EU citizens push for renewables & energy efficiency: Survey

Eight in ten respondents (81 per cent) support the EU-wide target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Economically, 77 per cent Europeans believe that the cost of damage due to climate change is much higher than the investment needed for a net-zero transition.

Health and quality of life are closely linked to climate efforts, with 85 per cent saying tackling climate change should be a priority for improving both. Similarly, 83 per cent agree that preparing for the adverse impacts of climate change will enhance citizens' lives.

Nearly four in ten Europeans (38 per cent) feel personally exposed to environmental and climate-related risks and threats. In 8 member states, more than half of those surveyed feel this way: mostly in Southern Europe, but also in Poland and Hungary.

Support for renewable energy and energy autonomy remains high, with 88 per cent favouring EU action to boost both sectors. A majority (75 per cent) believe reducing fossil fuel imports would enhance the EU's energy security and economic standing, European Commission said in a press release.

Additionally, 77 per cent agree that climate action will foster innovation, and 84 per cent support stronger backing for European firms to compete globally in clean tech—an endorsement of the Clean Industrial Deal.

While 92 per cent of citizens report taking individual climate action and making sustainable choices in their daily lives. However, only 28 per cent feel individuals are best placed to tackle the crisis. Instead, they look to national governments (66 per cent), the EU (59 per cent), and business and industry (58 per cent) to lead the way, with 44 per cent seeing regional and local authorities as key actors.

The findings also point out that media do not provide clear information on climate change. Although 84 per cent agree that human activity is the main cause of climate change, over half (52 per cent) believe traditional media fails to provide clear information. Meanwhile, 49 per cent find it difficult to distinguish between reliable content and disinformation on social media platforms.

The survey was conducted among over 26,000 citizens across all 27 member states between February 18, and March 10, 2025.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (SG)