The Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment has today (June 23) published the latest in a series of annual 'Climate Conversation' public consultation reports.

The report gathered 1,949 responses through an online public consultation between May and September 2024.

According to the department, it provides critical insights into Irish citizens' attitudes, understanding, and involvement in climate action.

The report, titled Climate Conversations 2024: Deepening our Understanding of Community Climate Action, builds on previous reports to support the development of the publics engagement as part of the Climate Action Plan.

It also complements the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Climate Change in the Irish Mind study.

While previous reports focused on the barriers to individuals taking climate action, the latest report reveals the extent to which community climate action is taking place, amongst those responding to the survey.

The report highlights the potential role of community involvement in addressing climate challenges, with 61%of respondents already actively engaged in at least one local organisation.

Among all community activities carried out by respondents, 54% include climate action elements.

Community initiatives are most commonly focused on litter and waste management, at 31%. Active mobility such as walking, cycling, and public transport account for 29%, and land use or forestry initiatives make up 26%.

Among those not currently involved in community climate action, there is substantial interest in participation, with 60% expressing interest in growing their own food in community gardens.

Of those not involved in community climate action, 58% are active in mobility initiatives, and 52% in circular economy projects, such as repair and reuse activities.

The report recommends establishing community climate hubs, addressing "misperceptions" about electric vehicles, and enhancing cross-government collaboration on climate initiatives. 

It also signals the launch of the 2025 Climate Conversations consultation, which will continue to build on the departments understanding of citizen and community engagement in the climate agenda.

The consultation, which will be open for a period of 12 weeks, invites the public to give their perspectives on climate action in their home, lives and communities. 

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien said: "This report provides us with a great understanding of the issues that our citizens and communities really care about when it comes to climate action.

"Crucially, it provides us with actionable insights on where we can do better in terms of education, engagement and empowerment – so that every person across Ireland is equipped with the tools to take climate actions in their own lives and their own communities," he added.