New study shows Catholics more concerned about climate change than Presbyterians

Catholics are more concerned about climate change than Presbyterians, according to new research.

The study, conducted by the NI Life and Times (NILT) Survey, unveiled significant differences in attitudes towards climate change among Northern Ireland’s religious groups.

The ARK social policy hub, a partnership of social scientists from Queen’s and Ulster universities, discovered that Catholics were more likely to be concerned about climate change than Protestants, especially Presbyterians.

Catholics were more inclined than Protestants to believe that climate change is (at least partially) a human-caused problem.

They also showed greater trust in scientific experts and a stronger belief in the need for climate action.

However, within Protestantism, there was a noticeable divergence.

Presbyterians were identified as more sceptical than Church of Ireland members about climate change.

The survey revealed that the more frequently individuals attended religious services, the slightly higher their scepticism about humans having caused climate change, the trustworthiness of scientists, and the need for climate action.

Conversely, those raised in a religion but no longer identifying with it expressed greater concern about climate change than current adherents.

The survey, which polled 1,199 people, including 383 Catholics, 193 Presbyterians, and 144 Church of Ireland members, highlighted the varying attitudes among Northern Ireland’s religious communities towards climate change.

Dr Jonny Hanson, co-author from the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW) at Queen’s University, said: “Climate change is a defining issue of our time.

“There is therefore an urgent need for engagement with religious communities to address climate change in Northern Ireland and beyond.”

“Our research points to the need for moral leadership from religious communities, especially as the Climate Change Act is fully implemented in the coming years.

“But the timing is good – the Presbyterian Church in Ireland is hosting a major conference at the end of September here in Belfast entitled ‘God’s world – our responsibility?’ It will hopefully see much discussion and leadership on some of these very important issues.”

The survey found that 62 per cent of Catholics believe climate change is mainly or entirely caused by human activity, compared to 38 per cent of Presbyterians.

It also showed that 80 per cent of Catholics and non-religious people thought politicians should be doing more about climate change, compared to 65 per cent of Presbyterians.

Professor Gladys Ganiel, another co-author from the School of SSESW at Queen’s, said: “The research shows strong connections between religion and climate attitudes in Northern Ireland, highlighting the importance of considering faith perspectives in climate debates and policymaking.”

Dr Emma Soye, also a co-author, added: “The NILT data suggests that those seeking to influence attitudes on climate change in different religious settings need to engage with specific realities within those communities.”