Cork people take the climate crisis seriously.

That’s the finding of a new survey of residents on behalf of Cork City Council’s Climate Action Unit.

The research, completed by Behaviour and Attitudes, was undertaken to inform the draft Cork City Climate Action Plan, which will go out to public consultation in the coming weeks. It will also support Cork’s designation by the European Commission as one of 100 European cities, leading the transition to become a climate-neutral city.

Nearly two-thirds of people living in Cork City strongly agree that Cork must transform into a more sustainable place to live and work.

The representative sample, which was gathered during 500 face-to-face interviews in people’s homes in April and May 2023, found that Cork people have a good understanding of the most effective actions they can take to reduce their carbon emissions.

Nearly one-third of homeowners are planning a home retrofit or energy-system upgrade in the next 12 months.

The survey asked people about the paths to a cleaner, healthier city that can help address the climate changes we’re already witnessing. Of those polled, 80% believed that we are already seeing climate change in the city.

The survey reveals that: 

•  64% of Cork people strongly agree that ‘Cork must transform into a more sustainable place to live and work that is climate neutral and resilient’.
• 86% of Cork people want more pedestrianised streets.
• 92% want more parks, biodiversity, and green spaces in the city.
• 88% want more locally produced foods.
• 89% want more trees on city streets.

Cycling on the rise

While just under 70 percent of residents travel by car weekly and 38 percent use public transport weekly, the number of people traveling by bike is rising with 12 percent of residents cycling weekly.

The research found a clear variation in travel mode depending on age with 16–34-year-olds being much more likely to be public transport users, weekly pedestrians, and car passengers.

This latest survey follows the publication of UCC research last week, which found that home energy usage and road transport emissions are responsible for two-thirds of greenhouse gases being generated in Cork City.

“I am heartened by how many people in Cork City are taking the climate crisis seriously,” said Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran Mc Carthy

“As a Council, we are keen to support the public, our businesses, and the community to that action. I note that an important outcome of the survey was the need to speak in plain language when talking about climate issues.

“We need scientists to inform us, but their information must be delivered in language that we can all understand.”