Almost 70% of Ukrainians consider climate change to be a serious problem: survey results

Ukrainians are no less concerned about climate change than Europeans, these are the results of a recent study conducted by the research company SocioInform in April 2024 in all regions of Ukraine, except for those under occupation, commissioned by the project “Capacities for Climate Action” (Ukrainian Climate Office), which is implemented by GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for the Economic Cooperation and Climate Protection (BMWK) within the framework of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and co-financed by the European Union.

The results of the survey were presented by the project together with the Resource and Analysis Center “Society and Environment” with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Ecology for representatives of governmental, non-governmental and international organizations, scientific institutions and educational institutions, donor organizations interested in climate change.

“Climate change affects everyone, so we understand the importance of conducting such studies because we have to rely on facts, not myths, in our work. Their results not only allow us to identify trends in attitudes towards climate and environmental issues, but also to understand how the Ministry should act and communicate existing climate challenges. To become a full-fledged EU member, we need not only to implement legislation but also to change our habits, and the state must ensure the appropriate policy. This event is an important part of our work,” summarized Deputy Minister Viktoriia Kyrieieva.

It is worth noting that the survey showed that Ukrainians are aware of climate change and feel its impact personally, and only 7% do not consider this issue a significant problem.  In other words, Ukrainians have the same values and beliefs as their European neighbors, although there is still work to be done in terms of climate practices and environmental behavior.

“For our project, it was extremely important to get information on how Ukrainians learn about climate change and how it affects their behavior. Based on the results of the study, we plan to develop a strategy to share with stakeholders to develop a one voice approach to climate communication and support the country on its way to a greener future,” said Julia Jesson, Senior component leader of the project “Capacities for Climate Action”, GIZ.

Indeed, climate change knows no borders. Ukrainians, as part of the European community, support Europe’s aspiration to become the first climate-neutral continent and should follow the example. According to Yulia Ovchynnykova, Head of the Subcommittee on Forest Resources, Biodiversity, Natural Landscapes, Nature Reserve Fund Objects and Adaptation of Ukrainian Legislation to EU, the country is in need of solving environmental problems even amidst war.

Of course, today there is a need for a systematic approach to recovery, and this study will provide an opportunity to substantiate all decisions that will be made, because the level of awareness and interest of people is favorable for change. All participants agreed that it also a priority is to educate young people, because soon they will become the decision-makers who shape the country’s climate policy.

The results of the survey will become the basis of a climate communication strategy and will help not only to raise public awareness but also to change climate and environmental habits. To read the full version of the survey, please follow the link Climate-survey_final_en.pdf (climateoffice.org.ua)

The sociological survey was conducted by the research company Socioinform in April 2024 in all regions of Ukraine, except for occupied territories, at the request of the project “Capacities for Climate Action” (Ukrainian Climate Office). The Ukrainian Climate Office works within the framework of the Capacities for Climate Action (C4CA) project, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) within the framework of the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and co-financed by the European Union and implemented by GIZ.