Northern Ireland folks see car use and home energy consumption as the biggest hurdles to being greener, according to a new survey.
The annual Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Environmental Engagement Index aims to track changing attitudes to the environment in the region.
Its 2021 results found that almost half (44%) those who took part want the government to prioritise climate change with pollution ranked the second most important environmental issue (17%).
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Chief Executive, Dr Ian Humphreys said: “In the wake of COP26, climate change is an extremely important topic and there has never been a more pressing time to explore and understand public engagement with environmental issues.
“It is critical we hear the views of the public in Northern Ireland to find out how relevant environmental issues are to their lives.
“We want everyone to have the chance to be part of the future.”
The survey also found inconvenience is considered a barrier to adopting more environmentally friendly habits by 18% of respondents but that the number who find cost the main barrier was down 7% on 2020.
It is hoped the survey, developed in collaboration between Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, Queens University and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, will inform public policy as more take part.
Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots, said; “I’m delighted to see the number of people in Northern Ireland who see climate change as a priority has increased in the last year, but we can still do more.
“I have prioritised climate change by committing resources to bring forward an evidence based and science-led Executive Climate Change Bill.
“I have also prioritised the development of a cross-cutting Executive Green Growth Strategy which will map out the actions we must take to meet sector-specific greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
“I would urge everyone to go online and take the Environmental Engagement Index survey and then look at what changes you can make to your everyday life to help protect our environment and combat climate change,” he added.
Research has shown engaging with nature motivates people to look after the environment say KNIB.
Anyone who completes the Environmental Engagement Index will also be able to compare their own ‘engagement score’ to others.
With new year’s resolutions underway, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful is encouraging everyone to move towards a greener lifestyle by taking part.
All you have to do is fill in your postcode and answer the short list of questions on the app through the Live Here Love Here website or at https://eei.liveherelovehere.app/
It can also help you find some beautiful places to visit in your local area.
