Special Eurobarometer 468. Report. Attitudes of European citizens towards the environment

Transcription

1 Attitudes of European citizens towards the environment Fieldwork September- Publication November 2017 Survey requested by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Environment and co-ordinated by the Directorate- General for Communication This document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission. The interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors. Wave EB88.1 TNS opinion & social

2 Attitudes of European citizens towards the environment Survey conducted by TNS political & social at the request of the European Commission, Directorate-General for Environment Survey co-ordinated by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM Media monitoring and analysis Unit)

3 Project number Project title - Attitudes of European citizens towards the environment Linguistic version EN Catalogue number KH EN-N ISBN doi: /84809 European Union,

4 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 3 KEY FINDINGS 5 I. GENERAL ATTITUDES OF EUROPEANS TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT 8 1 Importance of environmental protection 8 2 Main environmental concerns 12 3 Main sources of information about the environment 19 II. THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 27 1 Environmental issues and their effects on life and health 27 2 The impact of plastic products 30 a. Impact on health 31 b. Impact on the environment 32 3 The impact of chemicals 34 a. Impact on health 35 b. Impact on the environment 36 III. TAKING ACTION TO TACKLE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 38 1 Most effective ways of tackling environmental problems 38 2 Individual action to tackle environmental issues 43 a. Can individuals play a role? 43 b. Personal actions to tackle environmental issues 48 3 Should big polluters be responsible for repairing the damages they create? 57 4 The role of different actors in protecting the environment 61 a. Companies and citizens 61 b. Local, national and European institutions 67 5 Tackling plastic waste and littering 78 a. Reducing the use of plastic carrier bags 78 b. Measures to reduce plastic waste and littering 82 IV. THE EU AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 86 1 Preferred level of decision-making 86 2 Attitudes towards the role of the EU in environmental protection 91 3 Attitudes towards EU financial support to environmental protection 98 1

5 V. FOCUS ON THE ECOLABELS EU and national ecolabels: aided recall Ecolabels and products purchases 107 a. Ecolabels and Europeans purchasing habits 107 b. Ecolabels and Europeans purchasing decisions Trust in the EU ecolabel 115 VI. FOCUS ON AIR POLLUTION Europeans perceptions on air quality in their country Most effective ways of tackling air pollution Personal action to reduce harmful emissions Addressing the issue of air pollution: preferred level of decision-making 131 CONCLUSION 135 ANNEXES Technical specifications Questionnaire Tables 2

6 INTRODUCTION This report presents the results of the Special Eurobarometer public opinion survey on the environment in the 28 European Union countries. This follows three previous Eurobarometer surveys on the environment: Special Eurobarometer 295 (November-December 2007), Special Eurobarometer 365 (April-May 2011) and Special Eurobarometer 416 (April-May 2014). The Directorate-General for Environment is the European Commission department responsible for EU policy on the environment. It aims to protect, preserve and improve the environment for present and future generations, proposing and implementing policies that ensure a high level of environmental protection and preserve the quality of life of EU citizens. It also makes sure that Member States apply EU environmental law correctly and represents the European Union in environmental matters at international meetings 1. The 7th Environment Action Programme (EAP) will be guiding European environment policy until 2020, with the three following key objectives: to protect, conserve and enhance the Union s natural capital to turn the Union into a resource-efficient, green, and competitive low-carbon economy to safeguard the Union's citizens from environment-related pressures and risks to health and wellbeing To help address the environmental problems facing Europe and the world, the EU's Europe 2020 strategy contains critical environmental objectives, as well as a commitment to sustainability. In particular, the strategy's flagship initiative of engendering a resource-efficient Europe supports a shift towards a low-carbon, low-impact economy. To inform this process, and to assist the European Commission in delivering the environmental goals of Europe 2020, this survey examines citizens perceptions of the environment and environmental issues, and asks people how they think these issues might best be addressed. The report covers the following issues: General attitudes towards the environment and sources of information; The impact of environmental issues, and the impact of plastic products and chemicals; Ways of taking action to tackle environmental issues; The role of the EU in environmental protection; Awareness of and attitudes towards ecolabels; Perceptions of air quality and ways of tackling air pollution. This survey was carried out by TNS Political & Social network in the 28 Member States of the European Union (EU) between 23 September and 2. Some 27,881 EU citizens from different social and demographic categories were interviewed face-to-face at home and in their native language on behalf of the Directorate-General for Communication. The methodology used is that of the Standard Eurobarometer surveys carried out by the Directorate-General for Communication ( Media monitoring and analysis Unit) 2. It is the same for all countries and territories covered in the survey. A technical note concerning the interviews conducted by the member institutes of the TNS Opinion & Social network is annexed to this report. It also specifies the confidence intervals The results tables are annexed. It should be noted that the total of the percentages indicated in the tables in this report may exceed 100% when the respondent has the possibility of giving several answers to the question. 3

7 Note: In this report, countries are referred to by their official abbreviation. The abbreviations used in this report correspond to: Belgium BE Lithuania LT Bulgaria BG Luxembourg LU Czech Republic CZ Hungary HU Denmark DK Malta MT Germany DE The Netherlands NL Estonia EE Austria AT Ireland IE Poland PL Greece EL Portugal PT Spain ES Romania RO France FR Slovenia SI Croatia HR Slovakia SK Italy IT Finland FI Republic of Cyprus CY * Sweden SE Latvia LV United Kingdom UK European Union weighted average for the 28 Member States EU28 * Cyprus as a whole is one of the 28 European Union Member States. However, the acquis communautaire has been suspended in the part of the country which is not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. For practical reasons, only the interviews carried out in the part of the country controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus are included in the CY category and in the EU28 average. We wish to thank the people throughout the European Union who have given their time to take part in this survey. Without their active participation, this study would not have been possible. 4

8 KEY FINDINGS The majority of Europeans think that protecting the environment is very important to them personally More than nine in ten respondents (94%) say that protecting the environment is important to them personally. Findings have remained broadly consistent over the last ten years, although since the last survey there has been a slight increase in the proportion saying it is very important : 56% compared with 53% in There are differences across countries in the proportions of respondents who think that the environment is very important to them, ranging from 87% in Sweden and Cyprus, to 40% in Croatia and Poland. In all socio-demographic groups at least nine out of ten respondents say that the protection of the environment is very or fairly important to them. Respondents consider climate change (51%), air pollution (46%) and the growing amount of waste (40%) the most important environmental issues. Television news remains the main source of information about the environment, although its use has declined, from 73% in 2011 to 58% in this survey. The overall proportion of respondents that use the Internet or online social networks as an information source about the environment (42%) remained stable since 2014 (41%), but there has been an increase in the longer term, from 11% in There is widespread concern among respondents about the impact of environmental issues on their daily life and on their health Around four in five Europeans (81%) agree that environmental issues have a direct effect on their daily life and their health. Almost three in four (74%) are worried about the impact on their health of everyday products made of plastic, while an even greater proportion (87%) are worried about the impact of plastic products on the environment. More than four in five respondents (84%) are worried about the impact on their health of chemicals present in everyday products, while nine in ten (90%) are worried about their impact on the environment. There is support for stricter legislation to tackle environmental problems When asked to identify the most effective ways of tackling environmental problems, more than a third (35%) favour investment in research and development to find technological solutions. There is also relatively high support for tighter legislative control, specifically introducing heavier fines for breaches of environmental legislation (34%), ensuring better enforcement of legislation (31%) and introducing stricter environmental legislation (30%). Most Europeans feel that they have a personal role to play in protecting the environment, but think that themselves, governments, institutions and businesses all need to do more More than eight out of ten Europeans (87%) agree that as individuals, they can play a role in protecting the environment in their country. This finding has been very consistent over time since the 2007 survey. 5

9 When asked about environmental activities they have undertaken in the past six months, 65% of respondents say they have separated most of their waste for recycling, 43% have bought local products, 35% have cut down their energy consumption, and 34% have avoided single-use plastic goods other than plastic bags. More than nine out of ten Europeans (94%) agree that big polluters should be mainly responsible for making good the environmental damage they cause with around two-thirds (65%) who totally agree (down from 70% in 2014) and 29% who tend to agree (up from 23%). Almost four in five respondents (79%) say that big companies and industry are not doing enough to protect the environment, and around two-thirds (66%) feel that citizens themselves are not doing enough. Around two-thirds of respondents (67%) say that their national government is not doing enough to protect the environment, while a slightly lower proportion (62%) say the same about the EU (up by 6 percentage points since 2014). Half of the respondents (50%) say that their city, town or village is not doing enough to protect the environment, and a similar proportion (53%) say this about their region. More than seven in ten (72%) say they have cut down on their use of single use plastic carrier bags Among measures to reduce plastic waste and littering, most respondents consider important that products should be designed in a way that facilitates the recycling of plastic (65%), that industry and retailers should make an effort to reduce plastic packaging (63%), that people should be educated on how to reduce their plastic waste (53%) and that local authorities should provide more and better collection facilities for plastic waste (51%). Most Europeans think that decisions to protect the environment should be taken jointly within the EU Around two-thirds of Europeans (67%) think that environmental decisions should be taken jointly within the EU. Less than a third (29%) believe that only the national government should take such decisions. Since the 2014 survey, there has been an increase in support for joint decision-making (+7 percentage points), reversing a falling trend between 2007 and Support for joint decision-making is highest in the Netherlands (81%), Germany (80%) and Spain (79%), while it is lowest in the Czech Republic (45%), Croatia (47%), Romania (49%) and Greece (49%). There is strong support for the role of EU legislation in protecting the environment Similar proportions agree with the three statements about environmental legislation in the EU: 83% agree that the EU should be able to check that environmental laws are being applied correctly in their country, 82% agree that the EU should assist non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards, while 80% agree that EU environmental legislation is necessary for protecting the environment in their country. There have been increases in agreement since the 2014 survey, most notably in relation to the EU assisting non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards (+8 pp). More than four in five Europeans (85%) agree that the EU should invest more money in projects and programmes supporting the environment. 6

10 More than half of European have seen or heard about at least one ecolabel More than a quarter of respondents (27%) say that they have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel, while other country-specific labels present a high level of awareness in their country of origin: the Nordic Swan (98% in Sweden, 93% in Denmark and 92% in Finland), Bra Miljöval (97% in Sweden), the Blue Angel (86% in Germany), NF Environnement (85% in France), Környezetbarát Termék Védjegy (68% in Hungary) and Österreichisches Umweltzeichen (68% in Austria). There is considerable variation between Member States in levels of awareness of the EU ecolabel. This is highest in Luxembourg (62%), France (61%) and Denmark (51%), and lowest in Romania (13%), Bulgaria (14%) and the Czech Republic (16%). Among those who are aware of at least one ecolabel, 30% say they have bought a product carrying the EU ecolabel, while a similar proportion (29%) have bought a product carrying the Blue Angel symbol, and 22% have bought a product carrying the NF Environment label. Ecolabels play an important role in the purchasing decisions of a third of Europeans Around one third of respondents (32%) say that ecolabels play an important role in their purchasing decisions, while a quarter (25%) say that they do not. A further 39% say that they never take any notice of labels. The majority of respondents in Sweden (70%) and Denmark (57%) say that ecolabels play an important role in their purchasing decisions, whereas less than one in five respondents say this in Bulgaria (12%), the Czech Republic and Portugal (both 17%). Among those respondents who have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel (30%), more than three-quarters (78%) trust that products carrying this label are environmentally-friendly Almost half of Europeans think air quality has deteriorated in the last 10 years Almost half (47%) think that air quality in their country has deteriorated over the last ten years, while around a third (33%) say that air quality has stayed the same, and only 13% say that it has improved. Stricter pollution controls on industrial and energy production activities is the measure mostfrequently mentioned by respondents (41%), among a series of measures to tackle problems of air quality. The two most common activities respondents undertaken in the past two years to reduce harmful emissions into the air are: frequently using public transport or a bicycle or choosing to walk instead of taking the car (35%) and replacing older energy-intensive equipment with newer models with a better energy efficiency rating (32%) More than 8 out of 10 Europeans (81%) think the issue of air pollution can best be addressed at the EU or national level Just under half of Europeans (48%) think that the issue of air pollution can best be addressed at the EU level. Around one third (33%) think that it is better addressed at the national level, while 14% favour action at the regional or local level. Respondents in the Netherlands (70%), Belgium (64%) and Spain (64%) are the most likely to say that the issue of air pollution can best be addressed at the EU level. The lowest proportions are seen in Poland (29%), Romania (31%), Croatia and the UK (both 35%). 7

