Climate Change Report Nov 2008.pdf

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RRRReporteporteporteport of a survey of NI people, politicians andof a survey of NI people, politicians andof a survey of NI people, politicians andof a survey of NI people, politicians andkey decision makerskey decision makerskey decision makerskey decision makersprepared by Patricia Macprepared by Patricia Macprepared by Patricia Macprepared by Patricia MackeykeykeykeySustainable Northern IrelandSustainable Northern IrelandSustainable Northern IrelandSustainable Northern IrelandJanuary 2009January 2009January 2009January 2009

Climate Change:Climate Change:Climate Change:Climate Change: What will What will What will What will OUOUOUOU do?do?do?do?

Northern Ireland ClimateNorthern Ireland ClimateNorthern Ireland ClimateNorthern Ireland ClimateChange ImpactsChange ImpactsChange ImpactsChange ImpactsPartnershipPartnershipPartnershipPartnership


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Climate Change What will YOU do? What will YOU do? What will YOU do? What will YOU do?

2222

Sir Nicholas Stern STERN REVIEW: The Economics of Climate Change HM Treasury

United Kingdom30 October 2006

There is still time

to avoid theworst impact ofclimate changeif we take strongaction now


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ContentsContentsContentsContents

Executive SummaryExecutive SummaryExecutive SummaryExecutive Summary 4 444

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction 6 666

MethodologyMethodologyMethodologyMethodology 7 777

Section ONE PublicSection ONE PublicSection ONE PublicSection ONE Publics Opinions Opinions Opinions Opinion 8 888

Section TWO MLASection TWO MLASection TWO MLASection TWO MLAssss OpinionOpinionOpinionOpinion 14141414

Section THRSection THRSection THRSection THREE Decision MakerEE Decision MakerEE Decision MakerEE Decision Makers Opinions Opinions Opinions Opinion 19191919

Section FOURSection FOURSection FOURSection FOUR CoCoCoConclusions)nclusions)nclusions)nclusions) 23232323

SSSSection FIVE Recommendationsection FIVE Recommendationsection FIVE Recommendationsection FIVE Recommendations 25 252525

The survey was carried outThe survey was carried outThe survey was carried outThe survey was carried out for thefor thefor thefor the NorthernNorthernNorthernNorthernIreland Climate Change Impacts PartnershipIreland Climate Change Impacts PartnershipIreland Climate Change Impacts PartnershipIreland Climate Change Impacts Partnership

(NICCIP) by Sustainable Northern Ireland(NICCIP) by Sustainable Northern Ireland(NICCIP) by Sustainable Northern Ireland(NICCIP) by Sustainable Northern Ireland in inininMarch and April 2008.March and April 2008.March and April 2008.March and April 2008.

The Northern Ireland Climate ChangeThe Northern Ireland Climate ChangeThe Northern Ireland Climate ChangeThe Northern Ireland Climate ChangeImpacts Partnership (NICCIP) is a partnershipImpacts Partnership (NICCIP) is a partnershipImpacts Partnership (NICCIP) is a partnershipImpacts Partnership (NICCIP) is a partnershipconsisting of representatives from central andconsisting of representatives from central andconsisting of representatives from central andconsisting of representatives from central andlocal government, the business community,local government, the business community,local government, the business community,local government, the business community,the voluntary sector and professionalthe voluntary sector and professionalthe voluntary sector and professionalthe voluntary sector and professionalorganisationsorganisationsorganisationsorganisations.

Acknowledgements Acknowledgements Acknowledgements AcknowledgementsThis survey has been commissioned byThis survey has been commissioned byThis survey has been commissioned byThis survey has been commissioned byNICCIPNICCIPNICCIPNICCIP and its contents and output aidedand its contents and output aidedand its contents and output aidedand its contents and output aidedby Brendan Forde, Michael McCallion andby Brendan Forde, Michael McCallion andby Brendan Forde, Michael McCallion andby Brendan Forde, Michael McCallion andPaula McWilliams.Paula McWilliams.Paula McWilliams.Paula McWilliams.

Special thanks are due to Michael BennetSpecial thanks are due to Michael BennetSpecial thanks are due to Michael BennetSpecial thanks are due to Michael Bennet((((Northern Ireland Statistics anNorthern Ireland Statistics anNorthern Ireland Statistics anNorthern Ireland Statistics and Researchd Researchd Researchd Research

Agency Agency Agency Agency) who painstakingly audited all the) who painstakingly audited all the) who painstakingly audited all the) who painstakingly audited all thesusususurvey data, to Sue Christie (Northernrvey data, to Sue Christie (Northernrvey data, to Sue Christie (Northernrvey data, to Sue Christie (NorthernIreland Environment LinkIreland Environment LinkIreland Environment LinkIreland Environment Link) who edited this) who edited this) who edited this) who edited thisreport and to the QUB students whoreport and to the QUB students whoreport and to the QUB students whoreport and to the QUB students whofolded, stuffed, franked and mailed 4000folded, stuffed, franked and mailed 4000folded, stuffed, franked and mailed 4000folded, stuffed, franked and mailed 4000

survey forms.survey forms.survey forms.survey forms.


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KKKKey findings from the survey:ey findings from the survey:ey findings from the survey:ey findings from the survey:The survey yielded a number of useful findingsthat can be used to determine policy, prioritiesand actions to help reduce the severity of theimpact of climate change on Northern Ireland.

Knowledge about climate changeKnowledge about climate changeKnowledge about climate changeKnowledge about climate change 81818181%%%% of the public, 22 out of 28 MLAs, and 51

out of 55 of key decision makers respondingto the survey feel they are either completely

or well informed about climate change.well informed about climate change.well informed about climate change.well informed about climate change. 99%99%99%99% of the public and 27 out of 2827 out of 2827 out of 2827 out of 28 MLAsMLAsMLAsMLAs

agree the Earths climate is changingEarths climate is changingEarths climate is changingEarths climate is changing.

Climate change and Northern IrelandClimate change and Northern IrelandClimate change and Northern IrelandClimate change and Northern Ireland 62626262%%%% of the public state that changes to thechanges to thechanges to thechanges to the

climate have alreadyclimate have alreadyclimate have alreadyclimate have already hahahahadddd an impactan impactan impactan impact on them.20 out of 27 MLAs think that the changingclimate has had an impact on theirconstituents.

There is consensus that climate change willclimate change willclimate change willclimate change willhave an increasing impact on Northernhave an increasing impact on Northernhave an increasing impact on Northernhave an increasing impact on NorthernIrelaIrelaIrelaIrelandndndnd over the next 5, 25 and 50 years.

Cause of climate changeCause of climate changeCause of climate changeCause of climate change 92929292%%%% of the public, 25 out of 27 MLAs, and 54

out of 55 key decision makers think thatpeoplepeoplepeoplepeople areareareare at least partially at least partially at least partially at least partially responsible forresponsible forresponsible forresponsible forclimate changeclimate changeclimate changeclimate change .

