- Under 25s are the most supportive of implementing policy measures to tackle climate change, including increased carbon taxes and surcharges on high-carbon emitting food products
- While more under 25 feel we are on the brink of irreversible climate change, they are less likely to believe their personal actions will make a difference
- Amongst homeowners, willingness to retrofit homes triples when government grants are factored in, yet over 50% of people are not aware of their homes Building Energy Rating
PTSB’s latest Reflecting Ireland research series has shown that younger people (18-24 age group) are significantly more concerned about climate change than other age groups. They are the most supportive of implementing policy measures to tackle climate change, including increased carbon taxes and surcharges on high-carbon emitting food products, but are less likely to believe their personal actions will make a difference.
The research also reveals that, for homeowners, saving money rather than combatting climate change is consistently the key motivator behind many planned climate-friendly enhancements to homes over the next 3 years, particularly installation of solar panels (42% versus 17%) and heat pumps (43% versus 23%).
Under 25s – Views on Climate Change and Sustainability
- Concern about the effects of climate change has risen among 18-24 year olds (from 68% to 73%) versus 2023, but declined among older age groups (from 75% to 68% among those aged 55+)
- 35% of under 25s are very concerned about climate change, with 37% feeling we are on the brink of irreversible climate change – this compares with 26% and 29% respectively for society as a whole
- Under 25s are the most supportive of implementing policy measures to tackle climate change, including increased carbon taxes (53% of this age group versus 37% for society as a whole), and surcharges on high-carbon emitting food products (46% of this age group versus 35% for society as a whole)
- While younger people are least likely to agree that they are doing all they can to reduce their carbon footprint (16% versus an average of 26%), they are most likely to believe that their personal actions are not going to make any difference towards climate change (52% versus an average of 41%)
- Valuing sustainability more than other age groups, under 25s are more likely to base career decisions on an employer’s green credentials (54% of this age group versus 34% for society as a whole)
- They are also willing to pay more for products that can demonstrate green credentials (58% of this age group versus 40% for society as a whole)
- The research also revealed higher levels of criticism of the fashion industry among young people, with 33% of the 18-24 age group saying it has a negative impact on our environment, versus 21% for society as whole
Homeowners and Sustainable Choices
- 60% would retrofit their house with government assistance, with 23% willing to retrofit at their own expense
- Just under 50% of homeowners are aware of their Building Energy Rating (BER), an increase from 39% in February, and over 70% are aware of loans or grants available to homeowners
- 33% of homeowners said they would consider retrofitting their home to increase their BER, and a third of these would consider a full retrofit
- 39% plan to install solar panels over the next 3 years, and one in three (31%) plan to avail of Solar as a Service
Leontia Fannin, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at PTSB, said:
“Our research shows a striking divergence between the attitudes of younger people and those of other age groups when it comes to climate action. There is clear evidence of younger people having stronger feelings on this issue and a greater willingness to make hard choices to tackle the climate challenge.
More broadly, it is encouraging to see that there is an increase in homeowner awareness of their Building Energy Rating, while over 70% are aware of the loans and grants available to homeowners, both of which may support an uplift in retrofits into the future.”
Claire Cogan, Behavioural Scientist at BehaviourWise, said:
“It is the prospect of saving money over the long term rather than combatting climate change that motivates people to install solar panels or heat pumps, or retrofit their homes. Cost of living concerns have a stronger impact on behaviour.”
Read the full Reflecting Ireland report
Note to Editors
PTSB’s Reflecting Ireland research is conducted every quarter and is based on an online survey of 1,000 adults across Ireland. The sample was nationally representative of the population based on age, gender, social class and region. Fieldwork was conducted between 20-29 August 2025.
