Can Ireland bridge the gap to net zero?

Russell Smyth explores KPMG’s latest research, revealing generational divides and public scepticism about Ireland’s capacity to meet our ambitious climate goals

People are central to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, yet KPMG research reveals that more than half (56 percent) continue to be concerned about climate change, down by just four percent from 60 percent in 2023.

Climate concern is particularly notable among younger adults aged 18 to 34 and people aged over 65, with 62 percent in each group expressing unease. 

In contrast, just 46 percent of those aged between 45 and 54 report similar levels of concern, suggesting a potential generational divide in attitudes toward climate change and Ireland’s capacity to tackle it effectively. 

Twenty-six percent of the respondents we surveyed, meanwhile, do not believe efforts or plans to reduce emissions will be sufficient to meet Ireland’s Climate Action Plan goal.

Fewer than one in 10 (six percent) believe Ireland will reduce emissions by 51 percent by 2030 in line with the current Government target.

Thirteen percent consider this target to be completely unattainable, highlighting significant scepticism concerning Ireland’s ability to fulfil our climate commitments. 

Clear and transparent communication

With Ireland expected to cut total greenhouse gas emissions by up to 29 percent by 2030, the public scepticism captured in our research raises questions about the perceived effectiveness of current strategies and policies. 

Our findings also underscore the urgent need to educate and engage communities on the role they can play in Ireland’s journey towards net zero.

Instilling confidence in our ability to meet our decarbonisation targets requires clear and transparent communication and concrete actions that can deliver measurable progress.

The power of data centres

Data centres offer a promising opportunity to help transform Ireland’s energy sector. The transition towards renewable energy sources is key to reducing Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels and achieving our net zero commitments.

A prime example of this is the critical role data centres could play. Ireland’s rapidly growing data centre sector—if powered by renewable energy—could be crucial to achieving net zero emissions. 

Data centres consume a lot of electricity. However, with proper investment and strategic planning, they could also help to drive demand for renewable energy, helping to balance the grid.

Data centres with energy storage capabilities could store surplus renewable energy during peak generation periods, for example, and release it back to the grid during times of high demand.

This would support grid stability and maximise the use of renewable energy resources. 

Accelerating the transformation of the electricity sector will be crucial to supporting decarbonisation efforts across other industries.

If powered by renewable energy, data centres could become a critical component of Ireland’s net zero strategy.

They have the potential to meet higher demand for electricity while also providing essential services to businesses and consumers.

Data centres also present a rare opportunity to attract inward investment from some of the world’s leading companies. 

Stakeholder management

Recognising the potential for renewable energy to drive Ireland’s decarbonisation will require significant investment in sustainable energy infrastructure, including greater wind and solar energy capacity and the development of adequate energy storage solutions.

Collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, businesses and communities across the country, will be fundamental to ensuring data centres positively contribute to Ireland’s decarbonisation efforts. 

Educating and empowering these groups to adopt sustainable practices will be critical.

By making incremental changes—such as improving energy efficiency at home and work, supporting renewable energy initiatives and adopting low-carbon behaviours and technologies —every sector and citizen could potentially contribute to helping Ireland achieve our climate goals.