Europeans are concerned about the loss of biodiversity and support stronger EU action to protect nature

According to a new survey, Europeans are increasingly concerned about the state of the natural world. In an overwhelming consensus, 96 % of the more than 27.000 interviewed citizens said that we have a responsibility to protect nature and that this is also essential for tackling climate change.

The Eurobarometer survey reveals awareness is generally increasing on the meaning of biodiversity, its importance, threats and measures to protect it. Citizens’ opinions are in line with the goals of the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 that aims to halt the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem service, and with the objectives of the EU Birds and Habitats Directives, that form the backbone of the EU’s policy to protect nature.

EU Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella said: “The latest Biodiversity Eurobarometer survey clearly demonstrates three things: Europeans care deeply about nature and biodiversity; they recognize climate change and biodiversity loss as two sides of the same coin and they expect the EU to act in order to safeguard nature. Coupled with the solid scientific evidence coming from IPBES, the Commission has both a duty and a mandate to work towards a strong global deal for nature and people in 2020.”

The main elements of the new Biodiversity Eurobarometer survey include:

• Familiarity with the term “biodiversity” has increased, with over 70% of Europeans saying they have heard of it.
• The biggest perceived threats to biodiversity are air, soil and water pollution, man-made disasters and climate change. Intensive farming, intensive forestry and over-fishing – by far the most important drivers of biodiversity loss – are increasingly but not yet fully recognized as major threats to biodiversity.
• Since the last Eurobarometer on biodiversity in 2015, citizens’ understanding of the importance of biodiversity for humans has increased. The vast majority of citizens consider we have a responsibility to look after nature (96%), and that looking after nature is essential for tackling climate change (95%).
• Most Europeans are unwilling to trade damage or destruction to nature in protected areas for economic development.
• Most citizens see the EU as a legitimate level to take action on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The Eurobarometer results come at a crucial moment, as biodiversity loss captures global media attention and rises on the international political agenda.

Original source: European Commission
Published on 06 May 2019