The Climate Alarm Clock

Trocaire campaign to lobby the Irish goverment to stop sitting on their hands

The team are back together to chat about COP 30 which just finished up in Belem at the mouth of the mighty Amazon. Darragh, Anna and Ciara look at the highlights and lowlights of this year's Conference of the Parties and wonder why 56,000 people needed to be there.

Commitment to the Paris Agreement is still hanging on, Just Transition is featuring more strongly and Adaptation to climate change is now in the mix. But climate action is still falling short and fossil fuels are off the hook again.

What about the Irish response? Taoiseach Micheal Martin made a rousing speech at COP, quickly followed by advocating for new fossil fuel infrastructure back at home.

Is there ANY good news out there? We find some stories that make us happy. Puffins and more puffins!

Actions we recommend:

Don't forget Gaza, join the national demonstration for Palestine on November 29th

Join the mass lobby to put climate back on the political agenda

Check out Food Culture Ireland to find out more about connections between food, people, soil and sea

And you can always buy us a coffee

Earth Rising 2025

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 04:30:00 +0000

A special episode recorded at the Earth Rising Festival at the Irish Museum of Modern Art. The team recorded some of the conversations we had with various contributors around the festival. Giving a flavour on what Earth Rising '25 was all about

Presented by Darragh Wynne with Ciara Daly and Tom Spencer

Produced by Robert Cotter

Big thank you to all our contributors:

LIsa Fitzsimons

John Barry

Aindrias de Staic

Lisa Fingleton

Sailhymn (Katie O'Connor)

Laura Costello

If you would like to donate to the upkeep of the podcast, click here

Public perception and the hottest summer yet - LIVE at Earth Rising 2025

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 04:30:00 +0000

The Climate Alarms Clock is back with a couple of special episodes

Todays episode was recorded live at The Earth Rising Festival in the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA), in Kilmainham, Dublin on the 14th Sept 2025

Darragh, Ciara and Tom discuss some of the news stories from the summer past, reflect on the festival and the bigger questions surrounding climate change

Donate to the upkeep of the podcast

Dirty fossil fuel secrets and business as usual

Thu, 08 May 2025 04:30:00 +0000

For our season finale, the gang's all here. We look at a new report that uncovers Ireland's dirty fossil fuel financing secrets.

And we find some stories of adaptation in Ireland -- Monaghan prepares for the worst, trade unions want to bring in paid climate leave and we have hosepipe bans around the country.

As Greta Thunberg demonstrates, climate justice is bound up with human rights and we are horrified by the latest atrocities in Gaza.

We're taking a break for the summer, thanks for listening and a few suggested actions while we're gone:

Listen to our brilliant producer who sings the season out for us = Bob Bound - Business as Usual on Bandcamp, available to stream or buy. It will be available to stream on all the other platforms VERY SOON (Spotify, Apple Music,YouTube)

Send a young person to the Youth Climate Gathering | Friends of the Earth in July

Break bread with your neighbours and build community at a street feast this summer.

Find out more about carbon markets at the EPA climate conference on 28th May

And remember... no mow May! Embrace the untidiness.

Climate Question: What is Greenwashing?

Thu, 01 May 2025 04:30:00 +0000

Ciara Days asks another climate question, what is greenwashing? How does it effect the planet and our push to combat climate change? She is joined by Darragh Wynne and our resident greenwashing expert Tom Spencer. They discuss the definitions and industrial use of greenwashing and get into the nuance of how marketing and consumerism affect us all.

Drillled Podcast - interesting podcast about the discovery of climate change by oil companies, told in the style of True Crime.

A new climate action plan but are the targets 'dead in the water'?

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:30:00 +0000

Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2025 has finally been released. Darragh has read it so the rest of us don't have to and has all the answers about what's in there.

He's joined by Anna and Ciara to discuss the Climate Action Plan, which was only just released when the wind industry warned that offshore wind will not hit 2030 targets.

Are we worried about climate change? Yes we are, and it turns out a new study shows that almost everyone is -- 89% of people around the world want more climate action.

We also do a quick roundup of other climate news including a new study on Whale pee!

Actions we suggest for this week:

There's still time to register for free for the DCU Climate conference on April 29th.

Hometree's Changing Landscapes conference is on 15th May in Ennistymon (not free).

There's a variety of courses at Common Knowledge in Co. Clare - from cooking to DIY repairs to lime plastering.

Most important, get out and talk to your friends and neighbours about climate change!

Climate Question : How can we adapt to climate change?

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:30:00 +0000

Coffee won't help us adapt but just in case: https://buymeacoffee.com/theclimatealarm

We talk a lot about mitigating climate change by reducing emissions, but do we need to face up to figuring out how to adapt to the changes that we know are coming? Ciara, Anna and Darragh discuss climate adaptation, asking the tough questions about how we can adapt and whether we can. And what we need to deal with -- food insecurity, flooding, extreme weather...

Ciara asks how the big orange slug in Galway city is helping us adapt. We look at infrastructure, behaviour, politics and all the systems affecting adaptation.

We conclude that we need to continue to face up to the tough questions and that building community is the key.

Is it time to start prepping?

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:30:00 +0000

The insurance industry is warning that the climate crisis could lead to the end of capitalism. Darragh, Ciara and Anna look at what they are saying about climate risk and what that means in Ireland where more and more homes are threatened by rising sea levels.

Separately, the EU has advised citizens to have a stockpile of 72 hours of supplies – is it time to start prepping? George Monbiot has two months' supply for his family. We discuss the risk to food security and debate our must-haves for our prep bags.

In other news, 'same shit, different year' -- floods, fires, climate disasters and heat records from around the globe.

We do find some good news to conclude !

Actions this week:

Get food secure: Spinach, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, root vegetables can all be sown in April. Check out Seeds Ireland

GIY Academy offer a range of growing courses in both online and in person formats:

As always, don't forget Gaza. Check out IPSC for actions near you.

Climate Question : Why is eating meat and dairy bad for the planet?

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:30:00 +0000

Ciara asks Darragh and Anna whats the deal with meat? why is eating meat, fish and dairy bad for the planet?

