Climate chats initiative for over-55s in Waterford is great success
Jacinta Barrins, former UN Diplomat and course creator, Susan Lee, Waterford City and County Council Climate Action Team and participants of the Over 55s Climate Chats which was held in Dungarvan Library. Pic: David Clynch
An 'Over 55s Climate Chats' series in Waterford has successfully concluded, marking the end of a six-week series of engaging and empowering workshops led by climate facilitator and retired UN Diplomat, Jacinta Barrins.
The free series of workshops, organised by Waterford City and County Council’s Climate Action and Age Friendly teams, took place over six weeks in Dungarvan Library, where the topic of climate change was explained, discussed and debated.
A spokesperson for Waterford City & County Council said that while young people tend to receive education in school about climate change, for many it's a relatively new concept.
She said the workshops brought together older members of the Waterford community to explore climate change in an accessible, supportive, and conversational setting. She also quoted one of the workshop attendees, from Tramore, who said: "Jacinta has given us a sound basis from which to engage in conversation about climate change with those around us, conversations that we all should be having and that will hopefully lead to action.”
The reference was to Jacinta Barrins, who explained to the group the power of collective conversations about climate change.
The Council spokesperson said attendees were taken on a journey, from learning what is climate change, to understanding why it is an issue, to why individuals should act.
The journey concluded with the group taking an action and sharing their impacts.
The Casey’s from Clashmore had been toying with the idea of replacing their multi-fuel stove with a pellet stove for some time.
Through the course they opted for the pellet stove, explaining: “It has an efficiency in excess of 90 per cent and uses renewable fuel which is considerably cheaper and is far more friendly to the environment. It is clean and easy to manage and burns so effectively there is very little waste.”
Another participant started a wormery in their garden to deal with kitchen waste, while another installed solar panels on their Dungarvan home.
In facilitating the sessions, Ms Barrins praised the knowledge and enthusiasm of the Waterford group, which fostered a strong sense of connection, learning, and collective purpose.
Many attendees expressed increased confidence in talking about climate issues with family, friends, and their wider community.
"The completion of the Over 55s Climate Chats marks an important step in supporting inclusive climate education in Waterford," said the Council spokesperson.
"The success of the programme demonstrates the vital role older adults play in climate conversations and community leadership," she added.
For more information about future workshops or initiative contact the Climate Action Team in Waterford City and County Council by emailing climateaction@waterford.ie.
