Ecolution is shutting up shop until the new year but we couldn't get to Christmas without saying thank you. Thanks to all of the people and organisations who’ve shared their work with us in 2022 - and THANK YOU for tuning in!
Listen back any time and subscribe to the podcast here!
This season we’ve met journalists and artists. Marine Biologists, Ornithologists and Scouts. Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland spoke with Evie from her kitchen to answer questions on Climate Justice from children around Ireland.
And this wasn't the only time they had their say. We spoke with the children and teachers who organised the Schools Climate and Nature Summit. GreenSchools heroes, #AndSheCycles Ambassadors. Kids on bogs and kids on beaches.
Kids at Ireland’s only Bee Sanctuary in Wicklow. Children from schools putting sustainability at the heart of what they do, whether that be heading to Glas Garden in Ballymun to plant onions, or digging into the soil in an inner city Community Garden. Not to forget our brilliant Brain Trust, who contribute so much to every episode by answering some pretty tricky questions.
If you’d like to be a part of the Brain Trust for Season 4 get in touch! Email junior@rte.ie
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We were also lucky enough to be on the ground at Ireland’s first Childrens' and Young People's Assembly on Biodiversity Loss in Wicklow and Kerry. Their recommendations went to the grown up Citizens assembly. And that assembly concluded with a bold request for a referendum; a referendum on an amendment to the Constitution to protect biodiversity. 88% of those gathered were behind it , demanding a range of protections "to deliver environmental rights for both people and nature".
I know Christmas is known for snow, green trees and the red of Santa's suit. But we don’t want to greenwash it. We consume more and make more waste at this time of year than any other. 30% more! Snow at Christmas is a thing of the past and another sign of why it’s vital we treat the climate and biodiversity crisis as just that: A crisis. But one in which we can act.
Because we humans may have made this mess. But, like the wrapping paper on Christmas morning, it’s also down to us to clean it up. And it is wholly possible. So, to finish the year I’d like to focus on a few more of those good news stories that show that change is possible; and happening right now.
Brazil, home to most of the Amazon Rainforest has been devastated under the rule of former President Jair Bolsanaro. But they now have a new President, Lula da Silva. He has pledged to end deforestation in the Amazon after beating right-wing incumbent Bolsonaro in the country's election.
If successful, Lula’s victory could cut deforestation in the Amazon by 89% over the next decade, according to an analysis carried out by Carbon Brief.
In France they've given the green light to ban short haul domestic flights, encouraging people to choose more climate friendly transport options.
Denmark became the first country to offer "loss and damage" compensation for those in the most climate vulnerable regions of the world.
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Closer to home, Malcolm Noonan announced last week that Ireland's marine protected areas will grow from 8.3% currently to 10% by next summer. A Small gain, but it sets Ireland on course to reach its target of having 30% of its maritime area protected by 2030, as we discussed in the Fair Seas Episode.
And earlier this week, the Cop15 nature summit in Canada committed world governments to conserve nearly a third of Earth for nature by 2030, emphasizing the importance of protecting wetlands, rainforests, grasslands, and coral reefs.
Nearly 200 countries signed the agreement to put humanity on a path to living in harmony with nature.
And it is just that. A path. And one we hope the world will take. Like your Christmas dinner, preparations are already underway. But we have to see it through, to ensure everyone gets to sit at the table.
A message from Evie...
Ecolution will take a break for a short while. I have my Junior Cert ahead of me this year! Argh! But we'll be back with a full series in the Spring. And no doubt Nicky will keep me busy with some special episodes. Watch out for us at the BT Young Scientist Competition in the RDS. We’ll be recording an episode there on Friday, 13 January. So if you’ve got a project there you’d like to feature, drop us a line here - junior@rte.ie!
If you have listened, or contributed to Ecolution in 2023, thank you. I almost forgot! We even got a prize at the first Irish Podcast Awards. Go us! It’s been my first series and I’m so pleased that we could shine a light on some pretty dark subjects. If you’ve enjoyed the podcast could you let us know by liking, rating or reviewing it, wherever you listen? It makes a difference and it’s nice to know you’re out there.
But for now Merry Christmas!
