The results of a new study published by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today (Wednesday, February 28) suggest some people ”support reducing the size of the
national cattle herd” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) from agriculture.
The initial results from the second part of the EPA’s ‘Climate Change in the Irish Mind’ project shows that 81% of people who participated in the project are worried about climate change and 75% think extreme weather poses “a moderate or high risk to their community” over the next 10 years.
The project was conducted by the EPA and the Yale University Program on Climate Change Communication
Data in the project report is based on a representative survey of 1,330 Irish residents aged 18 and older. Survey respondents were recruited using a “random digit dial sample of live Irish telephone numbers”.
GHG emissions
The research suggests “a majority” (58%) of people who took part in the project indicated that they “strongly” or “somewhat” support reducing the size of the national cattle herd to reduce GHG missions from agriculture, including 29% who say they “strongly” support it.
“About four in ten residents (42%) say they oppose reducing the size of the national cattle herd, including 22% who say they “strongly” oppose it,” the EPA also highlighted.
About nine in ten people (91%) who took part in the study also said that they “strongly” or “somewhat” support increasing forest areas in their area to offset GHG emissions from agriculture, including seven in ten (70%) who say they “strongly” support this action.
The ‘Climate Change in the Irish Mind’ project is an ongoing study of the Irish population’s beliefs, attitudes, policy preferences, and behaviours regarding climate change.
According to Laura Burke, director general of the EPA, the findings highlight that Irish people are aware of the impacts of climate change and are “worried about the harm it may cause”.
She added: “Despite the many challenges, including cost of living increases, people remain positive about the benefits of climate action for our economy and quality of life.
“There continues to be majority support for a range of climate policies. In particular, we see overwhelming support for improved public transport and renewable energy.”
But researchers also found that while they still received “majority support” – two policies including “higher taxes on cars that use petrol or diesel”, and “banning peat, coal, and oil for home heating” received “weaker support” from those who had experienced economic difficulties.
Agriculture
The latest results from the Climate Change in the Irish Mind’ project also show, according to the EPA, that “only 30% of people in Ireland correctly identified agriculture as Ireland’s largest source of the pollution that causes climate change”.
Speaking about the report today the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan said that it confirms that “Irish people have a good understanding of the complex issues of climate change”.
But he added: “We must listen and act so that we are supporting people to take climate action that works for their community — from the ground up.
“Climate action won’t work if it’s a top down, blame or shame approach”.