Destruction of rainforestsDestruction of rainforestsDestruction of rainforestsDestruction of rainforests is ranked as themost significant contribution to climatechange by all four survey groups. Otherissues to rank highly are the manufacturingindustry, power stations and transportation.

Agriculture is ranked the lowest of all sectors

by those surveyed.

Executive Summary Executive Summary Executive Summary Executive Summary

Climate change is one of theClimate change is one of theClimate change is one of theClimate change is one of the mostmostmostmostsignificant issues facing the world.significant issues facing the world.significant issues facing the world.significant issues facing the world.Recent scientific research from theRecent scientific research from theRecent scientific research from theRecent scientific research from the

IPCC provides evidence that we needIPCC provides evidence that we needIPCC provides evidence that we needIPCC provides evidence that we needto act immediately if we are to limit itsto act immediately if we are to limit itsto act immediately if we are to limit itsto act immediately if we are to limit its

impactsimpactsimpactsimpacts atatatat both global and local scales.both global and local scales.both global and local scales.both global and local scales.

This report is based on survey returnsThis report is based on survey returnsThis report is based on survey returnsThis report is based on survey returnsfrom more than 40from more than 40from more than 40from more than 400 members of the0 members of the0 members of the0 members of thepublic, 28 MLAs, 26 district councilspublic, 28 MLAs, 26 district councilspublic, 28 MLAs, 26 district councilspublic, 28 MLAs, 26 district councils

and 29 central governmentand 29 central governmentand 29 central governmentand 29 central governmentdepartments and agencies in Northerndepartments and agencies in Northerndepartments and agencies in Northerndepartments and agencies in Northern

Ireland.Ireland.Ireland.Ireland.

The surveys results reveal a highThe surveys results reveal a highThe surveys results reveal a highThe surveys results reveal a highdegree of consensus among each ofdegree of consensus among each ofdegree of consensus among each ofdegree of consensus among each of

the sectors surveyed that climatethe sectors surveyed that climatethe sectors surveyed that climatethe sectors surveyed that climatechange is having an impchange is having an impchange is having an impchange is having an impact inact inact inact in

Northern Ireland, that modifying ourNorthern Ireland, that modifying ourNorthern Ireland, that modifying ourNorthern Ireland, that modifying ourbehaviour can make a difference andbehaviour can make a difference andbehaviour can make a difference andbehaviour can make a difference and

that people are willing to makethat people are willing to makethat people are willing to makethat people are willing to makechanges to their lifestyles, especially ifchanges to their lifestyles, especially ifchanges to their lifestyles, especially ifchanges to their lifestyles, especially if

encouragedencouragedencouragedencouraged to do soto do soto do soto do so by strongby strongby strongby stronggovernment leadership.government leadership.government leadership.government leadership.

The results from the survey suggestThe results from the survey suggestThe results from the survey suggestThe results from the survey suggestthat peopl that peopl that peopl that people do accept theire do accept theire do accept theire do accept their

responsibility for doing more, butresponsibility for doing more, butresponsibility for doing more, butresponsibility for doing more, butthatthatthatthat stronger stronger stronger stronger leadership andleadership andleadership andleadership and

detaileddetaileddetaileddetailed guidance fromguidance fromguidance fromguidance fromgovernment is needed. The public,government is needed. The public,government is needed. The public,government is needed. The public,

MLAs, central government andMLAs, central government andMLAs, central government andMLAs, central government anddistrict councils are all prepared todistrict councils are all prepared todistrict councils are all prepared todistrict councils are all prepared to play their part but play their part but play their part but play their part but more effective more effective more effective more effective

co co co co- -- -ordination o ordination o ordination o ordination of initiatives isf initiatives isf initiatives isf initiatives isrequired.required.required.required.


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Responsibility forResponsibility forResponsibility forResponsibility for climate changeclimate changeclimate changeclimate change Over 90%90%90%90% of each group responding to the survey think industry will haveindustry will haveindustry will haveindustry will have a aaa prominentprominentprominentprominent

impactimpactimpactimpact on helping to reduce climate change.

26 out of 2826 out of 2826 out of 2826 out of 28 MLAs surveyedMLAs surveyedMLAs surveyedMLAs surveyed thinkthinkthinkthink the NI Assembly could have a positive impactthe NI Assembly could have a positive impactthe NI Assembly could have a positive impactthe NI Assembly could have a positive impact on reducingthe impact of climate change but only 68% of the public and 40 out of 55 key decisionmakers who responded to the survey agreed.

25 out of 26 district council respondents25 out of 26 district council respondents25 out of 26 district council respondents25 out of 26 district council respondents think they have an important role in reducingthink they have an important role in reducingthink they have an important role in reducingthink they have an important role in reducingclimateclimateclimateclimate changechangechangechange . 18 out of 29 central government departments, 24 out of 28 MLAs and 75%of the public think that councils have an important role to play.

Willingness to make changes to lifestyle and behaviourWillingness to make changes to lifestyle and behaviourWillingness to make changes to lifestyle and behaviourWillingness to make changes to lifestyle and behaviour 87% of public respondents think that making changes to their lifestyle will help reducemaking changes to their lifestyle will help reducemaking changes to their lifestyle will help reducemaking changes to their lifestyle will help reduce

climate change.climate change.climate change.climate change.

18 out of 2418 out of 2418 out of 2418 out of 24 MLAs stated they thought their constituents would be willing to make lifestyleMLAs stated they thought their constituents would be willing to make lifestyleMLAs stated they thought their constituents would be willing to make lifestyleMLAs stated they thought their constituents would be willing to make lifestyle

changeschangeschangeschanges . 89% of public respondents said they would be willing to make lifestyle changes. 48 out of 5548 out of 5548 out of 5548 out of 55 key decision makerskey decision makerskey decision makerskey decision makers (district councils and central government departments)

state that higher priority higher priority higher priority higher priority assigned to other issuesassigned to other issuesassigned to other issuesassigned to other issues is their main barrier to dealing with climatechange.

Messages needed to take actionMessages needed to take actionMessages needed to take actionMessages needed to take action Every group surveyed agreed that a less polluted atmosphere and benefits to public healthless polluted atmosphere and benefits to public healthless polluted atmosphere and benefits to public healthless polluted atmosphere and benefits to public health

were important messages that could be used to encourage people to take action to reduceclimate change.

Actions already taking place Actions already taking place Actions already taking place Actions already taking place The most commonly cited action people feel they are undertaking which contributes toreducing climate change is recycling and switching orecycling and switching orecycling and switching orecycling and switching off lightsff lightsff lightsff lights.

Additional action Additional action Additional action Additional actions sss to considerto considerto considerto consider 80808080%%%% of the public surveyed stated they would be prepared to install renewable energyprepared to install renewable energyprepared to install renewable energyprepared to install renewable energy

technology technology technology technology if it helped reduce the impacts of climate change.

24 out of 2824 out of 2824 out of 2824 out of 28 MLAsMLAsMLAsMLAs stated that the amount of energy generated froof energy generated froof energy generated froof energy generated from renewable sourcesm renewable sourcesm renewable sourcesm renewable sourcesshould be increasedshould be increasedshould be increasedshould be increased to mitigate against climate change.

