41% of Spaniards would ban high emission vehicles

According to 39.2% of Spanish respondents, radical changes in individual behaviour are the most effective way to limit climate change. In addition, 41% of respondents want to ban high-emission vehicles in city centres, and 29% believe that new technologies will have a more significant impact, while 17% would prioritise public and private investment in climate-friendly projects.

Europeans have contrasting views: while in Portugal (51%), Slovakia (44%), Luxembourg (43%) and Germany (42%) they think, as in Spain, that radical changes in behaviour will have the most important impact on the fight against the climate crisis, citizens in the Nordic countries (Sweden, 40%, Finland, 38% and Denmark, 36%) rely more on technological innovation.

These are some of the results of the third edition of the 2020-2021 climate survey published by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

To the question of why Spain should reduce its dependence on fossil fuels (such as oil, natural gas or coal), 49% of Spaniards surveyed answer that because of the rapid depletion of world reserves or because it is a way to depend less on the resources of other countries. 27% believe that the main benefit of reducing the use of fossil fuels is to reduce pollution.

According to 60% of Spanish respondents, changes in the energy sector (e.g. increased use of renewable energy resources) are the top priority in the fight against climate change, above their European compatriots (49%).

Electric car

Spanish respondents (41%) say that transport is the second sector in order of priorities in the fight against climate change. 55% of Spanish citizens advocate subsidies for electric cars (compared to an EU average of 40%). In addition, 39% would like to expand teleworking, as it reduces travel and thus fights the climate crisis.

As for urban commuting, Spanish respondents want more efficient public transport. This opinion is predominant among Spaniards aged 65 and over (73%).

41% of Spaniards believe that the most important action in relation to urban mobility is to ban high-emission vehicles in city centres (compared to an EU average of 34%).

There is a division of opinion among citizens around the world on how to limit climate change. In China and the United States, they believe that technological innovation (35% of Chinese respondents and 34% of Americans) is the most effective way to fight climate change. This option is ahead of the modification of individual behaviors (considered paramount by 32% of Chinese and 31% of Americans). In Europe, 39% of respondents say that a radical change in habits (consumption, transport, etc.) is the most effective way to fight climate change, while 29% rely more on technological innovation.

Source: ABC