Brussels, 28/03/2003 (Agence Europe) - With an increasing awareness of environmental problems, Europeans continue to place European issues at the head of their priorities but views have also changed with regard to the main causes of pollution and measures that should be used to solve these problems. The results of the latest Eurobarometer survey on European attitudes about the environment, carried out last autumn, is testimony to this development in comparison to the previous study in 1999. Here are some of the main trends that were observed:
Problems linked to industrial safety are of most worry to Europeans. 50% of those interviewed thought that nuclear disasters were the worst of worries and 45% thought industrial disasters were the source of their number one worry. Nevertheless, long-term worries about air pollution, natural disasters, water pollution and deforestation continue to draw attention (41%-44% of those interviewed).
Overall, worries about environmental dangers are most prevalent in southern EU countries than in the north. Greece harbours the highest degree of worries (which is quite unprecedented) and Dutch citizens are the least worried.
Environmental issues about which Europeans believe that they are "quite well informed" are natural disasters, air pollution, climate change, urban problems and destruction of the ozone layer. Subjects about which they consider they are "least well informed" are subjects that are now less current (acid rain), industrial problems (chemical products, GMOs, industrial waste).
In the context of action on the environment, responses proved balanced: 50% of those interview believed that it is possible to take action usefully, while 50% fear that their action would be ineffective. 65%, however, believe that their action could have effects if other people as well as themselves were as determined to take action to protect the environment.
In connection with the measures to take for environmental conservation, 48% of those interviewed supported strengthening regulation and tighter application, while 45% called for more information and public awareness, as well as public participation in decision making. 40% think that the key issue is better application of existing laws.
33% of Europeans now consider that the Community is the most suitable level for taking environmental protection measures. 30% are opposed to this view and believe that governments are better placed; 27% think the local authorities are the most appropriate vehicle for these measures.
Margo Wallström, Commissioner for the Environment was pleased with these results and stated in a communiqué that it was clear that Europeans wanted more measures at a European level and that the opinions expressed in this survey would be taken into consideration in their future initiatives. (http: //europa.eu.int/comm/environment/barometer/index.htm).