Eurobarometer: growing concern for climate change and the need for action

2025/06/30 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Klima
• Giza zientziak
• Energia
• Energia berriztagarriak
• Berdintasuna

Europeans’ concern about climate change has grown, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey. In fact, 85% of participants consider it a serious global risk, and two years ago the percentage of those who believed it was 77%.

The Eurobarometer has been seen as a strong supporter of the EU’s climate policy, with 81% supporting the 2050 climate neutrality target. As the 2023 survey asked about the 2030 targets, it is more difficult to make comparisons, but even then they were in favor of taking measures, for example, they showed a willingness to accelerate the energy transition. It should be noted that the war between Russia and Ukraine was more recent and there was more uncertainty about the fuel supply.

In any case, in the survey carried out now, the population considers climate action not only necessary but also beneficial, both economically and socially. More than three-quarters (77%) believe that the costs of damage caused by climate change outweigh the cost of transitioning to a climate-neutral economy, and 88% support greater investment in renewables and energy efficiency. At the same time, the uncertainty seems to continue: 75% believe that reducing fossil fuel imports will improve energy security and benefit the EU economically.

On the other hand, there are more and more Europeans who report feeling exposed to risks related to the environment and climate, especially in southern Europe, Poland and Hungary. When asked who is responsible for taking action, citizens feel that it is the national government (66%), the EU (59%), and companies and industries (58%) that are responsible. Only 28% believe that individuals are better able to address the issue effectively. And the majority (67%) believe that the government of their country is not doing enough.

The consensus for climate action is broad: 85% believe it should be a priority to improve public health, and 83% say adapting to climate change will improve everyday life.

It should be noted that 84% agree that climate change is due to human activity. However, 52% believe that traditional media do not provide clear information, and 49% say that it is difficult to identify reliable content on social networks.