Drought Survey in Catalonia Reveals Public Skepticism but Strong Willingness to Engage

The survey, carried out during an acute drought, paints a clear picture. Nearly half of respondents (48%) expressed low confidence in the government’s’ ability to manage adaptation, and another 20% said they do not trust them at all. Only 5% were “pretty confident”, and none reported “full confidence”.

Perceptions of the effectiveness of the measures currently being implemented were equally critical: about 49% judged current policies ineffective, 12% very ineffective, while only 4% considered them effective. Yet motivation to act was remarkably high. A majority (54%) said they are prepared to engage immediately in adaptation efforts, another 33% would join if the situation worsens, and only 13% rejected participation altogether. Top preferences included integrating adaptation actions at work, volunteering, and attending workshops.

When it comes to financial contributions, however, enthusiasm faded completely. In a complementary Europe-wide survey conducted by IIASA researchers, just 14.9% of respondents said they would be willing to invest in a climate program – and then mostly at symbolic amounts (€1–2 per month).

About AGORA

The survey is part of IIASA´s contribution to the Adaptation AGORA project. Its mission is to transform the way climate adaptation policies are designed and implemented: not only relying on top-down decision-making but fostering inclusive, participatory governance. Adaptation AGORA develops innovative tools and processes to engage citizens, scientists, businesses, and policymakers in co-creating adaptation strategies that reflect local realities and social priorities.

At the core of the project lies the belief that adaptation cannot succeed without trust and ownership. By testing new participatory formats – from deliberative workshops to digital platforms – the project seeks to reinforce the relationship between institutions and citizens. The goal is to provide decision-makers with actionable insights into what people value, fear, and are willing to support.

In Adaptation AGORA, IIASA steers the policy analysis and citizen engagement strands of the project, working to bring science, governance, and society into closer conversation. The institute’s contribution spans from surveys that shed light on how people view climate risks and institutional trust to identify the blind spots that hold back effective participation. Drawing on its long tradition of systems thinking, IIASA contributes to the development of new approaches to participatory decision-making that combine rigorous data with genuine dialogue.

Just as importantly, the lessons learned from Adaptation AGORA are not forgotten after the project concludes but flow into wider European adaptation strategies through the Policy White Paper: Upscaling citizen engagement for climate resilience. This ensures that policies across the EU are designed not only with scientific robustness but also with public legitimacy and support. The takeaway is clear: citizens are willing to play their part, but institutions must prove themselves trustworthy. Through Adaptation AGORA, IIASA and its partners are working to bridge that divide, transforming skepticism into a shared commitment to Europe’s climate future.

We would like to express acknowledgment to Vladimir Shchepashchenko for his great contribution during his internship period at the CAT/ASA group at IIASA.