A recent survey in Germany reveals growing pessimism regarding climate change, with only 54% of participants considering environmental protection and climate change mitigation as very important—a decline from previous years (57% in 2022 and 65% in 2020). Support for limiting global warming to under 2 degrees Celsius has also dropped to 57%. While the importance of specific environmental challenges remains high or has slightly increased, such as fighting plastic waste and protecting ecosystems, optimism about managing climate change’s effects is dwindling. Only one-third believe Germany can cope effectively, marking the lowest confidence level since 2002.
Many respondents are already feeling the health impacts of climate change, particularly during heatwaves, with 85% acknowledging the need for better protection against extreme heat. Yet, over 80% express satisfaction with their local environment, citing good accessibility to greenspaces and clean drinking water, although only 7% deem the global environment in good condition.
Key concerns include reducing air pollution and improving access to climate-friendly housing, with 87% advocating for more affordable options. Notably, public awareness of ecological destruction risks is less influenced by scientific findings, as participants tend to underestimate complex environmental threats. This environmental awareness study, conducted online with 2,552 citizens in autumn 2024 and commissioned by the Federal Ministry for the Environment and UBA, aims to evaluate the environmental attitudes and behaviors of Germany’s population, continuing a biennial effort since 1996.
