Alternative headline: Finnish iron triangle* successfully indoctrinates the nation on Glo-Bull warming.

But here’s a classic example of disconnect, 80% of Finns believe that ‘climate change’ is real and man made, but:

The Climate Barometer 2015 survey shows that Finns are aware of the causes and effects of climate change and that they believe the primary cause of climate change is greenhouse gases arising from human activities. However, approximately half of the respondents felt that the scientific community does not fully agree on the cause of global warming.

So at least 30% of those Finns responding who are certain that glo-bull warming is a real man made phenomenon, admit that scientific community itself is still uncertain about the cause(s) of the so called phenomenon. Most importantly of all, the overwhelming majority are unwilling to change their own lifestyles to compliment their (non-factual) deep seated views.

Climate change a worry, but has hardly changed lifestyles

Most Finns see climate change as a major threat, but not many have changed their own lifestyles to help combat it.

A new survey of attitudes on climate change shows that the majority of Finns agree that Finland should reduce its emissions regardless of what other countries are doing. Image: Henning Kaiser / EPA

Most Finns consider it important for Finland to be a pioneer in the adoption of emission reduction technologies. They also wish decision-makers would adopt more active climate policies and companies would develop new solutions for mitigating climate change.

According to the newly-released Climate Barometer 2015 survey, carried out by TNS Gallup and commissioned by the state administration’s Steering Group for Climate Communications, almost a third of respondents said that they plan to vote for a candidate in this week’s elections who has pledged to actively work to mitigate climate change. The survey was conducted to examine public views on climate change and climate policy before the general election.

The vast majority also considers it important for Finland to be a pioneer in the adoption of emission reduction technologies and believe that developing new expertise and technical solutions can improve Finland’s competitiveness and create new jobs.

Most respondents would also like Finland to increase the use of renewable energy, such as solar power, wind power and biofuels, even at the cost of making energy more expensive.

Backing for new global agreement

Over 80% of the respondents agreed that international negotiations should swiftly lead to a new global agreement on climate change for reducing global emissions.

According to Finns, the most important decisions affecting climate change are made by large developing countries, such as China and India, and by the United States, while the importance of the measures and policies of the EU and Finland itself are considered to be significantly lower. The actions of major international businesses are also considered important by most Finns.

Just under half of the respondents are of the opinion that richer countries, such as Finland, should support developing countries and the poorest ones in adapting to climate change. Approximately half of the respondents supported the notion of focusing Finland’s development aid increasingly towards climate change mitigation and adaption.

Few personal lifestyle changes

The Climate Barometer 2015 survey shows that Finns are aware of the causes and effects of climate change and that they believe the primary cause of climate change is greenhouse gases arising from human activities. However, approximately half of the respondents felt that the scientific community does not fully agree on the cause of global warming.

A clear majority is of the opinion that climate change is one of the largest global threats and that its effects can already be seen in different parts of the world. However, few Finns have changed their own behaviour in order to mitigate climate change.

This survey found that two-thirds of the respondents felt that the statement “I have changed my modes of transport, eating habits or housing solutions in order to mitigate climate change” described them poorly or rather poorly. Only just over one-third consider climate impacts when deciding on purchases.

On the other hand, the respondents felt that there is a great need for new low-emission services. Over 80% considered them to be very or rather important in solving the problem of climate change.

A total of 1,005 people aged 15–74 from different parts of Finland, excluding the Åland Islands, participated in the survey. TNS Gallup collected the survey material during a forum respondent panel held on 5–14 March 2015. Yle

NOTE: *Iron triangle refers to the Political ruling elite, the media and the academy.