- Observatorio de Transición Justa has presented its second state report on the perception of the ecological transition in Spain
- The study reveals there is greater awareness among youth, among whom 78% support the fight against climate change
- The population is more aware of the positive impact the ecological transition process can have on health and the environment; 60% believe it can reduce air and water pollution
- See the full report here: download
The report reflects that 68% of the citizens surveyed consider the fight against climate change to be a priority action, while only 4% indicate it is not important. These data represent an increase in the Spanish population's perception of the importance of acting against climate change, having increased by more than three percentage points since last year (64.9%). Meanwhile, 27% of the population considers this fight important, although it gives greater priority to other issues at this time.
Considering age, prioritization of action in the fight against climate change is clearly higher among younger people. Thus, 78% of young people under the age of 30 support the fight against climate change.
On the other hand, the population is more inclined to support policies that promote certain less polluting sectors through subsidies, rather than punitive measures through restrictions or prohibitions. Thus, actions relating to environmental taxes and the establishment of low-emission areas offer the greatest resistance (35% and 22% would not agree). On the other hand, awareness-raising measures also rank among those that receive the most support.
The majority of the population considers that, in general, the ecological transition in the short term is an opportunity for our society (56%) and only 19% see it as a threat; this perception improves in the long term (67% compared to 18%).
This perception is mainly based on an assessment of the positive impact the ecological transition can have on health and the environment. Thus, about 60% believes it can reduce air pollution, water pollution, improve health and create cleaner environments.
However, there is a notable concern for the impact it may have on the cost of living. Some 51% believe changes in consumption guidelines involved in the ecological transition may have an impact on their economic capacity.
The data reveals a general decline between 2022 and 2023 of 3 to 11 pp. among the population in their willingness to adopt socially responsible behaviors towards the environment in daily life. This setback is especially observed in those changes that may involve an economic surcharge, such as willingness to pay higher taxes, assuming the extra cost of purchasing a hybrid or electric car or buying environmentally friendly products.
Finally, the analysis of the typology of citizenship dealing with ecological transition reveals that in the last year there has been an increase in the profile of so-called "non-actors", the profile most resistant to the transformations involved in the ecological transition, which currently represents 16% of the population.
Anabel Suso, coordinator of the report and director of Public Policy Innovation at Red2Red, has stated, "The survey data reveals some worrying trends, such as a certain lack of responsibility from citizens in adopting environmentally responsible behaviors, which is accompanied by a tendency to delegate the responsibility for action to other actors, mainly the government and companies." In this regard, it is very important to consider the economic costs associated with the transition process which, as the population points out, seem to be a factor in the adoption of certain behaviors or in the support of certain policies of action.”
Meanwhile, Teresa Mañueco, director of Fundación Cepsa, has advocated for the importance of these types of reports. "It is essential to understand citizens’ attitudes toward issues as crucial as the ecological transition," she stated.
New features in the methodology
To carry out the study, a survey was conducted of more than 3,000 people from the 17 Autonomous Communities, establishing quotas by age, gender, and rural or urban residence, as well as the Autonomous Community.
In addition to the dimensions analyzed in the previous edition of the observatory, this year, new evidence has been incorporated such as the perception of the overall impact of the ecological transition process on the economy, employment, environment, health, daily life, and population consumption, as well as an assessment of the promotion of renewable energy sources such as hydrogen and biofuels.
Evidence has also been added, such as people's attitudes in terms of responsibility and desire to participate in the decision-making process and the assessment of current or potential political measures to combat climate change.
