Cardiff University

Background: Addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the triple planetary crisis, requires deep societal transformation, guided by public support for effective policy and behavioural change. The study adopts a conceptual model informed by both psychological theories (see Poortinga et al., 2018) and a comprehensive review of climate-related survey questions used in academic papers (Kenny et al., 2024), providing a structured lens through which to assess public attitudes.

Aim: This data summary focuses on young Europeans’ attitudes toward climate change and environmental sustainability within the context of the European Commission’s Make it Green theme of the NextGenEU framework.

Data: Drawing on data from major cross-national surveys, including the European Social Survey (ESS), European Values Study (EVS), and International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), this data summary explores climate beliefs, levels of concern, willingness to act, and support for climate policies.

Results: The data reveals that, although awareness of climate change is high among young Europeans, levels of concern, perceived responsibility, and support for climate policies vary by gender and in particular education. Young people with higher education consistently show stronger engagement, greater willingness to make financial sacrifices, and higher participation in climate activism. Overall, willingness to pay higher prices or taxes has declined over time.

The summary further highlights cross-national differences in attitudes across the European Union (EU) and associated states. Northern and Western European countries tend to show greater environmental concern and activism as compared to Southern and Eastern regions. While trust in science has remained relatively strong over time, belief in technological fixes to environmental problems without behavioural change is low. The analyses provide an initial evidence base for policymakers, researchers, and civil society actors aiming to strengthen support for climate action across Europe.