Lively discussion at climate café gathering in Birr

A 'climate café' event in Birr, organised by Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group, took place on Wednesday, February 25.

A gathering of 19 people took part in a lively and interesting discussion under the themes of: 'Personal Connection'; 'Feelings and Meaning'; and 'Action and Agency'. These three themes were chosen to elicit a response that was deeply personal to each individual present.

One of the attendees spoke about their memories of playing by rivers which were plentiful with fish and hearing corncrakes call in summer.

Another participant, Ola Lawal, originally from Nigeria, spoke of the intensity of the heat waves and the extreme rain causing flooding which is affecting the community he grew up in.

A number of Irish people spoke about the increase of the intensity of storms wreaking havoc and causing hardship and disruption across the country. Recent flooding across the local landscape was highlighted too, with some observing water in areas which were never before flooded.

People spoke about the kind of future they wish for their children and grandchildren. Patricia Keeshan who attended said she "felt hopeful" that by having this Climate Café discussion "their voice and opinions mattered".

One attendee spoke about feeling alone with his thoughts about climate change, and that the discussion made him feel part of the solution.

The attendees were particularly drawn to actions which they have undertaken as an individual or in groups. They spoke about planting trees and flowers for pollinators and making the local area more beautiful.

One person spoke about the lack of awareness and disinformation as a challenge to making meaningful changes in the environment. They mentioned how their children were so engaged with nature and that being out planting trees was something that parents and children could enjoy together and also have lots of fun.

Ekaterina Koneva who attended the café said: "I really enjoyed the conversations I had and I would like to see another Climate Café in Birr in the near future. It could really help people connect to volunteer on local nature projects and coordinate training to develop skills."

The group wish to thank the staff in Birr Library for their help and support with organising the pop-up café, it was greatly appreciated. All in all, it was a very motivating evening with lots of people coming together to explore ways in which little actions can be carried out to improve the local area and make Offaly beautiful.

Over the past year the independent voluntary group have arranged a number of events both on their own and through collaboration with other organisations. The groups aims include enhancing biodiversity and reducing the effects of climate change in Offaly, along with sharing information and awareness of how individuals and communities can live more sustainably.

The aims of the Offaly Climate and Biodiversity Action Group include enhancing biodiversity and reducing the effects of climate change in Offaly, along with sharing information and awareness of how individuals and communities can live more sustainably.

The group has a number of events planned for the coming months. On March 14 at 11am, as part of National Tree Week, the group, along with Tullamore Tidy Towns, will be hosting a nature walk in Tullamore Town Park.

Richard Jack will be guiding participants on "A look beyond the trees to small features of biodiversity".

Meanwhile, on March 26, at 6pm, the group will host a Climate Café in Tullamore Library. Both events are free to attend. For more information on the group, email: offalyclimateandbio@outlook.com or see the group's public Facebook page.