Irish public feels ‘more despair than hope’ about climate change, new research reveals

People expressed a growing worry about climate change but also a strong sense of powerlessness to do anything.

A greater proportion said they felt despair than said they felt hope and just one in seven believed the Government had a clear climate action plan that co-ordinated action between the State, business and people.

The research shows that people want to be more involved in climate action and recommends that “community climate hubs” are set up to pool ideas.

Today's news in 90 Seconds - Monday June 23

The findings come from the fourth round of the annual Climate Conversations consultation exercise undertaken by the Department of Climate, Energy and Environment.

Just under 2,000 people responded, expressing their concerns around climate change and their role in responding to it. The overwhelming majority, 90pc, said they were worried about climate change, 71pc being “very worried”.

Extreme weather events and global insecurity due to migration and food shortages were the main impacts feared.

When asked about their emotional response to the issue, frustration was the dominant feeling, reported by 67pc.

Worry came next, reported by 54pc, followed by powerlessness, at 51pc. Anger, sadness and anxiety were also reported.

A small proportion, 6pc, reported feeling apathetic and 9pc were resigned to the issue, while 12pc reported feeling confused and 11pc felt sceptical.

Of those involved in community organisations, 54pc said there was some element of climate action to their participation.

Litter and waste management were the main activities, reported by 31pc, followed by active travel and sustainable transport, 29pc, and land use or forestry initiatives, 26pc.

Among those not involved in any form of community climate action, a majority said they would like to do something.

Growing food in community gardens was the most popular suggestion, getting a positive response from 60pc, followed by active and sustainable mobility initiatives, 58pc, and repair and reuse projects, 52pc.

The report found misconceptions around the impact of certain climate action measures with people undervaluing the emissions reductions in switching to electric vehicles, installing heat pumps and reducing meat consumption. They tended to overstate the impact of recycling, reducing food waste and flying.

Climate minister Darragh O’Brien said the report provided the Government with a great understanding of the issues on the public’s mind when it came to climate action.

However, the report notes that while views were gathered at various events, those who responded online tended to be more engaged with the topic than the general public and were also more likely to be urban dwellers, well-educated and more affluent.

The Climate Conversations 2025 consultation opens today and will accept submissions for the next 12 weeks.