Evidence of clear public support for action on climate change is critical to create the political will for a shift to a low carbon society – and that is just what this major new European survey provides.
The ‘European Perceptions of Climate Change’ project is led by Cardiff University in collaboration with academic teams from four European countries (UK, Germany, France and Norway) and Climate Outreach.
The survey found that clear majorities in these four European countries support using public money to prepare now for the impacts of climate change, to help developing nations cope with extreme weather, and to subsidise renewable energy sources.
A key element of our involvement in this project has been our new guide, Six Recommendations for Public Engagement, in which we look at what these findings mean for communications professionals, campaigners and practitioners.
The survey was informed by the first report of the European Perceptions of Climate Change, published in June 2016: Socio-political profiles.
Media coverage of EPCC survey results includes:
New Scientist: Most people don’t know climate change is entirely human-made
The Guardian: Climate change impacts are already hitting us, say Europeans
Carbon Brief: Video – Prof Nick Pidgeon on European perceptions about climate change
Thompson Reuters Foundation: Climate change may drive more migration in future, Europeans say
Bloomberg: French Worry More About Climate Change Than Neighbors Do
Energy Voice: UK less concerned about climate change than European neighbours, survey shows
Clean Energy Wire: Germans “surprisingly” climate-sceptic
BT: UK less concerned about climate change than European neighbours, survey shows