In Luxembourg, respondents aged 20-29 knew more about the causes and consequences of climate change compared to those older than 30, say the results of a survey published by the European Investment Bank on 8 July 2024. Photo: Shutterstock

In Luxembourg, respondents aged 20-29 knew more about the causes and consequences of climate change compared to those older than 30, say the results of a survey published by the European Investment Bank on 8 July 2024. Photo: Shutterstock

People in Luxembourg scored “well above” the EU average when it came to knowledge related to the causes and consequences of climate change, says a survey run by the European Investment Bank and market research firm BVA Xsight.

People in Luxembourg are amongst the most knowledgeable in the European Union when it comes to climate change knowledge, found a survey published by the European Investment Bank on 8 July 2024. The grand duchy was ranked second in the EU (Finland came in first place) when it came to correctly answering questions on the causes and consequences of climate change and solutions to tackle the crisis.

Respondents were scored based on their answers to 12 questions, such as the three biggest annual emitters of greenhouse gases, the impact of climate change on sea levels, migration and world hunger, or measures that can help mitigate climate change. Luxembourg received a score of 7.19 out of 10 (versus the EU average of 6.37).

People in the EU on average received a better score than people in India (4.92), the United Arab Emirates (5.29), the United States (5.38), China (5.54) and Japan (6.04). But respondents in the United Kingdom (6.44), Canada (6.62) and South Korea (6.62) scored better than those in the European Union.

Young people more knowledgeable in Luxembourg

Respondents in Luxembourg aged 20 to 29 knew more about climate change’s causes and consequences when compared to older respondents, noted the survey. The younger group had an overall score of 7.59/10 compared to 7.13/10 for people over 30. The opposite result was in Germany, France and Belgium, where people over 30 were more knowledgeable on the topic than those aged 20-29.

42% want climate change addressed even if it impacts personal finances

Just over half (55%) of Luxembourg respondents think the measures adopted by their country to fight climate change and protect the environment will create more jobs than they will destroy existing ones. Around three-quarters (77%) said that the transition to a low-carbon economy can only happen if inequalities are addressed at the same time.

More than 8 in 10 respondents (84%) said they thought that climate action measures adopted by Luxembourg would reduce their purchasing power. But the survey also found that 42% of people in Luxembourg think the government should address climate change even if it affects their personal budget.

The survey was conducted online in all 27 EU countries, the UK, the US, China, Canada, India, Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates in August-September 2023. Thirty thousand people were polled, including 513 in Luxembourg.

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