The WWF found that respondents who showed less interest in sustainability had low social sensitivity levels while those who had an active interest in the state of the environment also had greater social sensitivity.

A total of 21% cited animal protection as their greatest concern while the remaining 21% said they had no interest whatsoever in the topic of environmental protection.

Respondents who showed an interest in environmental protection generally considered the protection of nature and drinking-water sources the most important aspects of sustainability. Overall, respondents were less concerned about climate change than in 2010.

Though the survey revealed an overall decline in the population’s interest in environmental sustainability compared with 2010, the WWF said it was encouraging that over the last six years Hungarians had become more environmentally conscious in their everyday lives, picking up “green” habits such as saving water or recycling.

The survey was conducted in September on a representative sample of 500 people between the ages of 18 and 59.

Republished with permission of Hungary Matters, MTI’s daily newsletter.