The latest CBOS survey shows that 67 percent Poles are in favor of gradually achieving climate neutrality at a pace adapted to the country's capabilities. Only 26 percent respondents support achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in line with EU objectives.
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The Public Opinion Research Center in its report “Opinions on climate change and energy transformation” points out that Support for moving away from coal to greener energy sources decreased to 55%, which is the lowest level since 2015. This decrease is particularly visible compared to previous years – by 6 percentage points compared to the previous year, by 15 points compared to 2021, and by as much as 19 points compared to 2021. At the same time, the number of people in favor of using domestic hard coal resources is increasing – it currently stands at 39%, which means an increase of 8 percentage points during the year.
Climate change and energy transition. Divided opinions of Poles
According to CBOS, 57 percent respondents believe that Poland should develop renewable and non-renewable energy sources in parallel. Among the remaining respondents, renewable energy sources (24%) gain more support than those based on fossil fuels (14%). However, the authors of the study note that in recent years the number of people who prefer the development of non-renewable energy sources has been increasing, while supporters of renewable energy have been decreasing.
The survey also shows that climate change is perceived as a threat by 68%. respondents. In this group, 51 percent considers it to be one of many dangerous phenomena, and 17 percent considered the greatest threat to modern civilization. At the same time, 21 percent respondents believe that climate change is not dangerous, and 3 percent denies the existence of this process at all.
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Climate and human activity: changing attitudes
Nearly two-thirds of respondents (64%) attribute climate change to human activity, although this percentage has decreased by 13 percentage points since 2018. At the same time, the number of people (29%) who perceive climate change as a result of natural processes increased by 11 percentage points over the same period.
It is worth noting that 58 percent respondents aware of global warming believe that individual actions can help reduce climate change. The most frequently mentioned methods are responsible consumption and waste reduction (66%), as well as changing heating systems and using electricity (39%). However, over one third of respondents (36%) admit that they have no influence on counteracting this phenomenon.
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Climate neutrality – common goal, different paths
CBOS emphasizes that 67 percent Poles are in favor of gradually achieving climate neutrality, adapted to the specificity of the country. These data are similar to the results from the previous year, which indicates the stability of opinions on this issue. However, differences in the approach to energy transformation and growing support for coal show that the path to climate change in Poland may be more complex than the EU goals assume.
