86% of people believe in climate change but few fear the risks

A new survey from AIB shows that while a large majority of people in Ireland accept that climate change is real and driven by human activity, far fewer feel personally threatened by it or confident in their own understanding of sustainability.

According to the research, 86% of respondents believe climate change is happening, and nine in ten say it is caused by human behaviour.

Yet only 30% think extreme weather will pose a high risk in the coming decade, and just 40% report feeling worried about climate change.

The study also highlights a notable gap in public confidence around sustainability.

Only 33% of consumers say they feel knowledgeable about sustainability topics.

Confidence is lowest among young adults (26% of 18–24-year-olds) and older people (25% of those aged 65+).

In contrast, 43% of 25–44-year-olds feel confident, as do 39% of Dublin residents.

Just 19% consider sustainable living convenient, down from 23% in 2019.

The findings coincide with AIB’s ninth annual Sustainability Conference, themed “Where our shared ambition meets action”.

AIB CEO Colin Hunt said the research underscores the need to make sustainability more accessible and practical for households and communities.

“Sustainability must mean social progress and a better way of doing things, like warmer homes, better transport, or cleaner electricity,” he said.

“AIB is focused on financing infrastructure like renewable energy and energy efficient housing and buildings, so that it is easier for people to choose a more sustainable future.

“We are also focused on providing support and advice to our customers so that they understand more about the benefits of sustainability.”

The survey also reports that 29% of people say they take meaningful steps to live sustainably. Younger adults again scored lowest, with only 14% of 18–24-year-olds saying they act purposefully on sustainability, compared to 34% of over-55s.

Among the small proportion (6%) who say they don’t care about sustainability, around a quarter cite scepticism or conspiracy beliefs, while similar numbers say it is not a priority or that they are simply disinterested.

The research was conducted online by Amárach among 1,500 adults between mid-August and early September.

Today’s conference features keynote speaker Benedict Cumberbatch, along with Professor Brian Cox and Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE.

AIB says sustainability remains a core strategic priority, noting progress including €20.5bn in green and transition lending since 2019, €8.2bn raised through ESG bonds, and 60% of new mortgage lending in Q3 classified as green.