Europeans Urge Strong Climate Action Amid Rising Awareness and Support

The majority of Europeans (85%) believe that climate change is a serious problem that must be addressed by national governments. For the vast majority (85%) climate change should be a priority on political agendas to improve public health and quality of life.

Confirming the belief that climate change should be a priority, an equally high percentage of Europeans believe that organizing and preparing for the negative impacts of climate change can improve the conditions of EU citizens. This is what emerges from the Eurobarometer 565 published by the European Commission, the survey on Climate Change that involved 26,319 EU citizens from different social and demographic groups in all 27 Member States .

The survey was conducted between February 18th and March 10th 2025 and captured sentiment on climate action in the continent that is pushing for a sustainable transition the most. Despite national opposition and the wave of simplification that has characterized the EU in recent months, the survey finds that 8 in 10 citizens (81%) support the EU-wide goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and more than three-quarters (77%) of Europeans agree that the costs of damage caused by climate change are much higher than the investments needed for a net-zero transition.

Concern and conviction about climate action also stem from the fact that people increasingly perceive the impact of climate change in their daily lives. The survey was carried out before the heat wave that is hitting European countries these days and which, on the other side of the coin, has also caused rains and landslides that have brought several mountain passes to their knees. And it already highlights an awareness of climate risks.

On average, almost 4 out of 10 Europeans (38%) feel personally exposed to environmental and climate risks and threats . A percentage that exceeds 50% especially in Southern Europe , such as Italy, but also in Poland and Hungary.

Governments must incentivize renewables for decarbonization and energy security

The Barometer shows that almost nine in ten Europeans (88%) think it is important for the EU to take action to increase energy production from renewable sources and improve energy efficiency, for example by incentivising people to insulate their homes, install photovoltaic panels or buy electric cars.

For three-quarters (75%) of the citizens of the Old Continent, renewables not only represent a solution to combat climate change, but are also capable of reducing energy dependence on fossil fuels imported from outside the EU , thus increasing the continent’s energy security and bringing economic benefits.

At the same time, investing in a low-carbon model and boosting climate action will stimulate innovation for 77% of Europeans. But for 8 out of 10 Europeans (84%) European companies should receive more support to compete on green technologies at an international level. Therefore, for the same share of citizens, the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal is essential .

Europeans are committed but believe government and business action is necessary

According to the Barometer data, the vast majority of EU citizens (92%) are taking individual climate action and making sustainable choices in their daily lives . However, only 28% believe that individual action is the most effective tool to tackle climate change.

According to citizens, the most suitable subjects to fight climate change are national governments (66%) , the European Union (59%) , businesses and industry (58%) and regional and local authorities (44%).

Climate change in the media

While 84% of citizens believe that climate change is caused by human activities, more than half (52%) find that traditional media do not provide clear information about climate change, its causes and impacts.

Looking at broader communication channels, 49% find it difficult to distinguish between reliable information and misinformation about climate change, especially on social media.

Italians are also worried about climate change

Italians also consider climate change a very or somewhat serious problem (86%). Overall, it is perceived as the third most serious problem globally, cited by 48% of Italians immediately after the economic situation (60%) and armed conflicts (59%).

Even along the peninsula, the survey finds a broad consensus on the urgency of addressing climate change. 88% of respondents believe that taking action against climate change is a priority to improve public health and quality of life. While 87% believe that better preparation for the impacts of climate change will improve the lives of EU citizens. Finally, 85% of the inhabitants of the Peninsula agree that the damage caused by climate change costs much more than the investments needed for a transition to a sustainable economy.

As for responsibilities, Italians also think like their European compatriots: national governments are considered the main actors that must deal with the fight against climate change (71% in Italy and 66% in the EU27). They are followed by the European Union (66% in Italy, 59% at EU level) and the industrial and commercial sector (49% in Italy, 58% in the EU27).

On a personal level, 53% of Italians said they had taken concrete actions to combat climate change in the last six months, higher than the European average of 40%. The most widespread actions in Italy include separate waste collection and waste reduction (61%) along with a reduction in the use of disposable products (40%).

The EU’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 also enjoys broad support: 81% of Italians agree, just below the 84% of Europeans. On the other hand, the vast majority of Italians feel threatened by the impacts of climate change: 61% feel “very” (19%) or “fairly” (42%) exposed to environmental risks, such as fires, floods, pollution or extreme weather events.

Finally, on the communication front, 45% of Italians believe that traditional media provide clear information on climate change (versus 37% at EU level). However, 59% find it difficult to distinguish between reliable information and misinformation on social media, a difficulty shared, as already anticipated, by 49% of Europeans.

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(Featured image by Markus Spiske via Unsplash)

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First published in ESG NEWS. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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