Two duo win prestigious climate ambassador awards

Two Mayo women have captured prestigious climate ambassador awards An Taisce’s Climate Ambassador programme

Olivia Feeney of Mayo County Council has been recognised as a Climate Hero.

As part of her role, Olivia talks to farmers about the nitrates directive and has recently incorporated other climate change issues into her discussions.

She has raised awareness in her workplace, scheduled talks, organised signage and installed a new climate library.

In her personal life, Olivia has introduced vegetarian nights with her family, grows her own vegetables and installed solar panels in her home.

Olivia uses her warm personality and sheer determination, along with a couple of choice costumes, to engage the public and spread climate hope.

Olivia is one of only two citizens that were recognised as being true Climate Heroes. Nine citizens from across Ireland were also awarded Outstanding Achievements at An Taisce’s Climate Ambassador Awards on Thursday 29th November 2018 for their work in communicating and taking action on climate change.

Dr. Orla Nic Suibhne of the Western Development Commission is another wonderful Mayo woman and has received an Outstanding Achievement Award as part of the Climate Ambassador programme.

Orla delivers impressive renewable energy tours in Erris and is currently researching community energy schemes.

She hosted an incredible event ‘Climate Change Conversations’ which included fantastic speakers such as Prof. John Fitzgerald.

Minister Sean Canney attended the awards and commended the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment of the Climate Ambassadors all of who worked tirelessly throughout the year to engage their local communities to take action on climate.

Climate Ambassadors held 726 climate related events, planted 4,892 trees and reached over 3.5million people during 2018.