European's attitudes towards climate change
Special Eurobarometer
Poverty, a global economic downturn and climate change are considered the most serious problems in the world. This is one of the results of a survey carried out among 27.000 European citizens. The assessment of the seriousness of climate change shows that despite the overshadowing economic crisis, a vast majority of Europeans (67%) think that climate change is a very serious issue. Two-thirds of Europeans do not think that the seriousness of climate change has been exaggerated and they are predominantly optimistic and think that the process of climate change can be stopped.
According to a wide majority of Europeans (75%), alternative fuels should be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Another measurement showing an encouraging significant increase is the belief that fighting climate change can have a positive effect on the European economy (56% in spring 2008 to 62% in January-February 2009), which is remarkable in the light of the current economic downturn.
Most Europeans feel well informed about climate change, its consequences, causes and ways of combating it. Nevertheless, when asked at taking action a personal level, the proportion of Europeans that claim to personally act to fight climate change has decreased since spring 2008.