Press release
New Government report identifies the barriers to climate action
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Published on
Last updated on
A new report from the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications highlights the barriers people experience in taking climate action, providing valuable insights into the "attitude behaviour gap" that can help shape climate policy and public engagement that speaks to people directly.
The report, 'Climate Conversations 2023 – From Individual Action to Collective Engagement', builds on the Environmental Protection Agency's ‘Climate Change in the Irish Mind’ study, and highlights that while awareness of climate change is high, a sense of urgency and understanding of individual impact remains a challenge.
It draws on extensive consultations with citizens, stakeholders (including the community and voluntary sector, environmental NGOs, educational establishments, business representatives, state agencies, public participation networks and policy makers), and youth, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to a low-carbon society. The report also identifies the importance of a just transition across all sectors in order to ensure that our response to the climate challenge is equitable and inclusive.
The report shows where people and communities across Ireland are taking climate action, and also where people lack information, knowledge, resources, or capacity to do so. It shows that climate-friendly actions are on the rise, with a majority of those responding saying that they are starting to use public transport more often or are trying to manage their energy use better in their homes. The report also clearly shows that most people intend to do more, like moving to an electric vehicle (EV) or investing in solar panels for example. These intentions indicate a readiness for larger climate actions, however, the study also shows that people are worried about the cost and range of EVs, the payback on solar, and don’t know where to start on their retrofitting journey. Furthermore, people are not clear as to what actions have the biggest impacts. For example, people don’t recognise that driving an EV is one of the best ways to reduce impact on the environment.
It also highlights habits that are harder to change, and the main reasons for this is inertia. For example, many are reluctant to live car-free and are sceptical about the value of adoption of heat pumps, and many men in particular cannot see themselves eating a diet with less meat. Activities that seem to be "Dublin-centric" can alienate people in more regional and rural areas. Across the generations, young people identify with the freedom to take flights and struggle with the idea of flying less, and older people identify with traditional forms of heating and can struggle with the concept of warmer homes without an open fire, for example.
However, the report also clearly shows how people and communities are overcoming these barriers. It has found that climate action and real changes are happening through community actions across Ireland. This has inspired the delivery of a new Climate Actions Work initiative.
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan, welcomes the report, saying:
"This report highlights the crucial role people and communities are already playing in driving climate action. There are green shoots throughout the country. You only have to travel around the country to see the number of solar panels going up on roofs every week to see that people will enthusiastically adopt to new greener ways, particularly if they see the benefit for them and their community.
"It also gives us a clear insight into what we have to do to connect with people in a better way, to bring people with us as we make this transition to warmer homes, better communities, green jobs and agriculture. If there’s one really salient issue from this report, it’s that every aspect of climate action must be viewed through a just transition lens. If we don’t have a fair transition, it won’t be fast, and if we don’t have a fast transition, it won’t be fair for anyone."
The work highlighted in this report has been a key driver of the Climate Actions Work programme which waslaunched by Minister Ryan in March. This ambitious programme seeks to identify, support and scale community engagement on climate action across the country.
ENDS
The National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA) is Ireland's national programme to engage, enable and empower stakeholders and citizens across society to take climate action. Through the NDCA, over 12,000 people have been involved in the annual ‘Climate Conversations’ and the NDCA has engaged over 1,000 stakeholders through five National Climate Stakeholder Forum events, three National Youth Assemblies on Climate, and active engagement with populations most impacted by the transition to a carbon-neutral future.
The Climate Conversations 2023 report carried out by IPSOS B&A on behalf of the NDCA ran for eight weeks from June to September. More than 4,000 people took part in the online survey. 12 workshops were held with groups who are vulnerable to the transition to carbon neutrality, or who are not yet taking part in the climate debate. 18 in-depth interviews were conducted with people across society who have taken on new and effective climate action projects. The insights from qualitative, quantitative and behavioural insights were collated, triangulated, and analysed employing best practice research methods.
Hometree's Illaun Farm Forest Project trialled a new approach to engaging Irish farmers in woodland creation, crucial for meeting Ireland's climate targets. Given that farmers own most of Ireland's land, they are essential in this effort. The project, part of a European Innovation Partnership programme, involved meaningful farm-level engagement, objective advice and community participation. Despite historical challenges with forestry licensing and payments, the project successfully planted over 100 acres of forestry, with each participating farmer creating a small (3,000 trees) and a large woodland (up to 30,000 trees).
Think-tank for Action on Social Change's (TASC) retrofitting cooperative in Phibsborough, Dublin, exemplifies a community-focused approach to climate action and social inclusion. By leveraging the People's Transition model, TASC facilitated collaboration among local institutions to tackle substandard housing and create apprenticeship opportunities. The cooperative, owned and operated by the community, aims to enhance energy efficiency and provide jobs for marginalized individuals, ensuring that the benefits of climate action are locally retained and socially inclusive.
The Cork City Climate Action Plan emphasizes collaboration among stakeholders and benefits from European Union support, which provides guidance, funding and best practices. Key elements include baseline studies to measure progress, comprehensive stakeholder engagement for broad support, and significant business involvement. The plan also features 10 localized Community Climate Action Plans tailored to meet the specific needs of different communities within the city.
Dingle Peninsula 2030 is an integrated initiative aiming to transition Corca Dhuibhne into a sustainable, low-carbon society by 2030. Collaborating with entities like Dingle Creativity and Innovation Hub, ESB Networks, NEWKD, and MaREI, the initiative focuses on renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and responsible consumption. Key projects include an Energy Master Plan, innovative technologies for a resilient electrical network, and extensive community engagement. This community-driven approach aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and serves as a model for sustainable development in Ireland and beyond.