By Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – A survey by the European Investment Bank published Wednesday revealed that a majority of European Union citizens believe their governments will not tackle climate change. This is the greatest challenge for humanity in the 21st century.

According to an EIB climate survey, 58% of 27,700 EU-27 country respondents said that they believe their country will fail to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

EU citizens lack faith in governments’ climate credentials, contrasted to their support of tougher policies.

The poll found that 70% of EU respondents supported actions to change people’s behavior in order to reduce emissions.

The overwhelming majority of the respondents (87%), were “completely or somewhat” in favor of short-haul trains replacing flights. 69% supported taxation on polluting goods.

Ambroise Faille, vice-president of EIB said that the demands made by the public in the build-up to COP26 are a mandate to us to intensify our efforts and accelerate green transition. He was referring specifically to U.N. summit on climate, scheduled to begin Sunday.

81% agreed that climate change is the most pressing challenge mankind faces in the 21st century. And 75% stated they care more about it than their governments.

After devastating wildfires, fatal flooding and other disasters highlighted the reality of climate change in Europe, the EIB poll took place between August and September.

Climate targets set by the EU are some of the highest-reaching economies in the world. This bloc is legally bound to reduce its net carbon emissions to zero by 2020 and accelerate their decline in this decade.

These targets apply to EU’s total emissions. But, many countries including Ireland, France and Germany have established net zero emission standards.

EU policymakers are trying to negotiate new measures to reach its climate goals. This includes higher taxes for polluting fuels as well as a new carbon marketplace. Some countries oppose these proposals because they fear that there will be a public backlash against measures that increase household costs.