An innovative new climate education course was organised by Clare County Council tailored for people over the age of sixty has successfully concluded in Ennis recently, equipping participants with the knowledge and confidence to take meaningful climate action in their daily lives.
Over six weeks, attendees engaged in interactive discussions that explored key topics such as climate science, personal carbon footprints, and sustainable lifestyle choices. The course fostered a collaborative learning environment where older adults could reflect on their environmental impact and discover practical, achievable ways to reduce it.
Led by retired UN Diplomat Jacinta Barrins, the course featured a series of expert guest speakers who brought practical climate action solutions into focus. Their insights helped participants understand the interconnectedness of climate challenges and the power of community-driven solutions.
Jacinta Barrins, former UN Diplomat, said, “This course shows that it’s never too late to become a climate leader. The enthusiasm and dedication shown by participants is inspiring to all. I am delighted with the many behaviours they have changed to reduce their carbon footprints in transport, housing food and waste.”
This initiative reinforces the vital role older adults can play in climate solutions and highlights the importance of inclusive, community-based education in building a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
Morgan Lahiffe, Climate Action Coordinator, Clare County Council, added, “We are extremely grateful to Jacinta Barrins for generously volunteering her time, expertise and passion for climate action throughout this course. This engaging facilitation made the complex climate topic accessible for the group.”
Cllr Mary Howard, Chairperson of Ennis Tidy Towns, said, “Thank you to Jacinta for the wonderful facilitation of this course. It was brilliant to see such passion from participants. The energy and insights throughout the course were really powerful.”
As part of the final session of the course, participants shared the significant lifestyle changes they have made since starting the course. These actions highlight an awareness of climate issues and a strong commitment to sustainable living. Among the changes reported were an increase in cycling and a reduction in car use, an effort to cut down on single-use plastics, and a growing interest in growing vegetables.
Some participants also embraced more climate-friendly diets by sharing vegetarian recipes and reducing red meat consumption. Some participants reported upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and making improvements to their home’s energy use and insulation. These efforts highlight the important role older adults can play in leading community-based climate action and what can be achieved from a six-week hands-on course on climate.
