The majority of Germans want their politicians to do more to protect the environment. A Friday study revealed that many are willing and able to change their consumption habits in this regard.
The study, titled “Environmental Awareness in Germany 2020” and commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA), surveyed 2,115 German residents aged 14 and over in November and December 2020.
What did the study reveal?
A large number of participants in the study supported climate protection and environment-friendly measures.
This support was especially strong in relation to food and agriculture. 92% supported greater support for environmentally friendly farming methods, with 93% supporting a reduction of pesticides and 86% supporting a reduction of artificial fertilizers.
Eighty-six% wanted to see agricultural subsidies that were dependent on ecological criteria.
Many of the respondents (67%) said they would eat less meat and would like to see school and business canteens offer vegetarian options.
The majority were willing to accept limits on their behavior. 64% supported a speed limit on German highways and 60% wanted to purchase energy-efficient appliances. 74% said they would “consume more in general”. In the realm of mobility, 84% were in favor of more and better bike paths and 89% for improvements to public transport, including more stops and more frequent service.
UBA President Dirk Messner told newspapers of the Funke media group that 61% of respondents at least partly renounced plane travel, while 18% could imagine doing so.
Economic barrier to environmentally friendly behavior
Messner stated that there were limitations to the changes that people were willing to accept.
“People don’t want to pay any price for climate protection. If the ecological transformation of the economy leads to job losses, 50% would prefer job security.” He stated that, if political measures are to be accepted it was important that the social dimension is kept in consideration and placed on par with climate and environmental considerations.
Messner stated that people were becoming more and more frustrated by the way they are being told how to live. 4 years ago, 37% said they didn’t want to be told how to live environmentally. This figure rose to 52% in the most recent survey by Messner.
He said that “wagging a moral finger does not work” and suggested that it was better to improve public transport, build new bike trails, or reduce the amount meat served in canteens.
However, the study showed that people are not always willing to do more to preserve the environment and climate. It was found that people are less likely to act upon their principles when they lack the time or money or face strain at work or at home.
“We need to be mindful of the barriers citizens face. Messner stated, “Politiicans must make life easier for people to live sustainably” and adapt their daily lives.”
Edited by Sean Sinico
