OVER 70 people, representing environmental organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals from all over Kerry, participated in the inaugural meeting of the Kerry Climate Action Network at the Institute of Technology, Tralee last Tuesday evening.

Arising from two public events in November 2018: The National Dialogue for Climate Action and the Local Community Climate presentations and discussion in Siamsa Tíre; a number of concerned organisations and individuals felt there was a need to form this network to strengthen their collective capacity to take action on climate change in Kerry.

The meeting was an important networking opportunity and highly participative, with groups committing to create a shared vision; to collaborate and share resources and to explore opportunities for education, awareness-raising and networking.

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Key challenges highlighted on the night include:

• Raising awareness and understanding of the issues and timeline amongst the public, community groups and other key influencers.

• Outlining the specific activities and projects that can be achieved by communities that will make a difference in tackling carbon emissions.

• Influencing government (both local and national) and state agencies so that policies and policy-makers can facilitate communities to assume a leadership role on Climate Change.

Anne-Marie Fuller, Kerry Sustainable Energy Coop and Kerry Cool Planet Champion said; “I am really proud to be part of this exciting initiative. I think a lot of people in Kerry care about climate change and want to do something to help even if they aren’t part of a particular group or committee. This network aims to act as a one-stop-shop for anyone who wants to get involved in Kerry-focused climate change actions whenever they have the time”.

Donal Hunt, Estates Manager IT Tralee said: “We were delighted to host the inaugural Kerry CAN meeting – this subject is too important and needs our support. I think the IT Tralee needs to be at the forefront of inspiring the next generation to be more mindful of our environment. There was a tremendous sense of energy and positivity at the event and we were proud to be associated with it.”

Thomas O’Connor from Transition Kerry said: “Transition Kerry was delighted to attend the launch of Kerry Climate Actin Network – joining like-minded groups and individuals to ensure Kerry can adapt to the challenges of climate change in the Kingdom with the power of community. We welcome anyone interested in Kerry CAN to join our growing community.”

The co-ordinating group included representatives of GLAN Tralee, Kerry Sustainable Energy Co-op (KSEC), Mahareees Conservation Association, Tralee Bee Highway, Transition Kerry, Siamsa Tíre, Local Water & Communities Officer (LAWCO), Moving On, Cool Planet Champions with support provided by IT Tralee and Kerry County Council

If you would like to get involved in the next steps or be informed of further events/ activities, please contact kerryclimateaction@gmail.com  or like them on Facebook: Kerryclimateactionnetwork