The climate surrounding the UN climate conference in Austria is quite pessimistic: a large majority do not believe that climate change can be controlled. At the same time, 39 percent are of the opinion that it is possible to live well even with a three-degree increase in temperature.
The current climate conference in Dubai (COP28) gives the Austrian population little hope that advances in global climate policy can actually be achieved in that country. This is demonstrated by research carried out by the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) as part of the current scientific barometer.
87 percent of Austrians expect few results from COP28. Interest is correspondingly low: almost three-quarters of respondents are hardly interested in it. Only eleven percent believe we are “on track” to control climate change. But in any case, this should not be a priority for a relatively large group: 39 percent are of the opinion that humanity can still live well even with global average temperatures above three degrees.
In fact, the global community of states set an official target of 1.5 degrees at the 2015 Paris Conference. This envisages a reduction in CO2 emissions by 43% by 2030. Right now, however, this goal seems a long way off: from According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we are currently on a path that will only bring a two percent reduction by 2030. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, COP28 must therefore initiate an urgent “turning point” .
Ambivalent commitment
According to the survey, Austrians’ willingness to get involved in climate protection varies greatly. Three-quarters can imagine repairing more, buying fewer new products and using products for longer. More than two-thirds of respondents would also rely more on regional products and more than half could imagine switching to greener heating systems. 46 percent would be willing to give up air travel and long-distance travel. But with measures such as a speed of 100 km/h on motorways (39 percent would be against) or the phasing out of combustion engines, the desire for personal commitment decreases (49 percent against).
Taking into account the clear resignation shown by the survey, ÖAW President Heinz Faßmann calls for more optimistic communication: “We must therefore motivate our communication on climate change rather than alarm and we must continue to provide information based in facts and showing options for action”, said Faßmann in a quoted broadcast. Otherwise, the consequences would be the suppression or even denial of climate change.
The topic of climate change has reached the Austrian population and also the fact that it is caused by man. However, 40 percent think there are more pressing problems for Austria. Climate change is clearly a top priority for just one in five people. Globally, climate change ranks fourth among the six topics researched, behind the health and care system and the fight against poverty. Migration and education are even further behind.
(jewel)