Accelerating Renewable Energy Use Across Europe
A Eurobarometer survey shows that climate change remains a top concern for Europeans, with 86% of Spaniards deeming it a “very serious” problem. This sentiment sits alongside 77% of other Europeans who share that view. A majority also backs greater public funding to pivot toward clean energy, even if it means reducing subsidies for fossil fuels, according to the report published on Thursday.
Climate change ranks as the fourth-largest worry among Spaniards, after poverty, hunger and lack of drinking water, and economic conditions. Nine in ten Spaniards believe tackling climate change and environmental issues should be a public health priority.
Spaniards assign a shared responsibility to national governments and the European Union in addressing global warming. The survey finds that a similar sense of accountability exists among most Europeans, with opinions distributed across the EU institutions and private sector as stakeholders in this transition.
A large portion of Spaniards—around three-quarters—report taking personal steps in the past six months to combat climate change, including reducing waste and sorting for recycling.
About eight in ten Spaniards feel the government is not doing enough to address climate change. A majority also supports speeding up the adoption of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and accelerating the green economy transition, in contrast to a minority that favors preserving current policies. These findings reflect a broad call for bolder climate action at both national and EU levels.
Accelerate renewable energy use
Looking at the wider European Union, more than three quarters of EU residents — 77% — consider climate change a very serious problem today.
In several countries, climate change is viewed as the world’s most pressing issue. Across seven nations, it ranks among the top three concerns within the 27-member bloc.
The Eurobarometer is the official instrument used by the European Parliament, the European Commission, and other EU bodies to monitor public opinion on EU-related matters and broad social and political issues. It provides timely, reliable data for researchers, media, and policymakers.
The project began in 1974 within the European Commission and has grown to encompass a range of survey tools designed to track European attitudes and trends.
Important data and insights from Eurobarometer are regularly summarized to help stakeholders understand how Europeans feel about climate action, energy policy, and the broader transition to a low-carbon economy. The study emphasizes the value of transparent, data-driven decision-making for both government and industry.
Citation note: Eurobarometer survey data are used to gauge public opinion on EU-related climate and energy topics across member states and candidate countries. [Eurobarometer report, attribution in context]