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The 2021-2022 EIB Climate Survey has revealed the concerns of Portuguese people relating to climate change and the environment.
According to the survey conducted by the European Investment Bank (EIB): “The vast majority of the Portuguese population (77 percent) feel that climate change has an impact on their everyday lives. This is a concern shared by both the younger (75 percent) and older generations (75 percent), dispelling myths that climate change is more of a concern for the young and a generationally divisive subject.
When it comes to regulation, the majority (85 percent) of Portuguese respondents favour stricter government measures that would impose changes on people’s behaviour (15 points above the EU average of 70 percent).
Meanwhile, “only 5 percent of Portuguese people still believe that global warming is not due to human activities”.
When asked about the source of energy their country should rely on to fight global warming, the survey found that the majority of “Portuguese people favour renewable energies (83 percent, 20 points above the EU average of 63 percent) to address the climate emergency”. It was also found that Portuguese people are overall less supportive of nuclear energy than other Europeans (3 percent vs. 12 percent).
Popular solutions
Over three quarters of Portuguese people (77 percent) would support – and to a greater extent than Europeans in general (69 percent) – the introduction of a tax on products and services that contribute most to global warming. The survey continues to state that “Portuguese respondents are also in favour of a five-year minimum warranty on any electric or electronic product (95 percent) and replacing short-distance flights with fast, low-emission trains (91 percent). They also favour softer measures like strengthening education and increasing youth awareness of sustainable consumption (96 percent)”.
EIB Vice-President Ricardo Mourinho Félix said: “91 percent of Portuguese respondents say they want to replace short-distance flights by fast trains. The expansion of the Trans-European Transport and Energy Networks (TENs) remains one of our key objectives as they increase the potential to generate trade, foster economic growth, boost competitiveness while reducing pollution. That is why, for example, we financed high-speed trains connecting Portugal and Spain, facilitating interoperable and efficient freight connections to and from the south of Portugal.
“We must crowd in resources from the private sector and invest in new disruptive technologies to achieve the climate goals we have set. It’s now or never - this is the critical decade to act.”
Originally from the UK, Daisy has been living and working in Portugal for more than 20 years. She has worked in PR, marketing and journalism, and has been the editor of The Portugal News since 2019. Jornalista 7920
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I wish people would start studying climate change as yes, climate change has been in existence since for ever. Also, there is no Global warming. The public are being lied to! For instance, 30 years ago, it was predicted by the "Global Warming" activists (Now called Climate change) that the Maldives and the UK would be under water. Why are the Billionaires of the world buying prime property at the coast of the UK? Why is the UK still afloat as is the Maldives! People need to really wake up and start smelling the manure the mainstream media and politicians are spreading!
By NN from Beiras on 16 Nov 2021, 12:33
Portugal needs to modernize the trains and add more bus stops to their routes. Even people willing to use the buses are not able to reach their homes or rural areas. The fares also need to be reduced. The freguesias should ask the inhabitants how many would take the bus if it were made available.
By IC from Other on 16 Nov 2021, 13:45
Time to upgrade trains in Portugal? With clean train stations linking transport - not just a train station far, far from town centres which are practically semi-abandoned. More efficiency, more functionality is seriously needed. And long term vision which is so lacking...
By K from Algarve on 16 Nov 2021, 14:18
Portugal has a opportunity to take lead and show how simple things like sensible transportation can prosper a country. Connect uk with regular trains, introduce English along with local language . Cultural isolation has not done any good to the country .
By Richard from UK on 16 Nov 2021, 21:26
Dear NN, people are sheep, have you not noticed? Why do you think the term 'global warming' was changed to 'climate change'? Because anything can be attributed to the latter. Heat, cold, floods, winds, anything.
I was told in the 90s in school that by 2020 the Maldives, Amsterdam, Venice, Miami, London and many other places would be under water. Predicted by renown scientists. We all believed it.
Today, the only ones who still believe anything coming from politicians and the media, are sheeple. It's easier to leave the thinking to others and just do what they're told.
By DD from Lisbon on 17 Nov 2021, 07:48
Richard, from what I have seen, cultural isolation is what the Portuguese seem to want - they hide all the inefficiencies behind this mantra "not happy, then leave" (because we are not going to change and improve the country, we will continue living in poverty and envying other European countries while doing nothing constructive). Sad, because being a small (and insignificant) country, it could do so much better if only there was there will.
By K from Algarve on 17 Nov 2021, 09:05
We are considering living in Portugal and getting ready to come for a look-around visit so the comments are helpful to understanding the Portuguese mindset. Thank you!
By Robert King from USA on 18 Nov 2021, 12:02
Robert King, the comments here are in no way helpful to understanding the Portuguese mindset. They are (unfortunately) helpful only to understanding some portion of the expat community within Portugal, much of which seems to take little effort to understand or appreciate this wonderful, sane, courteous, modest country with big ideals. We live in a part of the Alentejo that few expats choose to move to, and we couldn't be happier with the choice we made to move here from the States six years ago.
By Miranda from Alentejo on 20 Nov 2021, 14:41
Thank the lord our expat experts are not responsible for the next 50 year plan of the global environment,what I do not understand and it is quite of Uk ex pats is why you come to a country you rate so bad and moan and groan ? I came here due to Portuguese laid back way of life and lack of daily rat race behaviour,unfortunately I see more brain washed greedy-needy people arriving looking to bring with them their rat race ways ,get a bike do some walking ,if your too old or not fit enough or well then enjoy the sunshine and Portuguese culture ,the Uk is a great place that’s why your here !
Surely the answer is leave then ?
By Andy from Algarve on 23 Nov 2021, 06:41