The findings in this latest edition of Reflecting Ireland point to a nation navigating a variety of concerns in respect of climate change. While most adults in Ireland acknowledge the urgency of environmental action, increasing financial pressures and a sense of apprehension about the future may be eroding confidence in their own ability to make a difference. Many say they are “doing all they can” to reduce their carbon footprint, yet acknowledge that we are at a crucial point for the future of the environment. This tension between intention and capacity reflects a wider mood of anxiety, which risks slowing progress on sustainability just when momentum is needed most.
This edition also reveals a distinct difference in the views of young adults aged 18 to 24, and those in older age groups, with under 25s demonstrating a greater willingness to make hard choices to tackle climate change.
Concern about the effects of climate change has risen among 18-24 year olds (68% to 73%) versus 2023, but declined among older age groups (75% to 68% among those aged 55+).
3 in 10 believe we are on the brink of irreversible climate change, a slight increase compared to 2023.
Those concerned about climate change are most worried about increased extreme weather events (21% vs 12% not concerned).
More people are doing all they can to reduce their carbon impact compared to 2023 (26% in 2025 vs 22% in 2023), and this is mainly motivated by a desire to reduce energy costs.
Almost 1 in 2 (47%) believe the airline industry has the most negative impact on climate change, with data centres now seen as the second largest contributor at 34%, a significant increase from 22% in 2021.
Climate change behaviours
Since 2021, we have seen a rise in Irish adults saying their household is doing all it can to reduce their carbon footprint (68% 2025 vs 66% 2023 vs 63% 2021).
While 1 in 5 believe we must take personal responsibility for addressing climate change, more than twice that (41%) feel their personal actions will not really make any difference toward climate change (41% 2025 vs 39% 2023 vs 34% 2021). This increases to 52% for those under 25.
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).
Compared to older age groups, younger age groups are significantly more likely to change their diet to tackle climate change, and less likely to believe they are doing all they can to reduce carbon footprint.
Solar energy is seen as the best way to tackle climate change, followed by the promotion of a more circular economy. Installing solar panels, buying a hybrid electric vehicle and retrofitting your home are the domestic-related behaviours that people in Ireland are most likely to do, driven more by costsaving intentions rather than environmental concern.
Homeowners and sustainability
6 in 10 would retrofit their house with government assistance, with just 1 in 4 willing to retrofit at their own expense.
Just under half are aware of their Building Energy Rating (BER), and just under 3 in 10 are unaware 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.
Inclusivity and community
We are seeing a decline in the number of people who are reporting making one-off or recurring donations to charities, with 18% and 15% respectively citing they do less when compared to last year.
Nearly four in ten (36%) say they never volunteer or do charity work, and 12% say they are volunteering less, or doing less charity work, compared with last year.
Those under 25 are the most likely to say they want to give back to charity (financially or by giving their time).
When asked about whether or not they feel like they live in an inclusive society, less than 2 in 5 agreed. Older age groups and those living in Dublin were the most likely to agree.
Half say they are more likely to choose a business or service that is inclusive and has a positive social impact. This is particularly true for younger age groups.
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