Podcast explores Mayo community's action on climate change

THE new series of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s (SEAI) 180 Degrees podcast series continues to explore the choices we’re making every day in our homes, our work and our travel to reduce our energy use and tackle climate change.

Hosted by Louise Ryan, the eight-part series covering a range of topics, including sustainable transport, energy in the home and in our communities, how businesses and the public sector are cutting carbon emissions, and how energy research is informing the policy decisions that will shape Ireland’s response to the climate crisis.

Episode five of the podcast showcases how the community of Mulranny and features Carol Loftus, chair of Mulranny Green Plan Sustainable Energy Community.

In Mulranny, the community has come together to reduce their energy consumption and change behaviours that will have a positive impact on climate change.

Carol talks about what inspired the community to join SEAI’s energy community network, the challenges they met along the way and the benefits to their community.

When discussing the growth of the energy community, Carol said: “We now have seven steady members, and we have others who drop in and out – 10 in total. Nobody has a particular role; we all work together.

“We are ordinary people trying to do our best and help the community by saving energy. We don’t have a particular skillset, but we are very enthusiastic.”

Speaking on the launch of the second series, Head of Communications with SEAI, Tom Halpin, said: “We are delighted to bring our 180 Degrees podcast, back for a second season. Everyday we are working with the citizens, communities, businesses, and public sector bodies that are taking steps to reduce their energy use and move to more climate conscious ways of living and working.

“This podcast showcases their work demonstrating what’s possible. All our guests are extremely passionate about sustainable energy in their workplace, homes and communities and I believe others will be inspired to make changes and invest in a more sustainable life for themselves.”

Season 2 of 180 Degrees is available wherever you download your podcasts. Episode 5, ‘Becoming a sustainable energy community’ is available now. To subscribe to the series, visit https://www.seai.ie/podcast/