The Climate Ambassador Podcast

S5E10: Bohemians F.C. – Sport and Climate Action

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Join Daithí as he speaks to the inspiring Seán McCabe, the world's first Climate Justice Officer in a football club. Seán talks us through the work being done in Bohemians Football Club in Phibsborough, Dublin, where community and climate justice is being put right at the heart of things. With impacts of the climate crisis and transition being felt unequally across communities, the Climate CoOp at Bohemians has set out to address the issues faced by their own members, playing to their strength as a tight knit and inclusive community. Seán talks us through the different projects at Bohemians, such as their 'Library of Things', and supporting people serving prison time in Mountjoy to upskill in bike maintenance, as well as some of their aims for the future. His words of advice – dream big! Thanks very much to Sorcha O'Carolan Murphy for support with research, design and promotion.

Links:

1. The Spark https://www.thespark.coop/

2. Bohemians Football Club Website: https://bohemians.ie/home/

3. UN Sport for Climate Action: https://unfccc.int/climate-action/sectoral-engagement/sports-for-climate-action

4. Mary Robinson Climate Justice Foundation: https://www.mrfcj.org/

5. Think tank for Action on Social Change (TASC): https://www.tasc.ie/

6. Qatar World Cup Controversy: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/nov/19/qatar-working-conditions-world-cup-guardian-reporting

7. Friends of the Earth - 'Still Left out in the Cold' Report: https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/warm-homes-for-all/resources

8. Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions explained: https://www.grantthornton.ie/insights/factsheets/sustainability-scope-1-2-and-3-emissions/

9. Seán and Leo from Bohs F.C. on The Book of Leaves Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-sport-clubs-can-take-climate-action-bohemian-football/id1460583049?i=1000638902017

S5E9: Climate Ambassador Stories

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0000

Daithí is joined by not one, but two special guests this week! Climate Ambassador Alumni Claire Romito and Alex Reilly share their experiences of being in the programme and the changes that it brought about in their lives. Though Alex comes from a background in television production, and Claire is a primary school teacher and entrepreneur, they share a lot of the same sentiments and thoughts around community climate action, offering up many wise words for current Climate Ambassadors and general listeners alike. From career pivots to tackling climate anxiety and the power of finding your own strengths and community, this episode takes an honest look at the imperfect, yet inspiring nature of individual climate action journeys and the ripple effects they have on our wider communities.

Thanks very much to Sorcha O'Carolan Murphy for support with research, design and promotion.

Links:

Thanks its vintage – Alex’s Fashion Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/thanks_its_vintage/
Teachingplans.ie – Claire’s website of teaching resources: https://teachingplans.ie/
Albert Certification for sustainable film and TV production: https://wearealbert.org/
1% for planet: 1% for the Planet | Accelerating Environmental Giving
Patagonia makes Earth its only shareholder: https://eu.patagonia.com/ie/en/ownership/?srsltid=AfmBOoq3dmBx_G4RbdxP1xdnNjlqMZHa--hjuobEgfMOkyBrzwaq6DZ0
Friends of the earth: https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/
Virgin Media Sustainability: https://sustainablemedia.ie/case-studies/sustainability-in-programming-how-one-sustainability-project-in-virgin-media-tv-created-a-ripple-effect/

S5E8: Action Aid – Climate Change in the Global South

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Daithí is joined by Karol Balfe, CEO of ActionAid Ireland and Mahesh Badal, the Senior Program and Business Development Manager for ActionAid Nepal. Our two guests talk to us through the realities of climate change in the Global South, highlighting the disproportionate burden placed on the Global South, both in terms of the local effects of climate change and the mitigation of those effects. With ActionAid’s recent report ‘The Hidden Truth – Ireland's Role in the Global Fossil Fuel Industry’ showing that Ireland is ranked the 14th highest global investor in fossil fuels, Karol explains how we got here and how we can get ourselves out. A fascinating episode that really highlights the complexities of Fossil Fuel Finance, and the difficulties faced by the Global South in accessing funding for transition to green economies and becoming more resilient to climate impacts.

Thanks very much to Sorcha O'Carolan Murphy for support with research, design and promotion.

Links:

1. Action aid Ireland: ActionAid Ireland | Charity Organizations in Ireland

2. Action Aid Nepal: ActionAid Nepal

3. Action Aid 2025 ‘Hidden Truth’ Report - https://actionaid.ie/the-hidden-truth/

4. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): https://unfccc.int/

5. UNFCC Funds - https://unfccc.int/topics/introduction-to-climate-finance

6. 2021 United Nations Environment Program report - https://www.unep.org/resources/emissions-gap-report-2021

7. Global North Is Responsible for 92% of Excess Emissions - Eos

8. Ireland divests public money from the Irish Strategic Investment Fund from Fossil Fuels: Fossil Fuel Divestment Act 2018

S5E7: Meeting Ireland’s Growing Water Demand

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0000

Charlie Coakley, sustainable business manager of Uisce Éireann, drops in to discuss the sustainability framework of Uisce Éireann, Ireland's state-owned water utility company. We explore the company's role in providing clean drinking water and appropriate treatment of waste water, the challenges posed by climate change, and the importance of energy efficiency in water treatment. Charlie outlines the ambitious goals of the 2025 Sustainability Framework, including achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, Biodiversity net gain on all projects, and implementing nature-based solutions for wastewater treatment.

The discussion also highlights the significance of social inclusion and public engagement in achieving these goals, as well as the future of water supply projects in the Eastern and Midlands Region, which would involve the extraction of water from the Parteen basin of the river Shannon.

Thanks very much to Sorcha O'Carolan Murphy for support with research, design and promotion.

Links

Uisce Éireann's website: www.water.ie

Uisce Éireann's Sustainability Framework: https://www.water.ie/about/sustainability/sustainability-framework

Ireland ranks 10th highest in the EU for domestic water use: https://smartwatermagazine-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/smartwatermagazine.com/news/locken/water-ranking-europe-2020?amp

Integrated Constructed Wetlands project at Dunhill, Waterford: https://www.water.ie/help/wastewater/wetlands/dunhill-wetlands

Sludge Drying Reedbeds: https://www.water.ie/projects/local-projects/carlow-sludge-reed-beds

S5E6: Eirgrid – The Future of Ireland’s Electricity Grid

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode, engineer and energy industry veteran Errol Close chats to Daithí and gives us an illuminating (pun intended) look at how Ireland keeps the lights on - literally. From how we trade power with the UK and soon France, to what happens when storms like Eowyn hit, Errol breaks it all down. You’ll hear why renewable energy makes grid management feel more like weather forecasting, how we hit a once-ambitious 40% renewables target, and what’s being done to get us to our latest targets. Whether you're into climate, renewable energy, or just curious where your power comes from - this one’s worth a listen. Thanks very much to Sorcha O'Carolan Murphy for support with research, design and promotion.

Links:

1. Eirgrid - https://www.eirgrid.ie/

2. Celtic Interconnector - https://www.celticinterconnector.eu/ga/

3. CRU (commission fo regulation of utilities) https://www.cru.ie/

4. Government Target of 80% share of renewable electricity generation by 2030: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/accelerating-renewable-electricity-taskforce/

5. EPA projecting only 68% renewable energy share by 2030: https://www.epa.ie/publications/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/air-emissions/irelands-greenhouse-gas-emissions-projections-2024-2055.php

6. Data Centres are projected to account for up to 30% of Ireland's electricity demand by 2030: https://www.thejournal.ie/data-centres-to-account-for-almost-one-third-of-irelands-electricity-demand-by-2034-6658382-Mar2025/

7. The impact of data centres 'capacity payments' on energy bills: https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/consumers-energy-bills-set-to-rise-further-as-more-data-centres-will-add-to-costs/a633724800.html

S5E5: Protecting Our Peatlands

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 03:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Daithí speaks to Hugh McLindon, the District Conservation Officer with the National Parks and Wildlife Service for Wicklow.

