Perceptions of climate change and environmental law in the UK and France: A comparison
Thora Tenbrink and Diane Forey, Bangor University
Differences in environmental laws
| UK (after Brexit) | France (as part of EU) |
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Survey on perceptions of climate change and environmental law
Participants were asked about their views on the threat of climate change, media coverage, impact on their lives, readiness to support their country to become a global leader in the fight against climate change – and about their views on the legal issues where the countries differ
Of the 26 English-language respondents, 15 were UK residents (11 with UK nationality) and the others residing elsewhere. • The 23 French-language respondents were all residents of France and of French nationality.
Environmental law was seen as an efficient tool to combat climate change, and respondents agreed that citizens should be able to issue legal proceedings because of their government’s failure to act against climate change.
Although France (in line with the EU generally) has more stringent laws than the UK, there is on the French side considerable consensus that such laws are necessary. Responses from the UK reflect more distrust in the government and a tendency to deem existing laws insufficient.
Results
Respondents agreed:
- that climate change poses an extreme threat to the planeth
- that it does not receive sufficient attention
- that they want their country to become a global leader in the fight against climate change even if it meant some sacrifices on their part
- that their governments should be held accountable for their failures in environmental matters
Stringent environmental laws may not be viewed as a threat to freedom if people recognise their value and necessity for the planet's future.