According to market and opinion research institute Marketagent, the results of the online survey are “clear”. 36 percent of people said they ranked climate change as the most serious global challenge (36 percent), ahead of (civil) wars (32 percent) or poverty and destruction of nature (both 30 percent) . The results show that awareness of climate and nature conservation issues is even slightly more pronounced in Austria than on the European average.
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October was also significantly too hot
More than 38 thousand people were interviewed in Europe, according to the Baden Institute. According to Thomas Schwabl, Managing Director of Marketagent, “Our results clearly show that there is a high sense of urgency among populations across Europe for more ambitious action to combat global warming.”
The results were published just before the start of the next UN climate conference, which will take place in Dubai from November 30. As the United Nations had already announced in advance following a current analysis, current efforts are not enough to stop global warming at 1.5 degrees – more on this in “States far from the 1.5 degree target” (news . ORF.at; November 14, 2011). 2023).
Extreme weather events are particularly noticeable
According to the survey, two thirds of the 38 thousand respondents are very concerned about the changes associated with climate change and, for almost eight in ten people, these are already noticeable in their daily lives. The most threatening effects of climate change across Europe are perceived as the increase in extreme weather events (38 percent) and heat and drought (36 percent). In this country, almost half fear severe weather conditions, such as storms, hail, etc. (46 percent).
ORF More awareness about traffic, nutrition, etc.: In Austria, almost two thirds of respondents said they would accept personal behavioral changes to benefit the climate
For the majority of respondents, it is indisputable that people are (partly) to blame for global warming: According to the survey, one in two people is of the opinion that humanity, together with other factors, is responsible for climate change, and About a third believe humans are even largely responsible for the climate emergency.
On the other hand, there is also the belief that every citizen can make a significant contribution to environmental protection (73 percent). Across Europe, seven in ten respondents said they were in favor of appropriate behavioral changes. In Austria, availability was less clear (63 percent).
Little confidence in political measures
“Personal commitment also appears to be desperately needed for people in Europe, after all, the majority of respondents have little confidence in national climate protection measures,” said Schwabl. Only three in ten respondents are of the opinion that their own country is taking sufficient measures against global warming.
In comparison, nearly 40 percent rate efforts as insufficient. “It’s not surprising that Europeans paint a pretty bleak picture of the future,” explains Schwabl, reporting that just under a quarter (23 percent) expect the world to get climate change under control in the next ten years. In contrast, there are 43 percent who are (fairly) hopeless about it. The remaining third think that coping with the situation is at least possible.