The important next stepsThe important next stepsThe important next stepsThe important next steps 23 out of 2823 out of 2823 out of 2823 out of 28 MLAsMLAsMLAsMLAs would support the introduction of Climate Change ImpactClimate Change ImpactClimate Change ImpactClimate Change Impact Assessments Assessments Assessments Assessments for all relevant government departments. 26 think that ensuring all newhomes are built to meet robust energy standardshomes are built to meet robust energy standardshomes are built to meet robust energy standardshomes are built to meet robust energy standards would have an important impact onclimate change.

MLAs and key decision makers who responded to the survey are in agreementthat energy efficiency and increasing the supply from renewable energy sourcesenergy efficiency and increasing the supply from renewable energy sourcesenergy efficiency and increasing the supply from renewable energy sourcesenergy efficiency and increasing the supply from renewable energy sourcesare important initiatives to mitigateare important initiatives to mitigateare important initiatives to mitigateare important initiatives to mitigate against climate change.

24 out of 55 key decision makers think managing themanaging themanaging themanaging the impacts of climate changeimpacts of climate changeimpacts of climate changeimpacts of climate changeon their organisations own buildings and estates is a top adaptation priority.on their organisations own buildings and estates is a top adaptation priority.on their organisations own buildings and estates is a top adaptation priority.on their organisations own buildings and estates is a top adaptation priority.


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Over the past 18 months climate change has enjoyed an increased profile in the media viaadvertising, reporting of scientific studies and local and global events. It is now more common foradvertisers to use lower carbon emissions as a selling point. This, coupled with otherenvironmental activities such as household multiple bin systems, has likely had a major impacton the behaviour and attitudes of the public as well as Northern Irelands key decision makers.

These changes have been driven by the research andforecasts of the Intergovernmental Panel on ClimateChange (IPCC) which has established consensus amongscientists, governments and economists that climatechange is happening and that we must do somethingnow to reduce the inevitable consequences.

Everyone seems keen to display their green credentials.Marks & Spencers Plan A is pushing other retailers intoaction, HSBC is attempting to rebrand itself as a greenbank, Al Gore won an Oscar for his film promoting actionto address global warming, and Arnold Schwartzeneggeris pushing some radical environmental legislation withinCalifornia setting the standardfor other American.

Two reports 1, 2 published in 2007 focused on gathering information

covering what people think about climate change. Due to theincreased attention the issue has received since then, it is timely togather additional information to see how attitudes have moved onand to identify what the public, the politicians and other key decisionmakers are willing to do to ensure Northern Ireland plays its parteffectively.

This report details the findings offour surveys which were undertaken during March and April2008. The purpose of these surveys was to progress the

debate and action on climate change to ascertain a suitablerole for Northern Ireland. While each of the surveysgathered information on its target audiences opinion onclimate change, it is the additional information on whatmessages will help change behaviour, what lifestyle changespeople would be willing to make, what information peopleneed in order to make informed decisions, and whatmeasures the politicians would endorse and how keydecision makers are addressing their responsibility that is ofgreatest potential importance.

1 Ipsos Mori Tipping Point or Turning Point 20072 WWF Climate Change: What Northern Ireland really thinks: August 2007

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction


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The four surveys were designed to gather information on:

What respondents think about climate change, Who needs to act to reduce climate change, and

What different groups are prepared to do to help reduce climate change.

The survey was designed by Sustainable Northern Ireland in consultation with NICCIP and itsmembers. In March 2008, 4000 households selected at random by NISRA across NorthernIreland were posted a copy of the survey. To try to make the responses as reflective as possible ofthe demographic make-up of Northern Ireland, the survey requested that it should be completedby the person in the household over the age of 16 whose forename came first alphabetically.

The responses received from the public reflected the national demographic splits in NI betweenmale and female, income, house type and location. The only variance was with age: the youngerage groups were not adequately represented to be reflective of the percentage of people in NIbetween the ages of 16 and 24. This meant these results had to be weighted to enable theirprojection to a NI level.

MLAs and key decision-makers from central and local government were also surveyed. Thesesurveys varied to reflect the type of action and responsibility the individuals or organisations couldtake to help reduce climate change. For example, while the public survey asked about whatinitiatives respondents undertake or would be prepared to undertake to help reduce climatechange, MLAs were asked about the political initiatives or decisions they would support tomitigate against and adapt to climate change. Decision-makers were asked their organisationsviews on climate change, how prepared they are for its impacts and what they see as their role.

All responses were analysised using Microsoft Excel database. Additional analysis was undertakenby NISRA including weighting of results and cross analysis of responses.

Methodology Methodology Methodology Methodology

What is Northern Ireland doing about climate change?

The Public MLAs Key Decision

Makers

Legislation Policy

IncentivesAction


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Section one of this report contains the opinions and attitudes towards climatechange expressed by the public in March 2008. The data have been handled so as

to enable extrapolation to make statements representative of all of the people ofNorthern Ireland.

What do you know about climate change?When asked whether or not they had heard of climate change prior to taking part inthe survey, 96% of respondents responded positively.

There is no difference betweenmen and women, althoughthere is a slight variancebetween younger and older

generations, with 93% of thoseunder 35 being aware ofclimate change compared to98% of those aged 35 andover. There is no observeddifference between urban andrural respondents or betweenrespondents with high or lowincomes.

81% of respondents feel they are at least fairly informed about climate change. Only

2% feel they are completely uninformed (fig. 1.1).

What is happening to the climate in Northern Ireland?

62% of respondents feelthat changes to the

climate have already hadan impact on them (fig.

1.2). There is littlecorrelation betweenaverage household

income and agreementthat noticeable climatechanges have already

occurred in NI.

99% of respondents feelthe Earths climate is

changing. This is anincrease of 19% from asimilar UK government

survey conducted in2007 3.

3 Survey of Public Attitudes and Behaviours Towards the Environment, DEFRA (2007)

The Publics OpinionThe Publics OpinionThe Publics OpinionThe Publics OpinionSectionSectionSectionSectionONEONEONEONE

2% 2%

15%

10%

71%

Completely Informed

Fairly Informed

Faily Uninformed

Completely Uninformed

Don't Know

FIG 1.1: I am informed about climate change

Base: 401 res ondents March 2008

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Strongly Agree Tend to Agree Tend toDisagree

StronglyDisagree

Don't Know

% o

f R e s p o n d

e n t s

Average

0-15K

16-30K

31-45K

46K+

Income Not Stated

FIG 1.2: The changing climate has already had an impact on me

Base: 378 respondents, March 2008


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94% of people surveyed feel that Northern Irelands climate is changing. Of thosewho feel the Earths climate is changing, 4% do not believe the same for NorthernIreland. Women are more likely that men to believe that Northern Irelands climate ischanging, 97% compared to 92%.

