The most recent research data reveals a difference in the emphasis on environmental attitudes when compared to the previous years. Most of the data shows that the attitudes towards the environment have become more positive. The view that financial and industrial activities are restricted too much in the name of nature conservation receives a little more rejection (44%) than acceptance (34%). Despite the fact that the share of the above-mentioned opinions which stress the environment has increased from the last survey (39% in 2006), the general status has not experienced a radical change. The most recent result is close to the average of the recent years (no figure).

The preparedness in principle to compromise over personal standards of living in order to reduce the environmental impacts and risks resulting from energy production is considerably high. More than six out of ten (62%) express such a preparedness, while about less than a fifth (18%) refuse. The distribution is clearly more accepting than in the previous survey. When taking into account the similar change in attitudes in the previous years, one can already see a trend being formed. The long-term trend of these opinions visualizes an interesting time series reflecting changes in economic cycles. During the economic recession years of the early 1990's, the preparedness to compromise gradually increased and then abated to the earlier level. Based on this background, the new increase can be interpreted in several ways. The question of whether the changes in the social atmosphere are cyclic can only be answered by means of further studies [Figure 15].

Also in the light of other indicators, the undercurrent of public opinion is still distinctively soft - in other words, environmental and social rather than technical, financial and material values are stressed. There is also a contradiction between the environment and growth. It is quite another issue whether these well-being objectives rule each other out or not. In any case, the public opinion pertaining to future energy needs clearly suggests a belief in growth. More than three out of four (77%) estimate that the need for electricity will be much greater in the future than at present. Only one in ten disagree (10%). The share of people having this opinion is almost the same as last year [Figure 16].

This question has proven to be an excellent indicator of Finland's economic situation and changes in the general attitudes of the society. An exceptionally clear projection of the development of economic and social conditions over the past decade can be observed in the time series concerning the future need for electricity. The economic recession - which was predicted by ordinary people much before the 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 1980's to the deepest recession in 1993 was rather dramatic. In 1994, a turn indicating a quick return of the belief in growth was measured in the opinions, and this belief has persisted in recent years, if not even somewhat strengthened. A similarly growth-oriented result corresponding to the latest survey results was last obtained at the end of the 1980's, before the recession. One can only hope that the results do not predict an economic change. The discussion in the media has also predicted a new economic recession, however.