The spotlight will be on Ballina this weekend, on November 12-13th when Mayo marks the end of the United Nations Climate Change Conference #COP26 in Glasgow with two days of talks, workshops, talks, demonstrations and walks around Ballina, developed by the community and designed to bring global climate action to a local level. The Gathering brings together events for youths, community groups, individuals and businesses.
The Hub for the weekend will be on Pearse St, in the premises formerly occupied by Leo Doherty’s Menswear, and members of the public are invited to pop in and see for themselves.
Highlights
Activities will feature Ballina’s Circular Economy, a Youth Forum, Decarbonising Communities networking event, a new Pocket Forest initiative, and practical ways everyone can take action for change. Some of the highlights are listed below:
Youth Climate forum – Friday, 10am, online
On Friday morning students from secondary schools around Mayo will begin a four-part Climate Forum with Mayo County Council, Green-Schools and SEAI focusing on changes they would like to see in their local area.
Climate Action Signage Initiative – Friday 12th November, 1pm, Jackie Clarke Collection
At lunchtime on November 12th, Ireland’s first Climate Action Signage Initiative will be launched by the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Smyth at the Jackie Clarke Garden. This Initiative developed by CARO and Mayo County Council will see the erection of Climate Action Signage in locations where efforts are being made to reduce carbon emissions and to adapt to the impacts of Climate Change.
Mayo commits to Climate Action Walk – Friday, 12th November, 1.30pm
Starting from the Jackie Clarke Collection.
Mayo Communities Climate Action Gathering – Saturday, 10am-12.30pm, Ballina Arts Centre
On Saturday November 13th, in Ballina Arts Centre community groups and individuals from around Mayo are invited to attend the Mayo Communities Climate Action Gathering, providing an opportunity to learn from some of Mayo’s leading decarbonising communities on how they are reducing their carbon footprint and increasing their climate resilience.
A panel discussion will also be held with SEAI, Leader, CARO and Wild Atlantic Nature to discuss funding opportunities and supports that are available for communities interested in Climate Action.
Ballina – Ireland’s Greenest Town – opportunities talk by Duncan Stewart, Saturday 13th November, 6pm, Ballina Arts Centre.
Ballina welcomes back renowned environmentalist Duncan Stewart to look at the potential of Ballina’s greening initiatives.
Workshops
From the launch of Mayo’s Climate Gathering with Mary Robinson from COP26 to the closing event with special guest Duncan Stewart on Saturday evening, the Gathering promises to be an inspiring and action-focused two-day event – see below programme for details.
Mayo’s Call to Climate Action – Full programme
‘Mayo’s Call to Action on Climate – Local Action, Global Impact’ is an initiative of Ballina Green Town in partnership with The Mary Robinson Centre , Ballina Chamber, Mayo County Council and the West of Ireland Climate Action Regional Office.