Proposal demanded for legislation aimed at shielding laborers from electronic equipment-related hazards, as per commission's responsibility.
The planned ban on new cars with internal combustion engines in Europe from 2035 is facing broad rejection among Germans, according to a recent survey conducted by YouGov.
The survey, which involved 2,057 eligible voters and is representative, according to the polling institute, found that 44 percent of respondents want the German government to oppose the ban on new diesel and gasoline cars. This opposition is particularly strong among AfD voters, with the strongest resistance to the ban.
Last year, the Earth's temperature was 1.6 degrees above the pre-industrial temperature, according to EU figures, highlighting the urgency of climate action. At the Paris Climate Conference in 2015, the global community set the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees, or at least well below 2 degrees. However, 36 percent of respondents in the YouGov survey want the German government to do more for climate protection, suggesting a desire for increased action.
The German government is divided on the issue. While the EU Commission and Chancellor Ursula von der Leyen support the ban as part of climate goals, German Transport Minister Patrick Schnieder (CDU) advocates for allowing combustion engines, including hybrids and CO₂-neutral fuels, beyond 2035 as a bridging technology. The official EU policy aims for zero-emission new cars by 2035, but Germany is pushing for exceptions in the transition period.
Lower Saxony's SPD Minister President Olaf Lies (SPD) recently called for a reversal of the combustion engine ban from 2035. The planned ban found majority support only among Green and Left Party supporters.
The survey also revealed that a clear majority of 60 percent of respondents believe that climate protection will make life in Germany more expensive in the long run. Only 13 percent expect no impact on living costs, while 17 percent believe climate protection will make life cheaper in the long run. Interestingly, 24 percent expect less engagement for the climate, suggesting a potential disconnect between public opinion and the need for action.
However, scientists consider the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees increasingly unrealistic, underscoring the importance of collective action to address climate change. Another 19 percent want the government to advocate for a delay in the ban, indicating a willingness to compromise on the timeline but not the goal itself.
In conclusion, the YouGov survey reveals a divided public opinion on the 2035 ban of new combustion engine cars in the EU. While a majority opposes the ban, there is also a significant portion of the population that supports it and wants the government to do more for climate protection. The German government's stance on the issue remains to be seen, but the survey suggests that public pressure will play a significant role in shaping its decision.
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