Only 4% plan to change to a vegan diet despite climate concerns

Inflation continues to weigh heavy on consumers’ minds with 52% of respondents saying the cost of living has made them less interested in sustainability (Photo by Lukas via Pexels)
AIB’s sustainability survey reveals a growing acknowledgement of the impact of climate change on people’s lives. Since December 2020 there has been a significant increase in the percentage of adults saying that they are being personally affected now by climate change, rising to 45% from 37%.
Concerning impactful lifestyle changes for carbon emissions, there’s been a notable shift in consumer behaviour. Only 11% have embraced a vegan or vegetarian diet, a slight decrease from the 13% reported in 2021, and 4% intend to make the dietary switch in the next three years. In contrast, 29% now use renewable electricity (up from 27% in June 2021), and 10% drive electric cars (compared to 6% in 2021), with an additional 20% planning to transition to electric vehicles in the next three years. While 58% already buy fewer new or pre-owned clothes (up from 52%), the focus on dietary choices reveals a more measured shift in sustainability practices.
The cost of living continues to be the major barrier preventing people from making more sustainable choices, but concerns are easing, with the percentage of people who cite cost as a major barrier down by 20 percentage points on the previous survey in May 2023. However, inflation continues to weigh heavy on consumers’ minds, as 52% of adults say the cost of living has made them less interested in sustainability, up 15 percentage points from 37% in the previous wave. Additionally, 44% said a lack of sustainable alternatives was the main barrier, down from 59% in May 2023, while 33% cited a lack of clarity, understanding or information, down from 35%.
Respondents believe the government (71%) followed by individuals (57%) hold most responsibility for driving behavioural change to tackle environmental issues. Forty-six percent of respondents expect that multinationals implement sustainable practices, diminishing to 38% for large Irish businesses, 19% for charities and 14% for SMEs.
A small minority of consumers are interested in taking out home improvement loans themselves to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, up 10% from 8% in the previous wave.
The percentage of respondents who cite scientists and academics as having the most influence on their attitudes and behaviour when it comes to sustainability rose to 40% from 30% in June 2020.
Mary Whitelaw, chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer, AIB, said: “Our world is changing before our eyes. The sixth wave of AIB’s Sustainability Research shows an increase in the proportion of people who say their lives are affected by climate change. It’s encouraging to see that the cost barrier to making more sustainable choices is easing somewhat as inflation eases.
“AIB is here to support our customers wishing to build a greener tomorrow through our lower-cost green mortgages for customers whose homes have a BER rating of B3 or higher, as well as cheaper green personal loans which can go towards the installation of solar panels, insulation or the purchase of an electric vehicle.”
Gerard O’Neill, chairman, Amárach, said: “The research shows that Irish citizens are keen to play their part in achieving Ireland’s climate change goals for 2030, but they still need guidance, encouragement and support from government, business and others to contribute to a sustainable future for Ireland.”