Climate change, pollution, loss of biodiversity and waste management are some of the environmental problems that most concern Spaniards, according to a survey conducted by the Sociological Research Center (CIS).
The study, published in June 2023, reveals that 86.7% of those interviewed consider the environment to be very or fairly important for their quality of life, and that 83.4% think that the environmental situation in Spain is bad or fair.
In addition, 91.2% of those surveyed believe that climate change is a serious or very serious problem, and 88.6% are willing to change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact.
Among the measures most supported by Spaniards to protect the environment are the use of renewable energies (95.6%), the promotion of public transport (93.4%), the recycling of waste (92.9%), the reduction in the use of plastics (92.7%) and the implementation of green taxation (81.4%).
However, the survey also shows that Spaniards perceive a lack of commitment on the part of governments, companies and society in general to address environmental challenges. Thus, 77.9% of those interviewed consider that the central government does little or nothing for the environment, 75.8% think the same of the regional government and 71% of the local government. On the other hand, 79.2% believe that companies do little or nothing for the environment, and 67.8% think that citizens do not do enough either.
Faced with this panorama, Spaniards are demanding more information, education and participation in environmental decisions. Of those surveyed, 89.5% say they would like to receive more information on environmental problems and possible solutions, 87.6% believe that more education on the environment should be provided in schools, and 85.2% believe that citizens should be consulted more on environmental policies.
The CIS study thus reflects a growing awareness and concern for the environment among Spaniards, as well as a demand for greater involvement and responsibility on the part of all social actors. The challenge now is to transform this concern into action to achieve sustainable development and a just ecological transition.
