With over 200 attendees registered for our Global Climate Action Day event, it provided a timely opportunity to explore the vital theme, Navigating Climate Futures: Academic Contributions to Global Climate Action. The event fostered dynamic discussions about academia's pivotal role in addressing the global climate crisis, making it a significant conversation on this important day.
Professor Karen Wiltshire, CRH Chair of Climate Science at Trinity, opened the event with a powerful address, highlighting the urgency of acting on climate issues. She acknowledged the challenges we face but also emphasised the wealth of knowledge and expertise we possess to both mitigate and adapt. Prof Wiltshire called for a unified effort, leveraging the collective wisdom of experts and empowering younger generations to build a more resilient future. She set the tone by urging the panel to reflect on how academics can collaboratively and proactively navigate the climate crisis.
John Gallagher, Director of the MSc in Climate Adaptation Engineering, emphasised the limitations of past problem-solving approaches, which were often siloed and lacked cross-disciplinary collaboration. He stressed that while transdisciplinary strategies are the most effective way forward, they must focus on medium- and long-term goals. He noted the importance of aligning these strategies with the overarching aim of creating a balanced world, a principle at the heart of the E3 initiative.
Dr Silvia Caldararu, Assistant Professor of Botany, highlighted the depth of our understanding of natural systems, particularly regarding biodiversity. She stressed the importance of effectively communicating this knowledge across various disciplines, including science and engineering, to foster collaboration. According to Dr Caldararu, bridging these fields is crucial for driving meaningful change.
Professor Anna Davis from the School of Geography brought attention to the need for a systems-thinking approach. Geography, she explained, sits at the intersection of multiple disciplines, linking science with society, economies, and political systems. This holistic perspective is essential for addressing the complex interactions that drive climate challenges.
Dr Raquel Cabal Harpor expanded on the concept of translating knowledge into action, using the Co-Centre for Climate, Biodiversity, and Water as a prime example of science diplomacy in practice. She emphasised the importance of an All-Ireland approach to climate action, as climate change knows no borders. Dr Harpor also highlighted the centre’s engagement with schools and community-based projects, which empower young people to envision a future where they are the problem-solvers.
When asked about the applicability of this approach to transportation, Professor Brian Caulfield, a transportation expert, underscored the importance of understanding human behaviour and economic factors in developing effective solutions. He emphasised the value of working closely with experts from other fields, like Professor Davis, to create integrated, comprehensive approaches to transportation challenges.
The discussions among these experts were thought-provoking, with unanimous agreement on the need to equip students with the skills to tackle the complex solutions required for climate action. They stressed the importance of large-scale, holistic perspectives rooted in social justice principles. Addressing the intricacies of multilayered risk landscapes requires a spatial focus, and including stakeholders at all levels is critical to ensuring inclusive and sustainable climate solutions.
Professor Karen Wiltshire closed the session by reiterating that climate action is a shared responsibility. While everyone has needs, they also have the potential to contribute solutions. She emphasised the importance of clear communication and the need to convince policymakers to act, warning that without such efforts, the future risks being unjust. Finally, she underscored the importance of providing students with a diverse and holistic education, preparing them to be the problem-solvers and leaders of tomorrow.