11 I. GENERAL ATTITUDES OF EUROPEANS TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT The opening chapter of the report considers European citizens general attitudes towards environmental protection. Respondents are then asked to identify their main environmental concerns and their main sources of information about the environment. 1 Importance of environmental protection A majority of Europeans think that protecting the environment is very important to them personally More than nine in ten respondents (94%) say that the protection of the environment is important to them personally, and among these more than half (56%) say it is very important 4. The findings have remained broadly consistent over the last ten years, although it can be observed some shifts in the proportions of those describing environmental protection as very rather than fairly important to them. Since the 2014 survey, there has been a slight increase in the proportion of respondents saying it is very important (+3 percentage points) and an almost equal decrease in the proportion saying it is fairly important (-4 pp). This reverses the trend seen between 2007 and 2014, in which the reverse shifts occurred. Just 5% of respondents do not regard environmental protection as important to them, a proportion unchanged since Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 4 QD1 How important is protecting the environment to you personally? 8

12 At national level, the view that protecting the environment is important ranges from 99% in Portugal, Sweden and Cyprus to 85% in Austria and 87% in Romania and Croatia. There is greater variation in the proportions that say environmental protection is very important. This is highest in Sweden and Cyprus (both 87%) and lowest in Croatia (40%), Poland (40%), Austria (41%) and Lithuania (42%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 9

13 The proportion of respondents who say that protecting the environment is important has increased since 2014 in 12 countries, although slightly in all cases (+1-2 pp). In five countries the proportion has stayed the same, and in 11 it has decreased, most notably in Austria, Croatia (both -6 pp), Slovakia and Romania (both -4 pp). QD1 How important is protecting the environment to you personally? (%) Total 'Important' Sept.-Oct Apr.-May 2014 Total 'Not important' Sept.-Oct Apr.-May 2014 Don't know EU = 1 PT DK FR IE CY EL LU ES FI UK CZ LT BE 95 = 5 = 0 IT 95 = BG 94 = DE 94 = PL 91 = 8 = 1 SE NL HU LV MT = 2 EE SI SK RO HR AT Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 10

14 In all socio-demographic groups, at least nine out of ten respondents say that protecting the environment is very or fairly important to them. However, more variation can be observed looking at respondents who say protecting the environment is very important : Respondents who finished their education at the age of 20 or above are more likely to say that the environment is very important to them (63%), compared with those who completed their education by the age of 15 (51%) or between the age of 16 and 19 (53%). Manual workers are the least likely to say that the environment is very important to them (49% vs 57%-61% in the other socio-demographic groups). QD1 How important is protecting the environment to you personally? (% - EU) Very important Fairly important Not very important Not at all important Don't know Total 'Important' Total 'Not important' EU Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students

15 2 Main environmental concerns Respondents were asked which environmental issues they consider the most important among a list of ten issues. Climate change and air pollution are considered the most important environmental issues Europeans are most likely to say that climate change is one of the most important environmental issues (51%), followed by air pollution (46%) and the growing amount of waste (40%) 5. More than a third consider the pollution of rivers, lakes and ground water an important issue (36%), while around a third choose the following issues: agricultural pollution and soil degradation (34%), the decline or extinction of species and habitats, and of natural ecosystems (33%) and marine pollution (33%). Three in ten respondents (30%) say that the shortage of drinking water is one of the most important issues, while respondents are less likely to choose frequent droughts or floods (25%) or noise pollution (10%). For this question, the list and number of concerns presented to respondents has been modified from the previous survey; for this reason, results are not comparable 6. Nonetheless, the results of the previous survey can be briefly mentioned here for reference and analysis purposes only. It can be noted that air pollution (56%), water pollution (seas, rivers, lakes and underground sources) (now pollution of rivers, lakes and ground water) (50%) and growing amount of waste (43%) were among the five most mentioned issues also in QD2 From the following list, please pick the four environmental issues which you consider the most important. (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) 6 The question text of QA2 in the wave EB81.3 (2014) was significantly different: From the following list, please pick the five main environmental issues that you are worried about. The list of items was also significantly different and included: Depletion of natural resources; Our consumption habits; The growing amount of waste; Loss or extinction of species and their habitats and of natural ecosystems (forests, fertile soils); Shortage of drinking water; Water pollution (seas, rivers, lakes and underground sources); Agricultural pollution (use of pesticides, fertilisers, etc.); Soil degradation; Land take (i.e. that more land is used to build roads or cities, and that cities expand into the surrounding countryside); The impact on our health of chemicals used in everyday products; Air pollution; Noise pollution; Urban problems (traffic jams, pollution, lack of green spaces, etc.); The spread of harmful non-native plants and animals (invasive species); Other (SPONTANEOUS); None (SPONTANEOUS); DK. 12

16 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) In 11 Member States, climate change is ranked as the most important environmental issue, while air pollution is most frequently chosen as an important issue in eight countries; in France, an equal proportion of respondents choose these two issues. In seven countries, the growing amount of waste is considered as the most important environmental issue, while in one country (Portugal) agricultural pollution and soil degradation is the most frequently-chosen issue. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 13

17 Looking more closely at respondents who say that climate change is one of the most important environmental issues, the highest proportions can be seen in Denmark (70%), Sweden (68%), Malta (67%) and the Netherlands (65%). By contrast, less than a third of respondents say that this is an important environmental issue in the Czech Republic (23%), Slovakia (28%) and Estonia (31%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 14

18 Respondents in Malta are by far the most likely to say that air pollution is one of the most important environmental issues (74%), followed by respondents in Bulgaria (59%) and Belgium (58%). The lowest proportions choosing this as an important issue are observed in Austria (36%), Ireland (36%), Estonia (38%) and Denmark (39%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) Analysing the results for the remaining answer options, the following can be observed: Respondents in Latvia (65%) and Lithuania (61%) are the most likely to say that the growing amount of waste is an important issue. The pollution of rivers, lakes and ground water is chosen most frequently in Sweden (48%), Latvia (46%), Bulgaria (45%) and Ireland (45%). Agricultural pollution and soil degradation is chosen most frequently in Greece and Portugal (both 47%). Respondents in Sweden and the Netherlands (46%) are the most likely to say that the decline or extinction of species and habitats, and of natural ecosystems is an important issue. Marine pollution is chosen most frequently in Finland (55%) and Sweden (50%). Respondents in Spain and Sweden (both 49%) are the most likely to mention the shortage of drinking water as an important issue. Those in Croatia (41%) and the Czech Republic (40%) are the most likely to choose frequent droughts or floods as an important issue. In most countries, noise pollution is the issue that is chosen by the smallest proportion of respondents. However, those in Cyprus (18%) and Austria (17%) are the most likely to say that this is an important issue. 15

19 QD2 From the following list, please pick the four environmental issues which you consider the most important. (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (%) Climate change Air pollution Growing amount of waste Pollution of rivers, lakes and ground water Agricultural pollution (use of pesticides, fertilisers, etc.) and soil degradation Decline or extinction of species and habitats, and of natural ecosystems (forests, fertile soils) Marine pollution Shortage of drinking water Frequent droughts or floods Noise pollution EU BE BG CZ DK DE EE IE EL ES FR HR IT CY LV LT LU HU MT NL AT PL PT RO SI SK FI SE UK Highest percentage per country Hig hest percentag e per item Base: all respondents (n=27,881) Lowest percentage per country Lowest percentag e per item 16

20 The socio-demographic data show the following: Age seems to be a differentiating factor for a few issues: older respondents are more likely to say that agricultural pollution is an important environmental issue (37% of people aged 55 and over vs. 24% of those aged 15-24) and less likely to be concerned about the decline or extinction of species and habitats, and of natural ecosystems (29% of people aged 55 or over vs. 35%-37% in younger age groups) and climate change (48% vs. 52%-55%). On most of the issues there is little variation in terms of education level. However, respondents with a higher level of education are more concerned about climate change (57% vs 45%-49%) and the decline or extinction of species and habitats, and of natural ecosystems (38% vs. 23%-32%). The same applies for occupation: although on most of the issues there is little variation across the categories, some differences can be observed. For instance, managers and students (59%) are more likely than house persons (48%) and manual workers (49%) to mention climate change. People who say that protecting the environment is very important to them personally are, unsurprisingly, more likely to say that they are concerned about most of the various environmental problems, compared with those who say it is not important to them. The differences are greatest in relation to: the decline or extinction of species and habitats, and of natural ecosystems (38% vs. 19%); air pollution (49% vs. 30%); climate change (58% vs. 24%); agricultural pollution (38% vs. 21%). 17

21 QD2 From the following list, please pick the fourenvironmental issues which you consider the most important. (MAX. 4 ANSWERS) (% - EU) Climate change Air pollution Growing amount of waste Pollution of rivers, lakes and ground water Agricultural pollution (use of pesticides, fertilisers, etc.) and soil degradation Decline or extinction of species and habitats, and of natural ecosystems (forests, Marine pollution EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

22 3 Main sources of information about the environment Respondents were asked to identify their three main sources of information about the environment, from a list of 13 possible sources 7. Television remains the main source of information about the environment, followed by social networks and the Internet Television news remains the main source of information about the environment, although its use has declined substantially since 2011: 58% of respondents now mention this, down from 73% in 2011 and 65% in The overall proportion of respondents that mentions either the Internet or online social networks (42%) is similar to the observed in 2014 (41%), but there has been an increase in the longer term, from 11% in Around one in four respondents say they get information about the environment from films and documentaries on television (27%) and from newspapers 9 (26%). There has been a steady and significant decline in the importance of newspapers, from 51% in 2004 and 37% in 2014 to 26% in this year s survey. The proportion of respondents mentioning films and documentaries on television has been declining slowly over time, from 35% in 2004 to 27% in this survey. Around one in six respondents mentions radio as one of their main sources of information about the environment (18%, -5 percentage points since 2014). Relatively few people say that their main sources of information include conversations with family, friends, neighbours or relatives (14%, +1 pp), magazines (9%, -3 pp), books or scientific publications (8%, +2 pp), brochures of information materials (5%, -4 pp), events (4%, +1 pp) or museums, national or regional parks (3%, a new option in this year s survey). 7 From the following list, which are your three main sources of information about the environment? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) 8 The wording of individual response categories has changed slightly over time. In this year s survey, respondents were asked about Online social networks and The Internet (other web sites, blogs, forums, etc.) ; these two responses have been combined in the analysis. The figure for 2014 combines responses for the Internet and social media, while figures for previous years are based on a single response item The Internet and social media. 9 In this year s survey, respondents were asked about national newspapers and regional or local newspapers ; these two responses have been combined in the analysis. The figure for previous years is based on a single response item Newspapers. 19

23 *The item Museum, national or regional parks was not asked in previous waves Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 20

24 The following map shows the proportion of respondents who mention social networks and the Internet among their main sources of information about the environment per country. Respondents in Latvia (58%) are the most likely to say that they use social networks and the Internet as a main information source, followed by those in the Netherlands (54%), the UK, Finland and Malta (all 53%). The lowest proportions of people who say this is one of their main information sources is observed in Portugal (27%), Slovakia (31%) and Italy (32%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) In all except one country, television news is the main information source about the environment. The exception is Luxembourg, where social networks and the Internet is the most frequentlymentioned source. Respondents in Portugal are by far the most likely to say that television news is a main source of information (86%), followed by respondents in Bulgaria (72%) and Denmark (69%). Luxembourg (40%), Poland (46%) and Austria (49%) are the only three countries where less than half of respondents say that television news is a main information source. The highest proportions of people who say that films and documentaries on television are one of their main information sources are observed in Sweden (41%), Greece (40%) and the Netherlands (40%). Respondents in Ireland (35%), Sweden (30%) and Estonia (29%) are the most likely to say that the radio is one of their main sources. 21

25 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 22

26 In nearly all Member States, there has been a decline since 2014 in the proportion of people who say that television news is one of their main information sources about the environment. By far the largest decrease can be found in Romania (50%, -20 pp), followed by Hungary (61%, -11 pp), the UK (57%, -11 pp) and Luxembourg (40%, 10 pp). The exceptions are Portugal, where there has been a slight increase since 2014 (86%, +3 pp) and Greece, where there has been no change (61%). In 15 countries, there has been an increase in the proportion using social networks and/or the Internet as a main information source. The largest increases are found in Sweden (52%, +12 pp) and Denmark (52%, +9 pp). In four countries there has been no change since 2014, while nine countries have seen a decrease, most notably Slovakia (31%, -11 pp), Croatia (37%, -8 pp) and Austria (34%, -7 pp). Overall across the EU, the proportion mentioning films and documentaries on television has fallen since 2014 (-3 pp), and the countries showing the largest decreases are Croatia (16%, -13 pp) and Cyprus (27%, -12 pp). The largest increases can be observed in Lithuania (27%, +8 pp) and Bulgaria (22%, +7 pp). The use of newspapers as a main information source has fallen since 2014 in all countries except Italy (27%, +3 pp). The largest declines can be found in Lithuania (14%, -22 pp), Croatia (15%, -22 pp), Estonia (23%, -21 pp) and Hungary (15%, -21 pp). The use of radio has also declined in nearly all countries, the exceptions being Sweden (30%, +1 pp), the Netherlands (20%, +1 pp) and Ireland (35%, no change). The largest decrease is seen in Romania (14%, -16 pp), followed by Lithuania (22%, -9 pp), Slovakia (18%, -9 pp) and Spain (14%, -9 pp). 23

