An overwhelming majority of Poles (69%) want their government to stop blocking an EU agreement on reaching climate neutrality by 2050, according to a new poll from Kantar Polska, commissioned by the global civic movement Avaaz. The call from Polish citizens comes ahead of this week’s crucial vote by EU leaders on Europe’s long-term climate target.

According to the IPCC, reaching net zero carbon emission across the world by 2050 is necessary to limit the most damaging effects of climate change. But earlier this year Poland was one of the main blockers of an EU agreement to work towards that goal. These poll results now show that the vast majority of Polish citizens reject their government’s stance and want PM Morawiecki to vote in favour of the agreement when EU leaders come together later this week.

The poll found that support for the EU 2050 target is not just confined to the large cities (76%), but also extends deep into small (65%) and medium sized towns (79%), which are the traditional heartlands of the government’s support base. Likewise, support for the goal has consensus across the population, from young to old. 86% of 15-24 year olds support the 2050 goal, as well as 69% of 50-59 year olds and 60% of over 60s.

In addition, even though Poland is one of Europe’s most coal-reliant countries, public support for ambitious climate action at an EU level is overwhelming. 81% of Poles support the EU’s Green Deal, a long-term plan to tackle the climate crisis by cutting carbon pollution, investing in infrastructure and renewable energy, and creating new jobs.

Martyna Dominiak from Avaaz said: “ A large majority of Poles don’t want Poland to be Coaland any longer. After experiencing a summer of drought and skyrocketing food prices, Polish citizens are finding out first hand that the climate crisis is very real. Prime Minister Morawiecki should listen to his people, and vote to make Europe the world’s first climate neutral continent. "  

Note to editors: 

Interviews: if you’d like an interview, we have spokespeople available in Polish and English, including those who are on the ground at the Climate Change Conference of Parties in Madrid.

Contact details: Martyna Dominiak on +48 697 941 157 and Andy Legon on +34 600 820 285

About the poll: A representative phone poll of 800 Polish citizens was conducted on December 9th and delivered by Kantar Polska. Full report available here .

ENDS