Europeans reject climate agenda measures

Despite the majority expressing concern about climate change, a significant number refuse to have fewer children or stop eating meat.

Europeans do not want to submit to the dictates of climate hysteria. Although the majority express concern (between 60% in Sweden and 81% in Italy) about the effects of climate change, a significant number reject proposals such as giving up meat or having fewer children to combat them.

"No" to giving up meat and dairy or having fewer children

Those were the results of a Yougov survey for The Guardian in which 9,000 citizens from different countries were asked their opinion on climate change and what measures they would take to improve the health of the planet. The survey indicated that Europeans would be willing, and in some cases very willing, to support government subsidies for the construction of sustainable housing, banning plastic bags or tightening regulations on the use of fossil fuels, but not to major lifestyle changes.

In this regard, support for radically eliminating meat and dairy from the diet was only met with the approval of 10% of Germans and 19% of Italians. If the question is softened by asking about limiting meat intake to a maximum of three times a week, support increases, although it remains in the minority: 28% in Germany and 48% in Italy.

Europeans also disapprove of policies limiting the amount of children they can have for the well-being of the Earth. According to Yougov, again Germany and Italy are at the extremes. Only 9% of Germans would support this initiative, while 17% of Italians would be willing.

Widespread rejection of raising taxes on fossil fuels

The issue of limiting or eliminating the use of fossil fuels or switching to less polluting vehicles such as electric cars and bicycles is also not very well received. Italians, again, are the most enthusiastic about the idea of electric vehicles (40%). Germans are again the most reluctant (19%).

The use of cars in favor of public transport, walking or cycling, however, produces a wide disparity between countries. Spaniards (44%), Italians (40%) and French (35%) are the most supportive of the change. On the opposite side are Germany (24%), Great Britain (22%), Sweden (21%) and Denmark (20%). In addition, 25% of French and 28% of Germans said they already walk, cycle or use public transport instead of cars.

The proposal to increase taxes on fossil fuels was rejected by a majority in all countries. Although it is also rejected in most of the countries surveyed, the ban on fossil fuel cars was has majority support in Spain and Italy. In France and Germany, however, opposition exceeds 60%, double the number of those who support the measure.