Almost all Germans oppose combustion engine bans and meat reduction measures to save the planet

Almost all Germans oppose combustion engine bans and meat reduction measures to save the planet

https://www.windtaskforce.org/profiles/blogs/almost-all-germans-oppose-combustion-engine-bans-and-meat

By Thomas Brooke

A survey for Stern indicates that while most Germans view climate change as an issue, many reject restrictive policies that would affect them personally

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Most Germans oppose key government proposals, such as banning combustion engines, restricting meat consumption, or imposing flat-rate taxes on air travel, according to a poll conducted shortly before the 30th UN Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil.

The survey suggests that citizens are more likely to back environmental measures that either benefit them directly or avoid placing major financial burdens on households.

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As reported by Stern, 69 percent of respondents said they opposed a ban on diesel and petrol vehicles, while 68 percent were against limiting weekly purchases of meat and dairy products, while 56 percent rejected the idea of higher air travel costs through a flat-rate ticket tax.

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Conversely, strong majorities supported subsidies for energy-efficient housing (69 percent), measures to strengthen domestic production (71 percent), bans on single-use plastics (69 percent), and higher taxes on high-emission companies (66 percent).

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The German government has pledged to reach Net-Zero by 2045 — sooner than many industrialized nations—but its progress in reducing emissions has slowed, particularly in the transport and housing sectors.

According to the survey, while most Germans agree that climate change exists and largely caused by human activity, the willingness to change personal behavior remains limited.

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Only 25% of those surveyed said they would voluntarily reduce air travel or meat consumption, or switch to an electric car.

Even fewer expressed willingness to stop eating animal products altogether or to buy only second-hand clothing.

Measures that are convenient or low-cost — such as avoiding single-use plastics or adding greenery to balconies — were far more popular.

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Despite a reluctance to alter lifestyles, 46 percent of Germans believe climate change cannot be prevented, even if drastic changes are implemented, while 16 percent think the status quo is fine, and 15 percent believe humans cannot alter the climate.

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Concern about global warming has drastically declined: only 63 percent say they are familiar with the issue, the lowest figure for two years.

Global conflicts, high inflation, high consumer prices, stagnant real incomes, high unemployment, and tens of millions of "culture-destroying "refugees" are far more important than climate change. which is happening, regardless of any human efforts. 

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ADDITION

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