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Climate change more important than financial crisis

Europeans consider climate change a very serious problem. Second only, to poverty, hunger and lack of drinking water. The overall pattern is consistent with EU citizens’ answers to the same question two years back.

Today however, climate change actually takes up a larger role. Between 2009 and 2011, the share of citizens who feel that climate change is the most serious problem has increased from 17% to 20%. Also, EU citizens believe that the seriousness of climate change has increased compared to two years ago.

75 percent ready to buy environmentally friendly products

In line with the findings of the Global Wind Study launched earlier this year (vestas.com/energytransparency), the Eurobarometer survey shows that 75% of the European consumers are ready to buy environmentally friendly products even if they cost a little bit more.

“The Eurobarometer survey reaffirms what was also reflected in the Global Wind Study earlier this year", says SVP Peter C. Brun and continues: “Consumers want more renewable energy and by no means are they tired of the climate change agenda. If anything, they are tired of decision makers failing to take sufficient counteractive action.”.

Reaping the economic benefits of climate change

While more than two thirds of Europeans consider climate change a very serious problem, there is a very positive view on the economic benefits of tackling climate change. Almost 80% agree that it can boost the economy and create jobs. This is a substantial increase from 2009, where the share of Europeans agreeing with this statement was 63%.

“It is very positive to see how the Europeans express the view that taking measures to counteract climate change will boost the economy and create jobs”, says Peter C. Brun and concludes: "this is very much in line with Vestas’ belief and the Green Growth agenda which we are continuously trying to push, in cooperation with many other companies, organisations and policy makers around the globe.”

Since 1973, Eurobaromenter surveys have been providing regular monitoring of the social and political attitudes of the European citizens.

Eurobarometer surveys are managed by the Public Opinion Analysis Sector of the European Commission, Directorate General Communication.

The fieldwork for the mentioned Eurobarometer study was carried out between April 13 and May 8, 2011. A total of 26,825 interviews across the EU27 were conducted. The report “Eurobarometer 372 – Climate Change” was published in the beginning of October.

http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_372_en.pdf