France, May 10 -- A major opinion survey across Africa shows that many people place primary responsibility for climate action on their national governments. Although the continent has contributed relatively little to global emissions, it is enduring some of the worst effects of climate change.

The survey, carried out by a gloabl team of researchers between 2021 and 2023, covers 39 countries and more than 50,000 people. It was published this week in the journal Communications Earth and Environment.

Its authors focused on the 26,735 respondents who said they had heard of climate change. They were asked who should bear the responsibility for limiting it and reducing its effects.

Nearly half - 45 percent - said their national government sh...