Young Mayo people speak on climate crisis in Seanad Chamber

TWO young people from Mayo got to present their perspectives on the climate crisis to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action.

Maude Cullen-Mouze, from Clare Island, and Sarah Aitken, Bohola, spoke directly to policy-makers and engaged in discussion with TDs and senators on a range of topics relating to environment and climate action in the Seanad chamber, with 30 youth representatives from Foróige and Comhairle na nÓg in attendance.

Maude (17) commented on her experience as a young person growing up on an island with 150 inhabitants: “As islanders, we all have an acute awareness of the weather. We are almost completely reliant on ferries for getting on and off our islands. Islanders intending to travel anxiously pore over weather charts, and for important appointments, going to the mainland the day before is the best course of action.

“Atlantic storms are simply part of life on the Atlantic coast. But the storms are becoming more frequent and intense, as noted by older island residents.

“Clare Island along with Inis Oírr is one of the few islands that doesn’t have a safe all-weather pier and I’ve seen weeks pass without a single ferry running on time to the scheduled pier. Everything and everyone that leaves or enters the island has to do so by boat with the exception of medical emergencies - when boats are disrupted, our entire lives are disrupted.”

She stated: “It is important to note that the problems facing small islands now will not remain confined to small islands. Ireland, is after all, an island nation and a rather small one.

“Small islands such as Clare Island are but microcosms in the macrocosm that is Ireland. As a nation, we too, must import everything that we do not produce ourselves by air or sea. The emissions from flying in produce are not compatible with the carbon neutral economy Ireland intends to become.”

Maude continued.. “The consequences of inaction are far reaching and dire, not just in Ireland but all over the world. It has often been said that it doesn't matter what Ireland does as we are such a small country and fingers are pointed at larger nations. This, however, is blatantly false. Every fraction of a degree of warming, every centimetre of sea level rise and every tonne of CO2 matters. Ireland can and must lead by example and take our place as a climate leader, not a climate laggard.”

Sarah Aitken, 16, from Foróige in Bohola, said as a young person, she felt there is a lack of available information and understanding about the Irish recycling system.

She explained: “Many people are not aware that 36% of recycling is contaminated because people are using the wrong bins, or that much of our waste in Ireland is actually incinerated.

“I believe that in Ireland there may be a lack of understanding and awareness about the process of recycling, and feel that if people saw the many benefits from their recycling efforts, they would be more inclined to participate.”

Sarah continued: “Even small changes can make a big difference. We are great at spreading awareness and encouraging others in our lives, schools and communities to change their habits too! Many people feel that climate change is a far away issue. It is not. However, individuals can only do so much.”

Seán Campbell, CEO of Foróige, commented: “We are immensely proud of the young people from Foróige and Comhairle na nÓg who bravely stood up in the Seanad Chamber today and spoke with passion, expertise and creativity about climate action. It's clear that this is an issue that affects them both personally and profoundly.

“Everyday I’m inspired by young people’s relentless dedication to tackling the most pressing issues facing our planet and by the strong leadership they show in this area.”