69% of Spaniards believe that the energy crisis should accelerate the ecological transition

Two-thirds of Spaniards, 69%, believe that the war in Ukraine and high energy prices should accelerate the ecological transition, according to the latest edition of the annual climate survey carried out in August 2022 and published on October 27 by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

66% of respondents in the European Union believe that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its consequences should accelerate the green transition.

After a tumultuous year marked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which ignited the current energy crisis and accelerated inflation throughout the European continent, and a summer with extreme weather conditions, accompanied by unprecedented heat waves and droughts, the Spanish population is even more aware of the impact of climate change and the prevailing need to act.

Growing concern about climate change

56% cite the labour market as their main concern, compared to 45% who mention it in the rest of the European Union. Climate change comes on the heels of economic and financial issues, and is experiencing a rapid increase (39% consider it one of the main challenges, compared to 29% in 2021, 10 percentage points more).

In addition, 83% of Spaniards now recognize noticing the effects of climate change on their daily lives (2 percentage points more, compared to 2021).

88% believe that if we do not drastically reduce our consumption of energy and goods in the coming years, we will be doomed to a global catastrophe. On the other hand, 92% believe that the response offered by the Government is too slow and only a minority (45%) believe that Spain will substantially reduce its carbon emissions by 2030.

The majority of Spaniards (69%) believe that the war in Ukraine and its consequences on the price of oil and gas should serve as a boost for the acceleration of the ecological transition (3 percentage points above the 66% of the European average).

Energy priorities

Regarding the classification of their energy priorities, Spaniards prefer that the Government prioritize the development of renewable energies (50%), before focusing on the diversification of energy supply to avoid relying excessively on a single supplier (31%).

Energy saving is another top priority: 19% of Spaniards say that citizens and businesses should do more to reduce their own consumption. This idea is especially widespread among younger generations (27% of respondents aged 15 to 29).

To reduce energy consumption, Spaniards demand that greater penalties be imposed on polluting activities in order to compensate for their environmental cost (70%). They also want energy prices to be dependent on consumption, so that those with higher consumption pay more (63%).

Energy prices

Finally, regarding high energy prices, Spaniards believe that, in the short term, the Government should first reduce taxes on electricity (42%).

Other measures are less popular, such as limiting or regulating the price of gas, oil and coal (33%) or promoting energy savings with public campaigns (16%).

Source: SmartGridsInfo