Ireland's Climate Pact National Conference returns for its third year ahead of Irish EU Presidency

Ahead of Ireland's Presidency of the Council of the European Union beginning in July, the third European Climate Pact National Conference aims to build on Ireland's commitment to a climate-neutral future while inspiring more grassroots action to tackle the climate crisis. It brings together individuals, communities, organisations, policymakers, experts and European Climate Pact Ambassadors, all united in their efforts to address climate change.
This year's conference will feature keynotes and presentations from a wide range of speakers including Eamon Ryan, former Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Roderic O'Gorman, leader of the Green Party, and Paddy Phelan, CEO, South East Energy Agency.
The event will also feature contributions from several Climate Pact Ambassadors, each bringing valuable insights into different aspects of climate action. Cllr. Maria Dollard, Deputy Mayor of Kilkenny, will outline how local community climate initiatives can have a broad impact on people's lives, while Lorna McCormack, Director of the educational initiative Wool in School, will lead a workshop, Nature's Carol – Past, Present, and Future, reflecting on personal connection to Climate and Nature while creating a sense of collective impact and responsibility.
"This European Climate Pact National conference could not be better timed," said Eamon Ryan, former Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications. "Our Union is threatened by what is happening around the Strait of Hormoz and it is increasingly clear that ridding ourselves of dependency on fossil fuels is the only way not just of protecting our common home but also providing for the security and future livelihoods of all our people."
The conference takes place as Ireland deals with the effects of ever-worsening climate change and extreme weather, and as the country prepares to take on the Presidency of the Council of the EU in July. Bringing together newcomers and those already engaged in sustainability efforts, it will provide a platform to network, share ideas, and collaborate.
Cllr Maria Dollard, Climate Pact Ambassador commented: "We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it. Everyone has a responsibility to do what they can to make the world a better place"
The European Climate Pact, which is part of the European Green Deal, is a grassroots initiative aimed at uniting individuals and groups across Europe in the fight against climate change. This conference is a vital step in furthering this movement and encouraging more sustainable practices across Ireland.
The Climate Pact is an opportunity to:
Learn about climate change
Develop and implement solutions
Connect with others and maximise the impact of these solutions
The Climate Pact provides a fertile ground for initiatives, networks and movements that have already begun to revolutionise the approach to climate action in Europe. It aims to empower the countless Europeans who are ready to contribute in whatever way they can. Find out more here
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