Eurobarometer survey: Europeans have recognised climate change as the most important problem in the world
According to a new Eurobarometer survey published today, Europeans are: the world's most important problem acknowledged by climate change. Climate change is considered a serious problem by more than nine out of ten surveyed (93 %) but a very serious problem – almost eight out of ten respondents (78 %). On the question of which the global problem is, in their view, the most important, more than a quarter of respondents (29 %) selected one of the following options: climate change (18 %), natural degradation (7 %) and pollution-related health problems (4 %).
In terms of policy measures, nine of the ten Europeans (90 %) agree that greenhouse gases emissions should be reduced to a minimum at the same time, the remaining emissions should be compensated to make THE EU climate neutral by 2050. Almost nine out of ten Europeans (87 %) believe it is important for THE EU to set ambitious targets increasing the use of renewable energyand as much poll as it is important for THE EU to provide support improving energy efficiency.
President-in-Office of the European Green Rate Frans Timmermans: “Despite the pandemic and the economic difficulties faced by Europeans, there is still considerable support for climate action. Europeans are aware of the long-term risks posed by the climate and biodiversity crisis and expect the industry, governments and the European Union to act. The results of this Eurobarometer survey are a signal to politicians and businesses. On the other hand, the European Commission is further motivated to complete the legislative package “ready to target 55 %”, which will be presented this month and which will enable the achievement of climate targets to be achieved. ”
Most (64 %) EU citizens are already doing something for climate and on their daily basis, they are consciously making sustainable choices. In response to a question responsible for combating climate change, the surveyed emphasized that: structural reforms are also necessary in parallel with individual actionto be implemented by national governments (63 %), businesses and industry (58 %) and EU (57 %). More than eight of the ten Europeans surveyed (81 %) agree that: clean energy should receive greater public financial support even if this would mean lower subsidies for fossil fuels. Three quarters of Europeans (75 %) believe that investment in economic recovery should focus mainly on the new Green Economy.
There is no doubt that the fight against climate change opens up opportunities EU citizens and the European economy. Almost every eighth respondent (78 %) believes that climate action will contribute to innovation, which in turn increase the competitiveness of European companies. Similarly, every eighth respondent (78 %) agrees that if EU expertise on clean technologies is to be promoted in non-EU countries, it help create new workspaces In the European Union. Seven of the ten Europeans (70 %) believe that THE EU economy will benefit from reducing imports of fossil fuels. More than seven of the ten Europeans (74 %) are convinced that: the costs of climate change are much higher than the investments needed to implement the green transition.
Context
26 669 respondents from various social and demographic groups in all 27 EU Member States were surveyed in Eurobarometer Special Survey No 513 “Climate Change”. This survey took place between 15 March and 14 April 2021. The respondents were interviewed as far as possible, but due to the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic, part of the respondents filled in an online questionnaire.
The European green course is the main political priority of the European Commission. The European Parliament and the Member States are committed, on the basis of the proposals presented by the Commission, to make THE EU climate neutral by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels). These commitments are now enshrined in the European Climate Act, which was formally signed on 30 June 2021. In order to achieve these objectives, the Commission will present a package of legislative proposals on 14 July 2021 “ready to target 55 %”. This comprehensive reform of THE EU climate and energy policy toolbox will include a review of existing legislation and a number of new instruments.
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