Two thirds of the Austrians fear damage caused by the climate crisis!

Two thirds of the Austrians fear damage caused by the climate crisis!

A current survey of the Foresight Institute shows that a large part of the Austrian population is concerned about the effects of the climate crisis. According to the results raised in spring 2025, about two thirds of the Austrians are concerned about the negative consequences of climate change. It was found that 68 percent of those surveyed expect climate and environmental pollution to affect them directly. This concern is noticeable in all age groups, whereby the younger people, the age group from 16 to 29 years, are particularly strong for measures to combat climate change Vol.at.

The survey included 1,000 participants from Austria and Germany and showed that in both countries there is a great agreement in the concerns about climate change. While 75 percent of the respondents consider the fight against climate change and pollution to be important, 62 percent [Vol.at] in Germany (https://www.vol.at/zwei-drittel-der-oesterreicher-mit-negative-folgen- through climate crisis/9402323). Christoph Hofinger, the managing director of the Foresight Institute, underlined that the climate at the time despite other social crises remains constant.

The perception of the climate impacts

In addition to the results of the foresight survey, a survey by the Federal Environmental Office showed that 93.6 percent of the 18,000 respondents in Austria regard climate change as a proven fact. 72.5 percent feel the consequences mostly negative for humans and nature. In this study, 48.4 percent of the participants expressed that they consider measures to adapt to climate change for absolutely necessary Federal Environment Agency.

The increase in extreme weather events is particularly dramatic. The respondents report more frequent droughts and heat periods as well as an increasing frequency of heavy ranges and floods. 82 percent consider it important to react to the consequences of climate change to protect the flora and fauna. This willingness to alert can also be seen in an increased commitment in the private sector: Two thirds of the respondents have already taken their own measures to adapt to the climate element Federal Environment Agency.

social implications and trust

Despite the widespread concerned attitude, there is also a certain skepticism compared to national climate policy. In Austria, only 49 percent of the respondents are satisfied with local climate policy. Satisfaction with the nationwide climate policy is even less and is 34 percent. Many Austrians do not feel sufficiently represented by the political measures in the fight against climate change. Of the Austrians surveyed, 76 percent believe that too little is undertaken internationally against climate change [Vol.at] (https://www.vol.at/zwei-drittel-der-oesterreicher-mit-negative-folgen- through climate crisis/9402323).

In Germany, people perceive similar worries. In another survey from 2022, 85 percent of the respondents expressed the connection of drought and droughts with climate change and 83 percent also see heavy rain and floods as consequences. However, the challenges are not only an ecological nature, but are also perceived as social problem areas that require a fair implementation of climate-friendly politics [https://www.tagesschau.de/inland/umweltbewreuStsSudie-102.html).