site.btaHalf of Bulgarians Are Aware of Climate Change, Only 10% Know about Transformation of Coal Energy Sector - Poll

Sofia, July 29 (BTA) - Close to half of Bulgarians are aware of
climate change and understand what the sources of greenhouse
emissions are. This transpired in a poll commissioned by the
environmental organization WWF, whose results were made public
by the organization Thursday.

The poll included 1,000 adult respondents.

The issue of transformation of the coal energy sector and
transition to green energy is familiar to a mere 10 per cent of
respondents. And yet the majority of them point to the
coal-fuelled power plants as the biggest source of greenhouse
emissions, followed by other industries and transport.
  
Although the majority of people expect that the transformation
of coal plants will cause an increase of energy prices, half of
them are supportive of this transformation.
   
A vast majority of 78 per cent of respondents have never heard
that the EU offers significant financing for transformation and
development of sustained businesses in Bulgaria. One-third of
respondents are not familiar with the European Green Deal, the
just energy transition and transformation of the coal sector.

Half of the respondents have a pro-active attitude for
participation in the energy transition and want to be able to
produce the electricity for their own needs, the pollsters
found.

The majority of respondents believe that the biggest problem of
the Bulgarian energy industry is the outdated methods of energy
production and the lack of innovation. Others say that the worst
 problem is low incomes that make electricity unaffordable and
force people to use unlawful energy sources.

Close to 30 per cent of the respondents are in favour of
building state-of-the-art power generating facilities which are
environment-friendly. 27 per cent are in favour of broader use
of renewable energy sources.

Only 7 per cent say that there is no alternative for coal. NV/LN