NEARLY HALF of Irish people believe the Government and businesses are not doing enough to tackle climate change.
The latest Eurobarometer poll on attitudes to climate change in the European Union found the overwhelming majority of Irish people (82 per cent) believe global warming to be a serious problem.
However, the survey suggested Irish citizens were not changing their personal behaviour in key areas that reduce their carbon footprint, at least not as quickly as their European neighbours.
The survey found only 3 per cent of Irish respondents had adapted their homes to green fuels, less than half the EU average. Only 15 per cent admitted to using their car less, compared to an EU average of 24 per cent.
While 75 per cent of the Irish public wanted to see increased use of alternative fuels, only 36 per cent said they were willing to pay more for greener energy; the EU average was 49 per cent.
One area in which the Irish appeared to be proving their green credentials was recycling, with 87 per cent of respondents confirming they separated waste, ahead of an EU average of 78 per cent.
Nearly two-thirds said they believed fighting climate change would have a “positive impact” on the economy, but some 32 per cent were of the opinion that environmental protection measures were an obstacle to growth.
The survey found nearly 90 per cent of EU citizens believed climate change to be a serious problem. Two-thirds rejected the idea that the seriousness of the problem had been exaggerated.
A majority also listed tackling climate change at the top of their priorities, with only poverty ranking higher as a global issue.
Before today’s launch of the report in Brussels, vice-president of the European Commission Margot Wallström said: “The message of the European citizens is clear: the fight against climate change must remain a top priority of EU action.”
