Climate Change Press Release
Climate change and Finns
Shared concern takes hold of Finns
Most Finns believe climate change is a genuine, man-made problem and they are ready to take measures against its unwanted consequences. This is the key finding of the first extensive survey of the Finns’ position on climate change, published on Monday. The study, Plenty of weather today: climate change and the citizen is based on the views of 1,112 Finns on climate change.
The survey explores a range of core issues: do Finns think that climate change is real, what are the causes and consequences, who is to blame, is it possible to have an impact on the process, where do Finns receive their information and who do they trust?
Finns are united in their concern over the consequences of climate change. Nor is the concern limited to women, young people and students, but it rather brings Finns together. The level of concern is high regardless of gender, age, education, place of residence and political affiliation, where the differences are marginal.
The study shows that Finns speak with one voice; if nothing is done, the future is gloomy. Hope is not lost, however, for people are prepared to do their share by making changes in their lives. At the same time, they expect fellow citizens, political decision-makers and the economy to act, too. The future may hold threats, but Finns believe that it is possible to make a difference. And action must come now. There is little empathy for those who shy away from their responsibilities. Rich and poor countries alike, and companies, international organizations and individual citizens can work in concert to counteract the climate threats.
In evaluating the consequences of climate change in Finland, most of the respondents are clearly uncertain of what to expect. However, they assume that winters will get milder and that seasonal differences will be less marked. Summers are expected to get warmer and drier.
The respondents have clearer views about the overall consequences of climate change, which is seen as a global problem. Floods and storms will become more common, some fauna and flora will die out, and extreme conditions will become more prevalent. We should note here that a majority of Finns are ready to introduce even unilateral EU measures to reduce emissions. This is a significant find considering the Finnish debate on economic competitiveness. It shows, too, how seriously the respondents feel about the issue.
The study also examined which sources of information Finns find reliable on climate change. Those rated highly include the Finnish Meteorological Institute, research institutes and local and national authorities. The most important channels of information were the television and newspapers. There is much to improve in the reliability of political parties and companies as sources of information. This is intriguing given that people have high expectations on political parties and business companies, but don’t trust the information provided by them.
One in two respondents saw themselves as up-to-date on information about climate change. One in two did not. However, a clear majority follows the discussion around the issue with interest. Concern also affects those who don’t actively follow the debate.
Judging by the study, we may safely conclude that not only do Finns hope for a change of direction. They demand it and are arguably ready to act.
Commissioned by the new Finnish think thank Ajatuspaja e2, the study is based on the responses of 1,112 Finns in autumn 2006. The findings are available at www.e2.fi.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Ekholm, GSM +358 50 5208 995
Karina Jutila, GSM +358 50 5515 361
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Shared concern takes hold of Finns
Most Finns believe climate change is a genuine, man-made problem and they are ready to take measures against its unwanted consequences. This is the key finding of the first extensive survey of the Finns’ position on climate change, published on Monday. The study, Plenty of weather today: climate change and the citizen is based on the views of 1,112 Finns on climate change.
The survey explores a range of core issues: do Finns think that climate change is real, what are the causes and consequences, who is to blame, is it possible to have an impact on the process, where do Finns receive their information and who do they trust?
Finns are united in their concern over the consequences of climate change. Nor is the concern limited to women, young people and students, but it rather brings Finns together. The level of concern is high regardless of gender, age, education, place of residence and political affiliation, where the differences are marginal.
The study shows that Finns speak with one voice; if nothing is done, the future is gloomy. Hope is not lost, however, for people are prepared to do their share by making changes in their lives. At the same time, they expect fellow citizens, political decision-makers and the economy to act, too. The future may hold threats, but Finns believe that it is possible to make a difference. And action must come now. There is little empathy for those who shy away from their responsibilities. Rich and poor countries alike, and companies, international organizations and individual citizens can work in concert to counteract the climate threats.
In evaluating the consequences of climate change in Finland, most of the respondents are clearly uncertain of what to expect. However, they assume that winters will get milder and that seasonal differences will be less marked. Summers are expected to get warmer and drier.
The respondents have clearer views about the overall consequences of climate change, which is seen as a global problem. Floods and storms will become more common, some fauna and flora will die out, and extreme conditions will become more prevalent. We should note here that a majority of Finns are ready to introduce even unilateral EU measures to reduce emissions. This is a significant find considering the Finnish debate on economic competitiveness. It shows, too, how seriously the respondents feel about the issue.
The study also examined which sources of information Finns find reliable on climate change. Those rated highly include the Finnish Meteorological Institute, research institutes and local and national authorities. The most important channels of information were the television and newspapers. There is much to improve in the reliability of political parties and companies as sources of information. This is intriguing given that people have high expectations on political parties and business companies, but don’t trust the information provided by them.
One in two respondents saw themselves as up-to-date on information about climate change. One in two did not. However, a clear majority follows the discussion around the issue with interest. Concern also affects those who don’t actively follow the debate.
Judging by the study, we may safely conclude that not only do Finns hope for a change of direction. They demand it and are arguably ready to act.
Commissioned by the new Finnish think thank Ajatuspaja e2, the study is based on the responses of 1,112 Finns in autumn 2006. The findings are available at www.e2.fi.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Ekholm, GSM +358 50 5208 995
Karina Jutila, GSM +358 50 5515 361