Estonia ranks fifth based on this indicator. At the top of the table is Sweden, where 87% of those surveyed believe in the inevitable victory of more efficient fuel for cars. The most sceptical countries are Bulgaria, Poland and Romania. “This type of open minded position towards technological innovations is a good prerequisite for Estonia develop into a type of hybrid state, where the development of the economy and behaviour resulting in the conservation of natural resources has been fused together," commented Minister of the Environment Keit Pentus on the results of the survey. Estonians are also optimistic when it comes to the use of renewable energy in the future. 92% believe that wind and solar energy will be definitely or more likely by consumed at greater levels in 2050 than at present. All EU member states were of the same opinion regarding this question. Together with the Scandinavians, Britts and Germans, more than one-half of the population of Estonia believes that we will be using energy much more efficiently in the future. Only 4% of people in the European Union are pessimistic, in the opinion of which we will be less efficient in using energy than we are today. The Minister of the Environment was not surprised by the conservation mindedness of Estonians. “Estonians have always had a pragmatic view of life, which has caused them to search for more frugal management opportunities and has taught them to achieve the best possible result with the least amount of expenditure in all areas of life. In the conservation of natural resources this approach to life continues to grow in importance," said Keit Pentus. Estonians also see economic motivation for striving towards a greener economy and life style. Nearly 70% of Estonians believe that the changeover to the use of more economical energy and the fight against climate change will help with economic growth and the creation of jobs in the European Union. In the opinion of environmental ministers, this means searching or opportunities for the more economical use of energy for an endless generation of engineers, scientists, architects, as well as those whose innovative solutions will be actually be brought to life. “We have long spoken of the need for so-called smart jobs. The more economical use of natural resources directly supports the creation of such smart jobs," added Pentus. The Eurobarometer climate-themed survey was carried out in June of this Estonia in year, with 1001 people interviewed. |
