Mary Immaculate College (MIC) and The Hunt Museum have announced details of a culture and climate conference which is to take place in Limerick on Friday 23 February.
The Culture and Climate Action Conference draws on the academic excellence in climate from MIC’s Geography Department and follows the Hunt Museum’s emphasis on showcasing Ireland’s pioneering spirit regarding renewable energy resources in its ongoing Night Candles are Burnt Out exhibition.
Assistant Professor in Environmental Policy and broadcaster, Dr Cara Augustenburg; stand-up comedian and best-selling author, Colm O’Regan; and Associate Vice-President of Sustainability at University College Cork and energy expert, Prof. Brian Ó Gallachóir, are among those who will be speaking at the conference. Jo Linehan, sustainability futurist, editor of CLIMATE Sunday Times Ireland, and founder of GAFF Shop, will serve as the conference MC.
Through keynote speeches, panel discussions and a world café, the conference will delve into the strategies and actions needed to help Ireland achieve its targets and commitments from the 2021 Climate Action Plan to halving greenhouse emissions by 2030, to achieving net zero by 2050. The discussions will revolve around accelerating the adoption of legislation and transformative technologies to be able to drive change.
According to Dr John Morrissey, Lecturer in Geography at MIC: “The Geography Department at MIC has a strong tradition of outreach and community partnership and we are especially passionate about providing leadership and expertise to inform the necessary debate on issues of sustainability and climate change. In fact, meaningful community engagement, debate and dialogue is essential if we are to mobilise society to meet the climate challenge head on.
“We are delighted to partner with the Hunt Museum on this transformative conference, combining MIC’s academic expertise with the reach, scope and recognition of the Hunt. We look forward to welcoming people from all walks of life, from across Limerick, the Mid-West and beyond, to a conference which will combine expert talks with debate and ideas generation sessions. It promises to be a great event!”
Jill Cousins, Director of the Hunt Museum commented: “This conference is a natural extension of our desire to drive positive change with our communities. The aim is to offer hope based on positive actions. It's about looking at the solutions within our grasp, removing the fear associated with change, and using culture as a powerful platform that not only encourages but propels transformative change.
“By partnering with Mary Immaculate College, we can foster a dynamic dialogue with key stakeholders while inspiring practical actions towards a sustainable future. We’re thrilled to present such a stellar line-up of speakers and look forward to announcing more.”
The conference will take place on Friday 23 February from 9am until 6pm in the Istabraq Hall, Merchant’s Quay, Limerick. Further information and booking details can be found here.
