The European Climate Pact in Ireland marked a significant milestone on March 13, 2025, as it hosted its Second National Conference in collaboration with the European Commission Representation in Ireland at Europe House, Dublin. The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including EU Climate Pact Ambassadors, Climate Action Officers, policymakers, local authorities, media representatives, business leaders, researchers, and members of the general public. Their shared goal: to accelerate climate action and shape policies for a sustainable future.
A Call to Action for Climate Collaboration
In her welcome address, Alex Hamilton, Senior Engineer at South East Energy Agency and Chair of the Association of Irish Energy Agencies, emphasised the urgent need for behavioural change in tackling carbon emissions. She highlighted that effective climate action begins with strong messaging, policy support, and individual responsibility.
Setting the stage for the discussions, Elina Bardram, Director for Adaptation & Resilience, Communication, and Civil Society Relations at DG CLIMA, delivered a video address outlining the European Commission’s climate action strategy for the next five years.
Restoring Nature as Climate Action
Delivering the keynote speech, Senator Malcolm Noonan presented a compelling address on “Restoring Nature as Climate Action.” He underscored the link between climate breakdown and biodiversity loss, noting that unchecked demand for resources is exacerbating habitat destruction, species extinction, and ecosystem fragmentation.
“Habitat loss, fragmentation, erosion, and invasive species all impact the resilience of communities to extreme weather events. As policymakers, we must continue to invest in, protect, and restore nature at a scale that reconnects habitats and reverses biodiversity loss.”
Senator Malcolm Noonan
Showcasing Climate Action in Ireland
A key highlight of the conference was the presentation by Dr. Dewi Dimyati-Vliexs, EU Team Lead at South East Energy Agency, who showcased the impactful work of EU Climate Pact Ambassadors over the past year. Initiatives such as the Tidy Towns Competition, Green Schools Climate Action Week, Puca Festival, 100 Years Toastmasters, and the Climate Heroes Challenge have empowered communities across Ireland to take meaningful climate action.
Co-Designing Pathways to a Carbon-Neutral Ireland
Dr. Robert Mooney from the Department of the Environment, Climate & Communications (DECC) delivered a thought-provoking presentation on “Codesigning Pathways to a Carbon-Neutral Ireland through the National Dialogue on Climate Action.”
“Transitioning to a low-carbon future will require systemic change across society and the economy—how we travel, heat our homes, consume goods, manage waste, and structure our daily lives. We need to establish a new social contract between government and citizens around climate action.”
Dr. Robert Mooney
Dr. Mooney also presented data highlighting public attitudes toward climate change in Ireland: 70% believe everyone must play a role in addressing climate change. 63% express concern about biodiversity loss. 55% worry about the future of their communities. 53% are concerned about their children’s future.
Business Resilience in a Climate Emergency
Emmy Coffey Nguyen, Founder of ProudPlanet and a member of Team Europe Direct, explored business preparedness in a climate emergency, using Storm Eowyn as a case study. She pointed out that most businesses focus on compliance rather than resilience and emphasised the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is only activated post-disaster, leaving businesses vulnerable.
Driving Climate Action Forward
Throughout the day, EU Climate Pact Ambassadors including Cllr. David Gilroy, Dr. Lydia Cumiskey, Dr. Shirley Gallagher, Rhiannon Laubach, Cllr. Maria Dollard, Dr. Mark Kelly, and Dr. Laura Kirwan shared insights from their work in advancing climate action in Ireland.
The conference underscored the EU Climate Pact’s commitment to fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and empowering individuals to take climate action. Currently, Ireland boasts 30 EU Climate Pact Ambassadors actively driving change in their communities.
Get Involved! Want to be part of the movement? Join us today! Email us at: ie@euclimatepact.eu
Explore citizen engagement tools here: Climate Pact Quick-Start Tools
Together, we can build a more sustainable, climate-resilient future for Ireland and beyond!
