The new Trinity Climate Gateway launched earlier in the month and aims to amplify the efforts of Trinity’s Sustainability Strategy. The Gateway exists “to better link policy-makers, industry, educators and communities with Trinity expertise while giving students and professionals the opportunity to shape Ireland’s climate future”. According to the project’s website “it is [their] mission to build a dynamic, resilience-focused climate science and education network” through connecting Ireland with national and global organisations.
The launch took place in the Trinity Business School, with Provost Linda Doyle in attendance. It also featured a series of discussions, led by Prof Wiltshire and Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action Prof Jane Stout. Other speakers included Dr Colin Hunt, CEO of the Allied Irish Banks (AIB) Group and Róisín Breen, Programme Manager, Health Service Executive (HSE) Climate Action and Sustainability programme. A Trinity Climate Gateway Exhibition was also opened, consisting of a mix of student-led projects and interactive art installations.
Speaking at the launch, Professor of Climate Science Karen Wiltshire stated: “We forget that Ireland has a tradition of community action and a strong collective awareness of the scale of the challenges we face. It’s not easy, but we can act. Yes, extreme weather, resource pressures, pandemics, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss are destabilising societies worldwide. But we in Ireland have a real opportunity to show leadership in this space. That’s what the Climate Gateway is about.”
Describing the project she said: “The Climate Gateway is the traverse between disciplines, between Ireland and the world, and between research and action. By inviting Ireland’s public sector, industry leaders, and communities to walk this exciting traverse, Trinity seeks to confront the climate crisis together and build a thriving, resilient future with generations to come”.
Among the goals of the Gateway listed on the website, confronting climate change and building a resilient future were the priorities. Further goals include “To mobilise Trinity’s multidisciplinary expertise […] To underpin Ireland’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon future. […] To address the climate crisis at scale and build shared accountability by linking research, education, policy, and community action. [and] To link into and support both national and global climate solutions”.
Anyone interested is encouraged to visit the Climate Gateway website and get involved.