27 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 24

28 *The item Museum, national or regional parks was not asked in previous waves Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 25

29 The socio-demographic analysis shows that: Most information sources are used by similar proportions of men and women. However, men are more likely than women to obtain their information from social media and/or the Internet (46% vs. 38%). Some large differences are observed by age group. Younger people are much more likely than older people to obtain their information from social media and/or the Internet: 70% of year olds, falling to 60% of year olds, 46% of year olds and 19% of those aged 55 or over. By contrast, older respondents are more likely to rely on traditional media such as television news (69% of those aged 55 or over vs. 40% of year olds), newspapers (33% vs. 14%) and the radio (21% vs. 11%). Education is also a differentiating factor. People who finished their education aged 15 or under are more likely than those who left education aged 20 or above to rely on the television news for their environmental information (71% vs. 51%). However, those with a higher level of education are much more likely to mention social media and/or the Internet as an information source (53% vs. 14%). QD3 From the following list, which are your three main sources of information about the environment? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - EU) Television news Total 'Social networks and the Internet' Films and documentaries on television Total 'Newspapers' The radio EU Gender Man Woman Age Education (End of) Still studying

30 II. THE IMPACT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES This section of the report deals with the impact of environmental issues. Respondents were asked to consider whether they think environmental issues have a direct effect on their daily life and health. They were then asked about the use of plastic and chemicals in everyday products, and the perceived impact of these products on their own health and on the environment. 1 Environmental issues and their effects on life and health Four in five Europeans feel that environmental issues have an impact on their daily life and health Four in five Europeans (81%) agree that environmental issues have a direct effect on their daily life and their health. This includes 39% who totally agree. Less than one in five respondents (17%) disagree that environmental issues have a direct effect on their daily life and health 10. A related question was asked in previous waves of the survey. However, because of changes to the question wording (specifically the addition of and health in 2017), findings are not fully comparable with previous waves. Nonetheless, it can be noted that this year s results are fairly similar to the results of the previous survey, when over three-quarters of Europeans agreed that environmental problems have a direct effect on their daily lives (77%), while a fifth of the respondents disagreed with the statement (20%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 10 QD5.3 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. Environmental issues have a direct effect on your daily life and health. 27

31 Results from the previous wave of the survey in 2014 (QA13.3 in EB 81.3) In some Member States, the vast majority of respondents agree that environmental issues have a direct effect on their daily life and health. The highest proportions can be seen in Cyprus (97%), Greece (96%) and Malta (93%). In each of these countries, as well as in Bulgaria and Slovenia, more than half of respondents totally agree and this proportion reaches 80% in Cyprus. By contrast, the level of agreement is lowest among people in Denmark (64%), the Netherlands (66%) and Finland (69%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 28

32 Findings are generally very consistent across different socio-demographic groups. QD5.3 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. Environmental issues have a direct effect on your daily life and health (% - EU) Total 'Agree' Total 'Disagree' Don't know EU Age Environmental actions At least one action No action How much EU is doing to protect the environment Too much The right amount Not enough

33 2 The impact of plastic products Large majorities of Europeans are worried about the impact of plastic products on their health and on the environment Three in four Europeans (74%) agree that they are worried about the impact on their heath of everyday products made of plastic, including 34% who totally agree. Just under one in four (23%) disagree with the statement 11. There is even greater consensus on the impact of plastic products on the environment. The vast majority of respondents (87%) agree that they are worried about this, including 45% who totally agree, while just 11% disagree. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 11 QD5.4-5 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. You are worried about the impact on your health of everyday products made of plastic; You are worried about the impact on the environment of everyday products made of plastic. 30

34 a. Impact on health Across the EU as a whole, three in four respondents (74%) agree that they are worried about the impact on their heath of everyday products made of plastic. Agreement is highest in Cyprus (90%), Malta (88%), Italy (86%) and Greece (86%); Cyprus again has a very large proportion of respondents who totally agree (65%). Respondents in the Netherlands are by far the least likely to agree that they are worried about the impact on their heath of plastic products (48% agree and 50% disagree), while levels of agreement are also relatively low in Estonia (60%) and Denmark (63%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 31

35 b. Impact on the environment Attitudes towards the impact of plastic products on the environment are generally consistent across Member States. The proportion that agrees that they are worried about the impact is highest in Greece (94%), Sweden (94%) and Italy (93%). The lowest levels of agreement can be seen in Romania (79%), the UK (81%) and the Netherlands (82%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) The socio-demographic analysis for both these two statements indicates that there are differences by age, level of education, occupation, and general attitudes to the environment: Respondents aged are less worried about the impact on the environment (83% vs. 86%-88% in the older age groups) and about the impact on their health (68% vs % in the older age groups) of everyday products made of plastic. People who finished their education aged 20 or over are more likely to agree that they are worried about the impact on the environment of everyday products made of plastic (91%) than those who left education at the age of 15 or before (83%). Students (69%) and unemployed (70%) are the least worried about the impact on their health of everyday products made of plastic. The unemployed are also the least worried about the impact on the environment of these products (81% vs % of the other categories). Among people who say that protecting the environment is very important to them, 80% say they are worried about the impact on their health (vs. 35% of those who say it is not important) and 92% say they are worried about the impact on the environment (vs. 84%) of these products. 32

36 QD5.4-5 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. (% - Total 'Agree') You are worried about the impact on your health of everyday products made of plastic You are worried about the impact on the environment of everyday products made of plastic EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

37 3 The impact of chemicals Most Europeans are worried about the impact of chemicals present in everyday products More than four in five Europeans (84%) agree that they are worried about the impact on their health of chemicals present in everyday products, including 45% who totally agree 12. Just 15% disagree with the statement. Nine in ten respondents (90%) agree that they are worried about the impact on the environment of chemicals present in everyday products, and half (49%) say that they totally agree. Just 9% disagree. Overall, these findings indicate an even greater level of public concern about chemicals present in everyday products than about plastic products. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 12 QD5.6-7 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. You are worried about the impact on your health of chemicals present in everyday products; You are worried about the impact on the environment of chemicals present in everyday products. 34

38 a. Impact on health There are some countries where almost all respondents agree that that they are worried about the impact on their heath of chemicals present in everyday products: Greece (96%), Cyprus (96%), Malta (93%) and Portugal (93%). Cyprus has a large proportion of respondents who totally agree (82%), and this is also high in Greece (66%) and Latvia (64%). Respondents in the Netherlands are again the least likely to agree that they are worried (68%), with relatively low levels of agreement also seen in Finland (71%), Denmark (75%) and the UK (75%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 35

39 b. Impact on the environment In every country, more than four in five respondents agree that they are worried about the impact on the environment of chemicals present in everyday products. Respondents are most likely to say they are worried in Cyprus (98%), Greece (96%) and Portugal (94%). Respondents in Cyprus are again most likely to say they totally agree (85%), followed by respondents in Greece (68%) and Slovenia (64%). The lowest levels of agreement can be seen in the Netherlands (83%), Finland (84%) and Romania (84%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 36

40 Socio-demographic variations are similar to those seen on other, related issues: Women are more likely than men to agree that they are worried about the impact on their health of chemicals present in everyday products (87% vs. 82%). Those aged are less likely to be worried than older respondents about the impact on their health (79% vs % in older age groups) and on the environment (86% vs. 89%- 91% in older age groups) of chemicals present in everyday products. Agreement with both statements is highest among people who say that protecting the environment is very important to them, and lowest among those who say it is not important to them. QD5.6-7 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. (% - Total 'Agree') You are worried about the impact on your health of chemicals present in everyday products You are worried about the impact on the environment of chemicals present in everyday products EU Gender Man Woman Age Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

41 III. TAKING ACTION TO TACKLE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES This section examines possible ways of taking action to tackle environmental issues. Firstly, respondents are asked what the main priorities should be in terms of tackling environmental problems. They are then asked whether, as individuals, they feel they can play a role in protecting the environment, before looking at the environmentally-friendly measures that people already take. The focus then moves on to the role of different actors (people, organisations and institutions) in protecting the environment, and considers whether the big polluters should be responsible for making good the damage they cause. Finally, respondents are asked about the importance of various measures to reduce plastic waste and littering. 1 Most effective ways of tackling environmental problems Respondents were asked to identify the most effective ways of tackling environmental problems, choosing up to three answers from a list of eight possible measures 13. A range of measures are seen as potentially effective in tackling environmental problems The two most mentioned measures as potentially effective in tackling environmental problems are investing in research and development to find technological solutions (35%) and introducing heavier fines for breaches of environmental legislation (34%). These are closely followed by two other measures concerned with legislation: ensuring better enforcement of legislation (31%) and introducing stricter environmental legislation (30%). More than one in four respondents feel it would be effective to provide more information (28%), introduce or increase financial incentives to businesses and people taking measures to protect the environment (27%) and introduce or widen accessible training actions to help people change their habits (26%). Respondents are least likely to favour the introduction or increasing of taxation on environmentally harmful activities (22%). For this question, the types of measures and the total number of measures in the list are different from previous surveys, and the results are therefore not comparable. 13 QD8 In your opinion, which of the following would be the most effective ways of tackling environmental problems? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) 38

42 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) There is relatively little variation between Member States in the proportions favouring different measures to tackle environmental problems, and all eight of the measures included in the question have some level of support across different countries. The main variations between countries are as follows: Respondents in Sweden (58%) and the Netherlands (55%) are the most likely to favour investment in research and development to find technological solutions, while those in Latvia and Malta (both 21%) are the least likely to see this an effective measure. The proportion that favour the introduction of heavier fines for breaches of environmental legislation is highest in Bulgaria (47%) and the Czech Republic (44%), and is lowest in Romania (26%) and Finland (27%). Portugal (40%) and Malta (38%) have the highest proportions that support better enforcement of existing legislation, with the lowest proportions seen in Latvia (17%) and Estonia (19%). Respondents in Malta (49%), Cyprus (46%) and Bulgaria (43%) are the most likely to see the introduction of stricter environmental legislation as an effective measure, while respondents in Estonia (21%) are the least likely to support this option. 39

43 Respondents in Cyprus (52%) are the most likely to choose the provision of more information as an effective measure, followed by respondents in Greece (43%), Malta (42%) and Ireland (41%). The lowest proportions can be found in Bulgaria (17%) and Germany (20%). The Netherlands (47%) and Sweden (40%) have the highest proportions that favour introducing or increasing financial incentives to businesses and people taking measures to protect the environment, while the lowest proportions are seen in Cyprus (20%), Malta, Romania and Slovakia (all 21%). Finland (57%) has by far the highest proportion of respondents that favour introducing or widening accessible training actions to help people change their habits. Relatively high proportions are also seen in Sweden (38%) and Denmark (35%), while respondents in Bulgaria and the Czech Republic (both 19%) are the least likely to choose this option. Respondents in the Netherlands are the most likely to support the introduction or increasing of taxation on environmentally harmful activities (29%), while those in Cyprus (13%) are the least likely to do so. 40

44 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 41

45 According to the socio-demographic data: Men are more likely than women to say it would be effective to invest in research and development to find technological solutions (38% vs. 33%). Older respondents (aged 55 or over) are less likely than younger people to say that investing in research and development to find technological solutions would be effective (32% vs % in the younger age groups). Older people are more likely to favour ensuring better enforcement of legislation (33% of those aged 55 or over and 32% of those aged 40-54, compared with 26% of year olds). Respondents who left education aged 20 or over are more likely than those who left by the age of 15 to mention a number of measures: investing in research and development to find technological solutions (44% vs. 24%), introducing or increasing financial incentives to businesses and people taking measures to protect the environment (33% vs. 19%) and introducing or widening accessible training actions to help people change their habits (30% vs. 20%). QD8 In your opinion, which of the following would be the most effective ways of tackling environmental problems? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - EU) Investing in research and development to find technological solutions Introducing heavier fines for breaches of environmental legislation Ensuring better enforcement of legislation Introducing stricter environmental legislation Providing more information Introducing or increasing financial incentives to businesses and people taking measures to protect the environment (e.g. tax breaks, subsidies) Introducing or widening accessible training actions to help people change their habits (waste separation, transport habits, energy consumption, etc.) Introducing or increasing taxation on environmentally harmful activities EU Gender Man Woman Age Education (End of) Still studying

