Over half of Swiss ready to rethink lifestyle to save the planet, according to survey

Over half (54%) of those surveyed felt climate change was serious enough for them to rethink their way of life, according to a survey by GFS Zurich.

Across Switzerland, 62% of women and 46% of men thought this. The percentage was higher in German-speaking Switzerland (65%) than in French-speaking Switzerland (29%).

Only a minority thought technological progress alone could solve the problem. Changes in how we live were considered an essential ingredient.

Around two fifths agreed that emissions taxes should rise if future emissions don’t fall, while around half agreed the extra tax collected should be ploughed into reducing building emissions, replacing diesel heating systems and cutting energy use.

Two thirds thought Switzerland should have a plan to replace fossil fuel use within 20 years and around 40% thought Switzerland should aim to be Europe’s environmental leader.

Rising urgency was accompanied by declining optimism. The percentage who were sure the shift to clean energy would work has declined substantially since 2016 from 26% to 10%.

More on this:
GFS Zurich survey (in German)

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