07/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/08/2024 07:41
The fight against climate change requires collective action - from governments, institutions, businesses and individuals. A good understanding of the climate challenge is essential for people to make informed choices. To assess the public's understanding of climate change in Greece, the sixth edition of the EIB Climate Survey focuses on people's knowledge of climate change in three key areas: definitions and causes, consequences, and solutions. Participants answered 12 questions and were ranked on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 indicating the highest level of knowledge. With over 30 000 respondents across 35 countries, including the EU Member States, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, Japan, India and Canada, the EIB Climate Survey provides valuable insights into people's overall understanding of climate change.
The first sub-index focuses on the definition and causes of climate change. In this area, Greeks scored slightly below the EU average (7.05/10 compared to 7.21/10).
When asked about the consequences of climate change, Greeks scored 8.04/10, well above the EU average (7.65/10).
In the last sub-index, Greek respondents scored 4.08/10 (below the EU average of 4.25/10), indicating significantly less knowledge of actions that can help mitigate climate change compared to the other two areas investigated. This highlights a general trend across EU countries, with most of them receiving low scores in this area.
As the EU's financing arm, the EIB invests in major projects in Greece that advance its position as the Climate Bank. For example in the last 12 months, the EIB's commitment to projects that contribute to the fight against climate change and support environmental sustainability reached €810 million in Greece. As part of its commitment to REPowerEU, the EIB also signed loans to Greek energy network operators - with IPTO for €524 million, and a further €150 million to HEDO. These projects drive the energy transition and improve efficiency, as does the €400 million to Metlen to accelerate the development and deployment of solar photovoltaic parks and battery energy storage across Greece, backing the growing share of renewables in the country's energy and electricity network.
EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris: "Climate change can only be limited if we work together. It is important to identify and address the knowledge gaps found in the EIB Climate Survey. At the EIB, we provide financing to fight climate change, but we also recognise our role in contributing to the debate and education around the issue. Education is a powerful tool for change. We are committed to complementing our financing with initiatives that promote climate awareness and knowledge in Greece, as well as across the European Union. This is how we build a sustainable future that leaves no one behind."
Data and methodology
The survey methodology, questionnaire and full dataset can be downloaded here.
About the European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It is active in more than 160 countries and makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. You can find more information about the EIB and climate education here.
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