Ours to Protect is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference.
Today on ‘Ours To Protect’ John Morley talks to Jacqueline Durnin, Community Investment Manager for Galway Wind Park about financially empowering communities to support climate action.
Did you know…
- Galway Wind Park is Ireland’s largest and best preforming onshore wind farm?
- The owners of Galway Wind Park have launched their Major Projects Fund, which will support community projects within 10km of the site?
- Financially empowering communities can accelerate climate action? Studies show that community-led climate projects are often more effective and sustainable than top-down approaches.
Why is it important to financially empower communities to support climate action?
- When communities have access to funding, they become active participants in climate solutions, not just passive recipients. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility, leading to more sustainable and long-term outcomes.
- Financial empowerment allows communities to design and implement solutions specific to their context, cultural considerations, and existing resources.
- Successful community-led projects can attract additional funding and investment from other sources, such as private businesses, foundations, and government agencies.
What can I do to help support the financial empowerment of communities to help tackle climate change?
- Get involved in local initiatives working on climate solutions. This could involve volunteering your time, skills, or knowledge.
- Consider investing in impact funds or initiatives that specifically channel resources towards community-led climate solutions.
- When possible, choose to buy from businesses in your community, especially those with environmentally friendly practices.
Here’s a few websites if you want to know more!
Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications
https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-the-environment-climate-and-communications/
SSE Renewables – Galway Wind Park
https://www.sserenewables.com/onshore-wind/ireland/galway-wind-park/
Pobal – Community Climate Action Programme
For more info go over to galwaybayfm.ie, click on Our to Protect image on home page. You could try out the ‘Ecological Footprint’ calculator and you can take a quick survey.
‘Ours To Protect’ brought to you by Galway Bay fm, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the television licence fee – check out ‘ours to protect.ie for more info.