Support the Climate Alarm Clock buy donating money for the upkeep of the pod at BuyMeACoffee.com/TheClimateAlarm

Explore the EAT Lancet Diet ; eating with plantetary means

Ethical Farming Ireland campaign for a better life for the farm animals of Ireland

You can listen here to our previous episode with Kenneth Keavey of Green Earth Organics which explores similar subject matter - or wherever you listen to podcasts (it's series 4 episode 18)

More, more, more energy being used. Fight back against LNG.

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:30:00 +0000

Ciara has been struck down by a bug but Darragh is joined by Anna and Tom to review this week's climate news.

We look at the International Energy Agency's latest report which shows that global energy usage grew to a record high in 2024, even coal usage continues to grow.

And here in Ireland we're anticipating record growth in demand for electricity, largely because of the proliferation of data centres.

We trace the history of Shannon LNG, a major pollution project that got permission for a large power plant this week and was also in the high court trying to get permission for LNG too. This is a major blow to Ireland's climate plans and environmental groups are organising to keep Ireland LNG free.

And in the US, GreenPeace is reeling from a $660M verdict against it in a suit taken by fossil fuel companies, in front of a jury full of fossil fuel workers.

We find some glimmers of good news in China: BYD has announced an EV that charges in 5 minutes. And in NYC, which has banned gas from new buildings.

Actions for this week:

Remember Hossam Shabat RIP and do not stop talking about Gaza. Check out the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign for details of protests and how you can get involved.

Join the campaign to stop LNG coming to Ireland: Not Here Not Anywhere and Friends of the Earth are two of many organisations fighting against LNG.

Climate Question: Where are we now? Are we all fecked?

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:30:00 +0000

List of Events 2025 | National Tree Week

In this special climate question episode, Ciara asks where are we now with climate anyway? We go back to basics - what is climate change? How are we doing on climate action in Ireland? around the world?

And what does it all mean anyway?

Are we all fecked or what?

What the world needs now is Climate Action

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:30:00 +0000

HOWYE?

No, really... how are ye? Tis a mad old world out there so drop us a line and let us know because we genuinely really love hearing from our listeners. You can connect with us over email at climatealarmclock@gmail.com or connect with us on social media via Facebook, Instagram or Bluesky.

And if you'd like to support the work that this volunteer led podcast does, you can throw us a few quid through Buy Me A Coffee, or simply leave us a review and share the podcast with a friend or family member.

So, 2025 eh... in today's episode Darragh, Anna, Ciara and Tom (yep, we got the whole gang together) discuss:

the many worrying climate developments that have happened since Trump re-entered the presidential office including (but unfortunately not limited to) the EPA rolling back on findings that greenhouse gases cause harm to the environment and the US cutting global finance aid, NASA eliminating it's Office of the Chief Scientist, along with offices advising on technology, strategy, and coordinating the agency's diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility efforts
what's been happening a little closer to home... LNG, Climate Fines and more.

There's no two ways about it... the content of this episode is pretty grim. So much so that we've even elicited a profanity from the usually self-contained Darragh Wynne within the first couple of minutes.

But somehow we managed to still have a much needed laugh for ourselves about the madness of it all. We definitely found it cathartic, and we hope you do too.

"There is a thin line that separates laughter and pain, comedy and tragedy, humour and hurt."

-Erma Bombeck

Burren Beo Initiative: https://burrenbeo.com/thc/

Cyclones, Storm Darragh & Election Outcomes: Wrapping Up Another Year of Climate Change

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Fancy supporting this volunteer led podcast? You can do so by buying us a coffee at buymeacoffee.com/theclimatealarm. This support goes a long way to helping us with the upkeep of the podcast, and your comments and feedback provide a much appreciated boost to ongoing morale! Not in a position to throw us a few euros? Well then, feel free to simply drop us a line over on Bluesky.

In this week's episode, Darragh, Tom and Ciara dive into the week's biggest climate headlines:

Cyclone Chido devastates Mayotte
Storm Darragh causes widespread power outages across Ireland and closes Holyhead port
What do the recent election results mean for climate action in Ireland?

We also take a moment to reflect on 2024, sharing a frank and admittedly, slightly gushy discussion about the emotional toll of caring deeply about the climate crisis throughout the year. To wrap up the year, we'd love to hear your thoughts on the state of the world too so drop us a line!

Actions for This Week

SSE Airtricity Community Fund: Learn how this fund supports sustainable projects in your community. More details here.
Plant trees through Hometree or Reforest Nation.
Contribute to the Your Parks, Your Say public consultation and help shape the future of Ireland's national parks. Share your thoughts here.
Discover The Good Life 2030, a vision for a better future. Learn more here.

Off-Season Listening Recommendations:

Catch up on some of our most impactful episodes:

Connecting Cabra
Adaptation: Facing Reality of Giving Up?
Why Are We Stuck? Exploring the Psychology of Climate Change with Eoin Galavan
Rain Rain Rain from Hot Mess by Philip Boucher Hayes

Check out our Climate Alarm Clock Specials playlist on Spotify and let us know your favourite episodes by dropping us a line.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all the team at The Climate Alarm Clock. We will see (or land in your ears) in 2025!

Climate Question : What are Data Centres and why are they bad for the climate?

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Buy us a coffee?

Data centres are in the news again and for all the wrong reasons. They're using more than 20% of Ireland's electricity, they're plugging into fossil gas and they're gobbling up our renewables.

In this climate question episode, Ciara asks what data centres are all about and why are they a climate problem? We look at the impact of AI and find out about dark data.

We all use data centres don't we, what can we do to press pause?

Climate Justice Universities Union

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Darragh went on a field trip down to Cork to attend the Climate Justice Universities Union. Along with all the friendly and interesting people he met, Darragh sat down with Jennie Stephens and John Barry for a good chat about the problems relating to climate change and the role of universities.

Visit the unions website: https://www.climatejusticeuniversitiesunion.org

Thank you to the union for having us and to everyone who spoke to us.

