succeed, decision-making in the energy space must include diverse perspectives," Dr Gidda adds. "Different voices and viewpoints will lead to smarter, more inclusive outcomes that balance the needs of people, the planet, and the economy."

About GHD:

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 11,000+ professionals is connected across more than 160 offices located on five continents www.ghd.com

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