Study: Climate Policy and Renewables Remain High Priority for Austrian Population Despite COVID-19

Vienna (OTS) – A study on renewable energy carried out by the University of Klagenfurt, WU Vienna, Deloitte Austria and Wien Energie in June this year provides a clear picture of the state of mind of the Austrian population amid the crown crisis. The uptake of renewable energy remains high despite the COVID-19 pandemic. More and more people are calling for climate and energy policy measures. However, around a quarter of Austrians doubt that politicians are committed to protecting the climate in the long term. Consumers also want to make an active contribution themselves: interest in electric mobility and sustainable products is uninterrupted.

The results of the latest study on renewable energy were released in May. Due to the change in situation due to COVID-19, more than 1,000 people were surveyed again in June with the financial support of the Association for the Promotion of the Economy and the Research Council of the University of Klagenfurt. The result, which is representative of the Austrian population, is particularly surprising at one point: even amid the worst economic crisis since the end of World War II, Austrians have a very positive attitude towards renewables. Y: The global climate crisis is now more worrying than ever.

More and more advocates of climate policy measures

Most of those surveyed assume that climate change will have negative effects on everyone’s lives and that these are already being felt. Therefore, about 60% support anchoring climate protection as a national goal in the federal constitution. A majority of 57% also support greening the tax system. But about a quarter have doubts that politicians really take concrete action against climate change.

“The survey results show a greater sense of responsibility among Austrians. The number of people who want to take climate protection measures in their private lives has increased compared to the previous year, ”explains Nina Hampl, author of the study from the University of Klagenfurt. “More and more people, probably due to current restrictions and working from home, are consciously refraining from using their own car or choosing vacation destinations that do not require air travel,” adds Robert Sposato, author of the study from the University of Klagenfurt. .

In general, consumers want climate protection measures taken in the transport sector across Europe: while 50% supported the introduction of kerosene taxes across the EU in the previous year, 58% of respondents are now agree.

The climate crisis remains the number one problem for children

The climate crisis continues to worry Austrians despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Almost half of those surveyed see the climate crisis as a comparatively greater threat to people’s well-being over the next ten years. However, 83% are skeptical about the current positive climate effect caused by the COVID-19 restrictions. Without effective investments in climate protection, the next crisis is inevitable for more than half.

“The economic stimulus packages must be as sustainable as possible and be absolutely in line with the climate targets,” explains Michael Strebl, CEO of Wien Energie. “The population rethink has already begun: consumption of sustainably supplied goods in particular increased during the shutdown. Now we need to set the right course in politics and invest in business. More subsidies for electric mobility and the implementation of simplifications already planned in this way, for example for electronic charging points in garages, are an important first step. “

COVID-19 fuels the climate debate

In a year-on-year comparison, even more people support the demands of the “Fridays for Future” movement: 83% believe that politicians must create the right framework conditions to make climate-friendly action easy and affordable. For Gerhard Marterbauer, partner at Deloitte Austria, the COVID-19 crisis has made clear the importance of climate protection: “The climate crisis has not lost its importance at all as a result of the pandemic; it underlines the need for rapid action. “.

Electric vehicles are in fashion

Interest in electric cars in Germany remains high compared to the previous year’s survey results. “Even in a crisis, 43% can imagine buying an electric car. This is proof of the ever-increasing popularity, which is reinforced by the ever-increasing selection and range of models, ”emphasizes Deloitte expert Gerhard Marterbauer. “The new electric car subsidy that took effect in July has also had a positive effect and is a sustainable boost for the auto industry.”

Information about the study

The present study is based on data from six representative surveys of the Austrian population aged 18-70 years in June 2020 (1,043 respondents), October / November 2019 (1,014 respondents), October / November 2018 (1,014 respondents), October 2017 (1,006 respondents), October 2016 (1,000 respondents) and October 2015 (1,014 respondents).