Episode 4: Climate & Behaviour Change

In this episode, we explore the role of behaviour change in leading climate action. We discuss the power of communities and how we can apply insights from the field of behavioural science to drive impact. We also explore the role of policy making and bottom-up, grassroots approaches. This podcast discussion will explore the following questions: 

• What are some examples of behaviours that we can change as individuals or a collective to mitigate or adapt to climate change? 

• What insights can we learn from behavioural science to create climate action?  

• What are some key behaviour change principles that can be applied to lead climate action? 

Karen Wiltshire, Professor of Climate Science at Trinity College Dublin 

Diane Pelly, Founder of Behavioural Science at Work Limited 

Collette Doyle, Climate Entrepreneurship Graduate, Chief Commercial Officer Rainwalk Technology  

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Episode 3: Climate & Energy

Ireland stands at an inflection point in its energy transition, with the pieces for transformation within reach: world-class wind resources, billions ready in infrastructure investment, and clear climate ambitions. The challenge - and opportunity - lies in aligning these elements across scales. Regional areas like Donegal possess exceptional renewable capacity waiting to be unlocked through strategic infrastructure investment. Communities like Dingle exemplify how thoughtful engagement can shift energy conversations from "not in my backyard" to "powered by our community" - transforming skepticism into the ambitious, locally-led initiatives that accelerate transition. 

The key is coordination: ensuring national policy frameworks enable regional development that empowers communities, creating a coherent energy system where decisions at each level reinforce rather than constrain the others. This panel brings together perspectives from national grid planning, regional development, academic research, and community leadership to explore how Ireland can achieve this alignment - building energy systems that are secure, economically vibrant, and climate-responsive at every scale. In this panel, we examine what it will take to position Ireland as a global leader in coordinated energy transition.  

Michael Mitchell, Physics Researcher at Trinity College Dublin, CEO at TPSA 

Deirdre de Bhailís, General Manager, Dingle Hub 

Helen McHenry, Policy Analyst, Western Development Commission 

Brendan Tuohy, Chairperson, EirGrid 

Emily Scriven, Environmental Engineering MSc student, Trinity College Dublin

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Episode 2: Climate and Health

This episode outlines the intersection and scale of the climate–health threat. Can the health service adapt quickly enough, or do we risk contributing to the very climate crisis we seek to mitigate? We discuss the Department of Health and WHO European Region priorities, current evidence for policy needs and how Ireland can contribute.  

Drawing on lessons from past public health responses, such Covid19, we consider how the health sector has the tools and credibility needed to shape policy and drive systemic change. A standard set of public health levers have successfully controlled many health-harming industries but haven’t yet been applied to the climate crisis. Someone pays the health costs of climate change. Taxation to recover health costs will be unpopular, but are they justifiable? We discuss other lessons from control of alcohol, tobacco, CFCs and air pollution that we can draw on here.       

In order to build a health care system capable of responding to the climate crisis we shall consider how best to utilise capital investment, intersectoral collaboration and public health levers. Through various Climate Action Plans many countries have signed up to concerted efforts to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, but progress centred around advocacy and non-binding pledges is backsliding, leaving vulnerable groups like children, older people and future generations at considerable risk. Is the health sector an equal co-lead in the ‘’multi-sectoral response’’ to climate change, or bit-players in a finance and energy sector gamble on our and future generations health? 

Prof Cathal McCrory, Professor in Life Course Development and Ageing at Trinity College Dublin 

Prof Matthew Chersich, Research Professor at Wits Planetary Health Research, University of the Witwatersrand and Trinity College Dublin. 

Dr Margaret Brennan, PhD student at Trinity College Dublin 

Roisin Breen, Programme Manager at RCPI/HSE 

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Episode 1: Climate, Biodiversity & Business

Climate change and biodiversity loss are deeply interconnected, each amplifying the effects of the other. Rising global temperatures lead to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, such as droughts, heatwaves and rising sea levels. These changes threaten the resilience of ecosystems, making many regions uninhabitable for plants, animals, and other organisms. Despite their close relationship, climate change and biodiversity are often discussed and managed separately. To achieve meaningful progress, both issues must be tackled together. We urgently require business, government and finance to collaborate to create a sustainable future. This podcast discussion will explore the following questions:  

• How is nature relevant to businesses and what actions should they be taking?  

• What types of policies are most effective for nature restoration?  

• How can we redirect finance to reduce nature and climate-related risks?  

• We need to harness hearts and minds to manage nature restoration and protection, how can we do this?  

Martha O’Hagan Luff, Associate Professor of Finance, Trinity College Dublin  

Matt Smith, CEO of Hometree 

Catherine Farrell, Assistant Professor in Business and Nature 

Gerry Clabby, principal advisor, Environment and Climate Resesarch and Advisory Unit, DCEE 

Neil Menzies, Director of Sustainability, Hibernia Real Estate  

Emma King, Nature+ Energy Project Manger, PhD student, Trinity College Dublin  

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