Government survey finds majority of the public think it's doing a bad job on climate
THE LATEST 'CLIMATE Conversations' survey by the government has found that the public believe that the government is seriously underperforming in its climate action.
This survey is the fourth report of its kind. It gathered its responses through an online public consultation between May and September 2024. It claims to 'provide critical insights into Irish citizens' attitudes, understanding, and involvement in climate action'.
One section of the report, titled 'Perceptions of the Government's Performance [on climate]', summarised its respondents' attitudes to Government's climate performance as so:
'Their performance was generally negatively perceived across all areas, especially in terms of 'having a clear plan in place for getting Government, businesses and people to work together', and in 'Giving citizens a say in climate policy'. 'Supporting individuals and communities to take climate action' was also one of the more poorly rated areas.'
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
Just over one in seven people who responded to the survey believed that the Government is delivering a clear climate action plan.
Advertisement
The report noted that those that had responded to the online consultation are generally more engaged with the topic of climate change than the general public, and stated 'this is worth remembering' in regards to assessing responses from the cohort in which 76% of the respondents expressed that they felt that they themselves could do more to address climate change, an increase in the previous iterations of the survey.
It said that frustration is the dominant emotion felt by the Irish public regarding climate change, followed by worry and powerlessness.
Frustration was recorded by 67% of the 1,9,49 respondents (about 1,306 people), worry by 54% (about 1,052 people), and powerlessness by 51% (994 people).
Respondents decided that in their view, reducing the number of flights, retrofitting, and the installation of solar panels/wind turbines would have the greatest impact on reducing carbon emissions. However, the department said that there was a misperception and that Ireland's lagging behind on the adoption of electric vehicles was not viewed correctly in this context.
Other key findings within the report included the persisting of 'misconceptions' about actions that most effectively reduce carbon emissions. It said that 'many respondents' underestimate the benefits of adopting the use of an electric vehicle.
The report recommends establishing community climate hubs, addressing misperceptions about electric vehicles, and enhancing cross-government collaboration on climate initiatives.
Minister Darragh O'Brien said that the report 'provides us with a great understanding of the issues that our citizens and communities really care about when it comes to climate action'.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Extra.ie
an hour ago
- Extra.ie
Harris: World risks losing all control of Iran crisis
The US strikes on Iran represent an 'extraordinarily dangerous escalation' of the conflict in the Middle East, Tánaiste Simon Harris said on Sunday. Mr Harris said that an escalation was more likely than ever, and the international community was at risk of 'losing all control' of the conflict. He and Taoiseach Micheál Martin called for an 'urgent' de-escalation and a negotiated solution on Iran's nuclear facilities. They said they were yesterday in close contact with their European counterparts before a meeting of EU foreign leaders of EU leaders later in the week. The US strikes on Iran represent an 'extraordinarily dangerous escalation' of the conflict in the Middle East, Tánaiste Simon Harris said. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos 'Diplomacy and dialogue is ultimately the only way to resolve these issues,' Mr Martin said. 'Iran should commit not to develop nuclear weapons and disavow its nuclear and uranium enrichment programme. Nuclear safety is an issue here, modern warfare is very destructive. 'It is civilians who ultimately suffer, and that is why we need an end to these wars and bring an end to conflict.' Harris and Taoiseach Micheál Martin called for an 'urgent' de-escalation and a negotiated solution on Iran's nuclear facilities. Pic: Sasko Lazarov/ Mr Martin said the escalation on Sunday should not draw attention away from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. 'We shouldn't lose sight of the catastrophe still unfolding in Gaza, while the war between Iran and Israel continues,' he said. 'What is happening in Gaza is appalling and a breach of international humanitarian law, and again, innocent civilians and children are being starved there, and we need that to come to an end.' Staff from Ireland's embassy in Tehran left the country on Friday as the embassy was closed, and updates are being provided on over 300 Irish peacekeepers stationed in Lebanon. Mr Harris said there were no plans to withdraw Irish troops and 'decisions are being made constantly' to ensure their safety. Micheál Martin said the escalation on Sunday should not draw attention away from the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Pic: Leah Farrell/ When asked whether he supported Donald Trump's strikes on Iran, Mr Harris said: 'I think it's resulted in an extraordinarily dangerous escalation of a conflict that already best be described as a tinderbox. 'We're now entering a moment of particular danger, because I think the chances now of a spiral of escalation are more likely than ever before, and there is a real prospect now of the international community losing all control of this very, very volatile conflict.' He said there was only a 'very small' number of Irish citizens, many dual nationals, seeking an evacuation, and they were working with European counterparts. 'Thank God we woke this morning to the International Atomic Energy Agency saying they haven't detected any increase in radiation,' he told RTÉ Radio. US president Donald Trump. Pic: Daniel Torok/The White House via Getty Images He said there was a diplomatic process in train and his understanding from readouts was 'there was a commitment from the Iranian side to further talks'. Mr Harris said Ireland and Europe are 'fully united in the clear view' Iran should not be let to nuclear weapons. 'The way to address this was always through a negotiated solution. Any alternative to that is simply too dangerous for civilians, for the Middle East region and for global security,' he said. 'Together with my EU counterparts, we will in the coming hours and days discuss and review the latest developments and consider the next steps Europe can usefully play to support de-escalation.' Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan said people woke up on Sunday 'terrified, really, to be quite honest, about the prospect of what's unfolding'. He told RTÉ's The Week In Politics it is 'terrifying' for citizens in Iran and Israel. 