German speakers more active on climate change

Swiss Germans are more aware of climate change than their French-speaking compatriots, according to a survey by the myclimate foundation.

They are also more prepared to accept restrictive measures and to change their behaviour for the good of the climate.

The vast majority of respondents – 98 per cent of German speakers and 91 per cent of French speakers – said they were aware that man-made climate change was underway.

Some 88 per cent of German speakers said they were inclined to modify their behaviour, for example by buying local produce, using public transport or by offsetting their carbon output from air travel.

In French-speaking regions 81 per cent of respondents said they had changed their behaviour.

Twenty-eight per cent of Swiss Germans and 17 per cent of French speakers wanted to see compulsory restrictions.