This legislative period had two major topic cycles that shaped the debates and in some cases changed worldviews and the political agenda: the pandemic and climate change.

2019 in particular was dominated by the climate debates and the “Fridays for Future” demonstrations before the pandemic absorbed attention from March 2020.

Climate protection and sustainability issues in general were not pushed out of awareness, but were no longer the focus of reporting and debates as before.

The flood disaster in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia and the interpretation of their causes in the reporting have given the topic new topicality.

The overwhelming majority of the population followed the reports closely, similar to the flood disasters in 2002 and 2013. More than then, however, the events were classified this time as a consequence of climate change.

In 2002, 52 percent saw a direct connection here, in 2013 45 percent, this time 62 percent.

The events have also increased worries about climate change again, albeit within limits: At the beginning of the year, 46 percent of the population were very worried about climate change, currently it is 52 percent, in 2019 it was at times 56 percent.

Volatile concern

The long-term trend shows that this concern is volatile, depending on other issues and developments that concern citizens. However, the vast majority are aware that climate change has serious consequences. 68 percent therefore consider the fight against climate change to be one of the greatest global challenges, followed by the fight against environmental pollution, the preservation of biodiversity and the fight against pandemics.

This importance was ascribed to the climate issue even before the flood disaster.

Under the impression of the events, however, the assessment increased that too little was being done in Germany for climate protection.

Immediately beforehand, 41 percent were convinced, in the days after 54 percent.

The higher social classes draw a much more critical balance than the middle class and especially the weaker social classes.

In general, interest in sustainability issues is increasingly a question of social class.

Even if the majority attach great importance to environmental and climate protection, these issues are mainly driven by business, politics and the higher social classes.

The pandemic dominates the political agenda

In the catalog of demands to the next government, climate protection and a policy oriented towards sustainability goals play a major role. The pandemic still dominates the political agenda of the citizens. The overwhelming majority confronts the next government with expectations of strengthening the health system and containing the pandemic, while still ensuring reliable education and childcare. At the same time, however, the majority consider it urgent to press ahead with environmental and climate protection. This goal has gained in importance under the impact of the events: Immediately before the disaster, 58 percent said climate protection was one of the most important tasks facing the next government, and 67 percent in the days after.