Ireland‘s urban and rural populations, including farmers, are equally worried about climate change, and are willing to take action to address it, a new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found.
According to the study, by ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit, consumers across Ireland expressed a willingness to make lifestyle changes to address climate change, including making lifestyle changes, such as flying less, improving home energy efficiency, eating less meat or going car-free.
Considering the climate
Among farmers, meanwhile – of whom 467 were surveyed by the ESRI – most said that they considered the climate in their farming decisions, with two thirds stating that they were ‘more likely than not’ willing to change how they farm to help mitigate climate change.
“Most people – farmers, urban, and rural residents alike – are worried about the climate and willing to take action, but misperceive others’ worry and willingness,” commented Dr. Lucie Martin, lead author of the report.
“We need to recognise that pro-climate views are held by the large majority. Narratives that instead emphasise vocal opposition may create division between communities and are not based in fact.”
Knowledge gaps
At the same time, the research also highlighted knowledge gaps, with more than a third of respondents, both farmers and non-farmers, failing to list agriculture as one of the top three contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland.
Many farmers were also unfamiliar with several climate-friendly agricultural practices promoted in government resources, it noted.
The link between dietary choices and emissions was also poorly understood across the board, with most respondents believing incorrectly that switching to a hybrid car reduces personal emissions more than adopting a plant-based diet.
All respondents showed ‘broad support’ for pro-climate policies, the study noted, with policies that are based around subsidies, such as home retrofit grants and assistance for farmers taking up green technologies, more popular than those based on restrictions, such as taxing flights or reducing the national herd size.
“Knowledge about climate change really could improve, especially knowledge of the link between what we eat and greenhouse gas emissions,” added Prof. Pete Lunn, head of the Behavioural Research Unit. “A clear statement from the government about diet and emissions is needed. We could start by publicising how following current healthy eating guidelines is good for the planet’s health as well as your own.” Read more here.