57% of respondents feel that climate change is more of a global issue than one forNorthern Ireland, but 40% disagreed with this. Men are more likely to think that climatechange is more of a global issue (64%) compared to women (50%).

What are the causes of climate change?

When asked what they feel is themain cause of climate change,

92% of respondents identified somelevel of human impact as being

directly responsible for changes tothe climate (fig. 1.3). This figure is

higher than received for a similarquestion asked during a WWFsurvey 4 in August 2007 where 87%of people surveyed agreed thathuman activity is damaging theearth. Women are more likely to

believe that human activityis at least partially responsible for

climate change than men, 95%compared to 89%. Only 6% of

respondents feel climate change issolely caused by natural processes

89% of those who feel humans are at least partly responsible for climate change feelthat by making changes to their lifestyle they would help reduce the effects ofclimate change.

What impact will climate change have in Northern Ireland?

In the next five years, morethan two-thirds of respondents(69%) feel there would be littleor no impact on NorthernIreland from climate change

(fig. 1.4). In 25 years time, 59%think there will be quite a lot ofimpact on Northern Irelandfrom climate change (24% saidthere will be a great deal ofimpact), and in 50 years time,

just under two-thirds ofrespondents (64%) feel therewill be a great deal of impacton NI from changes to theclimate.

4 WWF Climate Change: What Northern Ireland really thinks: August 2007

1%1%

34%

58%

6% Natural Processes

Human Activity

Natural Processes andHuman Activity

Something Totally Different

Don't Know

FIG 1.3: Changes to the climate are mainly caused by

Base: 398 respondents, March 2008

Base: 109 respondents for 5 years, 116 for 25 years and 116 for 50 years, March 2008

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

A great deal Quite a lot Not very much No impact Don't know

% o

f r e s p o n d e n

t s

5 Years

25 Years

50 Years

FIG 1.4: Climate change will have an increasing impact onNorthern Ireland over the next 50 years


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Who needs to act?Respondents were asked to put in rank order the five most significant factors thatthey feel contribute to climate change (fig. 1.5). The most frequently quotedcontributor to climate change is destruction of the rainforests (31% of number oneresponses). The manufacturing industry and transportation are the next mostcommonly quoted contributors.

In terms of being ranked in the top five, the three most frequently quoted contributorsare; destruction of the rainforests (83%), transportation (72%) and power stations(72%). Agriculture and business are the least frequently quoted contributors withinpeoples top five, with 10% and 19% respectively.

By applying a simple weighting mechanism (No.1 rank = 5 points, No. 2 rank = 4 pointsetc), the results change slightly. The three highest ranked contributors are; destructionof the rainforests, manufacturing industry and power stations. The lowest scoringsremain the same.

When the respondents were asked to state how much impact they feel certainsectors could have in helping to reduce climate change it is interesting to note thatindustry is identified as being the sector most likely to make a difference, with 96% of

respondents believing this (fig 1.6). This is followed by world governments, the UKGovernment and a co-ordinated approach, with 93%, 87% and 87% of respondentsthinking they will have a positive impact respectively. Perhaps surprisingly, retailers ofconsumer goods do not rate highly despite all the efforts they have made in recentyears such as reducing plastic bags and extensive marketing campaigns on theirefforts to reduce their carbon footprints.

The charity sector is not seen as able to have as large an impact as many of theother sectors. Perhaps this is evidence that people still view charities primarily as fundraisers. In reality it is often the developmental charities such as Tear Fund and Oxfamthat are making the biggest difference to people affected by climate change.

The agriculture sector is again thought to have little effect on reducing climatechange, probably as it is also seen as an insignificant contributor.

FIG 1.5: Destruction of the rainforests is the greatest contributor to climate change

Respondents were asked to rank the factors 1 -5 depending on which ones they though contributed most significantly to climate change.These ranks were then weighted to provide an accurate comparison across each factor .

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

Destruction ofthe rainforest

Pow erstations

Manufacturingindustry

Transportation Householdelectricity

consumption

Landfill sitegas emissions

Natural cyclesof the Earth's

climate

ConstructionIndustry

Bus ines s A gr ic ultur e

W e i g h t e

d s c o r e o f r e s p o n

d e n t s


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While the chart above demonstrates that respondents feel certain sectors will not beable to have much impact to reduce climate change themselves there isoverwhelming consensus that a co-ordinated approach is necessary. Each of thesectors mentioned is seen as having a role to play whether it is through legislation,incentives, regulation, research, reviewing practices, educating, setting an exampleor effective communication and lobbying.

Are people willing to make lifestyle changes?

Respondents wereasked to state ifthey agreed or

disagreed with aseries of questions

relating to changesto their lifestyle to

help reduce climatechange (fig. 1.7).

Respondents largelyagreed that making

changes to theirlifestyle will helpreduce climatechange (87%).

Almost nine out often respondents

(89%) state that theyhave already made

changes to theirlifestyle to help

reduce climatechange. Women

perform better thanmen in this regard,

94% compared to 83%.

FIG 1.7: Changing my lifestyle can make a difference

Statement 1: I think changes to my lifestyle will help reduce climate change

Statement 2: I have already made changes to my lifestyle to help reduce climate changes

Statement 3: I would be prepared to make [more] changes to my lifestyle to help reduce climate change

Statement 4: I would only be prepared to make [more] changes to mylifestyle if I saw other people also making changes

Statement 5: I would only be prepared to make [more] changes to mylifestyle if I saw government (NI) providing the lead

Statement 6: I would be prepared to make [more] changes to mylifestyle as long as they do not cost me money

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1 2 3 4 5 6

% o f r e s p o n

d e n t s

Disagree

Agree

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

I n d u s t

r y

G o v e

r n m e n

t s ( e x

c l u d i n

g U K )

A c o - o

r d i n a

t e d a p

p r o a c

h

U K G o v

e r n m e

n t

S c i e n

t i s t s

T e a c

h e r s a

n d e d

u c a t

o r s

I n d i v i d

u a l s

M e d i a

Y o u r

l o c a l

c o u n

c i l

B u s i n

e s s

R e t a i l e r

s o f c

o n s u m

e r g o

o d s

N I A s

s e m b l y

A g r i c

u l t u r e

C h a r i

t i e s

% o

f r e s p o n

d e n

t s Don't Know

Will not have animpact to reduceclimate change

Will have animpact to reduceclimate change

FIG 1.6: Industry and government can make the most difference


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92% of respondents state they are willing to make changes to their lifestyle in order tohelp reduce climate change. People who stated they have already made changesto their lifestyle are keen to make more changes (95%), whilst of the 11% ofrespondents who have not yet made any changes 71% are still not prepared to doanything.

Respondents are generally happy to make changes to their lifestyle regardless ofwhat they see others doing, with only 26% saying they will only be willing to do more ifthey see others doing the same. However, respondents are more evenly split when itcomes to taking their lead from government and regarding the cost, with 42% and48% agreeing that they will only do more if they see the NI Assembly doing more, or ifit is cheaper (respectively). Nearly half (49%) of those who state they have notalready made lifestyle changes want to see more action by the NI Assembly beforethey will consider doing anything themselves.

