site.btaEIB Survey: Climate Change Ranks Fifth Among Bulgaria's Top Challenges

Climate change ranks as the 5th most significant challenge facing Bulgaria, behind political instability, the cost of living, unemployment, and access to healthcare, as reported in the European Investment Bank's (EIB) 7th climate survey made public Monday.

The survey reveals that 96% of Bulgarians view climate adaptation as essential, with half considering it a top priority. Furthermore, 89% support immediate investment in adaptation measures to prevent future costs.

Public opinion in Bulgaria is closely aligned with average views across the EU, EIB noted. The survey gathered responses from over 24,000 participants across the EU and the US, including 1,007 Bulgarians, who participated in August 2024.

Personal experiences with extreme weather strongly influence Bulgarians' views on climate action. Among respondents, 94% reported encountering at least one extreme weather event in the past five years, 14 percentage points above the EU average. Specifically, 62% experienced extreme heat or heatwaves (7 points above the EU average), 48% were impacted by wildfires (27 points above the EU average), and 45% faced droughts (10 points above the EU average). The impacts of these events are extensive, affecting drinking water access, power supply reliability, and local natural areas.

In response, Bulgarians are increasingly aware of the need to adapt, EIB’s analysis highlighted. For instance, 74% of respondents recognized the need to adjust their lifestyles due to climate change. Additionally, 41% (6 points above the EU average) acknowledged they may need to relocate to regions less prone to climate-related risks like floods, wildfires, or extreme weather, with nearly a third considering moving to cooler areas (6 points above the EU average).

Regarding adaptation priorities, Bulgarian respondents emphasized planting climate-resilient vegetation (48%, 13 points above the EU average), greening urban areas to cool cities (40%), and enhancing infrastructure, including drainage systems, flood barriers, storm shelters, and resilient power grids (40%).