[Public Opinion Brief 39-2] Energy Issues Require Government, Corporate, and Consumer Action

[Public Opinion Brief 39] The World Demands a Transition in Energy Policy

[Issue 1] Global Perspectives on Energy Solutions

[Issue 2] Global Perspectives on Strategies for Energy Policy Implementation

Issue 2. Global Perspectives on Strategies for Energy Policy Implementation

Government Leadership Needed, with Increased Roles for Corporations and Consumers

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Citizens from all surveyed countries advocate for shared responsibility among government, corporations, and consumers to resolve energy issues. Firstly, a majority of respondents (69%) across 21 countries agreed with the proposition that the government should mandate the installation of alternative energy systems, such as solar and wind power, in public facilities, even if it leads to short-term price increases. With the exception of Russia (36%) and Azerbaijan (48%), where support fell below a majority, most countries indicated a preference for government-led initiatives in establishing alternative energy infrastructure. South Korea recorded the highest approval rate at 96%.

Furthermore, 58% of respondents agreed that the government should regulate corporations to enhance energy efficiency, even if it results in increased product prices. A significant majority of respondents are calling for more responsible corporate behavior in addressing energy challenges. Approval rates were particularly high in France (72%) and the United Kingdom (79%), countries known for their sensitivity to corporate social responsibility. Even in the United States, often perceived as less stringent in government regulation of corporations, 61% of respondents supported government mandates for improved corporate energy efficiency. Additionally, countries experiencing energy challenges acutely, such as South Korea (74%), Taiwan (80%), and China (66%), also emphasized corporate accountability.

Government-led expansion of alternative energy facilities in public institutions and increased corporate energy efficiency ultimately lead to increased consumer burdens through tax hikes or higher product prices. The survey results indicate that citizens in most countries are willing to bear some of the costs associated with resolving energy issues, as they support more proactive government energy policies despite potential cost increases or price hikes. This sense of shared responsibility appears to stem from the calculation that while the costs of energy development and efficiency improvements may be substantial in the short term, they will ultimately lead to economic benefits. Indeed, only 21% of respondents anticipated that the significant costs of alternative energy development would severely impact the economy, while 66% agreed that it would lead to cost savings in the long run. South Korea showed the highest expectation, with 86% agreeing.

Despite a societal consensus on the principle that consumers should share the costs of resolving energy issues, opinions diverge on the specific methods of burden-sharing. While there is less resistance to increased government spending on alternative energy development (69% approval), the proportion of respondents agreeing to price increases for products due to corporate energy efficiency improvements is relatively lower (58% approval). Moreover, only 48% of respondents favored imposing additional charges on individual consumers for purchasing energy-intensive products like automobiles or home appliances. Opposition stood at 39%, with an additional 13% expressing uncertainty. This indicates a relatively high level of opposition to methods that visibly transfer the costs of energy problem resolution directly to individual consumers. Ultimately, while there is a consensus on the principle of shared responsibility, consumers exhibit a reluctance to directly bear increased costs.

[Figure 4] Agreement Rates for Government-Led Energy Policies and Economic Effects of Alternative Energy Development (%)

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Koreans are acutely aware of the energy crisis. A public opinion survey conducted by the East Asia Institute in February 2008 revealed that when asked to assess various factors that could threaten South Korea's national interests within the next decade, "energy supply insecurity" was cited as a major concern by 59% of respondents. This figure surpasses concerns regarding North Korea's nuclear threat (45%), China's rise (44%), Japan's militarization (40%), and terrorism (36%). Given South Korea's industrial structure, characterized by high trade dependence and a significant proportion of manufactured goods in its exports, the country inherently possesses a structural predisposition towards high energy consumption relative to its size. The potential economic damage from energy supply disruptions was clearly demonstrated during the oil price surge experienced earlier that year.

This heightened awareness of the energy crisis is driving the recognition of the need for alternative energy solutions in South Korea. A remarkable 89% of respondents agreed with the expansion of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power, the highest rate among the 21 surveyed countries. Furthermore, 85% of respondents supported the retrofitting of existing social infrastructure to improve energy efficiency. In contrast, only 31% and 55% supported the expansion of thermal power plants utilizing traditional energy sources like oil and coal, and nuclear power plants, respectively [Figure 1].

While significantly lower than the support for alternative energy solutions, the fact that over half of respondents (55%) agreed with expanding nuclear power facilities warrants attention, ranking fifth among the 21 surveyed countries. As concerns about the energy crisis intensify, there has been a surge in preference for qualitative energy solutions like alternative energy development and improved societal energy efficiency. However, the realization of these solutions requires time. Given the current reliance on imported traditional energy sources like oil and coal, and the escalating volatility of international oil prices, the inclination towards nuclear energy as an alternative appears stronger in South Korea compared to other nations.

[Figure 5] Perceptions of Security Threats in South Korea (%): "Very Threatening"

Source: EAI · CCGA (2008)

*Percentage who responded "Very Threatening" among "Very Threatening," "Somewhat Threatening," and "Not Threatening at All" regarding potential threats to South Korea's national interests within the next 10 years.