Majority of EU citizens support a ban on short-haul flights

The majority of European citizens have said they would support a ban on short-distance flying to fight climate change, according to a survey conducted by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The EIB conducted a survey on 28,000 individuals across all of the European Union member states in order to understand individual opinions on climate change mitigation strategies.

According to the EIB, emissions from flights inside the European Economic Area have increased every single year in the last decade.

Having read this information, 62% of those surveyed said they were in favour of a ban on all short-haul flights and 72% said they would support a carbon tax on flying.

Survey participants were also asked their opinions on plastic waste and recycling. 91% of respondents said they were in favour of teaching children in schools about climate change and recycling.

59% of respondents also said that they are in favour of higher prices for carbon-intensive foods and goods, such as red meat, food transported over long distances and some items of clothing.

Emma Navarro, Vice-President of the EIB, said: ‘Climate change is among the main concerns of European citizens.

‘They are prepared to make personal sacrifices to fight global warming and to live in a more sustainable way, but at the same time, they expect governments and companies to take action to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental protection. We must all be part of the answer to this challenge.’

In related news, a report conducted by travel booking platform Omio has revealed that taking the train from Paris to London uses 55% less CO2 than flying.

The travel company conducted a survey on 7,000 people from Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK, 58% of those surveyed recognised that train has the least impact on the environment, but 34% admitted that they still do not consider the environment when making travel decisions.

Photo Credit – Pixabay