BERLIN, Oct. 22, 2020 /PRNewswire/ --
- Vodafone Institute's poll "Digitising Europe Pulse": More than
half (54%) of the Europeans state that digital technology can play
a big role to solve the problems of climate change.
- 65% say that tackling climate change is an overarching issue
for citizens, politics and businesses.
- 72% are willing to bear higher costs if necessary.
- Big majority consider environmentally responsible behaviour in
their everyday life.
Background: EU commission is proposing a 55% cut in emissions by
2030. Additionally, all national recovery and resilience plans must
now focus strongly on both reforms and investments supporting the
green transition, with a minimum of 37% of the €672.5 billion
recovery and resilience facility being earmarked to climate.
- Representative survey across 13 EU member states conducted by
Kantar.
With regards to climate change, a majority in numerous EU
countries sees digitisation rather as part of the solution than as
part of the problem.
This reveals a new survey of the Vodafone Institute, the
European think-tank of the Vodafone Group. More than half of the
surveyed Europeans state that digital technology can play a big
role to solve environmental problems. Only 14% sees digital
technology as one of the reasons for climate change.
Furthermore, 65% of Europeans think each and everyone has to
fight against climate change, while institutions such as
national governments follow behind.
Most people (72%) agree more or less that the EU must
comprise strict rules with respective costs for businesses and
citizens. Nevertheless, the preferred way of EU climate change
action is via technological innovations (approved by 81%). On the
other hand, less than half of the surveyed EU citizens (42%) have
so far heard of the "Green Deal for Europe".
Inger Paus, Managing Director of the Vodafone Institute,
said: "There is no longer any doubt that the issue of climate
change has reached large sections of society. Most people are, in
principle, willing to make a contribution on an individual level.
Remarkable: Digital technologies are rather seen as part of the
solution – not of the problem. Politics and business are called
upon to take up this positive trend".
The results are particularly important in the light of the EU
Commission's recent plans. The European Commission has now asserted
that all national recovery and resilience plans must focus strongly
on both reforms and investments supporting the green transition. In
fact, a minimum of 37% of the €672.5 billion recovery and
resilience facility is earmarked to climate. The EU Commission has
also raised its climate ambition, proposing a 55% cut in emissions
by 2030.
Asked if the EU should take on a pioneering role in
fighting climate change, all in all, 53% agree that the EU should
take the lead. But the answer depends very much on the nationality:
The prevalent opinion in the
Netherlands, Estonia and
Poland is that instead global
agreements must be reached. In contrast, in Portugal, Greece, Spain
and Ireland, an active role of the
EU is favoured.
More findings of the survey:
- The big majority (87%) consider environmentally responsible
behaviour in their everyday life when it comes to purchasing
decisions
- More specifically, 72% state that they are using their
smartphone for a longer period and thus avoid buying a new
smartphone too often.
- Furthermore, 69% avoid single-use plastics and 60% are
buying locally products (e.g. food or clothes).
The results are part of the "Digitising Europe Pulse" series.
The survey was conducted by Kantar. For this purpose, 13.000 people
in 13 EU countries were interviewed via an online-survey. Previous
parts examined people's attitudes to the impact of COVID-19 and the
EU's digital agenda.
Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications
The Institute is Vodafone's think-tank. We explore the
potential and responsible use of digital technologies for
innovation, growth and sustainable social impact. Through research
and events, we provide thought leadership and offer a platform for
dialogue between business, academia and politics.
We are committed to improving access to technology for all parts
of society, developing and supporting projects on the ground for
female empowerment and digital education. The wide-ranging
expertise of the Advisory Board members reflects the Institute's
intention to act as a cross–sectoral platform.
Press Contact:
Friedrich
Pohl
Head of Communications
Mobile: +49-172-71-55-900
Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications
Office Berlin
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www.vodafone-institut.de
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