Crafting climate policy

The publication of the Just Transition Commission’s Introductory Report in June 2025, alongside the Climate Conversations 2024 findings from the Department of Climate, the Environment and Energy provides the basis for a broader framing of climate policy aimed at providing a just transition.

Both documents, while developed independently, reinforce key themes regarding public engagement, policy delivery, and institutional preparedness for a whole-of-society transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Just Transition Commission was established in late 2024 to provide “independent, evidence-informed advice to government on the delivery of a just transition”. The introductory report, its first output, sets out a number of structural and procedural challenges that require attention if just transition principles are to be integrated into the Government’s climate policymaking. The Commission recommends a clearer strategic framework, improved coordination between national and local levels of government, and the development of indicators to track the social impact of decarbonisation measures.

The report also repositions the concept of just transition away from its prior association with the cessation of peat production in the midlands, recommending that it be embedded more broadly across all climate and energy policies. Particular reference is made to sectors and communities considered vulnerable to transition-related disruption, including rural populations, coastal communities, farming households, low-income groups, and members of the Traveller community. The Commission notes that governance structures to date have not consistently accounted for the differentiated impact of climate policies on these cohorts.

In parallel, the Climate Conversations 2024 report presents the results of an open public consultation held between May and September 2024, under the remit of the National Dialogue on Climate Action (NDCA). The consultation attracted 1,949 responses and provides a snapshot of attitudes, perceptions, and levels of public involvement in climate action. It is not representative of the general population but offers insight into the views of those already engaged with climate-related challenges.

One of the key findings from the consultation is a marked increase in levels of “concern” regarding climate change, with 90 per cent of respondents stating that they are worried about the issue. Frustration (67 per cent), worry (56 per cent), and powerlessness (47 per cent) were the most frequently reported emotional responses. These findings are consistent with the Commission’s emphasis on the need to improve communications around climate policy, particularly with respect to clarity, impact, and accountability.

Public perceptions of government performance on climate action remain low. Fewer than 15 per cent of respondents agreed that the Government has a clear plan for coordinating action across sectors. Respondents expressed particular dissatisfaction with government performance on citizen engagement, the provision of supports to enable behavioural change, and the communication of policy objectives.

Notwithstanding this dissatisfaction, respondents reported high levels of personal commitment to climate action. Over three-quarters (76 per cent) stated they could do more to reduce their environmental impact, and 61 per cent reported active involvement in at least one community organisation. Of these, over half (54 per cent) said that some of their activities related to climate action. Engagement is most common in waste reduction and biodiversity, with increasing interest in active mobility and circular economy initiatives.

However, the report also documents persistent misperceptions regarding the relative impact of different climate actions. Respondents continue to overestimate the effectiveness of lower-impact behaviours (for example, reducing food waste) and underestimate the benefits of higher-impact measures such as switching to electric vehicles or using heat pump technology. The Commission has identified this as a key area for improvement, recommending that communications be aligned more closely with the actual emissions-reduction potential of various actions.

A number of the recommendations in the Climate Conversations report overlap with those of the Commission. These include the need to strengthen local capacity for climate action, to develop community climate hubs, and to use the NDCA as a platform for sustained engagement and co-design. The consultation report highlights the potential of the Dingle Peninsula 2030 project as a replicable model for place-based, citizen-led climate planning. The Commission similarly advocates for greater investment in local governance and public participation structures.

Across both reports, there is a consensus on the need for data collection and indicator development. The Commission calls for a systematic review of existing datasets and the establishment of metrics that can be used to monitor and evaluate Ireland’s progress on just transition objectives. The Climate Conversations report outlines the demographic and regional differences in participation and attitudes, underlining the need for disaggregated data to inform equitable policy design.

Taken together, these two publications provide a broad evidence base to support policy development in the area of just transition. The Commission’s initial reflections are expected to inform future iterations of the Climate Action Plan and related governance arrangements. The public consultation findings will continue to guide the NDCA’s outreach and engagement strategy and contribute to the broader behavioural science and public communications work of the Department.

As Ireland moves towards implementation of its 2030 emissions reductions targets and 2050 net zero emissions target, the operationalisation of a just transition approach will require further integration into departmental planning, budgeting, and oversight frameworks.

The establishment of clear governance responsibilities, the mainstreaming of equity considerations, and the improved coordination of national and local action are likely to remain key challenges in the period ahead.