It is important to note that of the 92% of people who think that climate change hasbeen caused by some form of human activity, 89% think that changes to their lifestylewill make a difference.

What messages are most effective?The four messages that come out as the most popular motivations for individuals todo something to reduce climate change are: a less polluted atmosphere (93%);protection of wildlife (89%), reduced strain on water supplies (88%), public healthbenefits (88%) and reducing the future costs of climate change (87%) (fig. 1.8).

Creating local job opportunities and reducing insurance premiums are the leasteffective motivations for encouraging people to combat climate change, with 29%and 27% of respondents stating that these issues have little or no impact on theirenvironmental motivations. However, all the messages are supported by over two-thirds of respondents.

What are people doing?Almost nine out of ten respondents say that they already recycle as much as possible(88%) and switch off lights (88%); 83% of respondents claim that they do both (fig. 1.9).Other actions that are being carried out by at least 70% of respondents are; turningappliances off at the plug (78%), turning down the thermostat (75%), reusing bottles

and containers (73%), installing low energy light bulbs (70%), and installing loftinsulation (70%).

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

A less pollutedatmosphere

Protection ofwildlife

Reduced strain onwater supplies

Public healthbenefits

Reduction of futurecosts of climate

change

Stability ofseasonal

temperatures

Fewer severweather conditions

Greater economicstability

Lower insurancepremiums

Creation of local job opport unities

% o f r e s p o n

d e n t s

Would notmotivate you todo something

Would motivateyou to dosomething

FIG 1.8: Key messages to encourage lifestyle changes


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Half of the respondents state they recycle as much as possible, reduce the amount ofwaste they produce and reuse bottles and containers. 61% of respondents havedone at least one of the following; bought a car with a smaller engine, changed to amore fuel efficient car or made fewer car journeys.

What else are people prepared to do?The most popular action that people are prepared to do is to install a renewableenergy source in their home (80%) (fig. 1.9). More than half of those who respondedsay they are prepared to do the following; sign up to an eco- energy tariff (75%),change to a more fuel efficient car (66%), replace broken appliances with moreenergy efficient ones (55%), reduce the number of electrical appliances (54%), andbuy food with less packaging (54%).

What will people not do?Respondents are least prepared to buy second hand clothes and furniture (45%) (fig.1.9). More than one in three respondents are not prepared to grow their own food(37%), while 28% of respondents are not prepared to eat less meat and only 17% are

prepared to fly less.

When asked about the possible reasons why people may not take action againstclimate change, respondents feel the cost and the inconvenience may put peopleoff more than any other reasons (88% and 86% respectively). Feeling that takingaction is not their responsibility or is too time consuming are the next most frequentlyquoted reasons for why people may not be willing to take action (also 82% and 81%respectively).

Perhaps most worryingly is the fact that 81% of respondents feel that people do nottake action because they are not interested in climate change.

FIG 1.9: I do recycle, I will install renewable energy, but I wont buy 2 nd hand clothes or furniture

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

R e c y c

l e a s m

u c h a

s p o s s

i b l e

S w i t c h

o f f l i g

h t s

T u r n

a p p l i a

n c e s

o f f

T u r n

d o w n

t h e r m

o s t a t

I n s t a l

l l o f t i

n s u l a

t i o n

I n s t a l l

l o w e

n e r g y

l i g h t b

u l b s

I n s t a l l

r e n e

w a b l e

e n e r g

y

S i g n u

p t o e

c o - t a r

i f f

C h a n

g e t o

a m o

r e f u e

l e f f i c i

e n t c

a r

R e d u

c e t h e n

u m b e

r o f e

l e c t r i c

a l a p

p l i a n c

e s

B u y 2

n d h a

n d c l o t h e

s a n d

f u r n i

t u r e

G r o w

y o u r

o w n f

o o d

E a t l e

s s m e

a t

T a k e

f e w e

r f l i g h

t s

% o

f r e s p o n d e n t s

Already doing

Prepared to do

Not prepared to do


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14141414

The attitudes and behaviour of our elected representatives were also surveyed. Thiswas both in terms of what they believe on an individual basis and on how thesebeliefs translate into action within their political remit. Some of the questions askedare identical with those asked of the general public.

Out of 104 MLAs we received 28 responses. The data returned did include responsesfrom all parties though we are unable to compare results across political parties. Thelow response rate also means it is not possible to make comparisons between MLAsand the public. In some cases we have indicated what the public thought about aparticular issue that MLAs also were questioned on but these statements should notbe viewed as statistically valid.

How well informed are our elected representatives?22 out of 28 MLAs who responded feel fairly informed about climate change. None ofthe respondents feels completely informed or completely uninformed, while 6 feelfairly uninformed.

27 MLAsresponding feel

the Earthsclimate is

changing andthat this is

reflected inNorthernIrelands

changing

climate. Theresults receivedfrom the general

public statedthat many of

those who feelthat Northern

Irelands climateis changing think

that climatechange is more

of a global issue

than one forNorthern Ireland(fig. 2.1).

20 MLAs who responded think that changes in the climate have affected theirconstituents (fig. 2.1). 67% of the public who responded say they have actuallyexperienced climate change. 19 MLAs expressed the opinion that their constituentsare worried about climate change (fig. 2.1).

Of the possible causes for climate change only one MLA thinks climate change is anatural phenomenon and that people have no impact on it. One stated they dontknow what causes it, while the remainder believe climate change is caused byhuman activity (9 MLAs) or a combination of human activity and natural processes(16 MLAs).

The MLAs OpinionThe MLAs OpinionThe MLAs OpinionThe MLAs Opinions sssSectionSectionSectionSectionTWOTWOTWOTWO

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

StronglyAgree

Tend toAgree

Tend toDisagree

StronglyDisagree

Don't Know

N o o

f R e s p o n

d e n

t sClimate change is moreof a global issue than onefor NI

Changes to the climatehave affected myconstituents

My constituents areworried about climatechange

FIG 2.1: Climate change is an issue for Northern Irelands MLAs


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15151515

What impact will climate change have on Northern Ireland?MLAs who responded expressed an opinion that climate change will have anincreasing impact over the next 50 years. 9 think climate change is going to haveeither a great deal or quite a lot of impact over the next five years, compared to 24in 25 years rising to 26 out of 28 in 50 years.

Of the 28 MLAs who responded, 24 think they are more likely to make lifestylechanges than they believe their constituents are, with 25 stating they are prepared tomake changes but only 18 thinking their constituents will be willing to make changes(fig.2.2). The results from the public survey show that 86% of the population in NorthernIreland are willing to make lifestyle changes to help reduce the impacts of climatechange.

22 MLAs think that their constituents will only be willing to make changes to theirlifestyles if they see government in Northern Ireland taking the lead (fig. 2.2). Thepublic survey responses indicated that 43% of the public would have to seegovernment taking action before they will make changes.

