Representative survey: DBU Environmental Monitor “Corona Consequences”
In this context, the DBU had a representative survey conducted by the opinion research institute forsa Politik- und Sozialforschung on the topic of “Sustainability in the Corona Crisis”. The survey polled a total of 1,029 people ages 14 and older from April 27-30, 2020.
The most important results at a glance:
- 59 percent of citizens believe that the climate crisis will have a greater long-term impact on the economy and society than the Corona crisis. 23 percent estimate the long-term consequences of both crises to be the same. 17 percent think the impact of the Corona crisis will be greater in the long term.
- For more science in politics: Nine out of ten citizens are in favor of increasingly incorporating scientific opinions and analyses into political decision-making processes in the future – as was the case during the current crisis.
- A large majority of respondents (between 82 and 94 percent) have high expectations of the planned investment programs. The following aspects are to be taken into account: Protection of the environment and the climate, reduction of species extinction, promotion of social justice, promotion of innovation, promotion of the regional economy, small and medium-sized enterprises and the healthcare system.
- More appreciation for social surroundings and spending time in the countryside: Seven out of ten citizens missed above all personal meetings with friends and family , and 59 percent missed their unrestricted mobility. But 49 percent also learned to value information from independent scientists on important social issues. For 46 percent more than “before Corona”, outdoor exercise and sports are now more important than before, for 44 percent being able to use green spaces, parks and allotments
- Home office as a model for the future? A large number of people have been working from their home offices in recent weeks and instead of taking business trips, they have been participating in video conferences. Nearly three-quarters of citizens believe that home office use should increase, even after the Corona crisis. Likewise, 86% of respondents are in favor of more video conferencing instead of business travel.
- Less dependence and more security in crises: 78 percent of citizens are in favor of greater expansion of renewable energies to reduce imports of fossil fuels.
You can access the full survey results here. You can access the graphics below here. You can find the corresponding press release here.
The survey results of the DBU partners from business, science and civil society on the impact of Corona can be found here.
