Europeans consider climate change as the single most serious problem facing the world

A recent Eurobarometer survey has found that European citizens believe that climate change is the single most serious problem facing the world

93% of European citizens consider climate change to be a serious problem, while 78% consider it to be very serious.

In terms of policy response, 90% agree that greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced to a minimum while offsetting remaining emissions to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050.

Climate action

87% of EU citizens think it is important that the EU sets ambitious targets to increase renewable energy and believe that it is important that the EU provides support for improving energy efficiency.

64% are already taking individual climate action and consciously making sustainable choices in their daily lives, but underlined the need for structural reform to accompany individual action.

81% agree that clean energies should receive more public financial support, even if this leads to a reduction in subsidies for fossil fuels and 75% believe that investment in the economic recovery should mainly target the new green economy.

New jobs

78% agree that taking action on climate will lead to innovation that will make European companies more competitive and agree that promoting EU expertise in clean technologies to countries outside the EU can help create new jobs in the EU.

70% believe that reducing fossil fuel imports can benefit the EU economically and 74% agree that the cost of damages due to climate change are much higher than the investments needed for a green transition.

Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans said:

“Despite the pandemic and the economic hardship Europeans are facing, support for climate action remains high. Europeans recognize 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.”