New survey indicates that climate change policies in Ireland need to focus on science, not politics

A recent poll assessing public support for climate action suggests rising support for increased actions towards tackling carbon emissions. Despite the implications of the current pandemic, nearly two thirds of adults in Ireland believe it is critical that the incoming Government places climate change as a top priority.

The poll created by Opinions Market Research in collaboration with Friends of the Earth suggested that nearly 90% of respondents believe that climate change policies in Ireland should be directed by science, not politics. There is significant support (over 90%) for new policies and initiatives to support employment generation by encouraging improvements to energy efficiency of homes across Ireland.

Nearly three quarters of individuals believe that investment into transport networks should be prioritised towards cleaner services such as walking, cycling and public transport systems. A further three quarters also agreed that carbon emission reductions need to be managed further in sustainability in agriculture. 

Oisin Coghlan, director of Friends of the Earth highlighted the sheer scale of public support towards strengthening climate action. Coghlan hopes that the results will show all political parties in Ireland the confidence in implementing and driving forward with climate action as a core part of government policy. Coghlan emphasises that the results show that across the entire nation, there is a considerable amount of support towards reducing pollution from transport, building and agriculture.

70% of Irish residents stated that they feel very strongly that a lack of acting on climate change is a failure in supporting the best interest of the Irish people. This is a view held strongly with younger residents of Ireland.