Bad Deal from Baku and Climate Voter Red Lines

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 04:30:00 +0000

We're in need of coffee to get us through this election, if you fancy buying us one! And you can find us and leave us a comment on Bluesky @climatealarmclock.bsky.social

This week: COP29 ends with a bad deal for the Global South, some are calling it a 'slap in the face'. Darragh, Tom and Anna look at whether COP is fit for purpose and ask if it has any credibility left at this point.

Here in Ireland, the general election is coming up fast. We look at a manifesto review commissioned by Friends of the Earth and at Not Here Not Anywhere's assessment of the parties against their climate red lines. Spoiler alert the big parties are not coming out to top when it comes to climate action.

And RTE is not coming out on top with its election coverage, giving priority to divisive issues like immigration instead of climate. *RW (rant warning).

Darragh wants us all to go to Forest School to chill out.

Actions for this week:

The Irish Garden Bird Survey is back, you can become a citizen scientist.

The amazing movie Birdsong has an international streamer if you fancy an uplifting movie event.

If you're starting to think about Christmas shopping, consider gifting a subscription to the Irish Woodland Trust or buy a great Irish nature book from your local bookshop!

Climate Question : How can we vote for Irish climate action?

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 04:30:00 +0000

If you want to buy us a coffee, you can do that here !

Ten days out from a national election, manifestoes are raining down on us from Ireland's political parties (most of them). After spending the whole weekend examining policies (fun weekend), Ciara's climate question is how do we know where our political parties stand on climate issues? Ciara, Anna and Tom do a deep dive into various party positions, looking at where they stand on some key climate issues.

We try very hard to stay objective, really, we do our best.

We highlight three environmental organisations who have done the work to make it easy for us to know what to ask candidates, here's how you can be a climate voter:

Friends of the Earth helps climate voters demand faster and fairer action

Irish Doctors for the Environment manifesto links climate to health issues

And Not Here Not Anywhere identifies some clear climate red lines

There's still time to demand a standalone climate debate too, sign the Uplift petition

Recommended Listening

Ireland plans for emergency gas generators w/Daniel Murray
Ireland outperforms again, but in the wrong direction
Why Are We Stuck? Exploring The Psychology of Climate Change With Eoin Galavan
Sowing seeds of change: Organic farming and climate advocacy with Kenneth Keavey of Green Earth Organics
Adaptation: Facing reality of giving up?
Fresh reports… Yeah but who cares? We’ve heard all this before right?
The IPCC; a great bunch of lads
Why is Air Travel so Cheap?
Rain Rain Rain - Hot Mess by Philip Boucher Hayes
Catch up by Louise McSharry - Election Special on Friday 22nd Nov with Sinead Carroll from The Journal
Bog Slides and Big Data
Bird Watch Ireland episodes

COP out? Hot Planet, Dirty COPs and electioneering

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 04:30:00 +0000

G'wan and buy us a coffee here

2024 is officially the hottest year on record and it's only November.

Meanwhile COP 29 has started in Azerbaijan... yes another COP, another petrostate and there's billions and trillions of climate finance being discussed.

Ireland gets ready for a general election on November 29th, what do climate voters need to look at? Manifestos are coming out daily, how can we sort through them and make sense of what the parties are actually doing about climate?

Ciara, Anna and Tom discuss these stories and find some good news to finish up with too.

Actions this week

Stay up to date with COP: Sign up to The Journal Temperature Check newsletter from Lauren Boland:

Get ready for the Irish elections!

Invite General Election candidates to sign Friends of the Earth's Climate Pledge

Support the Uplift petition demanding a standalone TV/livestream #GE2024 Leaders’ Debate on the Climate and Biodiversity Emergency

Join DCU's Centre for Climate and Society and Friends of the Earth at election hustings on Wednesday, November 20th at 9.30am and ask the next political leaders how they plan to deliver a Government for Faster and Fairer climate action!

Climate Question : What are carbon offsets and why are they "junk"?

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Donate to the upkeep of the Climate Alarm Clock by buying us a coffee

Offsetting carbon emissions seems to offer a way for individuals and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, even if they can't eliminate emissions entirely. Offsetting funds projects like reforestation, renewable energy, and clean technology development.

BUT evidence is mounting that offsetting is "junk" and being used as a marketing tool to avoid real emissions reductions, in other words, Greenwashing!

Ciara, Darragh and Anna explore the question of carbon offsets and whether they are actually worthless.

But planting trees is still worthwhile, here are some tree planting organisations to consider:

Home Tree

Tress on the Land

Reforest nation

Spooky, scary billionaires have a trippy Halloween

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 04:30:00 +0000

buymeacoffee.com/theclimatealarm

Halloween is this week and there's a lot of scary news out there. The latest UN Emissions Gap Report warns that we are on course for 3 degrees of warming. There's no more time for 'hot air'.

Darragh, Ciara and Anna agree with Oxfam that the scariest monsters this Halloween are the Bloody Billionaires! No more treats for them while they trick the rest of us.

Billionaires emit more carbon pollution in 90 minutes than the average person does in a lifetime | Oxfam International

ACTIONS for this week

Recommended reading from a regular listener: If Everyone Tripped on Psychedelics, We’d Do More About Climate Change

Sign up with Friends of the Earth for a Climate Justice Day of Action: Tuesday, November 12th. On this day, FoE invite you to get out into your communities and talk to neighbours, friends, family or indeed local politicians about the most pressing climate justice issues of the day. There are many ways to participate.

Darragh is excited about the start of the Irish Garden Birds Survey

And you can have your say on our national parks in this consultation.

Climate Question : Why is air travel so cheap?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Ciara wants to know why air travel is so cheap and what's wrong with cheap flights anyway - we all need a bit of sunshine don't we? And we're on an island after all.

And aren't all the airlines going sustainable anyway?

We hear a lot in the Irish media about the need to raise the Dublin airport passenger cap but not so much about the impact of air travel on the environment, or about how airlines can offer such cheap fares. Which begs the question, why are the Irish press so obsessed with celebrating aviation and overlooking the climate implications of flying?

In this climate question episode, Ciara, Darragh and Anna go deep on air travel, why it's such a big source of pollution, the real costs of flying, and whether 'net zero targets' are real.

