Italians are increasingly sensitive to environmental problems but are poorly informed about the related practicalities, according to a survey published on Tuesday.
The study of green attitudes by the environmental monitoring organization MOPAmbiente said more than two thirds of Italians were now aware of ecological issues, compared to 62% four years ago.
Furthermore, environmental topics now crop up in everyday conversation regularly, respondents said.
Of those questioned, 16% said they discussed the environment very frequently and 37% frequently.
A quarter said the issue came up only occasionally, 14% rarely, while 8% said they never talked about it.
The growing interest in ecological issues was reflected in a 15% jump in the number of those who regularly watch programs about the environment on TV, up from 49% in 2005 to 56% this year.
However, the remaining 44% said they watch environmental programs only occasionally or never.
Reflecting past studies, the greatest interest in environmental issues continued to be among well educated northerners living in big cities.
Most of those questioned felt it was the government's job to keep the public informed about developments in this area and were frustrated about the lack of official information.
Three quarters of respondents said they were ''unsatisfied'' with information provided by the institutions, while a third were ''very unsatisfied''.
Waste management, pollution and energy were the issues Italians were most interested in learning more about.
Italians were also critical of government efforts to reduce energy pollution and greenhouse gases.
Fifty-nine percent called for more incentives to use solar power and 13% wanted a greater focus on wind energy, while 8% said more hydroelectricity should be produced.
A major concern for politicians is the expense of switching from fossil fuels to renewable resources but most Italians say that is a price they are willing to pay.
Three quarters said they would be happy with an annual 23-euro rise in their energy bill if it meant renewable resources were being used.
Earlier this year, the Italian government unveiled a new energy-saving package aimed at tackling the problem of rising fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The plan sets aside 1.5 billion euros a year for investments in renewable energy sources, including measures to increase Italy's production of solar power 100-fold over the next 10 years.
A series of tax breaks will encourage individuals and companies to become more energy-efficient by offering greater deductions on installing solar panels and replacing old water heaters.
