As with many controversial topics in public discourse, the debate about adequate climate protection also leaves the impression that there is a deep division in Germany.
On the other hand, if you look at the results of a survey by the think tank More in Common, you will find that the differences of opinion in society are not that great.
Philipp Krohn
Editor in business, responsible for “People and Business”.
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8 out of 10 respondents were already concerned about the climate, 7 out of 10 said that they are already feeling the effects of climate change.
“When you see that the glaciers are melting, that the arctic fauna can hardly find anything to eat.
In Europe it no longer rains normally.
When it rains, it's torrent.
We're already in the middle of a crisis, ”the study authors quote from one of the 2000 participants in the survey.
There are discrepancies between the six socio-psychological groups into which all participants were divided based on their answers.
The proportion of those concerned in the group of so-called involved is significantly higher at 86 percent than in the group of “angry” people (61 percent).
But only a minority of 3 percent believe that climate change will not be felt.
Population group have a uniform problem diagnosis
"With climate change, there is a large 'common ground' for the most important thing - namely the common problem diagnosis," the study says.
Nevertheless, there is also great potential for divisions in the topic.
45 percent of the participants named “helplessness” as the dominant emotion they associate with climate change.
Three quarters believe that their own behavior can make a difference.
But the influence of this individual behavior is too small.
“As an individual, you literally have the feeling that you are sitting on your own efforts 'in the small' and that you can do little beyond that,” the authors write.
At the same time, a majority of 51 to 70 percent of those questioned feel that institutions such as municipalities, the state or business are too small.
Cities come off the best and the economy the worst.
Because society is not sufficiently active, the impression of one's own helplessness is reinforced.
From the perspective of More in Common, a need for collective effort can be derived from these answers.
26 percent of the study participants believe that they are already doing more than most.
56 percent see themselves in the mainstream.
Only 9 percent believe they are doing less or much less.
The economy in particular is criticized by the citizens
One subject sums up the criticism of many citizens: “I think 90 percent of the actual pollution comes from the economy. What makes me so angry is that it is mainly propagated that the average Otto consumer has an impact on the climate, which realistically is not the case at all. ”That is why 7 out of 10 participants are calling for a climate policy plan. The majority of them perceive the federal government's climate policy as ineffective (particularly high proportion in the group of disappointed people), unjust, haphazard and internationally lagging behind.
Citizens seem ready for restrictions.
In principle, 6 out of 10 test persons are open to questioning their own lifestyle.
Two thirds want rules and regulations so that everyone can do enough to protect the climate.
Many of the respondents have already done some things in consumption and mobility that can help limit global warming.
But people therefore do not want to become ascetics straight away: "A priority discourse on renunciation or unreasonableness discourages those who already struggle with the social situation and fear further imbalances - this is where there is a risk of division," the authors write.
8 out of 10 respondents consider the current public discourse to be too divisive.