This public lecture ‘Time for Action: Climate Change & Our Future’ on Monday January 20th at 1.45pm in Cobden Hall on campus will be presented by Helen Maher, Programme Director of our Social, Political & Community Studies degree programme and who previously worked with Greenpeace America, and Stephanie Hanlon, who is involved with the Extinction Rebellion movement and also a Lecturer here at Carlow College, St. Patrick’s. This lecture is part of our 2019/2020 public lecture series.

As we commence a new decade in 2020, a sobering picture is the devastation being wrought by the uncontrollable bushfires in Australia as a result of soaring temperatures and drought. These wildfires which have brought unprecedented levels of destruction to Australian wilderness and communities are symbolic of the enormity of the challenges humanity is facing. This public lecture is premised on the idea that climate action is about collective action, ensuring the future sustainability of the planet is the primary responsibility of citizens in the 21^st century. Ecological disasters impacted by our changing climate are becoming increasing prevalent and threaten the viability of all species. For too long the emphasis has been on using natural resources to serve short term global profit making instead of determining the most effective way to create a balance between people, animals, plants and our natural environment. In many instances, the most vulnerable sectors of the population are most affected and least heard. This lecture is a call to action to identify what we can do in our everyday lives to make a difference and more importantly the potential change that we can make if we choose to act together. Throughout the world there are so many examples where people have acted for change, have developed new ideas and initiatives that support a more sustainable planet. We ask that you take some time out to consider these ideas together. It is unquestionable that the actions we take make a difference, and as Leonardo Di Caprio has said “solving this crisis is not a question of politics. It is our moral obligation.”