EU survey shows Irish concerned about climate change
Irish people have become more aware about climate change in the last year, a new EU survey released today has revealed.
Two-thirds of Irish people now say they are well informed about the ways to tackle climate change, up 7% on 2008.
Although still lagging behind the Swedes, the most environmentally aware nation in Europe (83%), at 66%, Irish citizens feel better informed than the EU average (55%).
The "myth" that the Irish are less concerned about the environment than their European counterparts "also takes a knock", according to the European Commission representation in Dublin.
Irish citizens ranked 4th highest in the EU for making a personal contribution to fighting climate change. Some 74% of Irish people are taking action of some kind, with only citizens of Sweden, the UK and Slovenia being more engaged.
In spite of the economic crisis, 58% of Irish people still feel that climate change is one of the most serious problems facing the world.
Some 68% of Irish people think that fighting climate change will have a positive effect on the economy and create jobs.
