“Hopeless”: There is little hope attached to the global climate summit

Almost two thirds are skeptical that climate change “can still be brought under control”, and 21 percent even consider this to be hopeless. These are the results of a survey published on Monday that the Academy of Sciences (ÖAW) carried out as part of this year’s “Science Barometer”. Limiting the global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as agreed in Paris eight years ago, no longer seems possible given the concessions the states have made so far, as some researchers believe. It is often said that every tenth of a degree counts.

The survey surprisingly showed that more than a third (39 percent) agreed with the statement that humanity “can still live well” if global average temperatures rise by more than three degrees Celsius. 63 percent strongly agreed that there should be “more action against climate change.”

For 31 percent, climate change is the most important issue

There seems to be widespread recognition that climate change has anthropogenic causes: the majority of those surveyed agreed that the burning of fossil fuels contributes to climate change (85 percent), that climate protection measures are effective (80 percent) and that climate change is caused by humans (79 percent). These are further results of the survey on the attitude of the Austrian population to climate change, which was carried out by the Gallup Institute in addition to the recently presented ÖAW science barometer and based on the survey of 1,500 Austrians in September and October (online and by telephone, weighted sample was representative) based.

When it comes to the importance of individual topic areas, 31 percent ranked climate change in first (21 percent) or second place (10 percent) – the health system, the care system and poverty were mentioned more frequently as priority topics – immigration and the education system took the lower places.

More repairs and second-hand products

The willingness to contribute to protecting the climate with self-imposed measures was mixed: there was the greatest support for repairing more and using second-hand products, paying more attention to local production when shopping and switching to climate-friendly heating systems. 49 percent (of around 1,100 car or motorcycle owners) rejected their own decision to phase out combustion engines or switch to electric motors. Driving at 100 speeds on the motorway is also comparatively unpopular (39 percent would not take part).

Activism is rejected

The majority consider it important that researchers share their findings (e.g. through public lectures, scientific publications, statements) – but activism or participation in demonstrations was viewed very negatively. 57 percent said that researchers should under no circumstances engage in public activism, such as sticking to the streets or occupying universities.

In the statement, ÖAW President Heinz Faßmann viewed the fact that there is a view that measures against climate change are necessary, and at the same time that the efforts have little chance of success, as “a certain resignation”. It is therefore important to provide greater motivation in communication about climate change and to continue to provide fact-based information and show options for action: “Otherwise, suppression or even denial of climate change will be the problematic consequences.”

Against the background of the much-debated societal trust in science, it is definitely positive that 66 percent thought that “political decisions should be based on scientific findings.”