The majority of the Austrian population is skeptical that climate change “can still be brought under control”, 21 percent even consider this hopeless. The UN World Climate Conference currently taking place in Dubai also gives many people little hope: 87 percent of respondents from Austria said they expected little from COP28.
Limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as agreed in Paris eight years ago, no longer seems possible given the concessions states have made so far, as some researchers believe. It is often said that every tenth degree counts.
Many are not yet aware of the dangers
Surprisingly, the survey found that more than a third (39 percent) agreed with the statement that humanity can ‘still live well’ if the average global temperature rises by more than three degrees Celsius. However, 63 percent strongly agreed that there should be “more action on climate change.”
Climate deniers are the absolute minority
There appears to be widespread recognition that climate change has anthropogenic causes: the majority of respondents agreed that the burning of fossil fuels contributes to climate change (85 percent), that climate protection measures are effective (80 percent) and that climate change is caused by humans (79 percent).
These are further results of the survey on the attitudes of the Austrian population towards climate change, which was carried out by the Gallup Institute as a complement to the recently presented ÖAW Science Barometer and based on the survey of 1,500 Austrians in September and October (online and by telephone (the weighted sample was representative).
One of the most important topics
When it comes to the importance of individual topic areas, 31 percent rank climate change first (21 percent) or second (10 percent) – the healthcare system, the healthcare system and poverty were more often cited as priority topics – immigration and the education system took the lower place in.
Unpopular measures remain unpopular
The willingness to contribute to climate protection with self-imposed measures was mixed: there was the greatest support for more repairs and the use of second-hand products, paying more attention to local production when shopping and switching to climate-friendly heating systems.
49 percent (of approximately 1,100 car or motorcycle owners) rejected their own decision to phase out combustion engines or switch to electric motors. Driving at 100 km/h on the highway is also relatively unpopular (39 percent would not participate).
Little understanding of activism
The majority consider it important that researchers share their findings (for example through public lectures, scientific publications, statements) – but activism or participation in demonstrations was viewed very negatively. 57 percent said that under no circumstances should researchers engage in public activism, such as staying on the streets or occupying universities.
In the statement, ÖAW Chairman Heinz Faßmann noted the fact that on the one hand there is a view that measures against climate change are necessary and at the same time that the efforts have little chance of success.
Politics must be more dependent on experts
It is therefore important to provide more motivation in climate change communication and to continue providing fact-based information and options for action: “Otherwise, oppression or even denial of climate change will be the problematic consequences.”
Given the much-discussed social trust in science, it is absolutely positive that 66 percent thought that “political decisions should be based on scientific findings.”
Source: Krone
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