Despite expressing alarm at the climate crisis, most people believe they are already doing enough to save the planet, a new international climate survey has found. People in Germany were among the least willing to act, across the countries surveyed. 

Citizens point to governments and businesses to act on climate change

The survey, which included a representative sample of more than 1.000 people in 10 countries across the globe, including Germany, France, the Netherlands, the US and the UK, found that 62 percent of respondents saw the climate crisis as the main environmental challenge faced by the world, ahead of air pollution, the impact of waste, and new diseases.

However, most respondents indicated they would not be willing to change their personal habits to help the planet, instead pointing to “big actors” like governments and large corporations to shoulder the burden. Almost half (46 percent) felt there was no real need for them to change their lifestyle. 

While 51 percent of all respondents said they would “definitely” act to protect the planet, responses varied hugely from country to country. People in Poland and Singapore (56 percent) were most willing to act, while those in Germany (44 percent) and the Netherlands (37 percent) were the most resigned. 

Most people in Germany don’t want to change their lifestyle

When asked why they were not willing to do more for the planet, the most common reason given by respondents was “I feel proud of what I’m currently doing” (74 percent), followed by “There isn’t agreement among experts on the best solutions” (72 percent) and “I need more resources and equipment from public authorities."

This complacency regarding environmental action was reflected in the respondents’ answers as to what actions should be prioritised in the fight against climate change, with the most importance given to measures that require less individual effort (and place responsibility on governments and authorities), or ones that are already established habits. 

For instance, 57 percent said that reducing waste and increasing recycling was “very important." Other measures seen as crucial were reversing deforestation (54 percent), building energy-efficient buildings (47 percent) and replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy (45 percent). 

Less popular policies included those that might affect people’s individual lifestyles. For instance, only 25 percent of respondents said favouring public transportation over driving should be a priority, and only 23 percent pointed to reducing travel by planes. Reducing meat consumption, increasing the price of environmentally-unfriendly products, and banning fossil fuel vehicles were similarly unpopular. 

Doubts over commitment to climate protection

“Citizens are undeniably concerned by the state of the planet, but these findings raise doubts regarding their level of commitment to preserving it,” the study concluded. “The widespread awareness of the importance of the climate crisis illustrated in this study has yet to be coupled with a proportionate willingness to act.” 

Emannuel Rivière, director of international polling at Kantar Public, said the results contained “a double lesson for governments.” They first have to “measure up to people’s expectations,” he said. “But they also have to persuade people not of the reality of the climate crisis - that’s done - but of what the solutions are, and how we can fairly share responsibility for them.”