Climate change concerns

There is continued public scepticism about Ireland achieving its ambitious climate targets. Most adults express concern about climate change, and only 6 percent believe the 2030 target is achievable.

People are central to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, but our research reveals over half (56 percent) remain concerned with climate change, a decline from 60 percent in 2023. Among younger adults aged 18-34 and over 65s, concern is particularly notable, with 62 percent in each group expressing unease about the issue.

In contrast, only 46 percent of those aged between 45 and 54 report similar levels of concern, suggesting a potential generational divide in attitudes toward climate change and Ireland’s ability to address it effectively.

Meanwhile a quarter (26 percent) don’t think efforts and/or plans to reduce emissions will be effective enough to achieve Ireland’s target. Less than 1 in 10 (6 percent) believe Ireland will reduce emissions by 51 percent in the current government target of 2030. Furthermore, 13 percent of respondents view this target as entirely unattainable, reflecting widespread doubt about Ireland’s ability to deliver on its climate commitments.

Only

6%

believe Ireland is on track for climate change targets

57%

are concerned about the effects of climate change

13%

think our net zero target is unattainable

Instilling confidence in our ability to meet these ambitious decarbonisation targets requires clear and transparent communication.

Russell Smyth

Partner, Head of Sustainable Futures

KPMG in Ireland

Clear and transparent communication

With Ireland projected to achieve a reduction of up to 29 percent in total greenhouse gas emissions by 2030; this shortfall raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current strategies and policies.

Russell Smyth, Head of Sustainable Futures at KPMG, believes these findings highlight the urgent need to educate and engage communities about their role in Ireland’s journey toward net zero. Smyth emphasises, “Instilling confidence in our ability to meet these ambitious decarbonisation targets requires clear and transparent communication about how we plan to achieve them, coupled with concrete actions that deliver measurable progress.”

The power of data centres

Data centres provide a potential area of opportunity in helping transform Ireland’s electricity sector. The shift toward renewable energy sources is key to reducing Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels and meeting its net zero commitments.

A prime example of this is the role of data centres, a rapidly growing industry in Ireland, which, if powered by renewable energy, could play a pivotal role in achieving net zero emissions.

Data centres consume significant amounts of electricity, but with the right investment and strategic planning, they can drive demand for renewable energy and help balance the grid. For example, data centres equipped with energy storage capabilities could store surplus renewable energy during peak generation periods and release it back to the grid during times of high demand. This capability supports grid stability and maximises the utilisation of renewable energy resources.

Russell Smyth underscores the potential of green data centres, stating, “Accelerating the transformation of the electricity sector is crucial to supporting the decarbonisation efforts across other industries. If powered by renewable energy, data centres could become a critical component of Ireland’s net zero strategies.

They have the potential to balance the increased demand for electricity while providing essential services to businesses and consumers. In addition, data centres present a rare opportunity to attract inward investment from some of the world’s leading companies.”

Stakeholder management

Realising this potential will require significant investment in sustainable energy infrastructure, including expanding wind and solar energy capacity and developing energy storage solutions. Collaboration across all stakeholders, including government, businesses, and communities, is fundamental to ensuring data centres contribute positively to Ireland’s decarbonisation efforts.

Educating and empowering individuals, businesses, and communities to adopt sustainable practices is also critical. By making incremental changes, such as improving energy efficiency at home and work, supporting renewable energy initiatives, and adopting low-carbon behaviours and technologies, every sector and citizen can play a role in helping Ireland achieve its ambitious climate goals.

Get in touch

Our Powering Tomorrow report shows that there is real support for the right large-scale energy projects in Ireland.

If you have any queries about how your business could seize this opportunity, please contact Colm O'Neill of our Energy, Utilities and Telecoms practice. We'd be delighted to hear from you.