46 2 Individual action to tackle environmental issues This section examines the views of Europeans on whether they feel they can personally play a role to protect the environment. It then looks at what environmentally-friendly measures people have already taken. a. Can individuals play a role? A large majority of Europeans believe they can play a role in protecting the environment Respondents were asked to what extent they agreed or disagreed that as an individual, you can play a role in protecting the environment in (your country) 14. More than eight out of ten Europeans (87%) agree that they can play a role; of these, 45% totally agree with the statement, and 42% tend to agree. Just 11% disagree. Findings have been very consistent over time since the 2007 survey, with agreement ranging between 85% and 87% over the ten-year period. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 14 QD5.1 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. As an individual, you can play a role in protecting the environment in (OUR COUNTRY). 43

47 Respondents in the Netherlands (97%), Sweden and Ireland (both 96%) are the most likely to agree that they can play a role in protecting the environment. These countries also have large proportions that totally agree (76%, 70% and 64% respectively). The lowest levels of agreement can be seen in Bulgaria (73%), Latvia (76%) and Estonia (77%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 44

48 There have been some changes at the country level since Respondents are now more likely to agree that they can play a role in protecting the environment in Finland (83%, +9 pp), Luxembourg (90%, +7 pp), the UK (93%, +6 pp), Hungary (80%, +6 pp) and the Czech Republic (79%, +6 pp). However, levels of agreement have decreased in Bulgaria (73%, -8 pp) and Romania (78%, -4 pp). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 45

49 According to the socio-demographic data: Those who left education at the age of 20 or above are more likely to agree with the statement than those who left education at age 15 or below (91% vs. 82%). In terms of socio-professional category, managers (93%) and other white collar workers (92%) are most likely to agree with the statement, with the lowest level of agreement among unemployed respondents (82%). The more difficulties a respondent has in paying bills, the less likely they are to agree that the can play a role in protecting the environment: 81% with the most difficulties do so, compared to 89% of those who experience the least difficulties. Perhaps unsurprisingly, respondents who have taken at least one personal action to tackle environmental issues are more likely to agree with this statement than those who have not taken any action (90% vs. 67%). 46

50 QD5.1 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. As an individual, you can play a role in protecting the environment in (OUR COUNTRY) (% - EU) Total 'Agree' Total 'Disagree' Don't know EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Difficulties paying bills Most of the time From time to time Almost never/ Never Environmental actions At least one action No action

51 b. Personal actions to tackle environmental issues Respondents were asked which of nine different environmental activities they had undertaken in the past six months 15. Two-thirds of Europeans separate most of their waste for recycling Around two-thirds of Europeans say they have separated most of their waste for recycling (65%), while at least one third have bought local products (43%), cut down their energy consumption (35%) and avoided single-use plastic goods other than plastic bags (34%). Around a quarter have cut down their water consumption (27%), chosen a more environmentallyfriendly way of travelling (24%) and have avoided buying over-packaged products (24%). Around a fifth of people have bought products marked with an environmental label (19%) and used their car less (18%). A small proportion of respondents (8%) say that they have undertaken none of these activities in the past six months. The question wording and the list of items have been modified from previous surveys and, as a result, findings are not comparable 16. However, it can be noted that separating most of your waste for recycling (72%) was the most mentioned action also in In addition, cutting down energy consumption (52%), cutting down water consumption (37%) and choosing local products (now buying local products) (35%) were among the five most mentioned actions also in the previous survey. 15 QD4 Have you done any of the following in the past six months? (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 16 The question text has been slightly modified compared to QA11 in the wave EB81.3 (2014), which read: Have you done any of the following for environmental reasons in the past month?. The list of items has also been modified compared to 2014 and two items have been added. The complete list of action in the previous survey was as follows: Chosen a more environmentally friendly way of traveling (by foot, bicycle, public transport); Reduced waste e.g. by avoiding over-packaged products and buying products with a longer life; Separated most of your waste for recycling; Cut down your water consumption; Cut down your energy consumption e. g. by turning down air conditioning or heating, not leaving appliances on stand-by, buying energy efficient appliances; Bought environmentally friendly products marked with an environmental label; Chosen local products; Used your car less; Other (SPONTANEOUS); None (SPONTANEOUS); DK. 48

52 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 49

53 In 23 of the 28 Member States, the most common environmental activity is separating waste for recycling. In some of these countries, this is by far the most common activity. For example, 63% of respondents in Portugal say they have done this in the past six months, while just 32% have done the next most common activity (cutting down water consumption). A similar pattern can be seen in Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovenia: in each of these countries, the proportion that has separated waste for recycling is higher by at least 25 percentage points, compared with the next most common activity. In the other five countries, the most common activity is buying local products: Austria (64%), Latvia (63%), Estonia (56%), Bulgaria (48%) and Romania (45%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 50

54 In all but five countries, the majority of respondents say they have separated most of their waste for recycling in the past six months. The exceptions are Bulgaria (where only 17% have done this), Romania (29%), Croatia (44%), Latvia (45%) and Austria (49%). By contrast, there are seven countries where at least three-quarters of respondents have separated most of their waste for recycling: Sweden (87%), the Netherlands (82%), Slovenia (81%), France (81%), Luxembourg (79%), Finland (77%) and the UK (76%). In broad terms, a geographical pattern can be observed, whereby respondents in northern and western EU countries are the more likely to have separated waste for recycling. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 51

55 Respondents in Sweden (67%), Austria (64%) and Latvia (63%) are the most likely to have bought local products in the past six months, while the proportions are much lower in Poland (23%), Portugal (29%) and Croatia (30%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) Analysing the results for the other response options, the following can be observed: Respondents in the Netherlands (52%) and Sweden (49%) are the most likely to say they have cut down their energy consumption, while those in Slovakia (14%) and Croatia (15%) are the least likely to have done this. Sweden (61%), the Netherlands (54%) and Germany (49%) have the highest proportions that have avoided single-use plastic goods other than plastic bags, while the lowest proportions can be seen in Romania (14%) and Croatia (17%). Respondents in Belgium (38%), Spain, France and Luxembourg (all 37%) are the most likely to have cut down their water consumption, while respondents in Lithuania (12%) and Estonia (13%) are the least likely to have done this. Respondents in Sweden (55%) and the Netherlands (50%) are the most likely to have chosen a more environmentally-friendly way of travelling, with relatively large proportions also seen in Finland (42%) and Latvia (41%). The lowest proportions are seen in Portugal (8%) and Cyprus (10%). Austria (39%), Germany and Luxembourg (both 37%) have the highest proportions that have avoided buying over-packaged products, while the lowest proportions can be found in Portugal (11%), Poland (12%) and Cyprus (13%). 52

56 Respondents in Sweden (71%) are much more likely to have bought products marked with an environmental label than those in any other country. The proportion is also relatively high in Denmark (52%). Respondents in Bulgaria and Portugal (both 4%) are the least likely to have done this. Those in the Netherlands (32%) and Sweden (31%) are the most likely to say they have used their car less, while respondents in Portugal (4%) are the least likely to have done this. 53

57 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 54

58 The socio-demographic data show a number of differences: Younger respondents are more likely to say that they have chosen a more environmentallyfriendly way of travelling (34% of year olds vs. 21% of those aged 55+), but are less likely to have taken most of the other environmentally-friendly measures. People in the age group are most likely to have avoided buying over-packaged products (27% vs. 20%- 24% in other age groups) and to have cut down their energy consumption (39% vs. 25%- 35%). Those who left education aged 20 or above are the most likely to have all the actions listed in the survey, such as cutting down their energy consumption (45% vs. 26% of those who left school aged 15 or under). Managers are the most likely to have taken most of the actions proposed, such as separating waste for recycling (73% vs % of other categories), cut down their energy consumption (47% vs %) and avoided single-use plastic goods other than plastic bags (44% vs %). People who never/almost never have difficulties paying their bills are more likely to have done the various things under discussion than those who have difficulties most of the time. For example, 38% of those who never/almost never have difficulties say they have avoided single-use plastic goods other than plastic bags, compared with 23% of those who have difficulties most of the time. Those who say they live in a large town are more likely to say they have chosen a more environmentally-friendly way of travelling (31%), compared with those who live in a small or mid-size town (23%) or a rural village (21%). By contrast, those who live in a rural village are most likely to say that they have bought local products (46%, compared with 42% of those who live in a small or mid-size town and 41% of those who live in a large town). As expected, those who say that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely to have carried out the various activities than those who say it is not important. Large differences can be seen in the proportions that have avoided single-use plastic goods other than plastic bags (41% vs. 14%), separated most of their waste for recycling (72% vs. 33%) and cut down their energy consumption (41% vs. 15%). 55

59 QD4 Have you done any of the following in the past six months? (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) (% - EU) Separated most of your waste for recycling Bought local products Cut down your energy consumption (e.g. by turning down air conditioning or heating, not leaving appliances on standby, buying energy-efficient appliances) Avoided single-use plastic goods other than plastic bags (e.g. plastic cutlery, cups, plates, etc.) or bought reusable plastic products Cut down your water consumption Chosen a more environmentally-friendly way of travelling (walk, bicycle, public transport, electric car) Avoided buying over-packaged products EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Difficulties paying bills Most of the time From time to time Almost never/ Never Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

60 3 Should big polluters be responsible for repairing the damages they create? Almost all Europeans agree that big polluters have primary responsibility for repairing the damage they cause Around two-thirds of Europeans (65%) totally agree that big polluters should be mainly responsible for making good the environmental damage they cause, while 29% tend to agree 17. In total, 94% agree with the statement. Just 4% of respondents do not agree that big polluters should be mainly responsible. These findings are similar to those seen in the 2014 survey, with a minimal increase in agreement (+1 pp) and a corresponding decrease in the proportion that disagree (-1 pp). However, there has been a shift since 2014, with fewer respondents now saying they totally agree (-5 pp) and a greater proportion saying they tend to agree (+6 pp). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 17 QD5.2 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. The big polluters should be mainly responsible for making good the environmental damage they cause. 57

61 At least nine out of ten respondents in all Member States agree that big polluters should be mainly responsible for making good the environmental damage they cause, except in Romania (where 87% agree). The highest levels of agreement can be seen in Sweden (99%), Greece (98%), Portugal (98%), Cyprus (97%) and Slovenia (97%). Respondents are most likely to say they totally agree in Sweden (86%), Cyprus (83%) and Slovenia (82%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 58

62 There have been only minor changes at the country level since Agreement has increased the most in Hungary (94%, +5 pp), and has decreased the most in Croatia (93%, -5 pp), Romania (87%, -4 pp) and the Czech Republic (92%, -4 pp). Similarly, the proportion of respondents who disagree with this statement has decreased the most in Hungary (5%, -5 pp) and has increased the most in Romania (11%, +5 pp) and Croatia (6%, +4 pp). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 59

63 The socio-demographic data show strong levels of agreement in all groups. However, there is more variation when it comes to the extent to which respondents totally agree that the big polluters should be mainly responsible for making good the environmental damage they cause: People aged are less likely to totally agree (58%) than those aged (67%) and 55 or over (68%). Those who left education at the age of 20 or above are more likely to say they totally agree with the statement than those who left education at age 15 or below (70% vs. 63%). Managers (71%) are more likely to totally agree with this statement than students (57%) and house persons (60%). People who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely to say they totally agree (79%) than those who do not feel it is important (38%). QD5.2 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. The big polluters should be mainly responsible for making good the environmental damage they cause (% - EU) Totally agree Tend to agree Tend to disagree Totally disagree Don't know Total 'Agree' Total 'Disagree' EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

64 4 The role of different actors in protecting the environment This section looks at the extent to which Europeans feel that they themselves, as well as other actors (such as government and the private sector), should do more to protect the environment. a. Companies and citizens The majority of Europeans think that both big companies and industry, and citizens themselves, are not doing enough to protect the environment Almost four in five respondents (79%) say that big companies and industry are not doing enough to protect the environment, while around one in seven (14%) feel that they are doing about the right amount and 2% say that they are doing too much 18. Around two-thirds of Europeans (66%) also feel that citizens themselves are not doing enough, although more than one in four (27%) feel that they are doing about the right amount and 3% think they are doing too much 19. There has been little change from previous surveys. Compared with the 2014 survey, respondents are now slightly more likely to say that big companies and industry are not doing enough (+2 pp), while the proportion that say they are doing the right amount shows a marginal decrease (-1 pp). Similarly, there has been a marginal increase in the proportion that say citizens themselves are not doing enough (+1 pp) and a slight decrease in the proportion that feel they are doing about the right amount (-2 pp). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 18 QD7.1 In your opinion, is each of the following currently doing too much, about the right amount, or not enough to protect the environment? Big companies and industry. 19 QD7.2 In your opinion, is each of the following currently doing too much, about the right amount, or not enough to protect the environment? Citizens themselves. 61

