European citizens view climate change as the biggest threat facing the world, according to a new survey published today.
The latest Eurobarometer survey also reveals individuals are not being passive in this fight, they are taking actions to respond to the challenge. Nearly two-thirds, 64%, of those surveyed say they are ‘consciously making sustainable choices in their daily lives’.
Adopting the Greta Thunberg mindset of taking direct action can move mountains in political circles. And leaders across Europe are already in tune with citizens, as evidenced by developments including the EU Green Deal and European Climate Law, which aims to write into law the continent’s goal to become climate-neutral by 2050. Citizens now want to see actions that back up the policy headlines, with 57% of Eurobarometer respondents calling for the EU to lead in spearheading structural reform that can help tackle climate change.
“Despite the pandemic and the economic hardship Europeans are facing, support for climate action remains high,” said Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal. “Europeans recognise the long-term risks posed by the climate and biodiversity crises, and expect industry, governments and the European Union to take action. The numbers in this Eurobarometer survey serve as a rallying call for politicians and businesses. For the European Commission they provide added motivation to finalize the ‘Fit for 55′ legislation that we’ll present later this month to make sure we reach our climate targets.”
When politicians speak of building back better from the pandemic the public says it wants to see that translate into funding for the new green economy, with 75% of respondents saying this is where the focus of investment spending to support the recovery should go.
For more on the survey, visit the Eurobarometer website.