Danes are more conscious of climate change than other nationalities, but are less inclined to reduce CO2 emissions if reductions involve a change in lifestyle, according to a new survey carried out in Copenhagen, London, New York , Toronto and Tokyo.

“Copenhageners want to do something for the environment, but what is done mustn’t affect consumer privileges too much,” says the Userneeds poll, which has surveyed some 3,000 people in the five cities.

Flying
For example, only nine percent of Copenhageners will fly or travel less, only 22 percent will buy less and only 37 percent are prepared to choose public transport rather than their own vehicles in order to reduce their CO2 emissions.

Copenhageners are also the worst in reducing their domestic heating.

“This is something typically Danish. Plying one’s own interests,” says Philosophy Professor Ole Thyssen of the Copenhagen Business School.

Electricity
There are some parameters, however, in which Copenhageners score well. They cycle much more than others and switch off electrical appliances when they are not in use.

“But switching off the lights is just a symbolic act,” says Thyssen.

“On the other hand it requires a lot to tell children that they are not going away on summer holidays this year, as trips abroad are part of the acceptance game and all of their friends are going away on holiday,” Thyssen adds.

Individual needs
Social Studies Researcher Johannes Andersen of Aalborg University agrees:

“Danes want community solidarity. But at the same time we individually follow needs and wishes, even though we know that it can damage the community,” says Andersen.