They cover lots of ground, from what makes a peatland, to how they come to exist and the realities of bog restoration in Ireland.

With the NWPS doing lots of work on restoring the Special Area of Conservation in the Wicklow National Park, Hugh tells Daithí about his own experience as a Park Ranger and the shift in culture that he has seen in his 30 years of working with the NPWS, a shift that has given him great hope for the future and enthusiasm for the work being done!

Thanks very much to Sorcha O'Carolan Murphy for support with research, design and promotion.

Links:

NPWS Website: https://www.npws.ie/
Blanket Bogs in Ireland Factsheet: https://www.ipcc.ie/a-to-z-peatlands/peatland-habitat-types/blanket-bogs/
Raised Bogs in Ireland Factsheet: https://www.ipcc.ie/a-to-z-peatlands/peatland-habitat-types/raised-bogs/
Ireland referred to EU court for failure to protect peatlands: https://www.irishtimes.com/environment/2024/03/13/ireland-referred-to-eu-court-for-failure-to-protect-bog-lands-and-curb-turf-extraction/
SUAS Project: https://suaseipproject.ie/
Special Areas of Conservation SAC map Ireland https://www.npws.ie/protected-sites/sac#:~:text=Special%20Areas%20of%20Conservation%20(SAC)%20are%20prime%20wildlife%20conservation%20areas,well%20as%20an%20Irish%20level.

S5 E4: Jennie C. Stephens – Ecofeminism and Energy Democracy

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0000

In this episode Daithí speaks to Jennie C. Stevens, Professor of Climate Justice from NUIM, and a feminist scholar and activist. They dive deep into the urgent need for climate justice and the transformative changes required to tackle the climate crisis.

From unpacking the damaging effects of extractive economic systems to exploring how eco-feminism can guide our approach, Jennie highlights the interconnectedness of human health, ecosystem health, and social justice.

She debunks the myth that climate action means sacrifice and challenges the influence of powerful industries on universities and public policies, advocating for energy democracy—where local communities have control over their own energy systems. Feeling overwhelmed by climate anxiety? Jennie offers hope, emphasizing that collective action is the antidote, and it’s happening right now.

Tune in to discover why climate justice is about much more than the environment—it’s about equity, empowerment, and creating a better future for all!

Thanks very much to Sorcha O'Carolan Murphy for support with research, design and promotion.

Links:

1. Jennie's Website and Books (Climate Justice and the University; Diversifying Power): https://www.jenniecstephens.com/books

2. Climate Justice Universities Union: https://www.climatejusticeuniversitiesunion.org/

3. Greta Thunberg - 'The Climate Book': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Climate_Book

4. 'The Squad' - left-wing coalition in the US House of Representatives: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squad_(U.S._Congress)

5. Fridays for Future: https://fridaysforfuture.org/

S5E3: Change Clothes Dublin – Clothes Swapping and Circular Fashion

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Daithí speaks to Mary Fleming, the founder of ChangeClothes.org, a social enterprise that sprang up in Crumlin to address accessibility and habits around second-hand clothing.

Starting as just a week of events in her local area a few years ago, Change Clothes has grown into a thriving organisation, providing training and workshops in upcycling and sustainable fashion alongside its highly anticipated swap shops.

Mary talks about what inspired her to start making changes in her own life and how she was frustrated by the messaging around sustainability and the inaccessibility for low-income people.

Daithí and Mary discuss the importance of looking at what we stand to gain with climate action and the positive effect that a sense of fun and community can have.

Thanks very much to Sorcha O'Carolan Murphy for support with research, design and promotion.

Links

1. Change Clothes Website: https://www.changeclothes.org/

2. EPA statistics on Irish Textile Waste: https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/circular-economy/textiles-national-attitudes--behaviours-surveys/

3. Second-hand clothes market burns down in Kantamanto, Ghana: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2025/feb/24/ghana-clothes-market-fire-kantamanto-rebuild

4. Amendments to EU Waste Framework Directive to include more circularity of textiles: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_548

5. French 2024 legislation tackling fast-fashion: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/mar/15/france-fast-fashion-law-environmental-surcharge-lower-house-votes

S5 E2: Fair Seas – Climate Change and the Ocean

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 01:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Daithí is joined by Jack O’Donovan Trá: trained marine biologist and Communications Officer for Fair Seas, for a fascinating conversation on the role of our oceans in tackling the climate and biodiversity crises. A natural storyteller, Jack breaks down complex ocean science into relatable insights, from how kelp forests cushion our coasts during storms, to the invaluable ability of the ocean to lock away carbon through life itself.

Growing up on Red Strand, outside Clonakilty, Jack’s personal connection to the sea has shaped his life’s mission. He explains how the Fair Seas Coalition is advocating for ambitious, science-based Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Irish waters - areas that could rival the Great Barrier Reef in ecological importance and scale. He highlights how Ireland’s current policies lag far behind its commitments, and why local involvement is crucial to real, lasting change.

Thanks very much to Sorcha O'Carolan Murphy for support with research, design and promotion.

1. Fair Seas reports: https://fairseas.ie/resources/#all_0-139-reports

2. Fair Seas documentaries: https://fairseas.ie/youtube-videos/

3. Marine Protected Areas Bill: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/general-scheme-of-marine protected-areas-bill-2022.pdf

4. Marine Institute Deep Sea rover: https://www.searover.ie/about.php

5. Kerry Tides of Time documentary: https://www.rte.ie/player/series/kerry-tides-of-time/10000923-00-0000?epguid=IP10000924-01-0001

6. EU Natura 2000 Protected Areas Network: https://www.eea.europa.eu/themes/biodiversity/natura-2000/the-natura-2000-protected-areas-network

7. David Attenborough Ocean Film: https://www.oceanfilm.net/

S5E01: Kate Raworth – Doughnut Economics

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0000

We are delighted to launch the new series by bringing you this conversation with the iconic Kate Raworth! Kate is the renowned creator of Doughnut Economics, a new paradigm of economics which aims to achieve human wellbeing for all within the planet's ecological limits.

Kate gives Daithí an overview of how she became disillusioned with mainstream economics as a student, and how taking a step back from academia and getting some hands-on experience in the Global South sowed the seeds for her to literally redraw the model of economics.

The model for a new regenerative and distributive economy draws on The UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Planetery Boundaries from The Stockholm Resilience Centre, and Kate describes how the alternatives to GDP for monitoring the prosperity of an economy will vary from one context to another.

This is being proven by cities, companies and communities around the world who are finding ways to thrive in balance with support from the Doughnut Economics Action Lab.

The conversation is energetic and informative, and Kate is a source of endless wisdom and humility - she is equally inspired by the movement of Doughnut Economics as they were inspired by her!

