LIFE Emerald - End of Project Review on Behaviour Change
Summary:
End-of-Project Review on Behavioural Change
This deliverable summarises the impacts of LIFE Emerald on behavioural change in relation to air quality. In addition to behavioural change, per se, two other related dimensions are also addressed: awareness/knowledge on air quality; and attitudes regarding air quality, including policy-related aspects. The report notes that impacts in these three dimensions will generally require a long timeframe, and hence may not be realised within the timeframe of the project; and that observed changes are attributable to a variety of factors in addition to the LIFE Emerald project.
Two report synthesises findings from several sources of data, which are appended as attachments to the report, including:
- National Air Quality surveys conducted by RED C Research and Marketing Ltd. in 2021 and 2024 as part of the LIFE Emerald project: LIFE Emerald: Environmental Protection Agency Public Attitudes to Air Quality.
- Special Eurobarometer reports 497/2019 and 524/2022 on Attitudes of Europeans towards Air Quality.
- A study by the by Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI): Clean Air Together Dublin: Impact on air quality, awareness, attitudes, and behaviour.
Key findings identified in the report include:
Awareness & Knowledge
- Familiarity with the two main air pollutants impacting health remains low: Only 32% of survey respondents are familiar with Particulate Matter (PM); and only 30% are familiar with Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)..
- Knowledge of the main sources of these pollutants is even lower, with PM at 8% and NO2 at 28%.
Attitudes
- Both the LIFE Emerald national surveys and the Eurobarometer reports show declining support in Ireland for many policy options related to air quality.
- Attitudes to public transport are generally favourable – Increased investment in public transport was the policy measure which received the highest level of support in surveys.
- Support was relatively low for some measures including banning sales of petrol/diesel vehicles, and introduction of congestion charges.
Behaviour
- The national survey found increased use of public transport in Ireland, but usage remains below the EU average.
- Other reported changes included upgrades to home heating systems and home insulation, and reduced use of smoky solid fuels.
The report also includes some conclusions from the ESRI study:
- That in order to achieve lower levels of air pollution, individual-level behaviour change will need to be accompanied by targeted public policies; and
- That previous research has found a considerable gap between attitudes and behaviours and that one reason for this may be a lack of information about the most effective behaviours.