Most Europeans want action to tackle climate crisis but not at any cost, poll shows

Europeans believe human-made climate change is real, a survey has shown, with most feeling action must be taken soon, as long as they do not have to sacrifice too much to achieve it.

The YouGov poll of six European countries showed between 69 percent in Germany and 80 percent in France of respondents believed the climate was changing, with few, 1 to 4 percent, denying it and 14 to 20 percent believing it was changing, but not as a result of human activity.

Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent and scientists say human-driven climate breakdown through the burning of fossil fuels is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and destructive storms.

Days before the Cop31 climate conference in Turkey, the polling showed vast majorities, 79 to 89 percent, in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK thought countries would combat the crisis more effectively by working internationally.

Those in the EU were more likely to say that climate action decisions should be made at EU rather than national level, a feeling shared by 50 to 54 percent of respondents in France, Italy and Germany as well as 61 percent in Denmark and 64 percent in Spain.

Majorities of between 65 and 83 percent in each country surveyed said they were worried about the climate crisis, including 23 to 42 percent who were 'very worried'. YouGov noted an uptick in concern during this summer's heatwaves.

In April, 74 percent of respondents in France said they were worried about the climate crisis but that figure was up to 83 percent by mid-August and still at that level last month. The number of French people who were 'very worried' also rose, from 28 percent in April to a record high of 42 percent in August, a level it held last month.

In Germany, the number very concerned rose from 27 percent in April to 40 percent in August but has now fallen back to 31 percent. Concern remained relatively stable in Denmark, at 66 to 69 percent 'worried' and 20 to 23 percent 'very worried'.

Across the six countries surveyed, respondents mostly, 45 to 63 percent, thought it was not too late to avert the worst impacts of the climate crisis but that it would require a drastic change in approach. Only 11 to 24 percent believed it was already too late, and between 9 and 20 percent said they thought current measures would be enough.

In terms of what climate actions had support, those not directly affecting people's lives were the most popular. Planting more trees, subsidising energy efficiency, banning single-use plastics and taxing big emitters were all favoured, while increasing fuel duty, limiting meat and dairy, taxing air fares and banning new petrol and diesel cars were opposed.