Half of Bulgarians consider adapting to climate change to be a national priority, indicates a European Investment Bank (EIB) poll. First-hand experiences of extreme weather events add to the sense that urgent action is required. 94% of the respondents in this country, or 14% over the average for the EU, say they have been affected by at least one extreme weather event in the past 5 years. 96% of the respondents believe it is important for the country to adapt to climate change, but only 50% regard the challenge as a priority, the EIB poll shows. 89% believe that adapting to climate change requires investment now to avoid higher costs later.

This year, Bulgaria had to face challenges such as forest fires and prolonged summer drought. 2024 is set to be one of the hottest years in history. In recent years devastating floods and fires have claimed lives and have caused significant damage in the country and around the world.

The EIB poll has been published during COP 29 - the United Nations Climate Change Conference taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, which is being attended by a Bulgarian delegation headed by President Ruimen Radev.