1. Kate's Website: https://www.kateraworth.com/about/

2. Doughnut Economics Action Lab: https://doughnuteconomics.org/about-doughnut-economics

3. Kate's Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhcrbcg8HBw&pp=ygUQa2F0ZSByYXdvcnRoIHRlZA%3D%3D

4. Universal Values wheel by Schwartz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theory_of_basic_human_values

5. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/

6. Stockholm Resilience Centre's Planetary Boundaries Study (Rockstrom et al.): https://www.stockholmresilience.org/research/planetary-boundaries.html

7. Greta Thunberg - 'The Climate Book': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Climate_Book

8. The Irish Doughnut Economics Network: https://wiki.irishdenetwork.org/Home

S4E10: Eoghan Daltun – Natural Regeneration and Ecosystem Services

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

For the final episode of the series, Daithí talks to author and rewilder, Eoghan Daltun. They chat about the process Eoghan set in motion in the mid 2000’s to restore healthy native ecosystems on his 73-acre farm on the Beara Peninsula, Cork. Hear about the recovery of the ecosystems, the diversity of native species that he has seen returning to the forest, as well as the harm caused to the woodland regeneration process by alien invasive species, such as Sika deer. A small farmer himself, Eoghan strongly advocates that landowners should be rewarded for protecting ecosystems due to the benefits they provide for society, such as flood prevention and resilience to wildfires. Eoghan also has some very interesting views on the classification of what constitutes a native species and makes a compelling case for the introduction of various species, including Beavers.

After the interview, musician Brían MacGloinn of Ye Vagabonds closes the episode with his beautiful song 'Cuckoo'.

Links:

1. Eoghan's Instagram: @irishrainforest

2. Eoghan's 2024 Book - 'The Magic of an Irish Rainforest: A Visual Journey': https://www.kennys.ie/shop/signed-by-the-author-new/the-magic-of-an-irish-rainforest-a-visual-journey-eoghan-daltun-9781399725606

3. Eoghan's First book - 'An Irish Atlantic Rainforest': https://www.kennys.ie/shop/an-irish-atlantic-rainforest-eoghan-daltun-9781399705295

4. Ecosystem Services: https://www.nature.scot/scotlands-biodiversity/scottish-biodiversity-strategy-and-cop15/ecosystem-approach/ecosystem-services-natures-benefits

5. Nature Restoration Law: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/news/nature-restoration-law-enters-force-2024-08-15_en

6. E. O. Wilson: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Edward-O-Wilson

7. George Monbiot: https://www.monbiot.com/

8. IUCN on Rewilding: https://iucn.org/resources/issues-brief/benefits-and-risks-rewilding

9. London Natural History Museum Biodiversity Intactness Index: https://tnfd.global/tools-platforms/local-biodiversity-intactness-index/

10. Brían MacGloinn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grianmacbloinn/

S4E9: Gerry McGovern – Digital Carbon and the Impact of Electronics

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0000

We are delighted to bring you a conversation on the environmental impacts of technology with web designer and digital consultant Gerry McGovern. Daithí and Gerry have a wide-ranging talk about topics such as e-waste and the challenges of recycling most phones and laptops; how to lengthen the life of your devices; the embedded water and material impacts of devices and the huge demand for mining of metals that they create; the amount of unnecessary data that is created every year and the energy required to store it; how you can employ simple strategies to use less data; how to make your website use less energy; the large energy requirements of Artificial Intelligence; how Gerry is heartened by the Right to Repair movement and the potential of community activism to drive change. Music in this episode comes from Samuel Arnold Keane.

Links:

1. Gerry McGovern - https://gerrymcgovern.com/world-wide-waste/

2. Gerry's Podcast 'World Wide Waste' - https://www.thisishcd.com/podcast-category/world-wide-waste-with-gerry-mcgovern

3. e-waste toxicity in landfill - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352186421006970#:~:text=1%20(Chen%20et%20al.%2C,70%25%20in%20terms%20of%20toxicity.

4. Statistics on lifecycle carbon emissions of a phone - https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/your-phone-really-smart#:~:text=Yet%2C%20around%2080%20per%20cent,the%20lifespan%20of%20devices%20shrinks

5. Rare earth metals present in phones - https://www.acs.org/education/chemmatters/past-issues/archive-2014-2015/smartphones.html#:~:text=Scandium%20and%20yttrium%20are%20included,the%2017%20rare%20earth%20metals.

6. Recycling Rate of e-waste - https://unitar.org/about/news-stories/press/global-e-waste-monitor-2024-electronic-waste-rising-five-times-faster-documented-e-waste-recycling

7. Fairphone - https://www.fairphone.com/nl

8. Energy demand of any website - https://www.websitecarbon.com/

9. Data centre energy use in Ireland 2023 - https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-dcmec/datacentresmeteredelectricityconsumption2023/keyfindings/#:~:text=The%20percentage%20of%20total%20metered%20electricity%20consumption%20accounted%20for%20by,10%25%20(See%20Infographic).

10. Google's plans to build data centre in Uruguay - https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/article/2024/aug/01/uruguay-anger-environmental-cost-google-datacentre-carbon-emissions-toxic-waste-water

11. Lifecycle emissions comparison of EV vs Internal Combustion Engine car - https://www.visualcapitalist.com/life-cycle-emissions-evs-vs-combustion-engine-vehicles/

12. Projection for growth in material extraction demand to 2050 https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/foresight/topic/aggravating-resource-scarcity/raw-materials-non-renewable-resources_en

13. 10x more energy required for AI search compared to traditional search engines - https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/6b2fd954-2017-408e-bf08-952fdd62118a/Electricity2024-Analysisandforecastto2026.pdf

14. Electricity consumption from data centres, AI and the cryptocurrency sector could double by 2026 - https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-2024/executive-summary

15. Right to Repair Directive - https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20240419IPR20590/right-to-repair-making-repair-easier-and-more-appealing-to-consumers

16. Samuel Arnold Keane - https://www.instagram.com/samyelyel/

S4E8: Louise O’Mahony – Sustainable Finance

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 09:38:29 -0000

Daithí is joined by Louise O'Mahony, head of Sustainable Banking at Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI). Louise gives fascinating insights into all things sustainable finance, including the huge increase in green lending in recent years and why private finance is so essential to meeting our emissions targets; an overview of environmental regulations pertaining to the finance sector and why the European Central bank is so concerned about Climate Change, [food harvest and flooding]; and some policies and tools that would help banks to be more ambitious with their sustainability-linked lending. After the interview, Daithí gives five top tips for greening your own finances. Music in this episode is the stunning Mountain Song, by Anna Mieke.

Links

1. Banking and Payments Federation Ireland - https://bpfi.ie

2. European Commission on Sustainable Finance - https://finance.ec.europa.eu/sustainable-finance/overview-sustainable-finance_en

3. SEAI Grants - https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/

4. ECB has climate risks as second-highest priority: https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/banking/priorities/html/ssm.supervisory_priorities202312~a15d5d36ab.en.html

5. EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive: https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en

6. ECB Climate and Environment Risk Guide: https://www.bankingsupervision.europa.eu/press/pr/date/2020/html/ssm.pr201127~5642b6e68d.en.html

7. Montreal agreement - Taskforce on nature–related financial disclosures: https://tnfd.global/

8. Christine Lagarde ECB president - 70% of banks’ loan portfolios is to high-emitting sectors: https://greencentralbanking.com/2024/01/29/eurozone-banks-face-serious-transition-risks-ecb/

9. Bank Of England research on connection between energy performance and reduced risk of mortgage default: https://www.bankofengland.co.uk/-/media/boe/files/working-paper/2023/the-greening-of-lending-mortgage-pricing-of-energy-transition-risk.pdf

S4E7: Brian Caulfield – Sustainable Transport

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode, Daithí talks Sustainable Transport with Brian Caulfield, Professor of Transport in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering, in Trinity College Dublin. Transport accounts for approximately one fifth of Ireland's Greenhouse Gas Emissions, with the majority coming from road transport. Brian talks about the ambitious target to have 1 million electric vehicles on Irish roads by 2030. He also touches on how urban design and planning can have a huge impact on transport modes, through concepts like the 15-minute city. The important point that all groups don't have equal access to sustainable transport also comes up, through issues like the rural/urban divide in access to public transport, as well as the barriers preventing women and girls from adopting cycling. As always, the other improvements to our lives that improved transport policy and infrastructure could bring about are discussed, from better air quality to more secure employment!