Buy us a coffee; donate and help us with the upkeep of the podcast.

Find out more:

Check out episode 15 of Hot Mess with Phillip Boucher-Hayes

Read about the Aviation tax gap | DigitalOcean

Fresh reports... Yeah but who cares? We’ve heard all this before right?

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 04:30:00 +0000

The Climate Alarm Clock is back, and we've just turned 3 years old!

Buy us a coffee to celebrate :)

Darragh, Ciara and Tom talk over the new reports from the WWF and the EPA.

The Living Planet Reprt 2024 , is a stark report released by the World Wildlife Fund, reporting on biodiversity loss all over the world.

Irelands Environmental Protection Agency has released Ireland's Shtate of the Environment Report 2024 about how the nations effort to combat the climate crisis is going, or not going as the case may be.

What can we do?

Organisations like Cuan beo, Corrib Beo, Boyne Rivers Trust! Waters of Life - lists trusts around Ireland to check out. Channel your despondence into joining a group!

Climate Action Week! Get involved!!

Check out the wildling movie on Thursday evening.

Climate Justice Universities Union have a meeting, 21st November

Your Parks, Your Say

Samhain Festival of Food & Culture - https://foodcultureireland.ie/samhain/

festival showcases the very best of Irish food and drink, food culture and history through a weekend long series of events from food & drinks tastings and cookery demonstrations, to food safaris, farm visits, kids workshops, discussions and debates with Ireland’s foremost culinary experts

Good news or toxic positivity?

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 04:30:00 +0000

How I Long For Peace & Song of Choice

In our final episode of the summer, Anna, Ciara, Darragh and Tom discuss Ireland's latest greenhouse gas emissions report - good news, bad news or both? Professor Barry McMullen has criticised the toxic positivity about the latest emissions, is he right?

And a new report on Climate in the Mind has some interesting findings that point to the influence of misinformation.

Meanwhile, the planet has had its hottest 12 months ever.

We finish the season with a reminder of some good news and as ever some actions to take.

Actions we recommend:

Mark the date and register for climate camp on the shores of Lough Neagh August 7th to 11th 2024!

Don't forget Gaza, keep the pressure on by getting to a national demonstration [Dublin] National Demonstration for Palestine – Stop Arming Israel!

Email your TDs – we know they’ll be working on Budget 2025 . Tell them what you need to see this spent on. Solar panels, public transport, electric car grants – There’s a general election in the air and we need action. So annoy the hell out of your TDs and push for action !

See you all in October ! (or at climate camp before that)

Rogue Ministers and Nature Restoration Law

Fri, 21 Jun 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Buy us a coffee and leave a comment :)

We start with good news, the Nature Restoration Law is passed in the EU, thanks to the leadership of a 'rogue' Austrian environment minister. Darragh, Anna and Ciara discuss how it happened, the role Ireland played and some of the reactions.

Then, what have the Greens done for us anyway? We chat about Eamon Ryan's resignation and legacy.

Extreme heat is killing people around the world, from the Hajj in Mecca to Greece and the US midwest, and a new study examines resilience in the face of disasters.

In good news, rewilding creates jobs in Scotland.

And we're impressed with Just Stop Oil again.

Actions:

Go out and enjoy nature!

In Dublin, check out Stoneybatter Festival, they have an EcoHub and a Bike Bop.

Listen to the new series of Hot Mess with Philip Boucher-Hayes

Have your say... Fill in the goverment issued survey on Climate conversations

Join Talamh Beo

Dead Fish and Dusty Politicians

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Buy as a coffee and support the upkeep on the pod

This weeks pod is hosted by Darragh and Tom...

As the dust is settling on the election, we unpick what it all means for the planet....

We discuss some the poisoning of the Allow River in Cork and the hypocrisy of our pensions are being invested into Fossil Fuels

And Tom Spencer lends his expertise to the proposed levy on Chinese EV's

Actions:

The Rethinking Growth Conference looks like it will be interesting and worth attending for any Dubliners out there

Listen to some thought provoking music from singer Peggy Seeger:

Celebrate the Summer Solstice on Friday week and reconnect with nature

and Consider joining political party????

Misinformation, Confusion and Big Bike

Fri, 07 Jun 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Go on, buy us a coffee ---> https://buymeacoffee.com/theclimatealarm

We have a rant about Regina Doherty and her comments on bike lanes.

The confusion and misinformation around consumer goods and the environment is as bad as it ever was, we discuss greenwashing.

Anna's favourite band Coldplay are doing their bit for the planet, or are they?

And the deposit return scheme starts to show real success

Actions:

If you're listening ahead of your vote today , check out https://www.whichcandidate.ie/ to help you decide

IBikeBop for the next group cycle around Dublin. Check out their Facebook and/or Twitter

If you're interested in in attending the Rethinking Growth Conference on 25th and 26th June in Trinity, Dublin. go to https://rethinking-growth.ie/

LIsten to our previous episodes with psycologist Eoin Galavan on the psychology of climate change here and here

Lisa Fingleton's Voices from the Field is a great piece looking positively at what the future of agriculture could look like

It's pride month, ally yourself with the community and have a read about the disproportionate effect of climate change on the LGBT community here

Blowing the budget (again)!

Fri, 31 May 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Coffee...?

The EPA has published Ireland's Greenhouse Gas Emissions projections and surprise surprise, we are not going to hit our targets. Darragh, Ciara and Anna dig into the details and the political reactions. What does this mean for the upcoming elections? Some of the opposition parties insist the government should be doing more, while Eamon Ryan accuses them of doing nothing. Who's right and does it matter?

While we're arguing about it, the climate is heating up around the world. India and Pakistan see record heat and Bangladesh is reeling from a record breaking storm.

But there are some (sort of) good news stories too... the EU is using less fossil fuels, renewable energy is growing in the US and the US public are in favour of suing big oil.

Actions for this week:

Get election ready. Check out your European election candidates on the Journal. See which candidates you agree with most based on the issues. The Friends of the Earth election toolkit has all the info you need.

Sign up to the Temperature check newsletter from Lauren Boland and the Journal.

Watch Birdsong on the RTE Player, it's inspiring!

