Background

In 2021 the EPA embarked on a new project with Yale University’s Programme on Climate Change Communications (YPCCC) to research the attitudes, behaviours, policy preferences and beliefs of the Irish public to climate change. The results of this research are now being made public with the release of the 'Climate Change in the Irish Mind' Report.  It provides a range of fresh insights into the attitudes of the Irish population which will be of benefit to researchers, policymakers, government departments/ agencies, communications experts, and other interested parties.

The project is being facilitated by the National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA) in its role as the hub for understanding public climate change knowledge, attitudes, policy preferences, and behaviour, and the underlying psychological and cultural factors that influence the public.

To carry out this research, the EPA is tasking YPCCC with characterising the Irish population and specific segments based on their climate change beliefs, attitudes, policy preferences, and behaviours.

Behaviours and Attitudes Marketing Research conducted a nationally representative survey to collect data on the Irish population for analysis by the YPCCC.  

Objectives

  • Establish national level baseline on attitudes and behaviours to climate change.
  • Identify different segments of the Irish population; nationally, regionally and locally, and how they respond to climate change issues.
  • Estimate Irish climate change beliefs, attitudes, policy support and behaviour at sub-national levels.
  • Support the development of a communications strategy on the dissemination of the research findings.

Outcomes

Two significant reports are expected from this work:

  • The first report 'Climate Change in the Irish Mind’ sets out survey results following analysis of the data.
  • The second report, expected in early 2022 ‘Global Warming’s X Ireland's' will provide us with insights into the different audience segments and how they each respond to the issue of climate change.
  • An interactive mapping tool, also expected in early 2022, will be generated for general usage.