65 The proportion of respondents who think that big companies and industry are not doing enough ranges from 94% in Greece, 87% in Spain and 86% in France, to 64% in Estonia, 65% in Poland and 66% in Denmark. The largest increases since 2014 are observed in the UK (83%, +12 pp) and Malta (82%, +11 pp), while the largest decrease can be found in Croatia (79%, -9 pp). Respondents are most likely to think that big companies and industry are doing about the right amount to protect the environment in Denmark (25%), Finland (23%), Estonia (22%) and Poland (22%), with the largest increase in Croatia (13%, +7 pp). By contrast, less than one in ten respondents say that big companies and industry are doing about the right amount in Greece (3%), Spain (7%), France (8%) and Bulgaria (8%). Portugal shows the largest decrease since 2014 (9%, -9 pp). Across the EU as a whole, just 2% of respondents say that big companies and industry are doing too much, but this proportion is higher in Romania (9%) and Croatia (7%), and both of these countries have seen increases since 2014 (+7 pp and +6 pp respectively). 62

66 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 63

67 The proportion of people who think that citizens themselves are not doing enough is highest in France, Malta and Bulgaria (all 80%) and lowest in Poland (55%), Germany, Austria and Ireland (all 56%). Large increases since 2014 can be observed in Portugal (68%, +12 pp) and the UK (71%, +10 pp), while the largest decreases are found in Croatia (66%, -14 pp) and Romania (63%, -11 pp). More than a third of respondents think that citizens themselves are doing about the right amount to protect the environment in Germany (39%), Cyprus (38%), the Czech Republic (37%), Ireland (36%) and Denmark (35%), while respondents in Bulgaria (12%), Malta and France (both 15%) are the least likely to say this. Croatia shows the largest increase since 2014 (25%, +9 pp), while the largest decreases can be seen in Portugal (21%, -15 pp), the UK (22%, -9 pp) and Slovakia (27%, -9 pp). Across the EU as a whole, just 3% of respondents say that citizens themselves are doing too much, but this proportion is higher in Romania (10%), Croatia and Austria (both 8%). These are also the countries where the largest increases since 2014 are observed (+7 pp for Romania and Croatia, +6 pp for Austria). 64

68 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 65

69 The socio-demographic data show very consistent responses across the different groups. The only differences are that: Those who left education at the age of 20 or above are more likely to say that both big companies and industry (82%) and citizens themselves (71%) are not doing enough to protect the environment, compared with those who left education at age 15 or below (76% and 60% respectively). People who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely than those who do not feel it is important to say that not enough is being done. This applies both to big companies and industry (85% vs. 52%) and citizens themselves (74% vs. 39%). QD7.1-2 In your opinion, is each of the following currently doing too much, about the right amount, or not enough to protect the environment? (% - 'Not doing enough') Big companies and industry Citizens themselves EU Education (End of) Still studying Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

70 b. Local, national and European institutions The majority of Europeans say that both the EU and national governments are not doing enough to protect the environment Around two-thirds of respondents (67%) say that their national government is not doing enough to protect the environment, while a quarter (24%) think that it is doing about the right amount and 3% say it is doing too much 20. A slightly lower proportion (62%) think that the EU is not doing enough, although this is partly due to a higher proportion of don t know responses (12% compared with 6% for the national government) 21. The proportions of respondents saying that the EU is doing about the right amount (23%) or too much (3%) are very similar to the corresponding figures for the national government. Half of respondents (50%) say that their city, town or village is not doing enough to protect the environment 22, and a similar proportion (53%) say this about their region 23. However, respondents are more likely to say that their city, town or village is doing about the right amount (41%) than say this about their region (35%). In each case, just 3% say that they are doing too much. Since the 2014 survey, there have been slight increases in the proportions saying that different actors are not doing enough. This applies to the EU (+6 pp), the region (+3 pp) and the city, town or village (+2 pp). For both the region and the city, town or village, there has been a corresponding decrease in the proportion saying the right amount is being done (-2 pp in each case), but there has been no change in relation to the EU. Rather, the findings for the EU show a decrease in the proportion of don t know answers (-6 pp). The findings for the national government show a different pattern: respondents are now more likely than in 2014 to say that it is doing about the right amount (+3 pp), and are less likely to say that it is not doing enough (-3 pp). 20 QD7.5 In your opinion, is each of the following currently doing too much, about the right amount, or not enough to protect the environment? The (NATIONALITY) government. 21 QD7.6 In your opinion, is each of the following currently doing too much, about the right amount, or not enough to protect the environment? The European Union. 22 QD7.3 In your opinion, is each of the following currently doing too much, about the right amount, or not enough to protect the environment? Your city, town or village. 23 QD7.4 In your opinion, is each of the following currently doing too much, about the right amount, or not enough to protect the environment? Your region. 67

71 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 68

72 Overall, half (50%) of Europeans think that that their city, town or village is not doing enough to protect the environment. This proportion is highest in Greece (74%) and Bulgaria (72%), and is lowest in Denmark (29%), Luxembourg (30%) and the Czech Republic (31%). The largest increases since 2014 are seen in Malta (63%, +16 pp), Slovakia (53%, +14 pp) and Portugal (66%, +14 pp), while Croatia shows the largest decrease (61%, -8 pp). Respondents are most likely to think that their city, town or village is doing about the right amount to protect the environment in Denmark (62%), the Czech Republic (59%) and the Netherlands (59%), with the largest increase in Sweden (44%, +10 pp). Respondents are least likely to say that their city, town or village is doing about the right amount in Bulgaria (19%), Portugal (20%) and Greece (22%). The largest decreases since 2014 can be found in Portugal (20%, -17 pp), Slovakia (36%, -17 pp) and Malta (29%, -17 pp). Across the EU as a whole, just 3% of respondents say that their city, town or village is doing too much, but this is higher in Romania and Cyprus (both 8%), and there have been relatively large increases in Romania (8%, +5 pp) and Luxembourg (7%, +5 pp). 69

73 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 70

74 At least half of respondents think that their region is doing about the right amount to protect the environment in the Czech Republic (55%), Germany (52%), Luxembourg (52%), Denmark (51%), Austria (51%) and Estonia (50%). However, less than a quarter of respondents say this in Greece (17%), Bulgaria (18%), Romania (21%), Portugal (21%) and Spain (24%). The largest increases since 2014 can be found in Denmark (51%, +12 pp), Finland (46%, +9 pp) and Sweden (36%, +9 pp), while the largest decreases are observed in Portugal (21%, -16 pp), Malta (25%, -12 pp), Slovakia (33%, -11 pp) and the UK (30%, -10 pp). Respondents are most likely to say that their region is not doing enough in Greece (76%) and Bulgaria (72%), and there have been large increases in Portugal (65%, +13 pp), the UK (55%, +13 pp) and Malta (62%, +12 pp). The lowest proportions saying that their region is not doing enough are observed in Denmark (33%), the Czech Republic (34%) and Luxembourg (34%). The largest decrease since 2014 can be found in Croatia (63%, -11 pp). Romania (8%), the Czech Republic (7%), Austria and Croatia (both 6%) have the highest proportions of respondents saying their region is doing too much, and there have been relatively large increases in Croatia and Romania (both +5 pp). 71

75 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 72

76 The proportion of respondents who think that their national government is not doing enough is by far the highest in Greece (88%), followed by Spain (78%), Slovenia (78%) and Italy (76%). The proportion is lowest in Luxembourg (42%) and Estonia (45%). The largest increase since 2014 can be observed in Malta (56%, +16 pp), while the largest decreases are found in Austria (54%, -12 pp), the Czech Republic (57%, -12 pp) and Croatia (74%, -12 pp). Respondents are most likely to think that their national government is doing about the right amount to protect the environment in Luxembourg (46%), Denmark and Finland (both 40%), while respondents in Greece (8%), Spain (13%) and Bulgaria (15%) are the least likely to say this. The largest increases since 2014 can be found in the Czech Republic (35%, +14 pp), Austria (36%, +12 pp) and Germany (38%, +9 pp), while by far the largest decrease is observed in Malta (33%, -19 pp). Across the EU as a whole, just 3% of respondents say that their national government is doing too much, but this is higher in Croatia, Romania and Luxembourg (all 7%). Croatia also displays the largest increase since 2014 (+7 pp). 73

77 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 74

78 Respondents in Sweden (79%) are by far the most likely to say that the EU is not doing enough to protect the environment, and this proportion is also relatively high in Italy (71%), Spain (71%) and France (70%). The lowest proportions can be found in Cyprus (37%) and Estonia (39%). There have been some large increases since 2014, most notably in Malta (52%, +24 pp) and Romania (62%, +19 pp), while the largest decrease can be observed in Austria (56%, -14 pp). Respondents are most likely to think that the EU is doing about the right amount to protect the environment in Cyprus (43%), Poland (42%) and Hungary (40%), with the largest increase in Austria (28%, +12 pp). Respondents are least likely to say that the EU is doing about the right amount in Sweden (13%), France (15%) and Spain (16%). The largest decreases since 2014 are observed in Malta (31%, -18 pp) and Slovakia (26%, -10 pp). Respondents in Cyprus and Austria (both 10%) are most likely to say that the EU is doing too much. However, in these two countries, evolutions of opposite sign can be found: while Austria shows the largest increase since 2014 (+8 pp), Cyprus displays the largest decrease (-5 pp). 75

79 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 76

80 According to the socio-demographic data: People who have difficulties paying their bills are more likely to feel that institutions are not doing enough to protect the environment, compared with those who never/almost never have difficulties. The difference is greatest in relation to the city, town or village (60% vs. 46%). This applies to all of the institutions except the European Union, where there is only a marginal difference. There are differences by type of area in relation to both the city, town or village and the region. In both cases, people living in a large town are more likely than those living in a rural village to say that the institutions are not doing enough (57% vs. 46% in relation to the city, town or village, and 59% vs. 50% in relation to the region). People who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely than those who do not feel it is important to say that not enough is being done. This applies to all institutions; for example, 68% of those who say the environment is very important to them say this about the European Union, compared with 39% of those who say it is not important to them. A cross-analysis of the responses for the various institutions indicates that respondents who think the EU is not doing enough tend to think the same of the other institutions. For instance, 90% of those who say the EU is not doing enough say the same about their national government. QD7.3-6 In your opinion, is each of the following currently doing too much, about the right amount, or not enough to protect the environment? (% - 'Not doing enough') Your city, town or village Your region The (NATIONALITY) government The European Union EU Difficulties paying bills Most of the time From time to time Almost never/ Never Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important' How much EU is doing to protect the environment Too much The right amount Not enough

81 5 Tackling plastic waste and littering This section examines the issue of plastic waste and littering. Respondents were asked whether they personally have cut down on their use of single use plastic carrier bags, and were then asked about measures to reduce plastic waste and littering. a. Reducing the use of plastic carrier bags Around three-quarters of Europeans say they have cut down on their use of single use plastic carrier bags When asked about their personal use of single use plastic carrier bags, more than a third (38%) say they have cut down on their use in the last 12 months, while a similar proportion (42%) say that they cut down their use before the last 12 months 24. Respondents were able to give both answers (i.e. to indicate that they cut down in the last 12 months and also before the last 12 months); overall, 72% of respondents say that they have cut down on their use of single use plastic carrier bags at some point. A further 3% of respondents spontaneously say that they have never used them, while 23% have not cut down on their use. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 24 QD14 Have you cut down on your use of single use plastic carrier bags? (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 78

82 Respondents are most likely to say that they have cut down on their use of single use plastic carrier bags at some point in the UK (92%), the Netherlands (91%) and Ireland (87%). The UK also displays the highest proportion that have cut down in the last 12 months (56%), followed by Sweden (51%) and the Netherlands (50%). Less than half of the respondents have cut down on their use of single use plastic carrier bags at some point in Cyprus (41%), Greece (41%) and Romania (42%). The lowest proportions that have cut down in the last 12 months can be observed in Bulgaria (21%) and Greece (22%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 79

83 The socio-demographic data show differences for certain socio-demographic groups, based on the proportions that have cut down on their use of single use plastic carrier bags, either in the last 12 months or longer ago: Women are more likely than men to say that they have cut down on their use of single use plastic carrier bags (75% vs. 70%). By age group, year olds are most likely to have cut down (76%), while year olds are least likely to have done so (66%). The longer a respondent remained in education, the more likely they are to say that they have cut down on their use of single use plastic bags: 81% with the highest levels do so, compared with 64% with the lowest education levels. In terms of socio-professional category, managers are much more likely than those in other groups to say they have cut down on their use of single use plastic carrier bags (84% vs. 66%-76%). People who have difficulties paying their bills are less likely to have cut down their use (61% of those who have difficulties most of the time, compared with 77% of those who never/almost never have difficulties). People who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely than those who do not feel it is important to say that they have cut down their use (79 vs. 39%). 80

84 QD14 Have you cut down on your use of single use plastic carrier bags? (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) (% - EU) Yes, in the last 12 months Yes, before the last 12 months No You have never used them (SPONTANEOUS) Don't know Total 'Yes' EU Gender Man Woman Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Difficulties paying bills Most of the time From time to time Almost never/ Never Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

