Farmers more worried about climate change than people think

Both farmers and non-farmers worry about climate change and say they are willing to take action. But they underestimate each other's worry and willingness, according to new research by the ESRI's Behavioural Research Unit.

The research surveyed 467 farmers and 1,200 non-farmers, split evenly between rural and urban residents.  Farmers were asked about adopting sustainable farming methods and non-farmers were asked about changing transport habits, diet, and energy use. Participants were also asked how they perceived the views of others.

On average, both farmers and non-farmers expressed worry about climate change and a willingness to take action.  Non-farmers underestimated farmers’ actual level of worry and willingness.   All groups underestimated the general public’s worry and willingness.

The study found no evidence of an urban-rural divide. Rural and urban residents do not differ in how much they worry about climate change, their willingness to change their behaviour to help reduce climate change, or their perceptions of others’ attitudes.

There was also individual biased.  Those who were least worried and willing to act assumed, incorrectly, that others share their views.  And those who were most worried and willing to act were more likely to think that others feel the same.

For further details, read the survey from the Economic and Social Research Institute here.