A YouGov poll conducted across seven countries in Europe has revealed disparities in the actions citizens are considering to combat global warming.
Only one constant emerges from this survey. In Sweden, Germany, the UK, Spain, France and Italy, European citizens are concerned about climate change and its impacts, a YouGov poll of 9,000 people in seven countries shows. As a result of decades of awareness raising, particularly through IPCC reports, less than 20% of respondents said climate change was not due to human activities. On the other hand, 5% try to deny it. However, the aim of this study presented by the Guardian was primarily to test European support for more or less restrictive government climate protection measures. It reveals many differences between countries.
Plant trees yes, ban cars no
You shouldn’t exaggerate. Responses to this survey suggest that many people have strong support for policies that do not greatly impact their way of life. On the other hand, those that would be needed to combat climate change are unpopular. 45% of Germans and 72% of Spaniards support government tree planting programs. A measure whose effect on the climate is doubtful. The same goes for single-use plastic: the majority of respondents would never buy products made from this very polluting material again (56% in the UK, Spain and Italy). And even 63% of Swedes and 75% of Spaniards would support a government ban on these products.
Measures that do not involve major sacrifices in everyday life. Because when we tackle the actions that really make an impact in the fight against climate change, the answers are much less unanimous. When asked if they would be willing to switch to an electric car (and still not be too heavy for the environment), just under a third of respondents across the seven countries surveyed said they were up from 19% in Germany up to 40% in Italy and 32% in Denmark – yes. And when asked what they think of a ban on fossil-fuel cars, only Spain and Italy outnumber supporters. The two most opposing countries? France and Germany, with 60% of respondents against.
An impossible collective struggle?
The answers also differ when it comes to giving up the car completely in favor of public transport, walking or cycling. In France, Spain and Italy, 35%, 44% and 40% of respondents respectively say they are ready to take the plunge. Support is lowest in the UK (22%), Germany (24%), Denmark (20%) and Sweden (21%). For their part, 25% of French people already say they walk, cycle or use public transport instead of driving, compared with 11% to 16% elsewhere.
Given the differences between countries, it seems difficult to imagine a European fight against climate change that will achieve unanimity. However, between 76% and 85% of European citizens believe that the fight would be more effective if countries worked together. Recently, the European Union confirmed the ban on the sale of thermal cars for 2035. Poland voted against, while Italy, Romania and Bulgaria abstained. Germany was also against it before turning around. How can we imagine saving the planet when even within Europe we don’t agree on how to proceed?