19 MLAs think that climate change will have an impact on economic growth inNorthern Ireland (fig. 2.2). As economic prosperity is one of two cross cutting themesin the Programme for Government, this indicates that MLAs think climate changemust be a significant consideration for most of their decisions.

What is causing climate change?MLAs who responded believe that the most significant factor contributing to globalwarming is the destruction of the rainforest; 10 respondents ranked it first. In fact, the

10 respondents who think that climate change is more of a global issue than aNorthern Irish one cite destruction of the rainforests as the main contributing factor toclimate change. This was followed by power stations, manufacturing industry andtransportation. If a weighting is applied to the factors (those ranked 1 = 5, thoseranked 2 = 4 etc.) then the order of significance changes. Power stations become thehighest ranking factor (83 weighted response), followed by destruction of therainforest (82 weighted response) and in third place household electricityconsumption (54 weighted response).

Who can make a difference?The MLAs feel the Northern Ireland Assembly can have the same impact as the UKGovernment; 26 respondents feel that both governments could either have a great

deal or quite a lot of impact on climate change. This is slightly lower than the impactthey think global governments can have (27 MLAs) but makes sense when examined

FIG 2:2 The willingness to make changes is there

0

4

8

12

16

20

24

28

I would be willing to make changes My constituents would be willing tomake changes Climate change will have an impact onthe economy My constituents will only change ifgovernment does

N o o

f r e s p o n

d e n

t s

DisagreeAgree


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with other responses, such as the main contributor to climate change being seen asdestruction of the rainforests and climate change being more of a global issue.

The MLAs who responded do not think that the charitable sector can have muchimpact on climate change. Also, like the public, the responses submitted by MLAsindicate strong support for a co-ordinated approach to reducing climate change. 24MLAs responding think a co-ordinated approach to climate change will have either agreat deal or quite a lot of impact.

What are the top three priorities for action?MLAs were asked to state their top three priorities for action to mitigate againstclimate change. Their top priority is to increase the level of renewable energy (24MLAs). This links well to the 78% of the population who are willing to install renewableenergy sources and signifies a significant area for action in Northern Ireland.

Joint second are the priorities to lower the fuel consumption of vehicles and developpolicies to cut carbon emissions (16 out of 28 MLAs), while third is support forincreasing energy efficiency (15 MLAs). Greener procurement (0 MLAs), efficient useof materials in building projects (1 MLA) and awareness raising and education (5MLAs) do not come across as high priority activities, but only three choices wereallowed for each person. MLAs choices reflect the nature of their position to dictatepolicy and provide strategic leadership.

MLAs were also asked to state their top three priorities to adapt to the inevitableimpacts of climate change. Interestingly the top adaptation priority is to manage thenatural environment and biodiversity (19 out of 28 MLAs), followed by updatingpolicies to take account of climate change (17 MLAs) and managing flood risks (10MLAs). Low on their list of priorities are managing the impacts on service delivery (1MLA) and managing the impacts on their own buildings and estates (2 MLAs). Againonly three choices were allowed and MLA results reflect their areas of responsibility.

The lower priority given to managing the impacts on public health (6 out of 28 MLAs)does not tie in with the responses received from MLAs asking them to indicate howmuch of an impact various sectors can have on reducing climate change. 27 MLAsindicated that climate change will have either a great deal or quite a lot of impacton public health in Northern Ireland.

What will make us want to act?A less polluted atmosphere and protection of wildlife have 100% support from MLAs.Of the potential benefits which can result from reducing changes to the Earthsclimate, these are thought to provide the greatest incentive to ensure decisionstaken by MLAs, for their constituents, will not exacerbate climate change. Factorsleast likely to make MLAs consider the impacts on climate change in their decisionmaking process are lower insurance premiums (14 out of 28 MLAs), although this is stilla high percentage of respondents who would be encouraged to take action.

MLAs responding to the survey feel that the development of regulations to ensurethat all new homes meet high standards for energy efficiency (26 out of 28 MLAs) andthe introduction of robust standards on industry so they are forced to produce fewergreenhouse gases (24 MLAs) are seen as the two initiatives that will have the greatestimpact on reducing climate change (fig. 2.3). Also popular with the MLAs whoresponded was the introduction of tax rebates for people who live in more energyefficient homes (23 MLAs) and more government money in the development ofrenewable energy projects like wind farms (23 MLAs). A reduction in road buildingprogrammes, with increases in bus lanes, and park and ride facilities, is also thought


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to be a positive development with 21 out of 28 respondents thinking it will have apositive impact.

The initiatives thought to have the least impact are increasing taxes to subsidisepublic transport (12 out of 28 MLAs thinking it would have not very much or noimpact) and increasing the price of gas, petrol and other non-renewable electricitysources (11 MLAs thinking it would not have an impact). However, even here nearly50% of respondents still think they are a good idea.

Using their role what incentives/initiatives would MLAs support?MLAs were asked if they supported a prescribed list of measures that would ensureNorthern Ireland can play its role in reducing climate change (fig. 2.4). Of themeasures suggested the most popular are Climate Impact Assessments for allrelevant government policies (23 out of 28 MLAs) and Northern Irelands participationin the UK Climate Change Bill (21 MLAs).

0

5

10

15

20

25

Climate ImpactAssessmentsfor all relevant

governmentpolicies

NorthernIreland's

participation inthe UK Climate

Change Bill

Higher taxesfor carbonintensiveindustries

Targets of80% for

emissionsreduction in

NorthernIreland

Carbonoffsetting on

thegovernment

estate

Higher taxesfor carbonintensivetransport

Greatervisibility of

carbonaccounting

w ithinprocurement

Sufficientlyresourcedfinancial

measures todeliver a low

carbon

economy

The ClimateChange Lev y

N o o

f R e s p o n

d e n t s

FIG: 2.4: Climate change impact assessments for all relevant government policies

FIG 2.3: How much of an impact will the following initiatives have to reduce climate change?

0

4

8

12

16

20

24

28

Regulations toensure that all

new homes builtmeet high

standards f orenergy eff iciency

Robust standardson industrytoproduce lessgreenhouse

gases

Tax rebates forpeople in more

energy-efficienthomes

More governmentmoney into thedevelopment of

renewable energyprojects like w ind

farms

Reduction in roadbuilding projectsbut increase buslanes, park and

ride facilities etc.

Increase in theprice of gas,

petrol and othernon- renewable

electricity

Increase in taxesto subsidise public

transport

N o o

f R e s p o n

d e n

t s

Not very much / no impact

A great deal / Quite a lot


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The measures with the lowest level of support from the respondents are a ClimateChange Levy (only 16 respondents supporting this); greater visibility of carbonaccounting within procurement (17 MLAs) and sufficiently resourced financialmeasures to deliver a low carbon economy (17 MLAs). However, these measureswere still supported by most respondents.

22 respondents state they supported theclimate change No Day Named Motion 5, 2

said they have not while 4 did not answer(fig. 2.5). This does not match the recorded

figures of just over 50% of MLAs that havesigned the NDNM. Perhaps this is evidenceof who within the Assembly completed and

returned the survey.

