EU citizens believe climate change is the world’s most serious problem

64% of Europeans have already taken individual action to combat climate change

A Eurobarometer survey conducted between 15 March and 14 April has found that European citizens believe climate change is the most serious issue faced by the world today. 26,669 citizens from all 27 EU member states took part in the climate change survey: 93% of them reported that they consider the issue to be a serious problem while 78% deem it to be a very serious problem.

Who should take action to combat climate change?

According to the survey’s findings, more than half of the participants (64%) have begun to take individual action to fight climate change. In other words, they are already making sustainable and environmentally friendly choices to protect the planet.

Now, these citizens have stressed the importance of seeing structural reforms in other, more influential bodies. More specifically, when asked to share who must take further action, they most often responded with national governments (63%), businesses and industry (58%), and the European Union (57%).

European Green Pact Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans commented on the survey’s findings in a press release by the European Commission: “Despite the pandemic and the economic difficulties facing Europeans, support for climate action remains high. Europeans recognize the long-term risks associated with the climate crisis and biodiversity, and expect industry, governments and the European Union to take action.

The figures in this Eurobarometer survey serve as a unifying appeal to politicians and businesses. For the European Commission, they further motivate the finalization of the "Fit for 55" legislation, which we will present later this month to ensure that our climate goals are met.”

Climate action will create opportunities for EU citizens and countries

90% of European citizens have shared that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced and kept to a minimum. What is more, this must be done while offsetting other emissions to ensure that the EU achieves its goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

Nearly 90% also believe that it is crucial for the EU to set goals for increasing its use of energy from renewable sources and to provide support for improving energy efficiency. According to the EU citizens, combating climate change will inevitably result in the creation of numerous opportunities for both EU citizens and countries.

Taking a case in point, 78% of participants shared that climate action requires innovation which will undoubtedly make European companies more competitive. Similarly, fighting climate change will result in the creation of new jobs and economic growth, among others.

What are the EU’s climate goals?

In order to fight this serious problem, the European Union has set itself several ambitious goals. These include achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

As stated by Timmermans, the European Commission will present its package of legislative proposals “Fit for 55” on 14 July 2021. This legislation will contribute towards the achievement of the aforementioned climate goals.