Links

Brian’s Twitter: https://x.com/brian_caulfield

Brian’s research profile: https://www.tcd.ie/research/profiles/?profile=caulfib

Economic cost of congestion in Dublin: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3fef5-the-economic-cost-of-congestion-in-the-greater-dublin-area-2022-2040/

1 million EV’s by 2030 target: https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/a6a2f-government-approves-electric-vehicle-policy-pathway-report/

WHO guidelines on air quality breached in Ireland: https://www.epa.ie/news-releases/news-releases-2023/irelands-ambition-to-move-towards-the-health-based-who-air-quality-guidelines-will-be-challenging-but-will-have-a-significantly-positive-impact-on-health.php

Electric Vehicle pilot on Inis Mór 2011: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/eight-families-go-electric-in-aran-islands-pilot-project-1.1277786

S4E6 - Climate Ambassador Stories

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0000

We are very excited to bring you our first episode featuring the astounding work of our Climate Ambassadors! Daithí talks to Emily Kennedy and Hilda O'Grady about the work they carried out during their time on the Climate Ambassador programme in 2023.

Emily won an outstanding achievement award in 2023 for her work-focused initiatives, which included speaking at the Mary Robinson Climate Conference, connecting her colleagues to nature through facilitating work visits to beehives, and organising swap shops and repair workshops at her workplace in Price Waterhouse Cooper. Emily gives some very credible and actionable steps for achieving gender equality in work.

Hilda also won an outstanding achievement award for her community-focused work, consisting of turbo-charging her Tidy Towns group in Kinvara to focus predominantly on Climate and Biodiversity, planting over 9,000 trees with the Kinvara-Ballinderreen Tree Gang, and working on various other local issues such as facilitating zero waste options at Farmers Market. Hilda provides wise and practical advice for sustaining successful working relationships in a community setting.

Emily’s links:

Re-Jingled | Dublin | Facebook

https://longgardenbees.ie/

Climate Action Venn Diagrams — Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

The sustainable Life School

Hilda’s links:

https://kinvara.ie/kinvara-tidy-towns/

ÉireComposites (eirecomposites.com)

http://kbtreegang.com/

Miyawaki method shows dense Irish forest can grow rapidly (rte.ie)

S4E5: Easkey Britton – Blue Health: Water and Wellbeing

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0000

The marvelous Easkey Britton joins Daithí for this episode. A pioneer of women’s big wave surfing, a Marine Social Scientist and author.

We have a brilliant and inspiring conversation about Easkey’s relationship with Water, and her academic work on the benefits to human health from spending time around bodies of water. Easkey offers a very compelling alternative to how we can appreciate and take better care of water, given the new challenges of ocean warming and changes to seasonal rainfall as a result of Climate Change.

Easkey also discusses her experience with the 'Deep Adaptation framework, a method for fostering mutual support and collaboration in the process of anticipating and experiencing societal disruption and even collapse.

The spoken word performance in this episode is provided by The Accidental Rapper.

https://easkeybritton.com/

www.Deepadaptation.info

https://www.instagram.com/easkeysurf/

'Into the sea' Film about Easkey surfing in Iran: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5950068/

https://www.instagram.com/theaccidentalrapper/

S4E4: Dr. Tadhg MacIntyre - Urban Nature for Health

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0000

Dr. Tadhg MacIntyre, Professor of Environmental Psychology at Maynooth University, joins us in this episode. He talks to Daithí about the science behind how people relate to their environments, the relationship between human health and environmental health, and the fascinating ways in which this is influencing the design of our cities. It also has huge implications for achieving behaviour change for sustainability - the evidence shows that the more we are connected to an environment, the more we take action to protect it! They also touch on the fascinating area of "virtual nature", and how this may be deployed to support local environmental initiatives in the future.

Episode links:

'Go Green Routes' Research Project: https://gogreenroutes.eu/

'Go Green Next' Research Project: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101137209

Tahdg's Book - 'Physical Activity in Natural Settings: Green and Blue Exercise': https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781315180144/physical-activity-natural-settings-aoife-donnelly-tadhg-macintyre

University of Maynooth Taught MSc. in Environmental Psychology: https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/study-maynooth/postgraduate-studies/courses/msc-environmental-psychology

S4 E3: Harrison Gardner - Skills for a resourceful future

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0000

Daithí chats to Harrison Gardner, of the brilliant social enterprise Common Knowledge, which delivers practical course in upskilling and self-sufficiency in the Burren, County Clare. We covered a lot in this conversation, from reconnecting to the value of the objects we use every day, to the huge demand for their courses from people who want to be more handy around the house.

Common knowledge is very socially engaged also, providing access courses to some participants who couldn't afford to attend, as well as looking to marginalised communities like LGBTQ+ groups to find new solutions to the climate crisis.

At the end of the conversation we feature a reflection on Climate Action and a song from musical artist, Sive. She is a former Climate Ambassador - as well as an amazing songwriter and musician!

Links

Common Knowledge: http://www.ourcommonknowledge.org/

Harrison's website: https://www.harrisongardner.net/

Rekindle festival of lost skills: https://www.ourcommonknowledge.org/rekindle

'Build Your Own' TV Series: https://www.rte.ie/player/series/build-your-own-home/10000921-00-0000?epguid=IP000066885

Croí Cónaithe Vacant property refurbishment grant: https://www.corkcoco.ie/en/resident/housing/vacant-property-refurbishment-grant-croi-conaithe

Earthship Biotecture: https://earthship.com/

Sive links: https://linktr.ee/sivemusic

S4 E2: Sarah Miller - Social Enterprise in a Circular Economy

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0000

"Dr. Sarah Miller is the CEO of the Rediscovery Centre, Ireland's national hub for circular economy innovation. Sarah has been with the centre since its early days in 2004, playing a key role in its growth and success.

We have a fantastic and engaging conversation about Sarah's lifelong dedication to circularity, from growing up influenced by an "army of strong women" as she described, her passion for nature-based solutions, and the Rediscovery Centre's mission to drive public awareness and citizen engagement in the circular economy.

Sarah gives us a 360° tour of various projects at the centre, including research partnerships, impactful social enterprises, and the transformation of their Ballymun headquarters, The Boiler House, into an iconic, fully circular building.

Sarah also shares exciting plans and addresses the challenges of promoting reuse and repair, envisioning a movement that grows in every corner of the country.

Join us for an inspiring episode filled with innovative ideas and practical solutions to create a more resourceful and sustainable society.

Music on this episode is from Caoimhín Ó' Raghallaigh

Links:

For more information about circular economy and policy, listen to Series 3 Episode 3, with Ossian Smyth Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and the Circular Economy. https://climateambassador.ie/podcast/

The Rediscovery Centre - https://www.rediscoverycentre.ie/

Paint Reuse Network - https://www.paintreuse.network/about-us

Circular Economy Academy - https://www.rediscoverycentre.ie/research/circular-economy-academy/

Global Action Plan - https://globalactionplan.ie/

Big Toy Swap - https://www.rediscoverycentre.ie/2024/02/20/announcing-the-big-toy-swap-project/

Jiminy Eco Toys - https://jiminy.ie/"

Caoimhín Ó' Raghallaigh - https://caoimhinoraghallaigh.com/

S4 E1: Manchán Magan – Irish language, mythology and connection to the Land

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 03:45:00 -0000

Daithí kicks off season four of the Climate Ambassador podcast with none other than Manchán Magan, author and documentary maker. Listen and discover how easy it is to plant a forest in Ireland. Learn about the ancient practice of having to prove your ability to nurture pastureland before being permitted to start a family! Find answers in our landscape and feel the land rising as you connect with us.

