Climate change stands as the top concern among Spanish citizens, ranking first in survey responses with 29 percent, surpassing issues like wars or immigration. Other nations where climate change ranks highly include Italy at 35 percent, Portugal at 31 percent, and both France and Canada at 27 percent. These figures come from one of the world’s most respected cross-country surveys.
The pace of worry about the climate threat has risen slightly since 2022 in most countries, with a notable jump of at least seven percentage points in Spain. In 2022, Spain reported 22 percent concern; the current trend shows a steady upward movement.
These results are part of the Transatlantic Trends 2023 study, conducted across 14 Western nations with a total of 21,000 participants (1,500 per country). The project examines international politics and transatlantic relations and is organized by the German Marshall Fund of the United States and the BBVA Foundation.
Support for scientists; skepticism toward corporations
Climate change emerges as the most urgent non-cyclical concern in many countries. Yet public valuation of the roles played by various actors in addressing this threat varies. The scientific community is rated positively by more than 60 percent of respondents, indicating people feel scientists are doing a great or substantial job. NGOs and ordinary citizens receive roughly equal positive assessments, around 50 percent. In contrast, corporate actions are viewed less favorably, with fewer than 45 percent giving them a strong or moderate positive rating. Spaniards, in particular, rate corporate performance even more negatively, with only about a quarter believing efforts have been excessive or insufficient.
The EU’s effort in focus: too much or not enough
A majority of respondents in European countries (58 percent) and the United States (50 percent) perceive the EU as doing either too much or not enough in fighting climate change. Trust in the EU’s overall effort remains mixed, and views about the United States’ contribution are also divided. Specifically, 41 percent view the US performance as above or on par with the EU average, while 51 percent see the US as performing better than expected within its own context. Opinions on each country’s government follow similar patterns, with about 48 percent in favor of a satisfactory level of effort on average. Assessments of China’s contribution fall below 30 percent.
In addition to being among the most concerned about climate threats, Spaniards also rate actions by various actors against the climate challenge rather negatively, including governments and institutions. They express particular skepticism about the actions of China, the United States, and their own government. The scientific community, however, remains a widely trusted force with more than half of respondents rating its efforts as strong or evident.
Strong interest in global issues
There is intense public interest in international affairs, with a large share of respondents indicating high engagement in global issues. A global average of 70 percent reports a strong level of interest. Yet opinions diverge when it comes to solving shared challenges across borders.
Many Europeans favor addressing global challenges through cooperation exclusively with other democracies, a view held by about 55 percent of the EU average, compared with 65 percent in Turkey, 43 percent in the United Kingdom, and 45 percent in Canada. In the United States, opinions split: roughly 38 percent agree with this strategy, while about 40 percent believe the United States should cooperate with other nations regardless of their political systems.
Note: Main results and methodology of the study are published by the BBVA Foundation and can be consulted for full details.
References: Transatlantic Trends 2023 — BBVA Foundation; Currentacion Transatlantic Trends 2023 — BBVA Foundation.
End of report summary.
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