European Parliament and Local Elections... how can we be climate voters?

Fri, 24 May 2024 04:30:00 +0000

Darragh is back from his slow travels and is joined by Ciara and Anna to look at the climate news.

A scientific study has concluded that our extremely wet winter was made wetter and windier by climate change.

The local and european elections are coming up on June 7th, why do they matter and how do you tackle a candidate at your doorstep? (Ciara wants to know).

We also find some good news stories to share, our national bird is making a comeback.

Actions we recommend this week:

Check out the Friends of the Earth election toolkit and email your councillor candidates.

This EU Parliament Scoreboard | WWF shows you how Irish parties voted on climate and environmental issues (hint: some have very poor voting records).

If you want to know more, sign up for European election hustings on May 28th.

Action is the antidote to despair*

Fri, 17 May 2024 04:30:00 +0000

*well said Joan Baez

Add your name to the urgent petition calling for a strong Global Plastics Treaty.

It's all doom, gloom, misinformation and a bit of hope this week.

With Darragh away, Anna and Ciara are joined by Tom Spencer, of IrishEvs.com to discuss what's in the news.

A survey of climate scientists by the Guardian finds only 6% think 1.5 is still alive. Many experts are in despair at the lack of political will to take action to avert catastrophe. We discuss reactions -- is this too much doom, are scientists the right people to be asking and why are they still insisting action is important?

Meanwhile, stories about EVs caught Tom's eye. He highlights how a lot of the 'bad news' is speculation or even misinformation.

We have some good news about Ireland playing a leadership role in Europe.

And as always, some actions we can all take:

If you’re in Dublin… get to the Garden of Remembrance for 1pm on Saturday for National Demonstration for Palestine… march to help end the ongoing Nakba.

If you’re not in Dublin check out the listings on IPSC.ie Emergency Actions for Palestine Around Ireland and find one near you.

Also Irish Artists for Palestine - Alternative eurovision - Two live shows in Dublin and Galway, streamed on YouTube, aiming to raise 100K, Watch back, donate, share!

Elections are coming up… are you a climate voter? Not Here Not Anywhere has launched its local elections climate pledge, encouraging candidates to be climate leaders, not climate culprits! Check out their website for ideas on how to contact your local candidates and what to ask them to do.

Ciara recommends a naked Street Feast

Climate Action Backlash (but not in Ireland)

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:30:00 +0000

You can buy us a coffee here !

It's Earth Week but that didn't stop Scotland backtracking on its ambitious climate targets. And Unilever, one of the largest users of plastic packaging in the world, decided to reduce its plastic reduction targets too. We talk about what's going on with the growing corporate and political backlash against climate action. Pragmatic or just delaying?

Meanwhile in Ireland, a new poll commissioned by Friends of the Earth finds no sign of climate backlash in Irish public opinion. We take a look at some of the more interesting findings.

We find some good news coming from California too!

And as always, we have some actions to suggest:

Not Here Not Anywhere is launching its local elections climate pledge, encouraging candidates to be climate leaders, not climate culprits! The official launch is on Weds May 1st outside Dail Eireann at 1pm, all welcome if you can make it. If not, check out their website for ideas on how to contact your local candidates and what to ask them to do.

Finally... go for a walk! Listen to the birds and enjoy Spring! But not before listening to Elaine McGoff's lovely Earth Day reflections.

Why does it always rain on me?

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 04:30:00 +0000

G'wan you can buy us a coffee if you want!

The gang are back together! Darragh, Ciara and Anna look at what's been happening since we took a break in December.

(There's a hint in the episode title)

We reflect on how much worse the situation in Gaza is now and how that links back to climate justice.

Global average temperatures continue to break records and food production is being badly affected by rain here in Ireland and drought in other countries. Ciara has been working with food producers who are on the frontlines and struggling.

And a new research study provides shocking estimates of the cost of climate damage. A CONSERVATIVE estimate is that climate damage will cost $38 trillion every year! Much cheaper to start mitigating and reduce emissions now.

In a good news story, the Swiss klimatsenioren won a landmark case in the European Court of Human Rights which opens the door to other countries being held accountable for protecting their citizens with climate action.

What can we do? (apart from suing the government!). Some actions we suggest this week:

Join Talamh Beo to work for fairer food systems. Plant some seedlings while you're at it.

Come along to Friends of the Earth education day on global justice in Richmond Barracks, Dublin 8 on Saturday 27th April

Check out the Long Time Project for intergenerational thinking

Organise a Street Feast (your neighbours will love you for it).

Support Médicins Sans Frontières with this amazing song from Roisin el Cherif!

COP28: It took 28 years to mention fossil fuels?

Fri, 15 Dec 2023 14:30:00 +0000

Season Finale! A big thanks to all our listeners and wishing you all a happy, healthy and peaceful Christmas season and new year -- see you in 2024!

Cop28 finished with a standing ovation, but what was really achieved? Ciara, Darragh and Anna take a look at reactions to fossil fuels being mentioned in a COP agreement for the first time. Darragh dusts off his analogies and even Ciara tries a sporting analogy (we're not sure what sport though).

Here in Ireland, the Dail passed a motion calling on Ireland to support the Fossil Fuels Non Proliferation treaty (nepotism alert here, the motion was sponsored by Thomas Pringle, TD).

And as always, we finish off with some festive actions:

Join a rally for Palestine happening around the country this Saturday (and other days too), details on the Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign website.

Ciara recommends abandoning the tat and gifting people wholesome experiences this Christmas. She's offering a walk in the woods with herself.

Good COP, Bad COP with Eoin Galavan; Cop 28 Kicks Off In The UAE

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Ciara, Darragh and Anna are delighted to welcome Eoin Galavan back to do our news roundup with us.

Eoin Galavan is a clinical psychologist and one of the founding members of the Psychological Society of Ireland’s Environmental and Climate special interest group. Eoin did a couple of special episodes with us over the summer that were hugely popular, helping us unpick climate anxiety and the psychology of how we deal with climate change (links below).

