In this episode, Sarah talks to Dr. Ciaran O'Carroll, sustainability lecturer at TU Dublin, to discuss climate action, sustainability, and the path to a fairer society. They explore Dr. O'Carroll’s journey from chemistry to sustainability, the challenges of international climate efforts, and the importance of community-driven change.

Key focus areas:

• Challenges of Global Climate Summits: Dr. O'Carroll shares his concerns about the ineffectiveness of the Conference of the Parties (COP) in driving real climate action, stressing the need for grassroots control to shift the agenda toward urgent, systemic change.

• Economic Implications of the Paris Agreement: The discussion delves into the Paris Agreement’s economic impact, highlighting how delays in transitioning to green energy could leave the EU and the US trailing behind countries like China in the green tech sector.

• Community-Based Climate Action: Dr. O'Carroll emphasises the power of local communities to drive meaningful change. By focusing on practical benefits—such as lower energy bills and warmer homes—he illustrates how community initiatives can enhance quality of life while addressing the climate crisis.

Dr. O'Carroll’s Top 3 Tips for Climate Action:

1. Advocate for affordable, clean energy policies.

2. Support community-led climate projects.

3. Prioritise education and awareness on climate justice.

Listen now to gain instant actionable insights to share with your sustainability or green team. As always, find one thing you can share with a friend or colleague that will help them on their sustainability journey.