We examine Irish folklore and old Irish words for the environment, and what they tell us about the way that people on this Island related to the natural world around them going back thousands of years. We also talked about mistakes that have often been made in communicating about climate change, and Manchán gave some wonderful insights as to how we can have more constructive and inclusive conversations.

Manchán writes for the Irish Times and has made dozens of documentaries for TG4 and RTÉ, including Crainn na hÉireann (The trees of Ireland) and An Fód Deireanach (The Last Sod). He is the author of the award-winning, best-selling ‘Thirty-Two Words for Field’ and ‘Listen to the Land Speak’. He was brought up through Irish for the first few years of his life, and now lives in an Oak wood with bees and hens, in a grass-rooved house near Lough Lene, County Westmeath.

Lisa O'Neill sings 'Old Note' from her 2023 album 'All of this is Chance'

Links:

https://www.manchan.com/

https://www.tiktok.com/@manchanmagan

https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/online-boxsets/?series=An%20F%C3%B3d%20Deireanach&genre=Faisneis

https://lisaoneill.ie/home/

Season Four Trailer

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0000

We’re very excited to be back with Season Four! Meet your new host Daithí Brooks, Climate Action Officer for Munster.

This Season, Daithí will be chatting to a diverse and fascinating range of guests, who are taking brave and impactful climate action in their communities. We will feature thinkers and innovators from the fields of Irish Folklore, building and upcycling, transport, digital carbon, rewilding, sustainable finance, and nature connection, as well as the inspiring stories of some of our very own Climate Ambassadors!

A strong theme throughout this season is connection. Connection to the natural world, to our heritage and practices, and to our communities.

The first episode will be available to listen on Monday the 17th of June!

http://www.climateambassador.ie/

S3 E10: Professor Mike Berners-Lee

Thu, 25 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

It was such an honour to chat with Professor Mike Berners-Lee, of the Institute for Social Futures at Lancaster University and director and principal consultant of Small World Consulting. Mike is the author of environmental books including The Burning Question, How Bad are Bananas?, There Is No Planet B, a contributor to Greta Thunberg’s The Climate Book, as well as numerous speaking, radio and TV appearances.

We covered a lot of ground, with brilliant insights all the way. Topics discussed include carbon footprints, carbon-offsetting, Greenwashing, the rebound effect - and more - with Mike always delving into the reasons why things are so and what solutions are required, as well as how having a change of mindset and a real look at our values are much more important than any of the global decarbonising efforts underway. This is an entertaining chat, honestly looking at where we are, while offering valuable insights for lasting and meaningful change.

Links:

https://www.sw-consulting.co.uk

https://howbadarebananas.com

There Is No Planet B (theresnoplanetb.net)

www.burningquestion.info

https://theclimatebook.org

https://twitter.com/MikeBernersLee

S3 E9: EPA Ireland

Thu, 11 May 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Laura Burke is the Director General of the Environmental Protection Agency Ireland. Laura is also the chair of the European Environment Agency and member of the Climate Change Advisory Council. In this wide-ranging discussion, we cover many environmental themes – including how Ireland is performing, the issues and solutions. With agriculture, we discuss the importance of looking at the ‘how’, as well as the significance of the Food & Drink industry’s emissions. Laura calls for the ceasing of continued illegal industrial peat extraction, alongside the need to speed up and scale up the reduction of carbon emissions across every sector.

With transport, adding to the mantra of avoid, shift and improve, Laura discusses the importance of looking at freight transport, which will have different requirements to travel solutions. In regard to thoughts and opinions in Ireland, we explore some surprising results, while links are made to what we can do and how action leads to hope and well-being. A thought provoking and inspiring chat with Laura, a very experienced leader of climate action in Ireland.

Links:

EPA Ireland website: https://www.epa.ie

Twitter: @EPAIreland

Instagram: @epaireland

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/epaireland

EPA Ireland on LinkedIn: search “Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Ireland”

EPA State of Environment Report (2020): State of Environment Report | Environmental Protection Agency (epa.ie)

Climate Opinion Maps | Environmental Protection Agency (epa.ie)

Climate Change in the Irish Mind | Environmental Protection Agency (epa.ie)

Laura Burke - Session 2: Climate Change in a broader Environmental Context - EPA Ireland - YouTube

European Environment Agency European Environment Agency's home page (europa.eu)

Climate Change Advisory Council Climate Change Advisory Council (climatecouncil.ie)

S3 E8: Rewilding

Thu, 27 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Looking at ways to enhance, restore or rewild our biodiversity, although crucially important for many ecosystem services that we depend upon for survival, they should not be seen as separate issues to actions to adapt or mitigate against any impacts of climate change.

In this engaging discussion from two very experienced, passionate and eloquent voices, we hear from Ray O’Foghlu, a Nuffield scholar, Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project Lead & Farm Programmes Coordinator at Hometree. We are also joined by Rob Gandola, a Legacy4Life Pond Development Officer, Senior Science Officer of The Herpetological Society of Ireland, Wildlife Consultant and occasional TV presenter.

In this open and honest discussion, Ray spoke about the need of getting communities on board with any work on land to enhance, restore or rewild it and listen to their genuine concerns. Also, the need for getting the basics rights, enacting and enforcing what we should be doing now, is a crucial first step in improving our biodiversity in Ireland.

Rob also spoke about the importance of getting buy-in from all stakeholders, through awareness raising, while listening to the concerns of the local people impacted on any biodiversity enhancements or rewilding, thereby building trust and enabling a much better outcome for all concerned.

Both Rob and Ray would love to see a National Wetland Restoration Scheme set up, which could go a long way to restoring lost wetlands, while providing many ecosystem services, such as improving habitats and enhancing our carbon sink capabilities.

Links:

Hometree website - https://www.hometree.ie

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hometreecharity/

Twitter – @hometree__

Instagram - @hometreecharity

Legacy4Life website – https://www.antaisce.org/legacy4life

Facebook – Legacy4Life_An Taisce

Twitter – @Legacy4LIFEAnT

Instagram - @legacy4lifeantaisce

The Herpetological Society of Ireland website - https://thehsi.org

S3 E7: MET Éireann

Thu, 13 Apr 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Ever wondered what actually causes our climate to change or what’s the difference between weather and climate? Head of Climate Services Keith Lambkin and Meteorologist Joanna Donnelly, whom you might recognise from RTÉ weather forecasts, join us to do what we all love to do – talk about the weather. We cover links of weather to climate change as you might expect and amongst other things, we debunk some of the common myths surrounding climate change and explore what work MET Éireann are doing to react to and prepare for extreme weather events.

Links:

MET Éireann website: Climate Change - Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service

MET Podcast: The Met Éireann Podcast - Met Éireann - The Irish Meteorological Service

Twitter: @MetEireann

Instagram: @meteireann

The Great Irish Weather Book: Gill Books - Children's - The Great Irish Weather Book

Science Blast: Home - ESB Science Blast

Professor Brian Cox podcast: BBC Radio 4 - The Infinite Monkey Cage - Downloads

S3 E6: Journalism

Thu, 30 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0000

Informing ourselves is one of the most important and effective ways of figuring out what climate actions we can take, while also helping to understand the bigger picture and how we can hold decision makers to account.

Niall Sargent is a very knowledgeable journalist, with compassion and a deep sense of fairness, which comes across in his work with Noteworthy.ie and also shines through in this podcast about some of the important work Niall and his team carry out. We cover a lot of the big-ticket items like agriculture, forestry, peatlands, land use, biodiversity, energy, politics and storytelling, with Niall sharing in-depth knowledge, insights and solutions across a wide range of topics.