This week it's all about COP28 kicking off in Dubai. What can we expect from the annual gathering of the countries of the world? What will the global stocktake tell us and will there be progress on phasing out fossil fuels? (and why is a Fossil Fuel CEO the president??).

We also look at how petrostates are planning to flood the world with more oil and what might happen with food shortages.

Actions for this week:

Join an Emergency Protest for Palestine Around Ireland – Saturday 1st december

Dublin – March & Rally, 1pm, Assemble @ Garden of Remembrance – March to the Dáil
Ennis – 11am, O’Connell Square
Cork – 1pm, Grand Parade
Limerick – 1pm, Bedford Row

Tuesday 5th December online, listen to Eoin's lecture on why we are stuck at the Psychological Society of Ireland lecture series

Listen back to our earlier episodes with Eoin: Why are we stuck? and Is Now a Good Time to Freak Out?

Next Saturday 9th December

#NowWeRise – Get out and support the COP 28 Global Day of Action (a march from the Docklands Bord Gáis Energy Theatre to the GPO); organised by Climate Justice Coalition

Top Tips to Save the Planet with Tadhg Hickey

Fri, 17 Nov 2023 04:30:00 +0000

https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-appeal-for-gaza

Ciara, Darragh and Anna are joined by another special guest this week. Comedian and actor Tadhg Hickey (and self-proclaimed Cork morale booster) is famous for his hard-hitting satirical sketches and stand-up comedy. Tadhg’s new memoir: A PORTRAIT OF THE PISS ARTIST AS A YOUNG MAN has just been released to critical acclaim. He’s been particularly vocal on Gaza and Palestine and in 2021 raised €30,000 to help refugees there. Tadhg arrived at climate issues through his long-time focus on colonialism and is passionate about climate justice.

Tadhg joins us to take a look at some of this week's headlines.

A new Loss and Damage Deal: Climate Justice is on the agenda at COP
Greta Thunberg ruffles some feathers by insisting there's no climate justice on occupied lands
And here in Ireland a new Friends of the Earth poll is a ‘temperature check’ on Irish public opinion about climate - we look at the fascinating and sometimes contradictory findings.

Actions for this week:

Get to a rally in support of justice in Palestine, lots happening around the country this weekend, details at https://www.ipsc.ie/

Dublin – NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION – March and Rally – 1pm, Garden of Remembrance – Look

Belfast – March and Rally, 1pm, Writers’ Square

Cork – March and Rally, 1pm, Grand Parade

If you can, DONATE to Tadhg's fundraiser for Gaza: https://www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-appeal-for-gaza

Check out this online event: Unite For Climate Solutions - A women led summit on nov 21st

A not so glittering review for the climate crisis with Andrea Horan

Fri, 03 Nov 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Or instead of buying the podcast a coffee this week, consider donating to support Palestinians under siege in Gaza: Oxfam , Medicins Sans Frontières and other charities are working hard to help.

Although 70% of Irish people are worried about climate change, many struggle to talk about it which is why here at The Climate Alarm Clock, we're inviting some guests along to the pod! People who aren’t necessarily known for talking about climate change in an effort to expand the conversation, and first up is the fantastic Andrea Horan!

Andrea is co-founder of Tropical Popical, the culture campaigner behind the No More Hotels movement and involved in the Repeal the Eighth campaign, as well as host on the @UnitedIrelandPodcast and Don’t Stop Repealin’ podcasts.

We chatted with Andrea about the recent floods in Ireland with Newry, Wexford, Louth under water this week.

We also cover why Teagasc recently got themselves into some hot water over their support for the Dublin Declaration!

Actions for this week:

Feed your bellies and your minds at Cornucopia's Dinner For Climate Friday November 3rd.

Hear Dr John Barry discuss how focusing on the potential of art, imagination and creativity can help us understand and respond in positive ways to the climate crisis, Belfast 12th of November.

Back in Dublin our pal Colm O’Regan, author of Climate Worrier: A Hypocrite’s Guide to Saving the Planet will join Oisín McGann, author of A Short, Hopeful Guide to Climate Change (Little Island), and Sinéad Moriarty, author of Finding Hope (Gill Books) to discuss the many topical themes to today’s climate debate contained within their writing. November 12th.

Drowning in Fossil Fuels and Rain

Fri, 20 Oct 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Or instead of buying the podcast a coffee this week, consider donating to support Palestinians under siege in Gaza: Oxfam , Medicins Sans Frontières and other charities are working hard to help.

Cork and Waterford are still under water as we record this episode. Darragh, Anna and Ciara look at the unprecedented flooding from Storm Babet, which brought a month of rain in 24 hours to the South. As the climate gets hotter, we discuss how flooding like this could become more common.

New studies show how the costs of climate events and climate change are growing every year, with some areas becoming uninsurable.

And Greta Thunberg is charged with a public order offence in London after joining a Fossil Free London protest at an "Energy Intelligence" forum (for representatives of fossil fuel industry). Greta continues to be an inspiration, taking personal risks to protest at home in Sweden and now in the UK. Oil company profits are obscene as ever.

In what has been a horrifying week for Israel and Palestine, we note the connections between water scarcity, climate justice and colonialism.

We finish up by looking at some good news and coming up with a plan to parachute beavers into Ireland.

Actions for this week:

Act Local is a new Friends of the Earth campaign that gives you and your community the tools to make change in an already existing group, or the direction to form a new one. Check it out here.

Check out Talamh Beo an organisation working to put farming systems back into the hands of farmers and communities.

Gobsmackingly bananas: scientists respond to September highs

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Another month, another record-breaking temperature. Darragh, Anna and Ciara review reactions to the hottest September ever recorded and get out the beachwear ahead of a warm weekend in Ireland.

As it gets hotter, governments are going backwards, especially our nearest neighbours who have once again degenerated into farce, unfortunately for all of us as they renege on climate action commitments.

Meanwhile, an Irish fiscal watchdog warns about the cost of climate action, while ignoring the benefits and the science (well they are economists).

And the Pope comes out swinging in favour of climate action.

Things to do this week:

Come to the Irish Film Institute on Tuesday at 6:30 for a showing of the movie, How to Blow Up a Pipeline , followed by what will be a lively debate chaired by Anna.

