Some 67% of Irish people feel ‘frustration’ about climate change, while more than half express ‘worry’ (54%) or ‘powerlessness’ (51%), a new study by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has found.
According to the Climate Conversations 2024: Deepening our Understanding of Community Climate Action report, which was based on 1,949 responses collected between May and September 2024, some 61% of Irish citizens are actively involved in at least one local organisation, and 54% of those activities include climate-related elements.
Community involvement
This ‘highlights the potential role of community involvement in addressing climate challenges’, the government noted, adding that community initiatives are most focused on litter and waste management (31%), active mobility, including walking, cycling, and public transport (29%), and land use or forestry initiatives (26%).
Among those not yet active in community climate efforts, meanwhile, many respondents expressed an interest in future participation – 60% expressed an interest in community gardening, 58% in active mobility, and 52% in repair and reuse or circular economy projects.
The report also highlighted ‘continued misunderstandings’ about which actions most effectively reduce carbon emissions, particularly around electric vehicle adoption.
Overall, more than three quarters (76%) of respondents felt that they could be doing more to address climate change, an increase on previous Climate Conversations reports.
‘Actionable insights’
“This report provides us with a great understanding of the issues that our citizens and communities really care about when it comes to climate action,” commented Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien TD.
“Crucially, it provides us with actionable insights on where we can do better in terms of education, engagement and empowerment – so that every person across Ireland is equipped with the tools to take climate actions in their own lives and their own communities. I’m also delighted to begin the next iteration of our Climate Conversations consultation, which provides an important ongoing feedback loop to ensure that we are engaging with our citizens in a meaningful and impactful way to best deliver on the ambition of our Climate Action Plan.”
The 2025 Climate Conversations consultation will remain open for 12 weeks to gather further public input on climate action in homes, lives, and communities. Read more here.
