Even in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its impact on citizens, climate change remains among the top three concerns of Europeans. An overwhelming majority support action across the EU to tackle the climate crisis and make Europe the first climate-neutral continent, according to the latest Eurobarometer survey by the European Commission.
2023 Survey
Main survey findings
Europeans think climate change is a serious problem
- European citizens identify climate change as the third most serious problem facing the world after poverty, hunger and lack of drinking water, and armed conflicts.
- A quarter of Europeans are most concerned by the interlinked climate, environmental and pollution crises. 1 in 4 chose either climate change, deterioration of nature or health problems due to pollution as the single most serious problem we face.
- 93% of EU citizens see climate change as a serious problem and 77% see it as a very serious problem.
There is strong support for action to tackle climate change and make Europe climate neutral
- 88% of respondents – and at least 70% in each Member State – agree that greenhouse gas emissions should be reduced to a minimum while offsetting the remaining emissions for a climate-neutral EU economy by 2050.
- 87% of respondents think it is important that their national government take action to increase the amount of renewable energy used and 86% believe governments should take action to improve energy efficiency by 2030.
- 67% think their national governments are not doing enough to tackle climate change.
- More than eight in ten (87%) think the EU should take action to increase renewable energy and support energy efficiency (85%).
Most Europeans support accelerating decarbonisation in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
- The majority (58%) believe that the European Union should accelerate the transition to a green economy in view of the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Europeans are aware of the benefits of green transition
- 84% agree that tackling climate change should be a priority to improve public health.
- Three quarters of respondents agree that taking action on climate change will lead to innovation that will make EU companies more competitive.
- Three quarters of respondents agree that taking action on climate change will lead to innovation that will make EU companies more competitive.
- A large majority (70%) agree that reducing fossil fuel imports from outside the EU can increase energy security and benefit the EU economically.
Most Europeans are consciously making choices for the climate
- More than 9 in ten respondents (93%) have taken at least one specific action to fight climate change, most notably by reducing and recycling waste (70%) and cutting down on consumption of disposable items whenever possible (53%).
- Around one in three have taken action by changing their diets, specifically by buying and eating more organic food (28%) and buying and eating less meat (31%).
A majority of Europeans support measures to make Europe more resilient to the climate crisis
- Over six in ten respondents (63%) agree that adapting to the adverse impacts of climate change can have positive outcomes for citizens.
Full report and individual Member State information
Find out about attitudes towards climate change in countries across the EU:
- Full report
- 03/03/2014 - IP/2014/201 - Turn to climate action for a job-rich economic recovery, Europeans say
- Full report
- 07/10/2011 - IP/2011/1162 - Climate change: Survey shows increased public concern, awareness of economic benefits of action
- Full report
- 02/12/2009 - IP/2009/1858 - Eurobarometer: Climate change the second most serious problem faced by the world today
- Full report
- 11/09/2008 - IP/2008/1314 - Strong public support for EU targets on climate change