European Citizens Embrace Domestic Renewables Over Foreign Fossil Fuels
Europeans Prefer Domestic Renewable Energy Over Fossil Fuels Imported from Trump or Putin, According to a Poll
How about this, pal? A recent survey suggests that the majority of Europeans prefer their nations to invest in homegrown renewable energy over imported fossil fuels, casting doubt on the reliability of both the US and Russia to meet Europe's energy needs.
The poll, commissioned by the Secure Energy Project, showcases a growing preference for clean, secure, and affordable energy solutions. Across six European countries — Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Poland, and the UK — more than three-quarters (77%) of respondents support prioritizing domestic renewable energy over imported fossil fuels. That's 70% in good ol' Germany, ya hear!
As the EU shares its roadmap today for phasing out Russian oil and gas imports, this supportive sentiment aligns with global citizens' aspirations for climate action. In fact, 89% of the world's population craves climate action - they just don't realize they're part of the silent majority!
Now, onto the naughty side of things, the distrust isn't just residing in the bosom of Mother Russia. Nearly four in five respondents (78%) distrust Russia and Russia-as-a-whole on energy matters, while an impressive 83% refuse to trust Vladimir Putin to supply their energy. But wouldn't you know it, almost the same percentage distrusts President Trump, too. Only 19% trust Uncle Donnie to do the job! What a surprise, eh?
If Europeans had to choose between the two, most (39%) would prefer the US over Russia. However, almost half (49%) are hesitant to rely on either - preferring a new, independent route. This rings especially true in Poland, a country fighting off Russian interference in its upcoming election. Here, distrust of Russia and Putin is nearly unanimous!
The poll seems to send a clear message to the EU: Europeans want energy solutions they can trust, and they want them built at home. But, as the EU weighs its options for replacing Russian energy, there are concerns that it might lean on American LNG. However, given the public's wariness of foreign fossil fuels, the Secure Energy Project cautions against over-reliance on these volatile markets.
"This is Europe's moment to lead, to build a system that's democratic, resilient, and renewable," says Sara Ayech of the Secure Energy Project. Esther Bollendorff, senior gas policy coordinator at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, echoes this sentiment, expressing disappointment that the EU continues to focus on diversifying fossil fuel suppliers rather than strengthening demand reduction measures.
So, there you have it! Europeans are one step closer to renewables and a greener future – but keep in mind, the race isn't over yet!
Let's Knuckle Down
- Donald Trump
- Vladimir Putin
- clean energy
- renewable energy
- Fossil fuels
- Security
- EU energy policy
- Climate action
- REPowerEU Plan
- Poland
- Russian interference
- Solar power
- wind power
- coal power
- nuclear power
- energy security
- democratic efforts
- resilient solutions
- green transition
Sources
- EU prepares to phase out Russian fossil fuels by 2027 - BBC News
- Renewable energy installations in EU countries in 2020 - Eurostat
- Europe's Sustainable Energy Week 2022
- EU Commission reveals roadmap for phasing out Russian energy - Reuters
- Renewable Energy Policy in Europe - iRenew.net
- The poll findings agree with the general news that shows Europeans prioritize renewable-energy sources over fossil fuels, even distrusting leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin when it comes to energy supply.
- The European Union's renewable-energy industry could benefit significantly as the EU prioritizes clean, secure, and affordable energy solutions, aligning with citizens' preferences for climate action.
- As the EU debates the REPowerEU Plan and phases out Russian oil and gas imports, concerns arise about potential reliance on American LNG, despite reservations about foreign fossil fuels held by European citizens.
- In light of growing public support for renewable energy and EU policy-and-legislation focusing on renewables, specialists like Sara Ayech of the Secure Energy Project encourage democratic, resilient, and renewable systems to lead the green transition.
- Esther Bollendorff of Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe stresses the importance of reducing demand for fossil fuels rather than simply diversifying suppliers, as the EU works to mitigate fossil fuel dependence and achieve energy security.
- For European countries like Poland fighting Russian interference, the potential for expanding domestic renewable-energy infrastructure, such as solar power and wind power, becomes increasingly crucial in shaping a more secure and sustainable future.
