4.  CLIMATE CHANGE, ENVIRONMENT AND GROWTH

Questions on the greenhouse effect and global warming have long provided results that indicate that people experience these phenomena as a real threat in connection with environmental pollution. As early as in the late 80s, Finns have tended to see a connection between weather conditions, which were experienced as exceptional at the time, and air pollution.

Now that there has been discussion about the matter under the concept of climate change, the same phenomenon is unambiguously clear. Two out of three (65%) agree that the recent drought, heat, storms and other exceptional weather conditions are an indication of climate change, in other words, pollution has upset the balance of nature. Only about one in eight (12%) dare to disagree [Figure 17.]. This way of thinking also emerges in direct connection with energy generation. More than two out of three (69%) think that the use of coal and other fossil fuels should be considerably restricted in order to stop the greenhouse effect. This trend in opinions has remained stable for a long time (no figure).

However, greenhouse gas emissions are not the only recognised serious environmental threat. The growing debate over risks caused by fine particulate matter has also been noted. The majority of respondents (55%) agree with the claim 'Nowadays, particulate matter spreading in the atmosphere from traffic and the use of fuels in industry and power plants is the greatest health hazard in our living environment'. This result is in practice identical with the result received a year ago (no figure).

As to general environmental attitudes, the new research material refers the same type of 'hardening' in the climate of attitudes as shown above by the assessment of the premises in energy policy. The view that financial and industrial activities are too restrictive in the name of nature conservation is a little more agreed with than before (38%, previously 33%). Although most of the reactions continue to be rather negative (40%), the present distribution is the most 'anti-environmental' throughout the follow-up period (no figure).

The same trend is seen in the measurements of people's preparedness in principle to compromise over their personal standards of living in order to reduce the environmental impacts and risks resulting from energy generation. Now, every second respondent (50%) expresses this kind of preparedness, while more than one in five (22%) refuse. The last time such an equally negative distribution was received was at the end of the 80s. The long-term trend of these opinions visualises an interesting time series reflecting changes in economic cycles: In the recession years of the early 90s the preparedness to compromise gradually increased and then abated to the earlier level [Figure 18.].

Consumption is also connected with the conflict between the environment and growth - whether or not these targets of wellbeing rule each other out is another question. People's views on future energy needs refer to an evident belief in growth. Three out of four (76%) estimate that the need for electricity will be much greater in the future than at present. Only a small minority (9%) disagree [Figure 19.].

This measurement has proven to be an excellent indicator of the country's economic situation and the climate of society's attitude. It is possible to detect an exceptionally clear projection of development in economic and social conditions over the past decade in the time series concerning the future need for electricity. The recession - the arrival of which was predicted by ordinary people ahead of decision-makers and economic experts - clouded the vision of growth year by year so that the total change from the peak consumption years in the late 80s to the deepest recession in 1993 is almost dramatic. In 1994 a turn indicating a quick return of the belief in growth was measured in opinions, and this has been maintained in recent years. A corresponding result - equally growth-oriented - was last received at the end of the 80s.

Although public opinion is notably critical over environmental issues, views on energy companies as environmental players are fairly positive. Slightly more than one in two (53%) are of the opinion that Finnish energy companies are currently acting in an environmentally responsible way. Only about one in eight (13%) disagree. The result has not essentially changed from the previous survey. The longer-term trend also reflects stable confidence [Figure 20.].