The Mary Robinson Climate and Nature Conference took place on 26/27 May 2025 in Ballina, Co. Mayo, with Nellie McLaughlin and Sheila Curran in attendance.
L-R: Nellie McLaughlin, Sheila Curran
This conference was a unique trans-disciplinary meeting open to all voices, focusing on the interconnected challenges of the climate and biodiversity crises. These crises pose existential threats to society, particularly amid increasing insecurity and global conflict, which further exacerbate environmental issues and divert essential resources and political focus.
The theme of the conference was “Courage in Crisis“, encouraging participants to think and act differently, to unlearn and relearn past behaviours, and to advocate for policy and governance changes. Drawing inspiration from both national and global efforts, attendees recognised the urgent need for enhanced actions to combat these intertwined crises, emphasising that bravery is necessary to address the severe realities of our inactions and to embrace the radical changes required.
The programme was packed with activities:
Keynote Speakers: Featured renowned climate advocates and experts, including Mary Robinson, a former President of Ireland and a Member of The Elders, as well as Anja Murray, a Policy Analyst and Author, and Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, an Associate Professor at DCU. They shared invaluable insights and visions for a sustainable future.
Panel Discussions: Covered various topics such as climate justice, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
Interactive Workshops: Promoted collaboration and innovative approaches to addressing climate change.
Field Trip: Furnished attendees with an opportunity to visit the Bord na Móna, Oweninny Wind Farm, which is generating renewable energy to power approximately 80,000 homes and businesses.
Networking Opportunities: Provided a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations committed to positive environmental impact.
In the face of the climate crisis, rising authoritarianism, inequality, and misinformation, Mary Robinson introduced the Dandelion Project: “a decentralised, diverse, and deeply rooted women-led, globally connected movement.” Its name symbolises resilience, as “like the dandelion, we are everywhere and often underestimated—until we move together.”
Attendees received a dandelion pin, encouraged to participate in the movement and to remember that “Hope grows like a Weed.” Leaving the conference, we felt renewed, energised, and united in the campaign for a climate-safe world.
For further exploration, here are some recommended websites and books shared during the conference: –
- The Dandelion Project (initiated by Mary Robinson)
https://www.projectdandelion.com. - The Donella Meadows Project:
https://donellameadows.org - Haumea Eco diversity:
https://haumeaecoversity.com - Te Kohuroa rewilding initiative:
https://www.tekohuroarewilding.org/
Book recommendations on Indigenous knowledge:
“Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer,
“Sandtalk” by Tyson Yunkaporta,
“Sacred Ecology” by Fikret Berkes
“Two Eyed Seeing”by Ml’kmaq Elder Albert Marshall.
-Messages to: Sheila Curran and Nellie McLaughlin, Northern Branch
