The comparison of the results with those received a year earlier reveals that the changes are minor as a whole. However, the examination of long-term results shows certain interesting trends [figure 2.].

The trend is towards increased opposition to coal during the latest measurements; the present figure is close to the peak figures of the beginning of this decade. (At the time of the peak figures, the opposition was a result of the discussion around forest deaths and acid rain.) Since the autumn of 1986, the support of coal has decreased radically.

The support for peat, which typically goes up and down, is discernible in these measurement results also. Even though 'the domestic trend' in the orientation of the energy policy - the trend towards national solutions and self-sufficiency - during the deepest recession, seems to be gradually fading away, peat is again gaining popularity during the two last measurements.

The permanent popularity of natural gas has continued throughout the years, so that no significant changes can be registered. Opinions about hydro power have also been considerably stable during the past few years. However, the positive trend in hydro power attitudes during the last five years has been increasing rather than decreasing.

Attitudes towards nuclear power have been relatively stable in the past years. Since the previous measurement – in autumn 1997, in which the acceptance figures were the highest of the follow-up period of the whole study – the attitudes have become slightly more reserved. During the years studied before the Chernobyl accident (1983-1985, which are not included in the figure), the greatest acceptance of an increase in the volume of nuclear power was 28% (in 1985).

During this decade, nuclear power had the greatest problems at the time when this nation as a whole was doing worst (the period 1992-1993). Parliament’s refusal of nuclear power was obviously another factor that influenced citizens’ opinions. However, as faith in future started to rise again in 1994, nuclear power also met with greater approval.