Mary's clarion call on climate emergency
“The world needs our light“ - Mary Robinson calls for a shared response to climate and nature crisis at Ballina conference. The Mary Robinson Climate Conference is an inclusive multidisciplinary forum bringing together voices from all sectors of academia and society to share climate experiences and discuss pathways for a sustainable future. Pic: Michael McLaughlin
In a clarion call to those at the Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference in Ballina last week, former President Mary Robinson called on all delegates to work in kinship to create a shared response to the climate and biodiversity crisis.
In her opening address, Mrs Robinson invited delegates to light their phone lights, and in creating a communal light, told delegates: “The world needs our light. The world is in need of our light to remind us all that while we may sometimes feel as though we are standing alone, we are never isolated.”
Reminding delegates of their interconnectedness, Mrs Robinson continued: “We are part of an archipelago of humanity, and we can be light shining in the darkness for one another. The climate and nature crises we face, and that we will consider here in Ballina this week, can feel overwhelmingly dark. But it only feels that way when we forget that we are not alone.”
Looking ahead to how society must respond to the issues at hand and shape a future that harmonises nature and humanity, the former United Nations commissioner highlighted Project Dandelion, a female-led climate action initiative that seeks to engage two billion people worldwide by 2030.
"It is very clear that we need a symbol that is nature, and to ground ourselves in nature. We at Project Dandelion want to engage people in knowing their power and using it to create this wonderful world we've been talking about this morning."
Project Dandelion is an initiative that unites women at all levels to push for a shift from fossil fuels to climate solutions, and to ensure that diverse voices are heard and not missing from the room. All delegates at the conference were invited to join Project Dandelion and make their voices and actions count.
The Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference is a three day solution focused climate conference that is bringing together community, policy makers and climate activists to discuss, collaborate and explore the shared response required of society to address the climate and biodiversity crisis. The conference continues to Friday and includes a series of talks, workshops, a repair café and biodiversity Meitheal at the Mary Robinson Centre.
About The Mary Robinson Climate Conference The Mary Robinson Climate Conference takes place 5-7 June in Ballina, Co. Mayo. With events taking place across a range of venues, The Mary Robinson Climate Conference is an inclusive multidisciplinary forum bringing together voices from all sectors of academia and society to share climate experiences and discuss pathways for a sustainable future.
The conference is developed in partnership with the University of Galway and supported by SSE Renewables, IPB Insurance, EPA, Failte Ireland, Astraea and Mayo County Council.
Full programme details and registration can be found at www.maryrobinsoncentre.ie.
