Scorching doubts: unveiling climate change skepticism among gulf cooperation council residents

As climate change poses an escalating global threat, resistance to mitigation and adaptation efforts remains widespread. Public reluctance to support climate policies may stem not only from skepticism about the reality of climate change but also from doubts regarding its human causes, potential harm, or the costs associated with mitigation and adaptation measures. While climate change beliefs vary across regions, limited scholarly attention has been devoted to public skepticism in the Arabian Gulf, particularly in resource-dependent nations with large transient expatriate populations – a defining characteristic of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in this region. This study investigates the factors influencing climate change skepticism in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), two key GCC members. Using primary survey data, we examine the role of socio-demographic characteristics, resident status, and personal beliefs in shaping public opinion on climate change. Our findings reveal that skepticism varies by age, education, gender, income, religious affiliation, residency and ethnicity. Our findings highlight the complex nature of climate skepticism in the UAE and KSA, offering insights for policymakers. Strengthening climate communication strategies, fostering public engagement, and aligning sustainability goals with public perceptions can enhance support for climate initiatives. Targeted awareness campaigns and policy interventions aimed at reducing skepticism may facilitate a successful implementation of climate efforts, ensuring long-term environmental and economic resilience in the region.