Europeans consider tackling climate change a priority and support energy independence
A large majority of Europeans believe climate change is a serious problem (85%),according to a new Eurobarometer survey published.
Among those surveyed, 8 in 10 (81%) support the EU-wide goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050. From an economic perspective, more than three quarters (77%) of Europeans agree that the cost of damage due to climate change is much higher than the investment needed for a net-zero transition.
Most Europeans (85%) agree that tackling climate change should be a priority to improve public health and quality of life. Likewise, 83% of those surveyed agree that preparing better for the adverse impacts of climate change will improve the lives of EU citizens. European citizens also feel the impact of climate change in their daily lives. On average, almost 4 in 10 Europeans (38%) feel personally exposed to environmental and climate-related risks and threats. In 8 Member States, more than half of those surveyed feel this way; mostly in Southern Europe, but also in Poland and Hungary.
Support for renewables, energy efficiency and energy autonomy
Close to nine in ten Europeans (88%) think it is important that the EU take action to increase renewable energy, and the same number (88%) believe that it is important for the EU to take action to improve energy efficiency,for example by encouraging people to insulate their home, install solar panels or buy electric cars. Three quarters (75%) believe that reducing fossil fuel imports will increase energy security and benefit the EU economically. 77% of Europeans agree that acting on climate change will foster innovation. More than eight in ten Europeans (84%) agree more support should be given to European companies to compete in the global market for clean technologies, demonstrating public backing for the Clean Industrial Deal.
Citizens committed to individual action and structural reform
A large majority of EU citizens are taking individual climate action(92%) and making sustainable choices in their daily lives. However, when asked who is best placed to tackle climate change, only 28% believe they are best placed to turn the tide through individual actions. Citizens identified national governments (66%), the EU (59%) and business and industry (58%) as best placed to tackle climate change. 44% saw regional and local government as well positioned to take climate action.
Climate in the media
While the survey found that 84% of citizens agree that climate change is caused by human activity, more than half of respondents (52%) find that traditional media do not provide clear information on climate change, its causes and impacts. Looking more widely at communication channels, 49% believe that it is difficult to differentiate between reliable information and disinformation about climate change on social media.
