A report published today (Friday) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that nearly two thirds of people support reducing the size of the national cattle herd to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
About one in three people surveyed (36 per cent) said they oppose reducing the size of the national cattle herd, including 17 per cent who say they “strongly” oppose it.
Research also showed that 92 per cent of people support increasing forest areas to offset greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
Speaking about the report Laura Burke, director general of the EPA said: “The findings of the survey clearly demonstrate that the Irish people overwhelmingly recognise the threat, feel personally affected and want to see real change.”
“It demonstrates that – as a country – we are ready for the transition to climate neutrality and resilience, people see the benefits to themselves and Ireland in general and many are already advanced on the journey.”
More than 4,000 people were surveyed during the summer of 2021 and the project ‘Climate Change in the Irish Mind’ aims to develop a better understanding of the people’s attitude and behaviour to climate change.
The EPA say this is the first national survey about climate change attitudes in Ireland and it was supported by the Yale University Programme on Climate Change Communication.
LSL News.