The inaugural programme, which will run from Monday 13 until Sunday 19 September, includes a range of different events all aimed at increasing awareness and informing action towards tackling climate change. Over 70 online and in-person events are planned throughout Dublin Climate Action Week and will cover the themes of Energy & Buildings, Flood Resilience, Transport, Resource Management, Nature Based Solutions and Citizen Engagement.
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan TD was joined by the Mayors and Chief Executives of the four Dublin local authorities to officially launch the Climate Action Week yesterday, 13 September.
The week is being organised and delivered by the partnership of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, South Dublin County Council, Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, Codema – Dublin's Energy Agency and the Dublin Climate Action Regional Office (CARO).
Dublin Climate Action Week takes place at a time when we are reminded of the ongoing importance of addressing climate action, and our cities have an important role to play. The United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) estimates approximately 75% of the worlds CO2 emissions come from the urban areas, with transport and buildings as the largest contributors. More than 10% of residents in Ireland live in Dublin and the primary emissions in the City Region come from the residential, commercial and transport sectors.
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The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Climate Change 2021 Report, titled 'The Physical Science Basis' report, categorically underlines the need for urgent action on climate change by all sectors of society. Also, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Met Éireann (MÉ) and the Marine Institute (MI) recently published a report on 'The Status of Ireland's Climate'. The report concludes that 'the evidence is clear, global climate change means Ireland is warmer and wetter'.
In a joint statement, the Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the Mayors of South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council, and the Lord Mayor of Dublin City Council said: "The Dublin Region is acting on climate change causes and impacts, and we are making positive changes. The Dublin local authorities are working together on building climate resilience, to ultimately enhance the City for future generations. At the heart of Dublin Climate Action Week is the message that, reaching and exceeding the ambitious national climate targets to 2030, 2050 and beyond, will require us all to make important choices now, so we are all Taking Action, Together."
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executives of the Dublin local authorities, Tom McHugh, dlr Interim Chief Executive added: "The Dublin local authorities and across Ireland, are continuing to respond to, and adapt to the needs of local communities.
"This includes both the causes and impacts of climate change. We are delighted to partner with Codema – Dublin's Energy Agency and the Dublin Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) to bring you Dublin's first Climate Action Week. The week reflects the ongoing implementation of the four Dublin local authority Climate Change Action Plans. We also wish to sincerely thank the broad range of speakers and presenters who are collaborating with us on our exciting and diverse events programme, we believe there is something for everyone."
Registration for all events is available on the DCAW21 website.
