Majority wary of extreme weather dangers
THREE quarters of people in Ireland think that extreme weather will pose a risk to their communities within ten years, a new survey has shown.
The results of the second wave of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Change in the Irish Mind survey show that storms and extreme heat top the list of people’s worries.
In total, 81% of people are concerned about climate change, with a similar number saying it should be either a ‘very high’ or ‘high’ priority for the Government. The research was undertaken by the EPA and the Yale University Program on Climate Change Communication, in support of the National Dialogue on Climate Action. The findings show broad consistency with the previous 2021 study, including a continued high level of climate awareness (95%), acceptance of human causation (92%) and personal importance (89%) regarding climate change.
EPA director general Laura Burke said: ‘We know that Ireland is experiencing the impacts of climate change.
‘These findings highlight that Irish people are aware of these impacts and are worried about the harm it may cause.’
A majority of people in Ireland believe climate action will provide opportunities to create new jobs (56%) and improved quality of life (74%).
However, while still receiving majority support, proposals for ‘higher taxes on cars that use petrol or diesel’ and ‘banning peat, coal and oil for home heating’ received weaker support from those who had experienced economic difficulties.
Ms Burke continued: ‘Despite the many challenges, including cost-of-living increases, people remain positive about the benefits of climate action for our economy and quality of life.
‘There continues to be majority support for a range of climate policies.’
In particular, she said there was overwhelming support for improved public transport and renewable energy, due to the significant emissions reductions, air quality improvements and cost savings they could bring. Environment Minister Eamon Ryan described the survey findings as ‘very encouraging’.