Why Bulgarians Recognize the Climate Crisis Yet Hesitate to Trust in Solutions: Insights from Novinite.com

A recent study by BG Be Active, covering 63 municipalities in Bulgaria, underscores a growing public concern for environmental issues. Yet, it reveals a significant lack of trust in how institutions respond and a general unawareness of relevant policies.

### High Concern, Low Engagement

The findings are striking. A massive 93.4% of people surveyed view environmental protection as extremely important. Over 72% feel directly affected by climate change. Interestingly, about 65% believe that their individual actions can make a difference. However, only 43.3% feel well-informed about climate policies on local, national, or EU levels. Additionally, a troubling 62.3% report frequently encountering misinformation or conspiracy theories about climate issues.

Laska Nenova, the General Manager of BG Be Active, comments on this disconnect. She notes that while people recognize issues like air pollution and rising utility costs, unclear communication leaves them disengaged. They’re not apathetic; they simply don’t see the relevance of the messages being shared.

### Misinformation’s Impact

Misinformation is a significant barrier to public engagement. More than a third of respondents say disinformation in public communications is very high, while 25% find it significant. Their top concerns include health issues (19.7%), environmental degradation (17.5%), and economic stress (13.1%). This climate of mistrust stifles individual participation and weakens support for climate policies. The report calls out the need for reliable, clear information to encourage greater civic involvement.

### The Need for Improved Communication

Participants suggest several improvements: better environmental education, organized public campaigns, and enhanced platforms for civic engagement. Almost 90% believe education is vital long-term, while about two-thirds want to participate in public discussions but often feel they have no chance to do so. This suggests that while people are eager to engage, they face barriers that hinder their participation.

### Shifts in Attitudes Since 2019–2020

When comparing these findings to data from 2019 and 2020, the change is evident. Back then, many residents in cities like Plovdiv didn’t view climate change as a personal issue. In 2024, 72.1% now say they feel personally affected, with over 93% prioritizing environmental protection. People are beginning to link climate issues with broader concerns like health and economic stability, which reflects a growing understanding of the climate crisis.

### Recommendations for Action

To close the gap between concern and action, the report suggests:

– Creating local workshops and forums for community participation.
– Using clear language and relatable examples when sharing information.
– Connecting policies to everyday experiences to make them more relevant.

This report is part of the Placemaking for Climate Mitigation initiative, led by BG Be Active, AJSPT Suceava from Romania, and Among from Greece, with support from the European Union.

In a climate where engagement is crucial, addressing misinformation and improving communication can help foster a more informed and active public. The way forward requires listening and connecting with the community to create real change in environmental action.



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