Authors

• Kiljunen, Pentti (University of Tampere. Department of Local Government Studies)

Keywords

coal, energy, energy consumption, energy generation, energy policy, energy prices, energy supply, environment, environmental degradation, fossil fuels, fuel oils, gas fuels, hydropower, non-renewable energy, nuclear energy, peat, renewable energy, solar energy, wind energy

Abstract

The survey studied Finnish public opinion on energy policy issues. The data are part of an extensive survey series launched in 1983. The respondents' conceptions of various energy issues, their evaluations, opinions, beliefs, assessments, attitudes and knowledge about them were studied by presenting several statements about energy production. The respondents were also asked in what direction should energy production be developed in Finland and how important they thought the various factors connected with energy production to be (e.g. price, low pollution, availability, degree of domestic added value, safety and secureness of production). Moreover, the respondents were asked which would be the better alternative, nuclear power or coal, and for which goals society should appropriate funds. In conclusion, they were asked how interested they were in energy matters and how reliable they thought various actors to be as disseminators of information on energy issues.

Background variables included the respondent's gender, age, size of municipality of residence, province of residence, occupation, education, and political orientation.