On the 14th Oct, in Kilkenny County Council, a workshop for teachers called 'Creativity in a Changing Climate' is being hosted by Lisa Fingleton, details at https://www.creativity.oide.ie/

In Galway, head to Headford's community arts festival this weekend, Something in the Water... lots of great events and reimagining the town centre.

"The rain, a sign of goodness, a promise of help, an alarm bell."

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Our episode title is a quote from a poem by Libyan poet Mustafa al-Trabelsi, who perished in the Derna floods, RIP.

We’re back for another season.

Ciara, Darragh and Anna look at the biggest climate stories in the news and how they’re being covered. The gang are fresh from a Psychology and Climate Change conference, which gave us a much needed boost and some *temporary serenity.

*CW: There might be some bad language at times

Storm Daniel has left a trail of destruction in the Mediterranean and we’re still in shock at the scenes from the floods in Libya in particular. The city of Derna has been destroyed by catastrophic flooding with massive loss of life. The week before the same storm destroyed about 25% of Greece’s agricultural production. Storms like Daniel are intensifying as the climate heats up.

And the climate is heating up, this year is now expected to average 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. We also discuss the news that 6 of 9 planetary boundaries have been exceeded, pushing us beyond the safe space for humans.

Here at home, activists are very happy that the proposed Shannon LNG plant has been refused permission by An Bord Pleanala.

We welcome new climate cases arriving at the European court of Human Rights.

Oh and we bid Bernie bye bye.

Suggested actions:

Check out Earth Rising at IMMA, Kilmainham, a fantastic programme of events from the 21-24th September.

Or attend the launch of All We Want is the Earth. Land, Labour and Movements beyond Environmentalism at 7pm on Tuesday, 26th September in Connolly Books, Temple Bar.

Listen to Darragh spilling all on the Book of Leaves podcast

Read Sally Hayden’s My Fourth Time we Drowned for more insight into Libya and the Mediterranean.

Sowing seeds of change: Organic farming and climate advocacy with Kenneth Keavey of Green Earth Organics

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Ciara and Darragh venture outdoors and record this special episode, on-location in the farmyard at Green Earth Organics in Corrandulla, Co. Galway.

An in depth discussion with farmer Kenneth Keavey about his experience of the challenges and joys in running an organic vegetable farm in rural Ireland. Kenneth Ciara and Darragh talk about his unique business model, its benefits to the environment and the general state of agriculture in Ireland

Visit Green Earth Organics Website

Visit Green Earth Organics Instagram

Hot, hot, hot: Making sense of July

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 04:30:00 +0000

We were on a break, but...

Records were falling in July, it seemed like half the planet was on fire, Antonio Guterres says the era of 'global boiling' has arrived. There were so many news stories our heads were spinning: climate anxiety was everywhere, although Ciara somehow managed to avoid it.

Darragh, Anna and Ciara got together with our regular contributor Tom Spencer to process everything for ourselves. We looked at the range of stories and the inadequate media response, not to mention the lack of leadership from our politicians (more roads, anyone?). We felt better after talking about it, hopefully it might help our listeners too.

Actions we are taking:

Getting ourselves to the Climate Camp 2023 in Lovely Leitrim, August 9-13. Lots of great events planned and a chance to get active.

Save the date: September 15, Pearse Library Dublin, A New Climate for Psychology Conference, lots of great speakers lined up.

Calling TDs, Councillors, etc.: telling them to Stop Fossil Fuels!

Is now a good time to freak out? The Psychology of climate anxiety and parenting with Eoin Galavan

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 04:30:00 +0000

It feels like we are moving into the next phase of climate change, with the effects becoming more obvious. It's getting harder to ignore!

In this second in our series on the psychology of climate change, Anna & Darragh are joined once again by psychologist Eoin Galavan and community activist Caitriona Kenny.

Eoin helps us solve the psychology puzzles, and Caitriona brings her lived experience. We discuss questions like how do we talk to other people? For parents, how do we talk to children honestly while still protecting them? How can we process and manage climate anxiety for ourselves and others?

We need cohesive social dialogue to help us through, how do we take steps to create the social change we need?

Discussed in this episode, we recommend:

Check out the useful tools at the Good grief network

Watch this powerful video, featuring Professor Kevin Anderson

Read Elizabeth Bechard -- Parenting in a changing climate

And read Eoin' s blog !

Listen to our first psychology episode here

Adaptation: Facing reality or giving up?

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Anna and Ciara welcome Darragh back for our last news roundup before Summer break! And he has a lot on his mind, like the French -- they're preparing for 4 degrees of warming, are they giving up or being realistic? Why does Darragh think this is good news?

And the EU nature restoration debate rolls on and on, why is intensive agriculture the tail wagging the dog?

We leave you with shed loads of suggested actions to keep you busy over the summer:

Check out past episodes of Climate Alarm Clock! And watch out for some special episodes coming up.

Go to Hometree summer school in July to explore and learn about the benefits of native woodlands and biodiversity restoration. Or volunteer at a tree planting day -- 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month

Check out the Public Consultation from the Boyne Rivers Trust to share your vision for the future of the River Boyne: Trim June 7th, Kells June 8th and Virginia June 12th

Have your say to #RestoreNature

Take our survey to give us your idea!!

Have a great summer!!

Temperature gets higher as species count gets lower - EU Nature Restoration Law with John Gibbons

Fri, 26 May 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Buymeacoffee.com/theclimatealarm

This week, Anna and Clara are joined by leading Irish environmental journalist John Gibbons for our news roundup.

John tells us about his own journey to climate reporting and how he manages his climate anxiety. He tells us the story about how getting sucked into a shouting match on national radio taught him to stay calm and factual in media interactions.

We look at the WMO report that the planet is likely to overshoot 1.5C in the next five years. John takes us through the debate about the EU nature restoration law and why it’s needed now more than ever as new research shows species decline is even worse than thought.

Actions for this week:

Take action to #RestoreNature

Help Greenpeace's campaign to #BanPrivateJets

Ireland outperforms again, but in the wrong direction

Fri, 19 May 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Anna, Ciara and Tom look at the climate news this week and even find some good news. There may be some rants.

