Strong Longford and national support for climate action once it is applied fairly
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of people see climate change as an immediate and urgent problem, while 77% are at least somewhat worried about climate change, according to the Ipsos B&A Baseline Research.
There is strong public support in county Longford and across Ireland by the public for climate action alongside concerns over fairness, affordability and trust, according to a new study by Ireland’s Just Transition Commission.
The findings highlight the importance of fairness in how the transition is managed, particularly for those on lower incomes, rural communities and the farming sector.
There were several key findings of the Ipsos B&A Baseline Research ─ commissioned by the Just Transition Commission to better understand public awareness, attitudes and expectations of the just transition, and of the changes needed for Ireland to move to a climate-neutral future.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) see climate change as an immediate and urgent problem, while 77% are at least somewhat worried about climate change.
Just over two-fifths (41%) agree that Ireland’s climate transition can be managed in a just and fair way, while 35% are optimistic that, by acting together, Ireland can transition to climate neutrality by 2050.
While just over a quarter (27%) had previously heard the term “just transition”, 59% say they understand the concept once it is explained.
Just over four-fifths (81%) believe climate actions are unfair to at least some groups, with those on lower incomes (68%), rural residents (51%) and the farming sector (50%) seen as most affected.
Just over two-fifths (42%) identify affordability as the most important factor in making climate action fair.
More than three quarters (78% of those who think they will be personally impacted by climate change in the future expect to make changes to adjust to this future impact and 52% of these think they will need help from Government supports (advice, grants and other supports) to make these changes.
Just over half (57%) feel they are not well informed about Ireland's climate transition and 56% say access to information on climate action is insufficient, highlighting the need for clearer and more accessible information about the transition and the supports available.
The research is the latest in a series of reports published by the Just Transition Commission.
According to the Commission, the forthcoming Climate Action Plan and development of Ireland’s National Just Transition Strategy provide important opportunities to take account of these findings, particularly on affordability, fairness, access to supports and information, and ensuring people and communities have a meaningful voice in the transition.
Chair of the Just Transition Commission Ali Sheridan today said, “The findings of this research send a clear, and in many respects, encouraging message.
"People recognise the need for climate action and want Ireland to succeed in the transition to a climate-neutral future.
"This is a strong foundation on which to build. At the same time, people are very clear that how we make this transition matters.
"The success of this transition will not be measured by emissions reductions alone. It will also be measured by whether people experience the transition as fair and affordable, and whether they have a meaningful voice in shaping it.
“For policymakers, this research reinforces that fairness is not an optional consideration, it is fundamental to building public trust, maintaining support for climate action, and delivering lasting climate policy.
"These findings provide an important evidence base for the Commission's advice to Government and establish a benchmark against which progress can be measured in the years ahead.”
A total of 1,046 respondents participated in the survey, aged 18-to-65 and over, with an almost equal balance between males (49%) and females (51%).
The Ipsos B&A Just Transition Commission Baseline Awareness Survey Report is available to read on www.JustTransitionCommission.ie.