85 b. Measures to reduce plastic waste and littering Respondents were asked how important they think are a number of measures are in reducing plastic waste and littering. The majority of respondents consider important all the proposed measures to reduce plastic waste and littering At least half of respondents think that four of the measures are very important : products should be designed in a way that facilitates the recycling of plastic (65%), industry and retailers should make an effort to reduce plastic packaging (63%), people should be educated on how to reduce their plastic waste (53%) and local authorities should provide more and better collection facilities for plastic waste (51%). In each case, around nine out of ten respondents say that these measures are either very or fairly important (between 89% and 94% for the four measures), and very few respondents say that these measures are not important (between 4% and 9%). A lower proportion (61%) consider important that consumers should pay an extra charge for singleuse plastic goods: 30% say this is very important and 31% fairly important, while around a third (34%) do not think it is important. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 82

86 Respondents in Cyprus and Portugal (both 99%) are the most likely to say that it is important that products should be designed in a way that facilitates the recycling of plastic, followed by those in Ireland (98%) and Greece (98%). There are only two countries where less than nine out of ten respondents think this measure is important: Latvia (84%) and Romania (87%). Respondents in the Netherlands (98%) and Portugal (98%) are the most likely to say it is important that industry and retailers should make an effort to reduce plastic packaging, while the lowest proportions can be seen in the Czech Republic (87%) and Latvia (88%). The highest proportions of respondents that think it is important that local authorities should provide more and better collection facilities for plastic waste are observed in Cyprus (99%), Ireland, Greece and Portugal (all 98%). On the other end of the scale, the lowest proportions can be found in Germany (82%), France, Austria, the Netherlands and Slovenia (all 86%). Respondents are most likely to say that people should be educated on how to reduce their plastic waste in Cyprus (99%), Portugal (98%) and Malta, Ireland and Greece (all 97%). Respondents are least likely to say this important in the Netherlands (77%), Germany and Austria (both 80%). The highest proportion of respondents who think it is important that consumers should pay an extra charge for single-use plastic goods can be found in Sweden (74%), followed by Belgium (72%) and Ireland (72%). Less than half of respondents think this measure is important in Estonia (42%) and France (46%). Looking across the various measures, there are some countries where there are high levels of support for most of the measures, most notably Ireland, Cyprus and Portugal. 83

87 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 84

88 The socio-demographic analysis shows little differences across all groups in the proportions saying that each of the measure is important. However, larger differences can be detected when looking at the extent to which respondents consider each of the measures very important : On several items, those aged are more likely than those in other age groups to say that the measure is very important : for example, 66% of year olds say it is very important that industry and retailers should make an effort to reduce plastic packaging, compared with 59%-63% in the other age groups. Those who left education at the age of 20 or above are more likely to say that the various measures are very important; for example, 71% say it is very important that products should be designed in a way that facilitates the recycling of plastic, compared with 57% of those who finished education by the age of 15. There are differences by type of area, with people living in a large town more likely than those living in other types of area to say it is very important that local authorities should provide more and better collection facilities for plastic waste (56% vs. 49%-50%) and that people should be educated on how to reduce their plastic waste (58% vs. 52%). People who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely to say the various measures are also very important. For example, 76% say that it is very important that industry and retailers make an effort to reduce plastic packaging, compared with 32% of those who say that protecting the environment is not important to them. QD15 In your opinion, how important is each of the following in reducing plastic waste and littering? (% - 'Very important') Products should be designed in a way that facilitates the recycling of plastic Industry and retailers should make an effort to reduce plastic packaging People should be educated on how to reduce their plastic waste Local authorities should provide more and better collection facilities for plastic waste Consumers should pay an extra charge for single-use plastic goods (cutlery, cups, plates, etc.) EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

89 IV. THE EU AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION In this chapter, the focus turns to the role of the EU in environmental protection. Respondents were asked whether environmental decisions should be taken by national governments or jointly within the EU. They were then asked about the EU s role in environmental legislation and in providing assistance to non-eu countries. 1 Preferred level of decision-making Most Europeans think that decisions to protect the environment should be taken jointly within the EU Around two-thirds of Europeans (67%) think that environmental decisions should be taken jointly within the EU 25. Less than a third (29%) believe that only the national government should take such decisions. Since the 2014 survey, there has been an increase in support for joint decision-making (+7 percentage points) and a corresponding fall in support for decision-making by the national government (-7 pp). These changes reverse the trends seen between 2007 and 2014, when support for joint decision-making fell from 67% to 60%. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 25 QD6 When it comes to protecting the environment, do you think that decisions should be made by the (NATIONALITY) government or made jointly within the EU? 86

90 In six Member States, at least three-quarters of respondents think that decisions should be made jointly within the EU: the Netherlands (81%), Germany (80%), Spain (79%), Portugal (78%), Cyprus (75%) and Belgium (75%). Support for joint decision making is lowest in the Czech Republic (45%), Croatia (47%), Romania (49%) and Estonia (49%). In two of these countries, a majority favours decision-making only by the national government: the Czech Republic (53%) and Croatia (51%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 87

91 Across the EU, there has been an increase since 2014 in support for joint decision-making (+7 pp). Some countries show large increases: Finland (59%, +17 pp), the Netherlands (81%, +16 pp), the UK (61%, +16 pp), Germany (80%, +14 pp), Lithuania (51%, +14 pp), Sweden (73%, +13 pp) and Latvia (71%, +13 pp). The only significant decrease is observed in Croatia (47%, -7 pp). There are corresponding shifts in support for decision making by the national government alone. The largest increase can be found in Croatia (51%, +7 pp), while the largest decreases are observed in Finland (38%, -18 pp), the Netherlands (18%, -16 pp) and Denmark (25%, -16 pp). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 88

92 According to the socio-demographic data: Respondents aged 55 or over are more inclined than those in other age groups to say that environmental decisions should be made by national governments (32% vs. 25%-28%), and are less likely to say decisions should be made jointly within the EU (63% vs. 68%-71%). People who finished their education aged 20 or over are more likely than those who left school aged 15 or under to think that environmental decisions should be taken jointly within the EU (73% vs. 61%). Managers (75%) and students (74%) are more in favour of joint decision-making than those in other occupational groups (61%-69%). People who have difficulties paying their bills are less likely to be in favour of joint decisionmaking (59% of those who have difficulties most of the time, compared with 69% of those who never/almost never have difficulties). Responses are also related to overall perceptions of the EU: 77% of those who have a positive image of the EU say that decisions should be made jointly within the EU, compared with 46% of those who have a negative image of the EU. Individuals who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more inclined to say that environmental decisions should be taken jointly within the EU (72% vs. 50% of those who say that protecting the environment is not important to them). 89

93 QD6 When it comes to protecting the environment, do you think that decisions should be made by the (NATIONALITY) government or made jointly within the EU? (% - EU) By the (NATIONALITY) government Jointly within the EU Other (SPONTANEOUS) Don't know EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Difficulties paying bills Most of the time From time to time Almost never/ Never Image of EU Positive Neutral Negative Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

94 2 Attitudes towards the role of the EU in environmental protection Respondents were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with three statements relating to environmental law in the EU 26. Similar proportions agree with the three statements. There is strong support for the role of EU legislation in protecting the environment More than four in five respondents (83%) agree that the EU should be able to check that environmental laws are being applied correctly in their country. A similar proportion (82%) agree that the EU should assist non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards, while a slightly lower proportion (80%) agree that EU environmental legislation is necessary for protecting the environment in their country. For each statement, at least eight in ten respondents agree (between 80% and 83%), while around one in eight respondents disagree with each of the statements (between 12% and 13%). There have been increases in agreement since the 2014 survey, most notably in relation to the EU assisting non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards (+8 pp). Smaller increases can be observed in the proportions agreeing that the EU should be able to check that environmental laws are being applied correctly (+4 pp) and that EU environmental legislation is necessary for protecting the environment (+3 pp). Where trends are available before 2014, there is a pattern of declining agreement between 2007 and 2014, which has been reversed by the latest increases in agreement. 26 QD Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. EU environmental legislation is necessary for protecting the environment in (OUR COUNTRY); The EU should be able to check that EU environmental laws are being applied correctly in (OUR COUNTRY); The EU should assist non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards. 91

95 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 92

96 Almost all respondents in Cyprus (96%) and Portugal (95%) agree that the EU should be able to check that environmental laws are being applied correctly in their country. The lowest levels of agreement can be found in Austria (68%) and the Czech Republic (69%). The Czech Republic is the only country where a substantial fall in agreement since 2014 is observed (-11 pp), while the largest increases are found in Denmark (73%, +14 pp) and Latvia (84%, +11 pp). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 93

97 There are consistent levels of agreement that the EU should assist non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards, ranging from 93% in Portugal and 92% in Sweden to 74% in the Czech Republic. In every country except Greece (where the level of agreement has stayed the same), respondents are now more likely to agree with this statement than in The largest increases can be observed in Belgium (86%, +18 pp) and Latvia (80%, +14 pp). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 94

98 Respondents are most likely to agree that EU environmental legislation is necessary for protecting the environment in their country in Cyprus (96%), Portugal (92%) and Slovenia (90%). The lowest levels of agreement are found in Austria (66%) and the UK (68%). Agreement has increased since 2014 in 23 Member States, with the largest increases in Latvia (85%, +14 pp), Finland (79%, +14 pp) and Croatia (86%, +12 pp). Agreement has fallen since 2014 in four countries: the Czech Republic (70%, -3 pp), Greece (84%, -3 pp), Spain (86%, -2 pp) and Sweden (74%, -2 pp). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 95

99 The socio-demographic data show some consistent patterns: Respondents aged 55 or over are less likely to agree with the three statements. The largest difference is in relation to the EU checking that EU environmental laws are being applied correctly: 78% of those aged 55 or over agree with this statement, compared with 85%-86% in younger age groups. Those in the middle age bands are most likely to agree that the EU should assist non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards (84% of year olds, compared with 81% of year olds and 80% of those aged 55 or over). More highly educated people are more likely to agree with the statements. For example, 87% of people who left education aged 20 or over agree that the EU should assist non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards, compared with 74% of those who left school aged 15 or below. Managers and other white collar workers are more likely to agree with the statements than those in other occupational groups. In fact, white collar workers (other than managers) are most likely to agree that EU environmental legislation is necessary for protecting the environment in their country (86% vs. 76%-82% in other groups). People who think protecting the environment is very important are more likely to agree with the statements, as are those who hold a positive image of the EU. For example, among those who think protecting the environment is very important to them, 87% agree that the EU should assist non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards, compared with 56% of those who do not protecting the environment is important. Among those who hold a positive image of the EU, 90% agree with this statement, compared with 67% of those who hold a negative image of the EU. 96

100 QD9 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. (% - Total 'Agree') The EU should be able to check that EU environmental laws are being applied correctly in (OUR COUNTRY) The EU should assist non-eu countries to improve their environmental standards EU environmental legislation is necessary for protecting the environment in (OUR COUNTRY) EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important' Image of EU Positive Neutral Negative

101 3 Attitudes towards EU financial support to environmental protection There is widespread support for greater EU investment in environmental protection More than four in five Europeans (85%) agree that the EU should invest more money in projects and programmes supporting the environment, nature conservation and climate action throughout the EU 27. This includes 41% who totally agree and 44% who tend to agree. Just 7% of respondents disagree with the statement, and 8% do not know. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 27 QD20 The EU is supporting environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects in all Member States through financial instruments such as the LIFE Programme. Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statement: The EU should invest more money in projects and programmes supporting the environment, nature conservation and climate action throughout the EU. 98

102 In every Member State, more than three-quarters of respondents agree that the EU should invest more money in projects and programmes supporting the environment, nature conservation and climate action throughout the EU. Agreement is highest in Cyprus (97%), Malta (94%), Ireland (94%) and Sweden (94%). The lowest levels of agreement are seen in the UK (78%), Italy (79%) and Romania (80%), with respondents in Romania (13%) and Austria (11%) the most likely to disagree with the statement. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 99

103 According to the socio-demographic data: Respondents in the middle age groups are most likely to agree that the EU should invest more money in the specified projects and programmes (88% of year olds and 87% of year olds, compared with 84% of year olds and 83% of those aged 55 or over). People who finished their education aged 20 or over are more likely to agree than those who left school aged 15 or under (89% vs. 77%). Agreement is higher among those who have a positive image of the EU than those who have a negative image (93% vs. 72%). Individuals who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely to agree with increased EU investment (91% vs. 53% of those who say that protecting the environment is not important to them). QD20 The EU is supporting environmental, nature conservation and climate action projects in all Member States through financial instruments such as the LIFE Programme. Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statement: The EU should invest more money in projects and programmes supporting the environment, nature conservation and climate action throughout the EU. (% - EU) Total 'Agree' Total 'Disagree' Don't know EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Image of EU Positive Neutral Negative Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