Eurostat has reported that EU emissions are down year over year, but Ireland is bucking the trend, with emissions going up. Why does the Minister for Environment dismiss the numbers? Ciara continues to work towards her Masters in Economics as she answers that question.

We're seeing action being taken against Greenwashing in the EU and UK, but again Ireland is slow to act.

Actions we suggest for this week:

Watch some of the sessions from the European Parliament Beyond Growth conference, (in particular Kate Raworth, Jason Hickel) Beyond Growth 2023 Conference

Consider writing to your local TDs and government representatives about Ireland needing to do better on emissions. You can find inspiration in this letter to government from The Climate Change Advisory Council.

Go and buy some grub from a local Irish food producer: https://www.irishexaminer.com/food/arid-40902212.html

Get into nature and volunteer at a Hometree tree planting day, two opportunities every month!

What's up with whale poop?

Fri, 12 May 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Anna and Ciara are joined by Tom Spencer of Irish EVs to discuss this week's news.

Ireland's biggest corporate carbon polluters are revealed. And we dig deep into the whale poop story. Can whales really be thought of as carbon-based assets or are those economists at it again?

Actions for this week:

Enjoy NoMowMay... do nothing and smell the flowers.

Go whale watching, sit on a headland somewhere!

Make a donation or learn about Save the Whales

What's the weather doing? And why are Economists grumpy?

Fri, 05 May 2023 04:30:00 +0000

And... we're back! After an extended Spring break we're catching up on the climate news.

Darragh brings us weather reports from around the world, tells us his secret passwords and Anna defends President Higgins against the affronted economists of Ireland.

Ciara as always brings her charm and insight to the mix.

Actions for this week:

Ciara recommended this podcast featuring Kate Raworth explaining Doughnut Economics.

Engage in some positive social pressure (you'll have to listen to understand).

Why are we Stuck? Exploring The Psychology of Climate Change with Eoin Galavan

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 04:30:00 +0000

How do we get 'unstuck' when it comes to climate? How can we lean in to the uncomfortable reality...when denial is a form of protection? Is Climate Anxiety a mental health problem?

Psychologist Eoin Galavan joins Anna to help us understand the psychology of climate change and how we can all have hope, while Caitriona Kenny of Connecting Cabra brings a community perspective.

Action is the solution to anxiety!

We recommend Eoin's blog: https://headfixers.wordpress.com/2022/01/04/climate-change-urgency-and-an-imperfect-contribution-a-note-for-my-psychology-colleagues/

Eoin recommends:

The psychological society of Ireland Climate Group https://www.psychologicalsociety.ie/groups/Special-Interest-Group-for-Addressing-Climate-and-Environmental-Emergency

I find the work of Dr. Aaron Thierry brilliant and he is great to follow on twitter in case you are not already @ThierryAaron.

Regarding social capital, the work of Damon Aldrich is really interesting https://www.academia.edu/84717994/Social_Capital_and_Climate_Change_Adaptation

Some ideas on why we are stuck with the work of https://www.davidcanter.com/ and his paper ‘why do we leave it so late’

Clare Kelly PhD, essay https://www.thedock.ie/content/files/The-stories-we-tell-the-stories-were-told-Clare-Kelly.pdf

No women on a dead planet: Climate rights are human rights

Fri, 31 Mar 2023 04:30:00 +0000

In our news roundup, Darragh, Anna and Ciara look at what women are doing to stand up for climate action -- Extinction Rebellion here in Ireland protesting JP Morgan Chase and a group of 'senior' Swiss women are going to court to demand more from their governments, protesting that climate rights are human rights.

Check out the Extinction Rebellion Ireland protest video

Actions for this week:

Support The Swiss Senior Women via Greenpeace

On Monday 3rd April: Find out about how to get involved in campaigns in Ireland with this Friends of the Earth webinar. Register here.

Watch Food Matters on RTE.

Buy us a coffee

The IPCC; a great bunch of lads

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 04:30:00 +0000

The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Synthesis Report was released this week. Was it followed by wall to wall media coverage? No, it was not.

Darragh, Anna and Ciara go deep into the report to understand what it says and what it means for all of us.

CW: there might just be a rant or two.

Making unnecessary journeys; and the reckless Willow Project

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Beannachtaí lá le Phadraig! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/TheClimateAlarm

In this week's news roundup, Anna and Ciara are joined by special guest Tom Spencer of IrishEvs.com . We look at how the Willow project was approved by President Biden and the parallels with political inaction on climate here in Ireland. We ask whether Ireland can meet its emission targets in transport?

Actions we recommend this week:

Check out this great resource by Róisín Fitzgerald, that Ciara mentions. Ideal if you want to know more or get involved in climate issues.

Sign this petition to try and stop the Willow Project.

It's the equinox, get out into the Spring air and enjoy the longer days!

Looking for hope on the high seas

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 04:30:00 +0000

In this week's news roundup, Darragh, Ciara and Anna celebrate the new breakthrough global treaty to protect the oceans.

We also look at what's happening with Irish plantlife (going down) and global emissions (going up).

Actions we recommend this week:

Watch (and share) this video about "Shifting Baselines" to understand what we're losing if we don't protect nature

If you're ready to take direct action, consider getting involved with Extinction Rebellion Ireland.

Mark your diary for DCU Centre for Climate & Society's Climate Justice week, March 20-24.

Never confuse a plan with reality

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Darragh and Ciara are back with Anna for our usual news roundup.

We look at how the Irish Government is doing against its targets (hint: not an A grade).

SUV sales continue to rise.

Extinction Rebellion took direct action in Dublin this week.

Actions we recommend this week:

There's still time to get to the Fridays for Future rally at 12pm at the Garden of Remembrance in Parnell Square, Dublin.

Talk to a friend (or 2 or 3) about Extinction Rebellion's action.

Dispatch: Bog Slides and Big Data

Fri, 24 Feb 2023 04:30:00 +0000

Data Centres are in the news this week again. In this Special Episode, Anna Pringle looks at the links between wind energy, bog slides and data centres.