Supportive but sceptical: Where do Europeans stand on climate action?

Economic Security and Shifting Priorities in the EU

Economic security and international conflicts have overtaken climate change as the primary concerns for citizens in five European Union countries. According to a recent report by the Brussels-based think tank Bruegel, which analyzed the views of 7,819 people across France, Germany, Italy, and Sweden, the shift in priorities reflects a growing focus on immediate economic and geopolitical challenges. Between 2020 and 2024, concerns about the cost of living and security rose significantly, while interest in climate change policies waned. This trend highlights how public opinion adapts to changing global circumstances, with issues like inflation, energy prices, and the War in Ukraine dominating public discourse. However, climate change has not entirely fallen off the radar; it remains a significant concern, ranking third among the issues Europeans care about most, just behind economic stability (60%) and security (58%).

Public Opinion on Climate Change: A Changing Landscape

While outright climate change denial remains a minority view in Europe, skepticism about the importance of addressing the issue has grown in some countries. In Germany, the percentage of people who believe climate change is "not a big issue" rose from 3% to 9% over four years, while in Poland, it increased from 4% to 11%. These shifts suggest that, while most Europeans still acknowledge the reality of climate change, its urgency has been eclipsed by more immediate concerns. Nine out of ten Europeans agree that action is needed to address climate change, but the report reveals a growing divide between support for mitigating its causes and adapting to its impacts. In Germany and Poland, for instance, support for stopping climate change dropped from nearly two-thirds in 2020 to just over half in 2024, while support for adaptation measures rose across all five countries.

The Paradox of Climate Change Support in Europe

Despite the falling prioritization of climate change, a significant portion of Europeans still want their leaders to focus on environmental issues. In Italy, 49% of respondents identified the environment as one of the top three political priorities for the EU in the coming years, followed by France (41%) and Germany (38%). These numbers indicate that, even as economic and security concerns dominate public opinion, a sizable segment of the population remains committed to addressing climate change. However, the report highlights a paradox: while Europeans broadly agree that climate action is necessary, their willingness to support specific measures, particularly those aimed at reducing emissions, has declined. This shift reflects a growing preference for pragmatic, short-term solutions over long-term preventive measures.

Mitigation vs. Adaptation: A Growing Divide

The Bruegel report reveals a striking divide between public support for climate change mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation efforts, which focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to prevent further warming, have seen declining support in all five countries surveyed. In contrast, adaptation measures, which aim to help societies cope with the impacts of climate change, have gained traction. This shift is most pronounced in Germany and Poland, where support for mitigation dropped by 15 percentage points between 2020 and 2024. Sweden, on the other hand, shows a much narrower gap between support for mitigation and adaptation, suggesting that attitudes toward climate policy vary significantly across Europe. The report attributes this divide to a growing perception that adaptation is more immediately beneficial, while mitigation requires sacrifices that may seem less urgent in the face of economic and geopolitical instability.

Climate Change Skepticism and Its Roots

While climate change denial remains a fringe view in Europe, the report identifies pockets of skepticism, particularly in Poland and Sweden. In Poland, 23% of respondents believe climate change is either natural or not real, the highest proportion among the surveyed countries. Sweden follows at 19%, with other countries showing lower levels of skepticism. Interestingly, the report notes that climate skepticism is more common among financially comfortable individuals, suggesting that those who benefit from the status quo may be more resistant to transformative climate policies. This aligns with previous research indicating that higher-income groups are often less open to radical changes aimed at addressing environmental challenges.

Policy Implications and the Way Forward

The findings of the Bruegel report have significant implications for EU policymakers. As economic and security concerns dominate public opinion, leaders face the challenge of balancing immediate priorities with long-term environmental goals. The report suggests that voters in countries like Italy and France remain open to environmental action, but policymakers must frame climate policies in ways that resonate with current public anxieties. For instance, linking climate action to economic growth and energy security could help restore its urgency in the public eye. Additionally, addressing the roots of climate skepticism, particularly among wealthier demographics, will be crucial for building broader support for transformative policies. As the EU navigates this complex landscape, the report underscores the need for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the shifting priorities of its citizens while maintaining a commitment to addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time.