Conference: Climate Emergency – This generation’s inheritance

Climate change conference

The Europe Direct Information Centre at Blanchardstown Library hosted a conference called “Climate emergency – This Generation’s Inheritance” on Tuesday 22nd October in the Castleknock Hotel in Dublin 15.

There were three principal aims for the conference were:

  • To demonstrate clearly the gravity of the climate situation in a global and Ireland specific sense.
  • To examine how climate change has already affected people around the world and what the future holds for humanity if we do not act now.
  • To stimulate conversation and more importantly to encourage action to prevent further increases in global temperatures.

The event was introduced by Senior Executive Librarian Lilian Whelan, County Librarian, Betty Boardman, and formally launched by Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Eoghan O'Brien. Consultant and broadcaster, Stiofán Nutty moderated the conference.

The speakers included Documentary Film Maker, Peadar King; Assistant Professor of Journalism at DCU, David Robbins; Assistant Professor in the School of Law and Government at DCU, Diarmuid Torney; General Secretary of ICTU,  Patricia King; UN Youth Ambassador, Valery Molay and Mindfulness Teacher, Rita O’Donovan.

In his opening address, Mayor Eoghan O'Brien said; “Although there has been a strong environmental movement for several decades now, this past year has seen a noticeable increase in activism with regards to the environment. There is a new sense of urgency. More people are becoming engaged with the campaign to convince governments around the world of the need to act now.

“Your generation is leading this surge in activity and with a new sense of urgency. Greta Thunberg’s protest movement in Sweden has now spread around the world including to this country where secondary school students like you have marched on the streets to convince those in charge to take real and immediate action.”

Fingal County Librarian Betty Boardman said: “Fingal Libraries and Fingal County Council as a whole recognise the importance of raising awareness of the potential effects of climate change both in our own country and globally. This conference organised by the Europe Direct Information Centre based in Blanchardstown Library gave young people the chance to learn about a wide range of issues connected to climate change as well as the opportunity to give their own views on this vital topic. “

The 200 people present at the conference found the presentations to be interesting and informative with a spirited debate taking place during the questions and answer sessions.

Ends

For more information please email [email protected]

Photo Caption: Fingal Director of Housing and Community Department Margaret Geraghty, Senior Executive Librarian Lillian Whelan, County Librarian Betty Boardman, Valery Morlay of UN Youth Council, Dr Diarmuid Torney of DCU, Fingal Mayor Cllr Eoghan O’Brien, Consultant and Broadcaster Stiofan Nutty and Cllr Freddie Cooper at the Climate emergency – This Generation’s Inheritance Conference.