Edwin Grahama nd Juanita Majury of “Join the Dots Together” attended the launch of the 2024 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey on 27th May inQueen’s University Belfast
This timely seminar explored the intersection of climate change and public trust in Northern Ireland, marking the launch of the 2024 Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey. Led by Professor Katy Hayward and Dr Jonny Hanson (Queen’s University Belfast), the event revealed thought-provoking insights into how people across NI perceive climate change—and who they trust to take action.
Key Survey Findings
Most respondents believe that human activity is the main cause of climate change.
Trust in scientific experts remains low, particularly among Brexit supporters.
Northern Ireland is one of the most climate-sceptical regions in Europe, with significant political and generational divides in attitudes.
Women and older people feel more responsibility to act on climate issues.
Responses from Practice and Policy
Siân Doherty, from Climate NI, highlighted the value of place-based approaches, such as Living Labs, retrofitting schemes and urban food networks. These initiatives show how local partnerships can drive meaningful, climate-literate action.
Kate Clifford, from the Rural Community Network, underlined challenges unique to rural areas—including oil-fired heating, limited public transport, and high dependency on cars. She stressed the importance of community-led solutions and the need to bridge gaps between differing viewpoints.
The event reinforced that climate action is as much about communication and trust as it is about policy and science. A shared message emerged: to move forward, we must bring people with us, building trust, understanding public attitudes and supporting inclusive, just transitions.
The presentations will be available on the ARK website (https://www.ark.ac.uk/ARK/nilt/), providing further access to this vital conversation.
Afterwards we visited the “Conflict Textiles” exhibition in the McClay Library, fascinating and powerful images which convey a strong message.
#climate #QUB #belfast Rural Community Network Jonny Hanson Kate Hayward NI Inter-Faith Forum Edwin Graham Neville Cobb Daera Jane Corderoy