104 V. FOCUS ON THE ECOLABELS This chapter focuses on ecolabels. It examines respondents awareness of different ecolabels, asks whether they have bought products carrying ecolabels, and assesses public perceptions of the importance of ecolabels, and their trust that products carrying the EU ecolabel are environmentally friendly. 1 EU and national ecolabels: aided recall Respondents were shown a list of labels and asked which ones they had seen or heard about 28. For each item, respondents were shown the logo and the name of the label in the original language, followed by the country of the label displayed in the local language. More than a quarter of respondents have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel More than a quarter of respondents (27%) say that they have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel, while other country-specific labels have a high level of awareness across the EU, notably the Blue Angel (23%) and NF Environment (18%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 28 QD10 For each of the labels below, please indicate the ones you've seen or heard about. 101

105 Overall, more than half of respondents (56%) say that they have seen or heard about at least one of the labels. Where respondents are aware of any of the various labels, it is most likely that they have seen or heard of one or two of them (40% of all respondents). However, 11% of respondents say they are aware of three or four ecolabels, and 5% have seen or heard about five or more of them. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 102

106 There is considerable variation between Member States in levels of awareness of the EU ecolabel. In three countries, at least half of respondents have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel: Luxembourg (62%), France (61%) and Denmark (51%). Awareness of the EU ecolabel is lowest in Romania (13%), Bulgaria (14%), the Czech Republic (16%), the UK and Italy both 17%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) There were high levels of awareness of some country-specific labels in the relevant countries, as well as in some neighbouring countries: The Blue Angel label has a high level of awareness in Germany (86%), and is also recognised by large minorities of respondents in Austria (49%), Luxembourg (49%) and Latvia (24%). NF Environnement is recognised by 85% of respondents in France, and by 32% in Luxembourg, 18% in Belgium and 14% in the UK. Around half of respondents have seen or heard about Znak ekologiczny EKO in Latvia (48%), Poland (47%) and Lithuania (45%), while a quarter of respondents in Estonia (24%) are aware of this label. The Nordic Swan label is recognised by large proportions of respondents in Sweden (98%), Denmark (93%) and Finland (92%), as well as by 25% of respondents in Estonia. Almost all respondents in Sweden (97%) are aware of Bra Miljöval, while around a quarter of respondents in Finland (25%) and Denmark (24%) are aware of this label. Around two-thirds of respondents in Hungary (68%) have seen or heard about Környezetbarát Termék Védjegy, while 13% of those in Latvia and 11% of those in Slovakia are aware of this label. Milieukeur is recognised by 38% of respondents in the Netherlands, and by 10% of respondents in Belgium. 103

107 Only 8% of respondents in Spain are aware of Distintiu de garantia de qualitat ambiental, similar to the proportions in Ireland (8%), Italy (6%) and Luxembourg (6%). Ekologicky šetrný výrobek is recognsied by more than half of respondents in the Czech Republic (54%) and by 26% of those in Slovakia. Two-thirds of respondents in Austria (68%) are aware of Österreichisches Umweltzeichen, as are 9% of those in Slovakia and 8% of those in Slovenia. In Croatia, 44% are aware of Prijatelj Okoliša, while 21% of respodnents in Slovenia are also aware of this label. Environmentálne vhodný product is recognised by a third (33%) of respondents in Slovakia and by 17% of respondents in the Czech Republic. 104

108 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 105

109 The analysis of socio-demographic differences focuses on the EU ecolabel, as this is the one label that is not country-specific: Younger respondents are more likely to have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel (35% of year olds vs. 21% of those aged 55 or over). Those aged 55 or over are most likely to say that they have not seen or heard about any of the labels (46% vs. 39%-40% in the younger age groups). People who finished their education aged 20 or over are more likely to say they have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel, compared with those who left school aged 15 or under (37% vs. 15%). In terms of socio-professional category, managers and students are most likely to say they have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel (both 37%), with the lowest recall among retired people and house persons (both 20%). Managers are the least likely to say that they have not seen or heard about any of the labels (27%). Perhaps unsurprisingly, those who say that protecting the environment is very important to them personally are more likely to have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel than those who say protecting the environment is not important to them (33% vs. 13%). QD10 For each of the labels below, please indicate the ones you've seen or heard about. (% - EU) EU Ecolabel EU28 27 Age Education (End of) Still studying 37 Socio-professional category Self-employed 30 Managers 37 Other white collars 28 Manual workers 27 House persons 20 Unemployed 30 Retired 20 Students 37 Protecting the environment Very important 33 Fairly important 21 Total 'Not important'

110 2 Ecolabels and products purchases This section examines whether respondents have bought products carrying ecolabels, and whether the presence of the ecolabel plays a part in their purchasing decisions. a. Ecolabels and Europeans purchasing habits Three in ten Europeans who are aware of ecolabels have bought a product carrying the EU ecolabel If respondents said they had seen or heard about any of the ecolabels, they were asked whether they had bought products carrying any of the labels 29. Among those who are aware of any ecolabels, 30% say they have bought a product carrying the EU ecolabel, while a similar proportion (29%) have bought a product carrying the Blue Angel symbol, and 22% have bought a product carrying the NF Environment label. Base: respondents who have seen or heard about any of the ecolabels (n=15,386) 29 QD11 Please indicate if you have bought products carrying any of the following labels. 107

111 Among respondents who are aware of any ecolabels, 30% say they have bought a product carrying the EU ecolabel. This proportion varies across different Member States: more than half of respondents in Luxembourg (67%), Belgium (65%) and Cyprus (57%) have bought a product carrying the EU ecolabel. The lowest proportions can be observed in the Czech Republic (15%), Germany (15%) and Hungary (17%). Base: respondents who have seen or heard about any of the ecolabels (n=15,386) 108

112 Among respondents aware of any ecolabels, the following proportions say they have bought a product carrying the various labels: Blue Angel: 84% in Germany, 50% in Luxembourg and 40% in Austria. NF Environnement: 75% in France, 36% in Luxembourg, 24% in Belgium and 21% in the UK. Znak ekologiczny EKO: 61% in Poland, 53% in Lithuania, 48% in Latvia, 26% in Slovakia and 25% in Estonia. Nordic Swan: 96% in Sweden, 93% in Denmark, 93% in Finland and 27% in Estonia. Bra Miljöval: 95% in Sweden, 16% in each of Finland and Denmark. Környezetbarát Termék Védjegy: 83% in Hungary, 15% in each of Romania and Slovakia. Milieukeur: 45% in the Netherlands, 11% in Belgium. Distintiu de garantia de qualitat ambiental: 15% in Spain, 13% in Italy. Ekologicky šetrný výrobek: 73% in the Czech Republic, 47% in Slovakia. Österreichisches Umweltzeichen: 73% in Austria, 17% in Slovakia. Prijatelj Okoliša: 52% in Croatia, 23% in Slovenia. Environmentálne vhodný product (EVP): 63% in Slovakia and 15% in the Czech Republic. 109

113 Base: respondents who have seen or heard about any of the ecolabels (n=15,386) 110

114 The socio-demographic analysis is based on respondents who have seen or heard about at least one of the ecolabels and shows the following: Younger people are more likely to have bought products carrying the EU ecolabel (34% of those aged and 35% of those aged 25-39) compared with 24% of those aged 55 or over. People who finished their education aged 20 or over are more likely to say they have bought products carrying the EU ecolabel (36% vs. 19% of those who left school aged 15 or under). Individuals who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely to have bought products carrying the EU ecolabel (33% vs. 20% of those who say that protecting the environment is not important to them). QD11 Please indicate if you have bought products carrying any of the following labels: (% - EU) EU Ecolabel EU28 30 Age Education (End of) Still studying 37 Protecting the environment Very important 33 Fairly important 24 Total 'Not important'

115 b. Ecolabels and Europeans purchasing decisions A third of Europeans say that ecolabels play an important part in their purchasing decisions Respondents were asked about the role that ecolabels play in their purchasing decisions 30. Around a third of respondents (32%) say that ecolabels play an important part in their purchasing decisions, while a quarter (25%) say that they do not play an important part. A further 39% say that they never take any notice of labels. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 30 QD13 Some products have an ecolabel which certifies that they are environmentally-friendly. Which of the following views is closest to your own? 112

116 Attitudes towards ecolabels vary considerably by country. At one extreme, the majority of respondents in Sweden (70%) and Denmark (57%) say that ecolabels play an important part in their purchasing decisions, whereas less than one in five respondents say this in Bulgaria (12%), the Czech Republic and Portugal (both 17%). Respondents in the Czech Republic (38%), Poland (35%) and Hungary (32%) are the most likely to say that ecolabels do not play an important part in their purchasing decisions. More than half of respondents say that they never take any notice of labels in Portugal (64%), Spain (59%), Malta (56%) and Bulgaria (55%), while only small proportions say this in Sweden (6%) and Denmark (13%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 113

117 The socio-demographic data show differences in the proportion of respondents who say that ecolabels play an important part in their purchasing decisions: Women are slightly more likely than men to say that ecolabels play an important part (34% vs. 30%). Respondents in the middle age groups (34% of year olds and 36% of year olds) are more likely to say this than the youngest or oldest age groups (29% of both year olds and those aged 55 or over). People who finished their education aged 20 or over are more likely to say that ecolabels play an important part in their purchasing decisions (44% vs. 20% of those who left school aged 15 or under). People who have difficulties paying their bills are less likely to say that ecolabels play an important part (25% vs. 35% of those who never/almost never have difficulties) and are more likely to say that they never take any notice of labels (52% vs. 37%). Individuals who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely to value the importance of ecolabels (41% vs. 6% of those who say that protecting the environment is not important to them). QD13 Some products have an ecolabel which certifies that they are environmentally-friendly. Which of the following views is closest to your own? (% - EU) Ecolabels play an important part in your purchasing decisions Ecolabels do not play an important part in your purchasing decisions You never take any notice of labels Other (SPONTANEOUS) Don't know EU Gender Man Woman Age Education (End of) Still studying Difficulties paying bills Most of the time From time to time Almost never/ Never Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

118 3 Trust in the EU ecolabel Respondents who are aware of the EU Ecolabel were asked whether they agree or disagree that they trust that products carrying the EU ecolabel are environmentally friendly 31. More than three-quarters of respondents who are aware of the EU ecolabel trust that the products carrying it are environmentally friendly More than three-quarters (78%) of these respondents agree, including 24% who totally agree, while 18% of respondents disagree. Base: respondents who have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel (n=7,590) 31 QD12 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statement: I trust that products carrying the EU ecolabel are environmentally-friendly. 115

119 In 11 countries, at least nine out of ten respondents that are aware of the EU Ecolabel trust that products carrying it are environmentally friendly. The highest proportions can be found in Greece (95%), Cyprus, Denmark and Hungary (all 94%). Respondents in Cyprus and Austria are the most likely to say they totally agree (54% and 47% respectively). Agreement is lowest in France (61%) and Luxembourg (69%), and in these countries more than a quarter of respondents disagree with the statement (34% in France and 28% in Luxembourg). Base: respondents who have seen or heard about the EU ecolabel (n=7,590) According to the socio-demographic data: In terms of age group, respondents aged are most likely to agree that they can trust that products carrying the EU ecolabel are environmentally friendly (81%), with those aged 55 or over least likely to agree (76%). People who finished their education aged 20 or over are more likely to agree than those who left school aged 15 or under (80% vs. 71%). Self-employed (86%) and employees (84%) are more likely than unemployed (70%) and manual workers (73%) to agree with the statement. People who have difficulties paying their bills are less likely to agree (72% of those who have difficulties most of the time, compared with 80% of those who never/almost never have difficulties). Responses are also related to overall perceptions of the EU: 85% of those who have a positive image of the EU agree with the statement, compared with 64% of those who have a negative image of the EU. Individuals who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely to agree (79% vs. 52% of those who say that protecting the environment is not important to them). 116

120 QD12 Please tell me to what extent you agree or disagree with the following statement: I trust that products carrying the EU ecolabel are environmentally-friendly. (% - EU) Total 'Agree' Total 'Disagree' Don't know EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Difficulties paying bills Most of the time From time to time Almost never/ Never Image of EU Positive Neutral Negative Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

121 VI. FOCUS ON AIR POLLUTION This chapter focuses on air pollution. It starts by asking respondents about the air quality in their country, and then examines effective ways of tackling problems of air quality. Respondents are then asked about their own behaviour to reduce harmful emissions, and finally are asked to consider the best level at which to address the issue of air pollution. 1 Europeans perceptions on air quality in their country A relative majority of Europeans think air quality has deteriorated in the last 10 years Respondents were asked about the air quality in their country over the previous ten years 32. Almost half (47%) think that it has deteriorated, while a third (33%) say that air quality has stayed the same, and 13% say that it has improved. The remainder (7%) do not know. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 32 QD16 Do you think that, over the last 10 years, the air quality in (OUR COUNTRY) has? 118