Links:

Twitter: @Niall_Sargent & @noteworthy_ie

www.noteworthy.ie

www.kateraworth.com/doughnut/#

https://degrowth.info/degrowth

S3 E5: Air Quality

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0000

In this air quality podcast, we first hear from Dr Clare Noone, Senior Postdoctoral researcher at ICARUS, Maynooth University, giving an overview of air quality in Ireland and the interconnectedness of air quality to other issues such as climate & biodiversity breakdown. Clare talks about her work with the EPA on Five-Year Assessment Reports for Ireland, the importance of Methane and how that could be the best way for some quick wins with air quality and climate action, while also sharing some of her approaches to communicating the science.

In the second part, we hear about the incredible work Aileen Bright, Sabrina Moore and the GLOBE team are achieving around Ireland with air quality, through citizen science, measuring and communicating with local schools and communities. They share stories behind the statistics, highlighting some success anecdotes and the power that has for both themselves and the schools and communities involved.

Links:

Dr Clare Noone on twitter: @clarenoone
Purple Air makes sensors that empower Community Scientists who collect hyper-local air quality data and share it with the public: https://www2.purpleair.com/
EPA Ireland 5-Year Assessment Report on Climate Change:
https://www.epa.ie/our-services/monitoring--assessment/climate-change/5-yar/
Angry Weather book: https://earthbound.report/2021/06/07/book-review-angry-weather-by-friederike-otto/
Trevor Noah Tackles Climate Change: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PSR_OutuIw

GLOBE

Email: globe@eeu.antaisce.org
GLOBE Ireland Air Quality Campaign https://www.globe.gov/web/ireland/home/overview-of-air-quality-campaign/about#:~:text=The%20GLOBE%20Ireland%20Air%20Quality,pollution%20at%20schools%20in%20Ireland.
Clean Air Together: https://www.cleanairtogether.ie/
Twitter - @GLOBEIreland
Instagram & Facebook – ‘GLOBE Ireland’
EPA: https://www.epa.ie/take-action/in-the-community/citizen-science/clean-air-projects/#d.en.90888
New Zealand’s well-being budget: https://www.centreforpublicimpact.org/insights/new-zealands-wellbeing-budget-worth-hype-contributor-michael-mintrom
Bike2Work scheme: https://www.biketowork.ie/

S3 E4: Sustainable Food

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Food – it fuels us, can make us healthy & happy and is a great way of bringing people together, what’s not to like? To look at food through an environmental lens, we are joined by Tony Keogh, head chef of Cornucopia, Ireland’s longest running vegetarian & vegan restaurant, who’s cookbook won at the An Post Book of the Year Awards, along with Roisin Fitzgerald, a registered Associate Nutritionist and chair of sustainable diets at Irish Doctors for the Environment.

In our broad discussion we talk about the links between human and planetary health, as well as the links between food, climate change and food security. We explore what exactly is sustainable food, why we should reduce our meat & dairy and what benefits that brings, along with advice on how to reduce our food emissions and how to run a business more sustainably. We hear lots of tips and swaps for more sustainable food approaches and favourite sustainable recipes, including how to please those fussy eaters in our lives.

Links:

Cornucopia & Tony’s Instagram: @cornucopia_restaurant / @plantplaytes

Rosin Instagram: @roisin.fitzgerald

Irish Doctors for the Environment Instagram: @irishdocsenv

Irish Doctors for the Environment Twitter: @IrishDocsEnv

Roisin’s email: roisinfitzgerald3@gmail.com

Tony’s email: tonyokeogh@gmail.com

The Green Cookbook | Cornucopia's Latest Vegan Cookbook

Our Team – Irish Doctors for the Environment (ide.ie)

The Danish Official Dietary Guidelines (fvm.dk)

Veganuary 2023 | Home | The Go Vegan 31 Day Challenge

Home - Meat Free Monday (meatfreemondays.com)

S3 E3: Circular Economy with Minister Ossian Smyth

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

We are joined by Minister of State with responsibility for Public Procurement, eGovernment and the Circular Economy, Ossian Smyth, who is also a Green Party TD for Dún Laoghaire. Minister Smyth joins us to discuss the Circular Economy, which is gaining traction at European, national and local levels. Did you know for example by repairing items or buying second had are part of the circular economy? Did you know that businesses currently don’t have to segregate their waste, and don’t have green, brown and black bins unlike domestic waste segregation?

Join us to learn more about the circular economy, anaerobic digestion, deposit returns for cans and bottles, the latte levy, incineration, waste management and what the government are doing to help make the circular economy become a stronger reality in our lives.

Links:

https://www.ossiansmyth.ie/

https://www.repairmystuff.ie/

www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/a7976-circular-economy/#

www.gov.ie/en/publication/824c3-national-food-waste-prevention-roadmap-2023-2025/

Irish Men's Sheds Association | Mens Sheds Ireland

S3 E2: Colm O’Regan - Climate Worrier

Thu, 02 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0000

Comedian Colm O’Regan has a great balance of being honest, self-aware, insightful and funny all at the same time. Colm has a wonderful grasp of what it’s like to start on a journey to become more environmental, while appreciating he’s not perfect and nor preachy.

This is a very honest and funny insight into one person’s journey on how to try to make the world a bit better, while negotiating being a parent, managing consumption, and navigating social media.

Colm has lots of practical advice for how to build community locally and make positive changes while bringing people along with you, how to cope when he’s feeling hopeless and how to collaborate better with local authorities. Along with the wisdom of informing ourselves, having respectful conversations and debates, checking our privilege, leaning into joy and learning lessons from the good bits of our past.

Essential listening for those who would like to share a podcast with their friends and families, to help them begin their journeys. Hopefully you’ll agree that this chat is also a great bit of craic!

Links:

Twitter - @colmoregan

Insta - @colmwriter

Facebook - www.facebook.com/thecolmoregan/

Website - https://www.colmoregan.com/

Book - Climate Worrier. Publisher: HarperCollins Ireland.

Podcast – The World Etc. With Colm O’Regan

S3 E1: Energy with Prof. Hannah Daly

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0000

We perhaps take our energy systems for granted a little but it permeates everything we do. Join us as we hear from Hannah Daly, Professor in Sustainable Energy and Energy Systems Modelling at University College Cork.

Hannah shares some of her wealth of knowledge on a wide range of topics, with insights on our energy systems, renewable energy and their benefits, what we need to deploy high scale offshore wind, fossil fuels, the energy crises, why our household energy bills are so high - and some quick measures to help, links to the houses crises, blackout risk, data centres, energy targets, district heating, sustainable transport, the Climate Action Plan, what solutions we should enable and her vision for a post-fossil fuel society.

We also hear some of Hannah’s personal story of trying to live sustainably in her rural home with her young family.

Links:

Website: https://hannahdaly.ie/

Twitter: @HannahEDaly

UCC: https://research.ucc.ie/profiles/D021/h.daly@ucc.ie

MaERI: https://www.marei.ie/people/dr-hannah-daly/

SEAI home energy saving tips: https://www.seai.ie/home-energy/energy-saving-tips/

SEAI Home Energy Grants: https://www.seai.ie/grants/home-energy-grants/

Books recommended – Eoghan Dalton’s ‘An Irish Atlantic Rainforest’ and George Monbiot’s ‘Regenesis’.

