Catholics in Northern Ireland are more likely than Protestants to see climate change as human-driven, trust scientific experts and back tougher action, according to a new study.
The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey, carried out by Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University, questioned 1,199 adults, including 383 Catholics, 193 Presbyterians and 144 members of the Church of Ireland.
It found that 62 per cent of Catholics believe climate change is mainly caused by human activity, compared with 56 per cent of Church of Ireland members and just 38 per cent of Presbyterians.
Trust in experts also varied sharply. Three-quarters (75 per cent) of Catholics agreed scientists could be trusted on climate change, while fewer than half (47 per cent) of Presbyterians said the same.
On political action, 80 per cent of Catholics felt leaders should be doing more, compared to 65% of Presbyterians.
Dr Jonny Hanson, from Queen’s University told the Belfast Telegraph: "Climate change is a defining issue of our time", and argued "there is therefore an urgent need for engagement with religious communities to address climate change in Northern Ireland and beyond.”
Professor Gladys Ganiel, also from Queen’s, noted: “The research shows strong connections between religion and climate attitudes in Northern Ireland, highlighting the importance of considering faith perspectives in climate debates and policymaking.”