122 Respondents in Ireland and the Czech Republic are the most positive about air quality in their country, with 33% and 31% respectively saying that it has improved in the past ten years. The proportion that say air quality has improved is also relatively high in Malta (28%), the Netherlands (24%) and Germany (23%). By contrast, at least six in ten respondents in Cyprus (69%), Spain (68%), France (62%), Italy (61%), Greece (60%) think that the air quality has deteriorated in their country. Respondents are most likely to say that the air quality has stayed the same in their country in Finland (60%) and Latvia (53%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) Socio-demographic analysis highlights a number of differences: Men are more likely than women to think that air quality has improved over the last ten years (16% vs. 10%), while women are more likely to think it has deteriorated during this time (49% vs. 44%). Older respondents are slightly more likely they are to think air quality has improved: 14% of year olds and 15% of those aged 55 or over, compared with 9% of those aged The longer a respondent remained in education, the more likely they are to think that air quality has improved over the last ten years: 17% of those who completed their education aged 20+ think that air quality has improved, compared with 11% of those who completed their education aged 15 or younger. In terms of socio-professional category, managers are the most likely to think that air quality has improved (21%), while house persons (8%) and unemployed respondents (9%) are least likely to say this. People who have difficulties paying their bills are more likely to think that air quality has deteriorated over the last ten years (62% of those who have difficulties most of the time, compared with 43% of those who never/almost never have difficulties). Individuals who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely to say that air quality has deteriorated (51% vs. 32% of those who say that protecting the environment is not important to them). 119

123 QD16 Do you think that, over the last 10 years, the air quality in (OUR COUNTRY) has? (% - EU) Improved Stayed the same Deteriorated Don't know EU Gender Man Woman Age Education (End of) Still studying Socio-professional category Self-employed Managers Other white collars Manual workers House persons Unemployed Retired Students Difficulties paying bills Most of the time From time to time Almost never/ Never Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

124 2 Most effective ways of tackling air pollution Stricter pollution controls on industrial and energy production activities are considered to be the most effective way to tackle problems of air quality Respondents were asked to identify what they thought are or would be the most effective ways of tackling problems of air quality, choosing up to three items from a list of eight 33. The most popular option is applying stricter pollution controls on industrial and energy production activities (41%). The other options have broadly similar levels of support. Five of the measures are chosen by just over a quarter of respondents: applying stricter controls on emissions from new vehicles (29%), providing more information to the public on the health and environmental consequences of air pollution (28%), providing higher financial incentives for low emission products (27%), ensuring better enforcement of existing air quality legislation (26%) and introducing stricter air quality legislation (26%). Respondents are slightly less likely to favour increasing taxation on air polluting activities (23%) and introducing or maintaining traffic restrictions in polluted cities (20%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 33 QD17 In your opinion, which of the following are or would be the most effective ways of tackling problems of air quality? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) 121

125 The various ways of tackling problems of air quality have differing levels of support in EU Member States: In 23 out of 28 countries, the most popular measure is applying stricter pollution controls on industrial and energy production activities. At least half of respondents choose this measure in Greece (53%), France (53%), the Netherlands (51%) and Sweden (50%). The most popular measure in Cyprus is applying stricter controls on emissions from new vehicles (46%). This is also mentioned by a relatively high proportion of respondents in Germany (38%) and Sweden (36%). In both Ireland and Lithuania, a third of respondents (34%) think that it would be effective to provide more information to the public on the health and environmental consequences of air pollution, making this the joint-most popular measure in these countries (along with applying stricter pollution controls on industrial and energy production activities). This measure is also popular among respondents in Greece (42%), Finland (37%), Cyprus (36%) and Austria (35%). Providing higher financial incentives for low emission products is the most frequently chosen option by respondents in Poland (31%), and is the joint-most mentioned option in Ireland (34%). This measure is also mentioned by a high proportion of respondents in Sweden (40%), Finland (39%), the Netherlands (39%), Austria (38%) and Denmark (37%). Ensuring better enforcement of existing air quality legislation is the most favoured option in Portugal (46%) and Malta (34%), and a strong support for this measure can also be found in the Netherlands (35%). Respondents in Cyprus are the most likely to choose the option of introducing stricter air quality legislation (41%), and this is the most popular of the measures in Slovakia (30%). Respondents in the Netherlands (37%), Belgium (32%) and Bulgaria (31%) are the most likely to support increasing taxation on air polluting activities. Introducing or maintaining traffic restrictions in polluted cities is mentioned by less than one third of respondents in all countries. 122

126 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 123

127 Socio-demographic analysis highlights a number of differences: Women are slightly more likely than men to say that providing more information to the public on the health and environmental consequences of air pollution is the most effective way of tackling air-related problems (30% vs. 26%). However, men are more likely than women to favour higher financial incentives for low-emitting products (30% vs. 25%). Respondents aged (32%) and (31%) are the most likely to mention providing higher financial incentives for low-emitting products, with those aged 55 or over least likely to choose this option (22%). Otherwise, responses are similar across age groups. Respondents who completed their education aged 20 or over are more likely to mention several of the measures, compared with those who finished education by the age of 15: applying stricter controls on industrial and energy-production activities (44% vs. 35%), providing higher financial incentives for low-emitting products (33% vs. 20%) and introducing or maintaining traffic restrictions in polluted cities (24% vs. 16%). For most of the options, responses are similar for respondents who feel the EU is doing the right amount to protect the environment and those who feel the EU is not doing enough. However, respondents who think the EU is not doing enough are more likely to mention some of the options: applying stricter pollution controls on industrial and energy-production activities (44% vs. 34%), ensuring better enforcement of existing air quality legislation (29% vs. 24%) and increasing taxation on air-polluting activities (26% vs. 21%). 124

128 QD17 In your opinion, which of the following are or would be the most effective ways of tackling problems of air quality? (MAX. 3 ANSWERS) (% - EU) Applying stricter pollution controls on industrial and energy- production activities Applying stricter controls on emissions from new vehicles Providing more information to the public on the health and environmental consequences of air pollution Providing higher financial incentives (e.g. tax breaks, subsidies) for low emission products Ensuring better enforcement of existing air quality legislation Introducing stricter air quality legislation Increasing taxation on air-polluting activities Introducing or maintaining traffic restrictions in polluted cities (e.g. congestion charges, low emission zones, access restrictions) EU Gender Man Woman Age Education (End of) Still studying How much EU is doing to protect the environment Too much The right amount Not enough

129 3 Personal action to reduce harmful emissions Reducing car use and upgrading to more energy efficient equipment are the most commonly taken individual actions to reduce emissions Respondents were asked to identify the actions they had personally taken in the past two years to reduce harmful emissions into the air 34. They were presented with six activities and asked to choose all that are applicable to them. The two most mentioned actions are frequently using public transport or a bicycle, or choosing to walk instead of taking the car (35%) and replacing older energy-intensive equipment (hot water boiler, oven, dishwasher, etc.) with newer equipment with a better energy efficiency rating (for instance products labelled A+++) (32%). Around one in eight respondents (13%) say they have changed their home heating system from a higher-emission system (e.g. coal, oil, or wood-fired) to a lower one (natural gas, pellets, electricity, solar, etc.). One in ten (10%) have bought low-emission products to fuel their open fire or barbecue (e.g. briquettes instead of coal), while 6% have bought a low emission car (for example a hybrid car) and 3% have bought an electric vehicle (car, motorbike, bicycle). More than a third of respondents (35%) say they have not done any of these things. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 34 QD19 There are different ways to reduce harmful emissions into the air. In order to reduce these problems have you done any of the following in the last two years? (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) 126

130 Overall, more than six in ten respondents in the EU (62%) say that they have undertaken at least one action to reduce harmful emissions into the air. They are most likely to have done one or two of the activities (54%), while 8% have done three or more. Base: all respondents (n=27,881) In 17 Member States, the most common activity is using public transport or a bicycle, or choosing to walk instead of taking the car, and this is the joint-most mentioned activity in other three countries. Respondents are most likely to say they have done this in Sweden (58%) and the Netherlands (54%). Respondents in Denmark (50%) are the most likely to have replaced old energy-intensive equipment with newer equipment with a better energy efficiency rating, followed by those in Slovenia (48%) and Malta (45%). This is the most common action taken in eight countries, and the joint most common one in another three countries. Respondents in Slovenia are the most likely to have changed their home heating system from higher-emission to lower-emission (29%). This is also mentioned by more than one fifth of respondents in Belgium (22%) and Luxembourg (21%). The highest proportions of respondents buying low emission products to fuel their open fire or barbecue can be observed in Ireland (22%), Denmark (21%) and Sweden (21%). Respondents are most likely to have bought a low emission car in Belgium (11%), Denmark (10%) and Malta (10%), while less than one in ten in all countries say they have bought an electric vehicle. 127

131 Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 128

132 Socio-demographic analysis shows a number of differences: Respondents aged are more likely than older age groups to say they frequently use public transport, cycle or walk instead of using their car (43% vs. 32%-36%). They are least likely to have replaced old energy intensive equipment with newer models with a better energy efficiency rating (20%); respondents aged are most likely to have done this (38%). Those who completed their education at the age of 20 or above are more likely to have replaced old energy intensive equipment with newer models with a better energy efficiency rating (41% vs. 21% of those who completed their education by the age of 15), and to say they frequently use public transport, cycle or walk instead of using their car (42% vs. 24%). The larger the households the more likely they are to have replaced old energy intensive equipment with newer models with a better energy efficiency rating: 39% of multiple households with children, 34% of multiple households without children, 27% of single households with children, and 22% of single households without children. People who have difficulties paying their bills are less likely to have replaced old energy intensive equipment with newer models with a better energy efficiency rating (21% of those who have difficulties most of the time, compared with 34% of those who never/almost never have difficulties). People living in large towns are more likely to say they frequently use public transport, cycle or walk instead of using their car, compared with people living in rural villages (44% vs. 29%). Respondents who feel that protecting the environment is very important to them are more likely to have replaced old energy intensive equipment with newer models with a better energy efficiency rating (35% vs. 21% of those who say that protecting the environment is not important to them) and to say they frequently use public transport, cycle or walk instead of using their car (40% vs. 19%). 129

133 QD19 There are different ways to reduce harmful emissions into the air. In order to reduce these problems have you done any of the following in the last two years? (MULTIPLE ANSWERS POSSIBLE) (% - EU) You have frequently used public transport or a bicycle, or chosen to walk instead of taking your car You have replaced older energy-intensive equipment (hot water boiler, oven, dishwasher, etc.) with newer equipment with a better energy efficiency rating (for instance products labelled A+++) You have changed your home heating system from a higher- emission system (e.g. coal, oil or wood-fired) to a lower one (natural gas, pellets, electricity, solar, etc.) You have bought low-emission products to fuel your open fire or barbecue (e.g. briquettes instead of coal) You have bought a low emission-car (for example an hybrid car) You have bought an electric vehicle (car, motorbike, bicycle) None (SPONTANEOUS) EU Age Education (End of) Still studying Household situation Single Household without children Single Household with children Multiple Household without children Household with children Difficulties paying bills Most of the time From time to time Almost never/ Never Subjective urbanisation Rural village Small/ mid size town Large town Protecting the environment Very important Fairly important Total 'Not important'

134 4 Addressing the issue of air pollution: preferred level of decisionmaking Almost half of Europeans think the issue of air pollution can best be addressed at the EU level Just under half of Europeans (48%) think that the issue of air pollution can best be addressed at the EU level 35. A third (33%) think that it is better addressed at the national level, while 14% favour action at the regional or local level. A small minority mention another level (1%), or do not know (4%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) 35 QD18 In your opinion, at what level can the issue of air pollution best be addressed? 131

135 In 20 Member States, the EU level is seen as the best suited to address the issue of air pollution. Respondents in the Netherlands are the most likely to say this (70%). There are eight countries where respondents think that the issue of air pollution can best be addressed at the national level. Malta has the highest proportion of respondents giving this answer (50%). Base: all respondents (n=27,881) Respondents in the Netherlands (70%), Belgium (64%), Spain (64%) and Germany (61%) are the most likely to say that the issue of air pollution can best be addressed at the EU level. The lowest proportions favouring action at the EU level can be found in Poland (29%), Romania (31%), Croatia (35%) and the UK (35%). A preference for action at the national level is most common in Malta (50%), the UK (45%), Croatia (43%) and Romania (43%). Respondents are least likely to favour the national level in Spain (20%), the Netherlands (21%) and Germany (26%). Respondents are most likely to say that the regional or local level is best for addressing the issue of air pollution in Poland (26%), Romania (22%), Croatia and Slovenia (both 21%). The lowest proportions can be seen in Malta (7%), Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg and the Netherlands (all 8%). 132