S2 E11: Podcast 21 - Turning Climate Anxiety into Action

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0000

We are honoured and delighted to have Dr. Renée Lertzman join us for this podcast on Turning Climate Anxiety into Action. Renée is a researcher, educator and engagement strategist who uses psychological insights to unlock action on global climate and environmental crises. A pioneer and leader at the intersection of psychology, climate and environment, Renée applies psychosocial insights to drive engagement and action on ecological issues. With over two million people and counting have watched her incredible TED Talk “How To Turn Climate Anxiety Into Action”.

Delving deeper into Renée’s work and what lessons we can learn for our own lives to be more effective, we discover many insights from Renée’s research and practice. Translating psychology and social science best practices into tools, resources and guidance that unleash the potential for creativity and courage, to inspire action, ingenuity and resilience in facing one of the biggest challenges of our time. Renée’s message is one that we can all take some meaningful action with climate change, using this time as an opportunity to grow, while avoiding burnout and living purposeful lives with empathy and compassion.

Links:https://projectinsideout.net/getting-started/https://www.ted.com/speakers/renee_lertzman https://www.cnbc.com/2021/09/26/how-to-discuss-climate-change-productively.html

S2 E10: Podcast 20 – Environment Policy with Minister Eamon Ryan

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 06:00:00 -0000

In our twentieth Climate Ambassador podcast, we are joined by Minister for Environment, Climate & Communications and Transport Eamon Ryan, TD. In this discussion, we cover a wide range of topics including Ireland’s recently published Climate Action Plan, Ireland’s first carbon budget and how climate will stay central to all policy going forward.

In agriculture we look at changes due to a revised EU Common Agriculture Policy, how Just Transition is being included with payment systems and the Land Use Plan that is currently being drafted, which will include new forestry approaches. With regards peatlands, we hear how farmers should be paid for rewetting bogs, to store carbon and we also cover how soil and grassland management will be central to agricultural approaches.

With the continued ramping up of renewable energy, we hear where Minister Ryan envisions Ireland in 2030, including development of onshore wind and solar, offshore wind, and how with microgeneration in homes, schools, businesses and farms, we will soon see the ability to sell back to the grid any excess renewable electricity generated locally. We hear how this growth of renewables will be central to how the transport and heating sectors are decarbonised. Other topics such as data centres and progress at COP’s 21 & 26 are also covered in this open and honest discussion about opportunities that lay ahead of the Irish nation.

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan 2021: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/6223e-climate-action-plan-2021/

S2 E9: Podcast 19 - Climate Change & Art

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0000

Have you wondered why there is not more culture and the arts used to engage people on climate change? Well, you might be happy to hear that there is indeed great work growing within this area in Ireland. We are talking to two leaders of this field - Chriszine Backhouse, Creativity and Change course coordinator at Munster Technological University and Tania Banotti, the Director of the Creative Ireland Programme.

Chriszine and Tania share a wealth of information from their experiences and learnings, as they forge new paths of climate engagement and inclusivity in creative and thought provoking ways. We hear about new inclusive art projects - covering all art forms and across Ireland - taking place on the ground that centre on the importance of using local knowledge and community-led messaging; the need to move beyond raising awareness to behaviour change and the instrumental role of Local Authorities. We hear how the arts have the potential to support a sense of connection and inspire us to imagine alternative realities and to take action to make these happen.

S2 E8: Podcast 18 - Food Waste

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Do you find yourself throwing out more food than you would like? Did you know that by addressing food waste in your life, you are enabling yourself to take climate action three times every single day! For this podcast our guests are co-founder & CEO of Food Cloud Aoibheann O’Brien and environmental scientist with EPA Ireland and manager for their Food Waste Prevention Programme Odile Le Bolloch.

We are talking about one of our favourite things, food! In this discussion we hear of the amazing work that Odile and Aoibheann do and they share so many wonderful insights on focusing on food as opposed to food waste. We learn of the common issues shared across the globe, that local solutions are helping with a global problem, the connections that food brings. Join us to hear the inclusive and positive messages that our guests have, to help you join the food waste revolution!

S2 E7: Podcast 17 – Environmental Education

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Join us for this Climate Ambassador podcast, with host Gary Tyrrell in conversation with Cathy Baxter, An Taisce Environmental Education Unit manager and Gráinne Ryan, Climate Action Officer working on both the Green-Schools and Climate Ambassador programmes.

Cathy and Gráinne will share insights and stories from their wealth of experience of environmental education in Ireland. During this conversation, we hear about the history of Green-Schools, its mind-blowing impact and the huge amount of collaboration across Ireland, as well as connections internationally. We also hear about the Climate Action Programmes educational aspects and where we are with school curriculums. We will learn more about work they are both involved in, lessons they have learned and their visions for the future. As part of #ClimateActionWeek this podcast is also available on our YouTube channel as a video. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_v8IWWtSTBb7_lpl5GGLBg/videos

S2 E6: Podcast 16 - Climate Well-Being

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

We are delighted to have Associate Professor Sarah Jaquette Ray join us for this podcast on Climate Well-being. Drawing on a decade of experience leading and teaching in college environmental studies programs, Sarah shares how she has created an "existential tool kit" for the climate generation. Combining insights from psychology, sociology, social movements, mindfulness, and the environmental humanities, Sarah explains why and how we need to let go of eco-guilt, resist burnout, and cultivate resilience while advocating for climate justice.

Her book ‘A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety’ is at the core of this conversation, an essential handbook as we confront the greatest environmental threat of our time. Listen to help preserve yourself for a lifetime of thriving in a climate-changed world.

S2 E5: Podcast 15 - Climate Justice

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 04:00:00 -0000

We are delighted to have Sinéad Mercier and Clodagh Daly join us to discuss climate justice. Sinéad Mercier is a lecturer on Environment, Sustainability and Social Justice in Maynooth University and a PhD researcher funded by the UCD Sutherland School of Law and European Research Council Project PROPERTY [IN]JUSTICE. Clodagh Daly is a research assistant with the Effective Nature Laws project and campaign coordinator for climate case Ireland.

In this insightful discussion, topics tied to climate justice such as social justice, just transition and intersectionality are covered in depth and with compassion. Sometimes looking through a political lens, we hear the story behind Climate Case Ireland as well as a call for a Citizens’ Assembly on the biodiversity crisis.

For more on Clodagh’s work, see here: https://effectivenaturelaws.ucd.ie/ & https://www.climatecaseireland.ie/

For more in Sinéad’s work, see here: https://www.landlawandjustice.eu/

S2 E4: Podcast 14 - Future Opportunities

Thu, 29 Jul 2021 04:00:00 -0000

For this podcast we are we are getting our crystal ball out and looking into the future. We framed this discussion around the work of our two fantastic guests – David Dodd, coordinator of Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) for the Dublin Region and Karen Deignan, co-founder & director of Sustainability Works.

Drawing from their wealth of experience, we hear what risks and opportunities come with sustainable planning and what trends are emerging for local authorities and businesses. Our guests share their insights and vision for a sustainable future, with mitigation and adaptation as the cornerstones of the approaches required to ensure a healthy, thriving, connected and resilient future.

S2 E3: Podcast 13 – Sustainable Fashion

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 09:23:00 -0000

On this podcast we are discussing clothes or to be more specific, sustainable fashion. Looking at climate change and other related issues from a fashion point of view, we have super guests for you! We are chatting with sustainable fashion gurus, Geraldine Carton, co-founder of The Useless Project and Rónán Ó Dálaigh, founder & CEO of Thriftify.

Sharing their passion for sustainable fashion, we hear how clothes tells a story about who we are and we learn of the emotional connections and bonds that are formed through sustainable clothing and communities that grow around it. Slow fashion is inclusive, communal and helps people connect the dots. Covering a wide range of topics, including tips to make your wardrobe more sustainable. So, settle in for a tour of all things connected between the environment and the clothes we wear.

