Citizens' level of trust in public institutions in Ireland in relation to climate change
This report examines Ireland’s contemporary climate policy landscape through the related concepts of trust and fairness within sociotechnical systems. It argues that policy success should be assessed not only by emissions reductions but also by public perceptions of fairness and trust in the institutions responsible for implementation. Fair policies can build trust, while trust can encourage public acceptance and compliance, strengthening the effectiveness of climate action.
- Authors
Wood, Nathan; Gough, Rachel; Lennon, Breffní;vDunphy, Niall
- Year
- 2025
- Category
- Report
- Full Citation
Wood, N, Gough, R, Lennon, B & Dunphy, N 2025, Citizens' level of trust in public institutions in Ireland in relation to climate change. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18903374
- Link to Publication
- https://cora.ucc.ie/items/64d83f7e-291d-49d0-8c6a-8c1d709c10f3
Abstract
This report looks at climate policy in Ireland and asks what makes these policies successful. It argues that reducing emissions is important, but it is also essential that people believe policies are fair and trust the institutions implementing them. When people feel that climate policies are fair, they are more likely to trust them. In turn, trust can encourage public support and willingness to comply, helping climate policies achieve their goals.
CLIMATUDE
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