Europe's climate policy opinions vary ahead of elections

A new survey debunks the notion of a broad green backlash against climate policies in Europe, suggesting a majority still favors more ambitious action.

Rosie Frost reports for Euronews.


In short:

  • Voters in Germany, France, and Poland show strong support for more aggressive climate policies, despite some skepticism about specific measures.
  • Regulatory restrictions on gas, oil heating, and internal combustion engines are unpopular, while investments in green infrastructure enjoy wide support.
  • Opposition to more ambitious climate action remains stable, not increasing significantly despite fears of a green backlash.

Key quote:

“Parties should not waste the coming months outbidding each other over how to cater to imagined climate fatigue but compete over concrete recipes to green the economy."

— Survey authors

Why this matters:

Surveys and studies consistently show that Europeans are worried about climate change and its potential to cause natural disasters, economic instability, and health issues. Many Europeans believe that their governments and the European Union should take more aggressive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, and invest in sustainable infrastructure.

Brian Bienkowski wrote that a 2022 climate change plan in the European Union would sacrifice carbon-storing trees, threaten biodiversity and outsource deforestation.

Sea turtle swimming underwater.

A new wildlife assessment shows alarming declines and a few bright spots

An update to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, the global scientific authority on the status of species, underscores the immense challenges facing species in a world transformed by humans but also offer exciting new evidence of how the right interventions can help them survive.

European union flag blue with yellow stars in a circle.

'Not up for discussion': Brussels rejects Washington's pressure on climate rules

In response to US demands to roll back the EU's environmental legislation, the European Commission defended its autonomous power to adopt laws.
US capitol building against blue sky.

Senate nixes management plans to open access for fossil fuels

Lawmakers used the Congressional Review Act to repeal Biden-era plans that had restricted coal, gas and oil leasing. Critics say the move could lead to chaos and “an endless cycle of litigation.”

White House with lawn and trees in forground.

Inside Trump’s foray into mineral ownership

The federal government now holds equity stakes in three critical minerals companies. Experts say it marks a “new phase” in how Washington approaches industrial policy.

yellow green  blue and red candies on white ceramic round plate.

The hidden cost of ultra-processed foods on the environment: ‘The whole industry should pay’

Industrially made foods involve several ingredients and processes to put together, making it difficult to examine their true cost.

A worker in an orange safety vest standing under solar panels looking at equipment

This data scientist sees progress in the climate change fight

Countries are falling short on reducing emissions, but British data scientist Hannah Ritchie looks at the numbers and sees the world making real gains on climate change.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.