The French, pessimistic about the future of the planet, say they are mostly ready to get more involved in reducing their carbon footprint.
But they must still be encouraged to do so.
These are the lessons, according to an Odoxa * poll for the dailies of the Ebra group published on Wednesday.
As the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow (Scotland) approaches in November, 70% of French people say they are pessimistic about the future of the planet.
44% consider that the protection of the environment is a priority subject.
Red meat, the everyday car and the use of digital technology
The concept of a carbon footprint is well known, but only 48% of those questioned know exactly what it is.
To limit it, a majority adopts “eco-friendly practices” on a daily basis such as sorting waste (81%), using reusable bags for shopping (80%), drinking tap water (61%) or of seasonal products only (59%)…
But the commitment is less in "areas emitting high CO2", details the survey.
For example, there is no question of giving up red meat for 47% of French people or the car for daily journeys (50%) or the plane for journeys in France (57%).
Financial incentive
Progress also remains to be made to reduce the digital carbon footprint, since only 41% have given up streaming to watch videos, 40% are limiting their sending of emails and attachments and less than 30% have bought videos. refurbished phones or computers.
Today, 76% say they are motivated to strengthen their good ecological practices in the coming months.
This intention is even more noticeable among employees (82%) and managers (81%), women (81%) and 25-34 year olds (80%).
But a factor comes into play in changing behavior.
More than 60% of French people find this commitment expensive and are not ready to pay more.
They also feel poorly informed on how to implement good practices and insufficiently encouraged by their companies (55%), the State and local communities (60%) or their fellow citizens (61%).
Asked about an incentive fee, 70% of them declared "that this fine articulation between ecological benefit and financial interest would motivate them".
* The survey was carried out for the Ebra and Suez groups between June 30 and July 2, with a representative sample of 1,510 French people.