Most Europeans want action to tackle climate crisis but not at any cost, poll shows

YouGov survey finds support for tree planting and emissions taxes but opposition to air travel and fuel levies

Europeans believe human-made climate change is real, a survey has shown, with most feeling action must be taken soon – as long as they do not have to sacrifice too much to achieve it.

The YouGov poll of six European countries showed between 69% (Germany) and 80% (France) of respondents believed the climate was changing, with few (1%-4%) denying it and 14-20% believing it was changing, but not as a result of human activity.

Europe is the world’s fastest-warming continent and scientists say human-driven climate change through the burning of fossil fuels is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and destructive storms.