Policymakers, business leaders and academics are focusing discussions and policy commitments on climate change and energy transition at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai. However, countries sometimes have many conflicting priorities. Ipsos conducted a survey and interviews with 24,000 people in 28 countries on what is the most important energy issue in their country - security, cleanliness or affordability.
energy security
The Russia-Ukraine war has made energy security the focus of many countries, especially European countries. Directly affected countries, including Germany, have had to restart coal production and extend the operating lives of nuclear power plants to ensure sufficient energy for heating in winter. According to the Ipsos survey, achieving energy self-sufficiency, thereby reducing dependence on external sources, is a top energy priority for many countries, including the United States, Canada, Italy and France. Surveys show that even energy-producing countries regard energy security as a top priority. For example, Norway obtains 96% of its energy from offshore oil and gas fields and the use of hydropower, and has excess power capacity that is exported to other countries such as the United Kingdom. Despite this, energy self-sufficiency remains high on the minds of Norwegians.
clean energy
After energy security, the second most critical priority is the development of cleaner energy sources such as wind, solar and hydrogen. The need for clean energy is a priority in Japan and is also a high concern in other Asian economies such as South Korea and China. In addition to environmental impacts, the development of clean energy also has economic impacts. Recent research shows that doubling the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix could increase global GDP by 1.1%, equivalent to $1.3 trillion.
energy affordability
Reducing energy costs for consumers was the third most frequently cited issue. This is particularly emphasized in Belgium, the United Kingdom and Germany, where energy prices are roughly twice as high as in neighboring countries such as France and Greece. Energy prices in many European countries are two to three times more than the global average.
Other energy priorities mentioned include: building more energy infrastructure; imposing more taxes on consumers who overuse energy; and ensuring First Nations people benefit from major energy projects. Reducing deforestation is a top priority in Brazil, which is home to 60% of the Amazon rainforest. Recent data shows that almost 20% of forests have been destroyed since the 1970s.