Survey Reveals Climate Crisis Less of a Priority for Workers

A recent survey indicates that concerns over the climate crisis are diminishing among employees, as they prioritize job security and social inequality instead. Conducted by the Wittenberg Center for Global Ethics (WZGE) for the Eon corporate foundation, the survey reveals that only about 10% of respondents view achieving climate protection goals as the most urgent societal issue.

In contrast, respondents are increasingly focused on pressing challenges such as reducing social inequality (17%), securing jobs (15%), and resolving geopolitical conflicts (14%). The survey highlights a shift in perception, with workers now placing greater emphasis on economic sustainability over ecological considerations.

According to the survey, the percentage of participants who identified maintaining competitiveness as a pressing societal problem has tripled since 2022. Despite this shift in priorities, a significant majority still advocates for either maintaining or increasing the pace of the transition to a climate-neutral industry. Nearly half of those surveyed believe that a faster approach is necessary, while an additional 30% consider the current pace adequate. Conversely, 20% of respondents suggested that the transition should be slowed down.

WZGE director Martin von Broock noted that the public views climate neutrality as an opportunity for economic growth rather than an obstacle. He emphasized that workers are calling for better incentives from policymakers instead of a reduction in efforts towards climate initiatives.

This latest survey marks the third iteration of WZGE's research and involved over 2,000 current and prospective employees surveyed online in February 2025. The findings reflect a broader trend, as the climate crisis has also lost prominence in global politics. For instance, after the United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement under former President Donald Trump, international attention has shifted.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently announced a temporary reprieve for European automakers, allowing them more time to meet EU climate protection requirements. She stated that companies failing to meet the 2025 targets could compensate by exceeding expectations in subsequent years, a departure from the previous mandate that required annual compliance.

Additionally, the European Commission plans to review the timeline for phasing out combustion engines sooner than initially scheduled, with EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas stating that this assessment would take place in 2025 rather than 2026. He emphasized that no specific technology would be excluded from consideration during this review.