'It does take great people to make leaps of faith in particular places in time to come forward, whether it was in relation to [Anwar el-Sadat] in Egypt, and later in relation to Bill Clinton and what he did, we now require people to actually get people around the table,' he said. Minister for Culture Patrick O'Donovan said people woke up on Sunday 'terrified, really, to be quite honest, about the prospect of what's unfolding'. Pic: Leah Farrell/ 'Because ultimately, as the Taoiseach said, this is terrifying, not only for the innocent communities who are living in both countries, but as well for neighbouring countries in the Middle East, who we all hope are not drawn into a much bigger conflict.' Mr Harris is engaged in a major diplomatic outreach aimed at saving the Irish UN presence in Lebanon. He was in Brussels yesterday at a meeting with his European counterparts. He has been briefed on the situation in the Middle East from the Defence Forces and will continue to discuss options about the mission with Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy. The Tanaiste will impress on his foreign counterparts the absolute need for the mission to continue, in order to ensure stability and peace in the region. Ireland has over 340 troops deployed at Camp Shamrock. Separately, the Tánaiste has been briefed by the Chief of Staff on a number of incidents that took place in Southern Lebanon in recent days. All Irish Troops are accounted for and well. Responding to the American attack on Iran, Mr Harris said: 'I am closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East following military action by the United States on three nuclear facilities in Iran overnight. 'I am also very conscious of the large presence of Irish peacekeeping troops in Southern Lebanon and their safety is of paramount importance. 'We remain in close contact with our Embassies in the region and are supporting those Irish citizens who wish to leave.
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Warning for Irish students as US demands public social media access for visas
Irish people and students applying for certain US visas will be instructed to set their social media profiles to public as part of a new 'comprehensive and thorough' vetting process. The US Embassy in Dublin further confirmed that it will resume taking applications for visas shortly. Last month, the US State Department instructed embassies to halt some visa appointments until further guidance was issued. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was reported to have said in an internal communication that there are 'plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applications'. This caused concern for Irish students who were in the process of applying for J1 visas ahead of the busy summer period. The US Embassy in Dublin has now confirmed that it will restart taking visa applications but that there will be new requirements for social media profiles. This includes for J visas, used by people like students and teachers and F and M visas, both used by students travelling to the US to study. The new rules will require those applying for visas to set their social media accounts to public. A spokesman said: 'The US Department of State is committed to protecting our nation and our citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through our visa process. A US visa is a privilege, not a right. 'We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to US national security. 'Under new guidance, we will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant classifications. 'To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to public.' The embassy stated that visa applicants will be required to list all social media usernames or handles of 'every platform they have used from the last five years' on their application forms. It also warned that 'omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas'. The spokesman continued: 'The US Embassy in Dublin will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon. Applicants should check our visa scheduling service for appointment availability. 'Every visa adjudication is a national security decision. The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests, and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission.'
Irish Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Tanaiste criticises President Donald Trump's 'unhelpful intervention' in Iran
Tánaiste Simon Harris has warned US President Donald Trump's administration made an 'unhelpful intervention' that 'added a significant level of danger to an already volatile situation' by targeting Iran. Tensions in the Middle East reached a crisis point at the weekend when the US sent planes and submarines to attack sites linked to Iran's nuclear programme, including Fordo, Isfahan and Natanz. Tehran has threatened to retaliate, while President Trump has warned of further action if necessary. It comes amid increasing levels of violence between Israel and Iran. Israel initially launched strikes on Tehran, targeting the country's nuclear programme. This has led to Israel and Iran exchanging strikes with one another. Speaking in Brussels at a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers, the Tánaiste criticised the US decision to join the conflict. Mr Harris said: 'I've been very clear in relation to international law around attacks on nuclear installations. There are international laws that say you shouldn't do this. 'I'm also very clear, and I said very clearly, that actually the actions of the United States added a significant level of danger to an already volatile situation. 'It was a very unhelpful intervention. 'While there will be, I'm sure, different views and different perspectives, the reality is this the only way, I believe, to make progress in relation to this, to stop an already tinderbox type situation getting even worse, is to get back to a negotiated situation. 'What has happened has now happened. It has added a huge layer of extra volatility and danger. 'But what we now need to see is no further escalatory measures, and that really has to be where the focus of the European Union has to be and using every bit of influence we can use, individually and collectively, by continuing to engage constantly with counterparts in the region and with the United States to try and make sure there's no further escalatory actions.' Mr Harris stated that 'nobody in the European Union wants to see Iran with a nuclear weapon' but that the best way to 'keep people safe in the world' is through a negotiated settlement. Elsewhere, it was confirmed that three Irish citizens and their dependents were assisted to depart Iran overnight on Sunday. It follows the successful evacuation of 15 Irish citizens and their dependents from Israel on Sunday evening. Mr Harris urged any Irish citizen in Iran or Israel who wants to leave the region to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs. They have also been urged to register the fact that they are there. Separately, Mr Harris held talks with the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, over the situation in the Middle East. It followed further phone calls between the Tánaiste and his counterparts in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan.
