We don’t agree on almost anything. Government declarations “contrary to expectations”

The European Union should protect the climate and nature, taking care of the environment is our personal duty and patriotism – these are the prevailing opinions in a survey conducted in Poland just before the European Parliament elections. The Polish authorities face important decisions regarding nature not only in the country, but also in the entire EU.

On June 17, the EU Environment Council may present the Law (abbreviated as NRL – Nature Restoration Law). These are groundbreaking EU regulations that are intended to help better protect the environment across the EU. At the moment, only one country needs to vote to adopt them – and Poland is among those that have not yet said “yes”. The government majority also has to make decisions regarding national parks, changes in forests and animal protection.

In a survey by Opinia24 for the More in Common Polska organization, Polish women and men are unanimously in favor of nature protection in the country and the entire EU (although support is highest among voters of the ruling coalition parties, including KO). – It’s hard to find an issue on which Poles are so unanimous – comments Maria Wittels, a More in Common researcher:

– We have been examining the perception of nature and climate protection by Poles for a long time. We see that these topics can unite Polish society beyond divisions, and concern for the well-being of our planet and Polish nature is cross-party and escapes social polarization. Almost 100 percent of the population agrees that taking care of nature is our patriotic duty.

A collective “yes” to nature

The vast majority of respondents expect Polish MEPs to take action to at least maintain (35 percent) or strengthen (53 percent) nature protection and the reconstruction of natural resources. These show the support of the vast majority of Polish women and men for the very idea of ​​restoring nature, as well as for specific actions, such as restoring the natural course of rivers and protecting wetlands. Two out of three people agree that the European Union should set nature protection standards for all member states.

The absolute majority considers the protection of Polish nature to be an obligation, including in situations where it is not financially profitable. We consider caring for the environment to be a manifestation of patriotism and we agree that the government should take care of it. We notice the problems of pollution of Polish rivers and lakes, insufficient protection of forests (although this is a more divisive topic than others), as well as the negative impact of climate change on the economy.

Despite the high support of almost all parts of society, it can be noticed that it is slightly lower among voters of the most conservative parties – PiS and Konfederacja. This may be paradoxical, because theoretically the conservative view is based on maintaining the status quo (i.e. protecting nature) and appreciating the values ​​of one’s country. On the other hand, environmental and climate policy has become associated with more leftist political forces.

Where is the green conservatism?

Wittels notes that climate and environmental policies, “driven largely by the European Union, raise many concerns among society.” – We are afraid that it will not be fair and that it will benefit primarily the richest. In addition, we perceive the current policy as too chaotic and naive, although at the same time necessary – he explains. These fears are particularly strong among the more conservative part of society. At the same time, these are often people who have limited trust in the EU.

– Moreover, these fears were quite cynically used by right-wing politicians in the campaign for the European Parliament. But there are alternatives. It seems that the idea of ​​green conservatism, despite its great potential, still remains undiscovered and unused by the main political forces on the right.

– says the researcher. Meanwhile, he notes, over 80 percent PiS and Confederation voters agree that the government’s duty is to ensure better protection of wildlife and endangered plant and animal species. As many as 3/4 of PiS voters believe that farming should be environmentally friendly, even if it involves higher costs.

NRL acceptable, Green Deal to be amended

Taking into account the survey results, Wittels believes that Poland’s nature restoration law was contrary to social expectations.

– I don’t know if on any other issue the government can count on such strong and cross-party support as on the issue of nature protection.

– he says and adds that the controversy surrounding the Green Deal was primarily related to the issue of a fairer distribution of costs and greater support. When asked about all climate and environmental policies – under the banner of the Green Deal – we see the need for corrections, not throwing them into the trash. 51 percent of respondents would like Polish representatives in Brussels to work to introduce amendments to the Green Deal. Plus 7 percent. wants it implemented in its current form. A minority would expect “total rejection”.

The most expected change is a “more fair distribution of the costs” of transformation between companies and industry, agriculture, wealthier people and ordinary citizens. Almost as often, the expectation is to reduce bureaucracy and make it easier to receive subsidies. Greater financial support in the green transformation is also a popular demand. Loosening the requirements of climate policy or giving more time to meet its goals are less frequently mentioned.

The study was carried out by Opinia24 on behalf of More in Common Polska on June 5-8, 2024 on a sample of 1,001 people.