The Just Transition Commission publishes baseline research by Ipsos B&A on public awareness and perceptions of Ireland’s just transition

Download the Just Transition Baseline Report

PRESS RELEASE

Thursday, 27th August 2026

Public backs climate action but says fairness must be at the heart of Ireland’s transition, according to new research

New research published today (27.08.26) by Ireland’s Just Transition Commission shows strong public support for climate action alongside concerns over fairness, affordability and trust. The findings highlight the importance of fairness in how the transition is managed, particularly for those on lower incomes, rural communities and the farming sector.

Key findings of the Ipsos B&A Baseline Research ─ commissioned by the Just Transition Commission to better understand public awareness, attitudes and expectations of the just transition, and of the changes needed for Ireland to move to a climate-neutral future ─ show that:

• 64% see climate change as an immediate and urgent problem, while 77% are at least somewhat worried about climate change.
• 41% agree that Ireland’s climate transition can be managed in a just and fair way, while 35% are optimistic that, by acting together, Ireland can transition to climate neutrality by 2050.
• While only 27% had previously heard the term “just transition”, 59% say they understand the concept once it is explained.
• 81% believe climate actions are unfair to at least some groups, with those on lower incomes (68%), rural residents (51%) and the farming sector (50%) seen as most affected.
• 42% identify affordability as the most important factor in making climate action fair.
• 78% of those who think they will be personally impacted by climate change in the future expect to make changes to adjust to this future impact and 52% of these think they will need help from Government supports (advice, grants and other supports) to make these changes.
• 57% feel they are not well informed about Ireland’s climate transition and 56% say access to information on climate action is insufficient, highlighting the need for clearer and more accessible information about the transition and the supports available.

The research is the latest in a series of reports published by the Just Transition Commission. According to the Commission, the forthcoming Climate Action Plan and development of Ireland’s National Just Transition Strategy provide important opportunities to take account of these findings, particularly on affordability, fairness, access to supports and information, and ensuring people and communities have a meaningful voice in the transition.

Chair of the Just Transition Commission Ali Sheridan today (27.08.26) said: “The findings of this research send a clear, and in many respects, encouraging message. People recognise the need for climate action and want Ireland to succeed in the transition to a climate-neutral future. This is a strong foundation on which to build. At the same time, people are very clear that how we make this transition matters. The success of this transition will not be measured by emissions reductions alone. It will also be measured by whether people experience the transition as fair and affordable, and whether they have a meaningful voice in shaping it.

“For policymakers, this research reinforces that fairness is not an optional consideration, it is fundamental to building public trust, maintaining support for climate action, and delivering lasting climate policy. These findings provide an important evidence base for the Commission’s advice to Government and establish a benchmark against which progress can be measured in the years ahead.”

The Ipsos B&A Just Transition Commission Baseline Awareness Survey Report is available to read on www.JustTransitionCommission.ie.

Ends

For further information, contact: Abigail Bennett / Maisie Lynch, Alice Public Relations,

Email: media@alicepr.com, Tel: 086-227 7174 / 086-896 6298 / 01-558 2151

Notes to Editor

Media Spokespeople

Ali Sheridan, Chair of the Just Transition Commission, is available for media interview via Alice Public Relations on the above contact details.

About the Ipsos B&A Just Transition Commission Baseline Awareness Survey

The Ipsos B&A Just Transition Commission Baseline Awareness Survey published in August 2026 represents a foundational piece of research designed to capture a comprehensive snapshot of public understanding, attitudes, and perceptions relating to Ireland’s just transition.

The primary objectives of this baseline survey were to:

1. Assess public understanding of climate change, including perceived urgency, personal concern, and expected impacts on people and places.
2. Measure awareness and understanding of Ireland’s climate transition objectives and the concept of a ‘just transition’.
3. Evaluate perceptions of fairness and trust in Government actions to achieve climate neutrality, including which groups are seen as most impacted.
4. Explore current and anticipated personal impacts of climate change, and the adaptations people have made or expect to make.
5. Identify information and support needs to enable public participation in the transition to climate neutrality.

The Research Methodology

The Ipsos B&A study employed a quantitative online survey methodology designed to capture nationally representative insights into public awareness and perceptions of Ireland’s just transition.

• A total of 1,046 respondents participated in the survey, aged 18-65+, with an almost equal balance between males (49%) and females (51%).
• Location of respondents: 28% Dublin; 27% Rest of Leinster; 27% Munster; 18% Connaught/Ulster; Urban 69%; Rural 31%.
• Data collection was conducted via an online self-completion survey (CAWI) with a duration of 15-20 minutes.
• Fieldwork took place between the 11^th and 24^th of March 2026.

Data were weighted to ensure the final sample was representative of the national population according to the most recent CSO data by key demographic variables including age x gender, education, region, and occupation.

All fieldwork was conducted in accordance with ESOMAR and AIMRO guidelines, with Ipsos B&A holding ISO 9001 (Quality Management) and ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) certifications, ensuring robust data quality and security standards throughout the research process.

About the Just Transition Commission

The Just Transition Commission is an independent advisory body established on an administrative basis by Government Decision of 30^th April 2024. The Commission provides the Government with impartial, strategic, and evidence-based advice to inform policy planning related to a just transition across sectors and to support the Government and wider societal stakeholders in managing this transition. The Commission is also a voice and advocate on planning for a just transition, leading in developing a shared understanding and identifying the challenges, solutions and opportunities for Ireland.

Just Transition Commissioners

• Ali Sheridan ─ chair of Just Transition Commission of Ireland. Independent Expert.
• Brian Flynn ─ director and chair of An Síolán, a community development company in west Offaly, current environmental representative of the PPN on Offaly LCDC, and promoter of community renewable energy projects. Independent Expert (appointed March 2026).
• Conor Minogue ─ senior policy executive with Ibec. Business Pillar.
• Dr Diarmuid Torney ─ director of the DCU Institute for Climate and Society and an associate professor in the School of Law and Government at Dublin City University. Independent Expert.
• Evan Boyle ─ senior postdoctoral researcher with the MaREI Centre Energy, Climate and Marine coordinated by the Environmental Research Institute, University College Cork. Independent Expert.
• Michelle Murphy ─ research and policy analyst with Social Justice Ireland. Community and Voluntary Pillar.
• Oisín Coghlan ─ policy analyst and advisor, specialising in climate and environment, Oisín currently works with the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, the Irish Environmental Network and The Wheel, and former chief executive of Friends of the Earth Ireland. Environmental Pillar.
• Ryan McKinney ─ head of strategic change at Fórsa, Ireland’s second largest union. Trade Union Pillar.
• Suresh Kumar ─ deputy director for innovation and industrial transformation for the Scottish Government and former chief operating officer for the Max Planck Research Society. Independent Expert.
• Tanya Ward ─ chief executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance. Independent Expert.
• Vanessa Kiely O'Connor ─ farmer from Innishannon, Co Cork, nominated by ICMSA to the Just Transition Commission, chair of Teagasc’s Advisory and Education Committee representing the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS). Agriculture Pillar.