The Upcycle Movement - https://theupcyclemovement.com/

Jump the Hedges - https://www.jumpthehedges.com/

Adverts.ie - https://www.adverts.ie/

Oxfam Ireland - https://www.oxfamireland.org/

Daisy Blue Vintage - https://www.missdaisyblue.com/

Curiosity Cove - https://www.curiositycove.ie/

S2 E2: Podcast 12 - Retrofitting Homes

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 05:00:00 -0000

We are excited to have two very experienced professionals from the world of sustainable homes join us for this podcast on retrofitting homes. With decades of experience between them, Susan Andrews, Programme Manager of SEAI and Mike O’Rourke, Electric Ireland Superhomes senior engineer, share all you need to know about how to make your home more comfortable, healthy and energy efficient.

Going through the grant procedures and what technologies are used, Susan and Mike explain with first-hand knowledge and experience how to make such upgrades as easy as possible. If you are considering retrofitting your home, would like to learn more before making any decisions or perhaps even sharing some of this information with your landlord, then this podcast will be of immense help.

Websites:

https://superhomes.ie/

https://www.seai.ie/

S2 E1: Podcast 11 – Communicating Climate Change

Thu, 20 May 2021 04:00:00 -0000

We are thrilled to have the second series kick off with the amazing Professor Katharine Hayhoe. We are honoured to have Katharine join us for this episode, to share her unique perspectives on communicating climate change, including lots of advice for non-experts to talk about climate change. Sharing her positivity, humour and energy, while outlining why we should all advocate for solutions.

In the build-up to the release of Katharine’s new book ‘Saving Us’, this podcast touches on lots of topics, including exploring ‘psychological distance’, ‘solution aversion’, ‘social change’ and the importance of efficacy, all done while sharing stories and anecdotes. Katharine outlines her findings on ‘rational hope’ and also what gives her personally cause for hope. This is a masterclass for anyone who is interested in learning more regarding talking about climate change.

S1 E10: Podcast 10 - Climate Change in the Media

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0000

For this episode, we are thrilled to have Caroline O’Doherty, Dr Dave Robbins and Kayle Crosson join us to chat about climate change in the media. Caroline is the environment correspondent for the Irish Independent, Dave is an Assistant Professor at the School of Communications in Dublin City University and Kayle is the editor for Green News.

Covering a wide range of areas, including what the trends are in reporting and in the public’s perceptions. We also chat about how the media is behaving in relation to linking climate change to other issues we see in the news, how interconnected everything is and areas where the media could do better. We discuss the trust levels placed in traditional media and whether media still informs discussions and much more besides. Join us to hear all of our guests’ thoughts on this fascinating topic.

S1 E9: Podcast 9 – Student Activism

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0000

For our ninth podcast episode, we were thrilled to have Beth Doherty, Caillum Hedderman and Saoirse Exton join us to discuss student activism. The three of them are on the ISSU (Irish Secondary Student’s Union) committee, as well other environmental groups, including Fridays for Future and Saoirse also being a Climate Ambassador who won an Outstanding Achievement award from us last year.

Holding a space on this podcast to give a voice to the youth movement, the students discuss many topics, including Fridays For Future, climate justice, intersectionality, lockdown, going outside comfort zones, driving engagement, public awareness, eco-anxiety, role models, heroes, hope and much more! A great source of hope, through all their actions and a very engaging podcast, hearing from this group of well-seasoned speakers!

S1 E8: Podcast 8 - Sustainable Business

Thu, 08 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0000

For our eighth podcast episode, we were delighted to have Ali Sheridan join us to discuss sustainable business. Ali is a senior sustainability consultant and climate advisor, who has been involved in the environmental movement for a long time.

Bringing a wealth of experience and insight into this podcast, Ali shares her thoughts on many topics, including individual consumption; well-being budgets; owner v’s leasing models; green washing; stranded assets; the Irish Climate Action Bill; Doughnut Economics; just transition and risk. If you would like to learn more about these topics and hears Ali’s many nuggets of gold, this is the podcast for you!

Irish Websites

https://livinglightlyinireland.com/

https://www.theuselessproject.com/

International Websites

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/

Apps

OLIO – https://olioex.com/

Good on You – https://goodonyou.eco/

Refill – https://www.refillapp.com/

S1 E7: Podcast 7 - Behavioural Change

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 05:00:00 -0000

In our seventh podcast episode, we discuss behavioural change. Our amiable and engaging guests for this episode are Dave Brooks, Green-Schools Officer and Padraig Walsh, Behaviour Specialist at ChangAble.

We cover a lot of ground, chatting about accepting change and asking why is it sometimes hard to change. We also look at social norms, how we frame narratives around solutions for better outcomes, language & imagery, eco-anxiety and lots more.

This is a great podcast to also learn more about how we can bring everyone along with us in the seismic changes society needs to take.

S1 E6: Podcast 6 - Biodiversity

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:00:00 -0000

Returning with the sixth episode, we look at what is going on at present with Irish biodiversity, focusing the lens through the climate and biodiversity crises. We were delighted to have as our guests for this episode Anja Murray, ecologist and environmental broadcaster on RTE’s EcoEye and Dr. Meabh Boylan, Green-Schools Biodiversity Officer.

We chat about lots of topics related to Biodiversity and indeed, how all things are connected. Both speakers talk of their love of nature and the many benefits it provides, how having a child-like wonder and curiosity brings real joy to our lives, as well as discussing areas like policy and local community solutions that we can all get involved in.

S1 E5: Podcast 5 - Sustainable Planning

Thu, 04 Feb 2021 06:00:00 -0000

Starting the new year with this fifth episode, we pause, to reflect what is going on at present, with rural and urban planning, particularly with the pandemic in our midst, to chat with Niall Cussen, Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR) and Jane Hackett, Manager of both Green-Schools Travel and the Climate Ambassador Programme.

We discuss concepts like the 15 Minute City, Doughnut economics, while also chatting about sustainable transport options and looking into the future, to find out what a sustainable Ireland might look like for our everyday lives, as we go about living in our urban and rural settings. Both speakers provide lots of solutions and give a positive outlook about where we are headed as a country.

S1 E4: Podcast 4 - Historical Connections to Climate Change

Thu, 17 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0000

On today’s episode we are going to look at climate change in a historical context.

We are chatting with Professor of Medieval Environmental History at Trinity, Francis Ludlow and Professor Conor Murphy in the Department of Geography at Maynooth University.

S1 E3: Podcast 3 - Food in Ireland & Climate Change

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0000

On this episode we are going to look at climate change from a food point of view.

We are chatting with two culinary gurus, Conor Spacey, director of Food Space, and Michelle Darmody, food writer and entrepreneur.

S1 E2: Podcast 2 - Agriculture, Farmers in Ireland & Climate Change

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0000

On this episode, Gary and Amy talk with biology and ecology lecturer Dr James Moran, about climate change from an agricultural point of view.

We then head to Moyhill Farm, where we chat with regenerative farmer Fergal Smith.

Listen, learn and get empowered!

Find out more are:

https://climateambassador.ie/

Twitter: @climate_ambass

Instagram: climateambassador

Facebook: @ClimateAmbassador

S1 E1: Podcast 1 - Introduction

Thu, 22 Oct 2020 07:00:00 -0000

On this episode, Gary and Amy introduce the podcast, talk about the Climate Ambassador Programme, the series ahead, and what on earth climate change is.

Listen, learn and get empowered!

Find out more are:

https://climateambassador.ie/

Twitter: @climate_ambass

Instagram: climateambassador

Facebook: @ClimateAmbassador

Series Trailer

Mon, 19 Oct 2020 12:18:00 -0000