This is the conclusion drawn from an analysis of the results of a recent survey.
Among the most popular individual climate actions are recycling, reducing plastic waste, and purchasing more efficient appliances.
More than 6 in 10 European Union citizens say they have taken action to combat climate change in the last six months.
This is according to a survey that included 26,358 people from various social and demographic groups across the European Union.
The survey, conducted by the European Commission, found that the majority of Europeans – 93% – consider climate change to be a serious problem facing the world.
Respondents in seven countries identified climate change as the single most serious problem currently facing the world: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Malta, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, and Sweden. Overall, in 16 out of 27 EU member states, it is one of the top three issues. Which countries have the highest percentage of citizens who believe they are taking action on climate change? And who, in the opinion of Europeans, is responsible for this problem?
Where in Europe are the most people taking personal action on climate change?
The highest proportion of citizens taking personal action is in Luxembourg (82%), followed by Finland and Sweden (81%).
Conversely, the fewest citizens who indicated that they were taking action on their own initiative were in Poland (39%), Bulgaria (35%), and Romania (29%).
In Luxembourg, the most popular action was reducing waste and sorting it for recycling. Reducing the consumption of single-use items, such as plastic bags, and purchasing organic food were in third place.
In Finland and Sweden, respondents also supported recycling, followed by reducing excess packaging. Using environmentally friendly alternatives, such as cycling or public transport, was the next most common climate action in these two countries.
Who do Europeans believe should take action on climate change?
Although many choose to change their lifestyle in an attempt to be more environmentally friendly, only 35% of citizens consider themselves personally responsible.
Most citizens believe that the European Union, national governments, businesses, and industry are responsible for tackling the climate change problem.
More than two-thirds of EU citizens believe their government is not doing enough to address the problem of climate change. Since the spring of 2021, this figure has fallen by eight per cent.
In all member states except one – Finland – respondents most frequently state that their government is not doing enough.
On the other hand, citizens are optimistic about what improved EU climate action could achieve. Three-quarters of respondents believe it could drive innovation that would help businesses across the bloc.
“European citizens understand the threats of climate change and continue to support action on climate change by the EU, national governments, businesses, and individuals,” said EU climate chief Frans Timmermans. “The results of this survey are a vivid reminder that support for the European Green Deal remains as strong as ever. Politicians and policymakers must listen to this call.”