5 A No Day Named Motion is the term given to an Assembly debate for which no date has been fixed yet.MLAs are invited to sign to motion to demonstrate their support.

Yes

No Answer

No

FIG 2.5: How many signed the No DayNamed Motion on climate change?


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The third and fourth groups surveyed contain some of Northern Irelands key decisionmakers. Officers in central government departments and their local government(district council) counterparts were asked a series of questions to identify their positionon climate change and ascertain what work, if any, they have initiated to mitigateand adapt to future events.

A total of 55 responses were received from decision makers, 29 from centralgovernment departments and 26 from district councils (responses were received from22 different councils). These results have been amalgamated to give an overallopinion on how decision makers are dealing with climate change. Due to the smallnumber of responses it is not possible to make direct comparisons between centralgovernment and district councils respondents, although in some cases statementshave been made regarding the answers provided by each decision maker group.

How informed are decision makers?51 out of 55 respondents feel either completely or fairly informed about climatechange. 4 feel fairly uninformed while no respondents think they are completelyuninformed or selected do not know. Central government respondents feel slightlybetter informed than district council respondents; 28 out of 29 respondents fromcentral government organisations feel either fairly or completely informed; 23 out of26 district council respondents felt the same.

21 out of 55 respondents feel climate change is more of a global issue than one forNorthern Ireland (fig. 3.1) and 30 think is it just as important an issue in NI as elsewhere,while four did not supply a response.

17 out of 24 council respondents feel that changes to the climate have already hadan effect on the organisation whereas 14 out of 27 respondents from centralgovernment feel the same. Both groups of respondents feel their organisation cancontribute towards reducing climate change; 53 out of the 55 decision makers who

respondent either tend to agree orstrongly agreed (fig. 3.1).

Decision MakDecision MakDecision MakDecision Makers Opinioners Opinioners Opinioners Opinions sssSectionSectionSectionSectionTHREETHREETHREETHREE

FIG 3.1: Do you agree with the statements?

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Strongly Agree Tend to Agree Tend to Disagree Strongly Disagree Don't Know

N o

o f r e s p o n d e n t s

Climate change is more of aglobal issue than one for NI

Changes to the climate havehad an effect on thisorganisation

This organisation cancontribute towards reducingclimate change


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20202020

Of the possible causes of climate change, all but 1 respondent think humans havesome impact on climate change either by themselves or alongside natural processes.

The responses received from decision makers indicate a high level of understandingand consideration of the issues that their organisations are giving to climate change.36 of the 55 respondents feel they have a good understanding of the issues and aredeveloping a Strategy. 19 said they have a vague understanding and are aware ofkey issues only. No respondent states they do not understand climate change or theyare sceptical and that climate change does not need to be a consideration for theirorganisation.

What are organisations doing to address climate change?

Only 10 respondents state theirorganisation has no plans to

produce a climate changestrategy or policy. 6 out of 29central government respondentseither have a published ClimateChange Strategy or have one in

development (fig. 3.2). Only 2 outof 26 district council respondents

have a Strategy.

34 out of 55 respondents feel the main driver for their organisations Climate ChangeStrategy (or similar either completed, in development or planned) is leadership fromsenior management. This is often followed by a formal declaration or similarcommitment (30 respondents) and integration with the organisations Strategic Plan(25 respondents).

The organisations with completed plans, ones in development or ones planned wereasked some specific questions about the plans and what they contained. Responsesreceived show that buildings, services and vehicles are included in the plans more interms of mitigation than adaptation. These are areas where decision makers areseeing that they may have a significant role to play in trying to reduce the effects ofclimate change on both their organisation and on Northern Ireland.

FIG 3.2: Does your organisation have a Climate ChangeStrategy or Policy?

Yes, completed and published

Yes, completed but not published

Yes, in development

No, but intend to produce one

No, and no current plans to produce one

FIG 3.3: Mitigation priorities of decision makers

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Increase energyefficiency

Waste reduction Increase levels ofrenew able energy

Greener procurement Awareness raisingand education in the

community

Develop policies tocut carbon emissions

Lower fuelconsumption of

vehicles

Efficient use ofmaterials in building

projects

More sustainablemethods of travel

N o o

f r e s p o n

d e n

t s


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Decision makers were asked to state their top three priorities to mitigate againstclimate change (fig. 3.3). Responses showed these to be: increasing energyefficiency (38 out of 55 respondents), waste reduction (23 respondents), increaselevels of renewable energy (19 respondents) and greener procurement (19respondents).

Decision makers listed their top three priorities to adapt to climate changepredominantly as managing the impacts on the organisations own buildings andestate (24 out of 55 respondents), managing the impacts on service delivery (23respondents), and managing the impacts on the natural environment andbiodiversity (18 respondents) (fig. 3.4).

When decision makers were asked to put in rank order the factors they feel are most

significantly contributing to climate change, power stations (15 out of 55 respondents)received the highest percentage of number one rankings. This is followed byhousehold energy consumption (13 respondents) and transportation (11respondents). If a weighted ranking is applied to the results this order of impact doesnot change.

Who can make a difference?World governments (excluding the UK) and industry are identified as the sectors likelyto have the greatest impact on reducing climate change. 53 out of 55 respondentsstate they can either have a great deal or quite a lot of impact. Respondents alsorate the impact the UK government can have quite highly, with 51 stating they canhave an impact. This compares with 40 respondents who feel the NI Assembly canhave an impact. 43 respondents feel that district councils can have either a greatdeal or quite a lot of impact. This figure varied greatly between the two sectors ofgovernment; while 25 out of 26 district council respondents feel their organisationcould make a great deal or quite a lot of impact, only 18 out of 29 centralgovernment respondents feel district councils will be able to make a difference.

What will make a difference?The top three initiatives respondents feel can successfully reduce climate change aredevelopment of regulations to ensure that new homes are built to meet highstandards for energy efficiency (53 out of 55 respondents), introduction of robuststandards on industry so they are forced to produce fewer greenhouse gasses (52

FIG. 3.4: Adaptation priorities of decision makers

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Managing impactson ow n buildings

and estate

Managing impactson service delivery

Managing thenatural environment

and biodiversity

Managing impact onlocal c ommunity

Updating policies totake account ofclimate change

Managing impactson the built

environment

Managing floodrisks

Managing impactson public health

Managing impact onlocal economy

Managing w aterresources

N o o

f r e s p o n

d e n

t s


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respondents) and more government money spent on the development of renewableenergy projects (48 respondents).The initiatives respondents feel will have least impact focus around transportation. 31out of 55 respondents feel increasing taxes to subsidise public transport will have littleor no impact to reduce climate change. 26 respondents feel increasing the price ofgas, petrol and other non-renewable energy sources will have little impact along with25 who feel similarly about reducing road building projects.

What is stopping organisations take action?Of the factors limiting a decision makers organisation from actively working to helpreduce climate change, other issues taking higher priority (48 out of 55 respondents) ismost frequently cited as an issue (fig.3.5). This is followed by insufficient staff / stafftime (40 respondents) and lack of funding (38 respondents).

Central government respondents indicate a difficulty in embedding climate changeactions into other strategies and plans; 16 out of 29 respondents feel this is a difficulty.While district councils felt the perceived lack of leadership from central government(22 out of 26 respondents) was a difficulty. Respondents also cite lack of leadershipfrom within their organisations as being a problem.

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Local resistance to specific schemes

Lack of awareness or interest from staff

Lack of awareness or interest from officials

Lack of awareness or interest from the public

Difficulty co-ordinating different departments within the organisation

Insufficient powers

Difficulty co-ordinating reagionally between adjacent areas

Need to bid for project funding resource intensive

Lack of appropriate government guidance

Difficulty embedding climate change actions in other plans/strategies

Lack of specialist knowledge

Perceived lack of leadership from central government

Lack of funding

Insufficient staff/staff time

Other issues take higher priority

No of respondents

FIG 3.5: Why is climate change not a priority?


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What did respondents think about climate change?

The data generated from each of the sectors surveyed demonstrates that there isconsensus within Northern Ireland that climate change is happening and that peoplefeel relatively well informed about it.

While many respondents (the public, MLAs and organisations) view climate changeas more of a global issue than one for Northern Ireland, over two-thirds of the publicrespondents feel that they have already felt the effects of changes to the climate.

Much work is needed to demonstratethe significance of climate change to

Northern Ireland both in terms of ourimpact on climate change and theimpact of climate change on us. Themost efficient way to do this will be totap into and publicise the experiencesof the two-thirds of the population whostate they have already felt theimpacts, either on a personal level orvia their organisations.

Most respondents to each of the surveys felt that people have contributed to climaticchange, either alone or in combination with natural processes. This indicates thatresources should focus on demonstrating what the public, MLAs and decision makerscan do to help reduce climate change. The impacts people in Northern Ireland havein a global capacity also need to be a focus as there is a danger that because theyview climate change largely as a global issue it is easy for people to also view thesolution as global.

When people were asked about theglobal significance of climate change,

most respondents cited destruction of therainforests as the main contributing factorto climate change. The links between the

destruction of the rainforests and ourculpability is not evident in the surveyresults with many still viewing climate

change as more of a global issue thanone for Northern Ireland.

The energy emitted from alien (little green men) space craft was thought to play arole in raising global temperatures by one member of the public. With that exception,most groups surveyed were in agreement that people, through our actions, have insome way contributed to climate change.

ConclusionsConclusionsConclusionsConclusions SectionSectionSectionSectionFOURFOURFOURFOUR

The significance of climate

change to Northern Ireland both in terms of our impact on

climate change and theimpact climate change will

have on us needs to behighlighted

Our impact on the destructionof the rainforests needs to bemade clear, especially the role we play, through our

purchasing decisions, andhow we can help reduce this

and ultimately climatechange.


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What level of impact is climate change going to have?

The majority of respondents in each groupsurveyed think climate change will have anotable impact within the next five years,

and that this will increase in significance in25 and 50 years. An increase in thenotable effects of climate change willperhaps mean difficult times ahead for NIand that both the impacts andconsequences of climate change cannot be ignored.

How do respondents think we can make a difference?

The results from the survey help reinforce the different roles and responsibilities eachsector has, particularly the difference between MLAs and key decision makers within

the civil service and local government. This was particularly evident when MLAs andkey decision makers were asked to select their three priorities for mitigation andadaptation. MLAs tended to prioritise policies and the economy while decisionmakers prioritised more practical issues such as managing the impact of climatechange on service delivery and in their estates.

The survey demonstrates that the majority ofpeople (the public, MLAs and key decisionmakers) are willing to act. It is important thatwe implement a strategy that takesaccount of the willingness of each of thegroups to make changes to their lifestyles

and work practices. Each group ofrespondents also rates their own ability tomake a difference as relatively high.

Respondents displayed a high level ofconfidence in the ability of all sectors to

play a useful role. District councils stood outas the most confident in the ability of othersto play a useful role. In particular they were

confident in industry, businesses and werethe strongest supports of the agriculturalsector to help reduce the magnitude of

climate change.

The success of Northern Ireland effectivelycontributing to mitigating against andadapting to climate change will depend onwhat happens next. This survey demonstrateseveryone is willing to act .

Climate change will increase

in the significance of itsimpacts over the next 5, 25

and 50 years

Everyone has a role

MLAs need to set policyand lead by example

Decision makers need to provide the infrastructure

and demonstratecommitment to a low

carbon economy

The public, who do ratetheir ability to make a

difference as high, need tomake changes to their

lifest les

The will is there but it isessential that good

communication, capacitybuilding and practical

drivers are used to helpeveryone participate.


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The results of this survey were presented to members of NICCIP, key decision makers

and other stakeholders at the launch of NICCIP in November 2008. The discussionsgenerated during a number of workshops held as part of the event have helpedformulate the primary recommendations arising from the survey. Therecommendations will also help NICCIP formulate its plan of what it needs to do.

These workshops identified five common themes that have been developed asheadline recommendations with specific actions being left to NICCIPs future actionplan.

1. PlanningLong-term strategic planning should include policies, targets, commitmentand action in relation to both adaptation and mitigation. This should link

climate change with sustainable economic policy and involve all structures ofgovernment.

2. Co-ordinationClimate change requires a co-ordinated approach and partnerships need tobe used effectively to ensure the message is clearly communicated, actionsare undertaken and impact is measured. This means co-ordination of whatdifferent stakeholders are doing, inclusion of all stakeholders within any actionand fragmentation of approach needs to be overcome.

3. MeasurementQuantitative and qualitative measurements of climate change impacts and

actions need to be established including measures of public opinion as well asmeasures of the impacts which actions and policies are having on carbonemissions. The impacts and attitudes to climate change of the business sectorshould be included along side the sectors contained within this survey.

4. CommunicationTargeted and sector specific communication mechanisms must be put inplace to engage with all sectors in Northern Ireland. This requires specificcommunication and information dissemination to the public, MLAs, centralgovernment, local government and businesses to promote and encourageaction to mitigate and adapt to climate change. It also includes promotion ofwhat impacts actions (both positive and negative) in NI are having on aglobal and local scale. The use jargon should be kept to a minimum andmessages should be clear, concise and consistent.

5. ActionSupport packages and guidance documentation should be written to helpmake it easy for the public, MLAs, decision makers and other key stakeholdersto make changes to help reduce Northern Irelands contribution to climatechange. Identification of the types of action which will encourage the public,MLAs, decision makers and businesses to get involved is necessary.

The Recommendations formulated from the results of this survey are vital to ensureNorthern Irelands success at effectively addressing the changing climate.

RecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendationsRecommendations SectionSectionSectionSection

FIVEFIVEFIVEFIVE


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This Survey was carried out by Sustainable Northern Ireland on behalf of NICCIP Sustainable Northern Ireland89 Loopland DriveBELFASTBT6 9DW

[email protected]: 028 9050 7850

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