Taoiseach Launches All-Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network

Taoiseach Micheál Martin and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill will today launch the All-Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network (AICBRN) at a pivotal point, with the world having heard the true scale of the global crisis at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP-26) and the UN Biodiversity Conference last month (COP-15).

All-Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network

Following speeches by the Taoiseach and deputy First Minister, researchers from a wide range of disciplines will join in a panel discussion to emphasise the importance of tackling both the climate and biodiversity crises together to find the solutions we need to maintain a liveable planet.

The AICBRN is a researcher-led initiative, bringing together experts from multiple disciplines across the island of Ireland to undertake the research necessary to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

Effective solutions require sustained collaborative and multidisciplinary research which will deliver a just transition for a society which is needed if we are to achieve a sustainable future on the island of Ireland.

Speaking about the launch of AICBRN, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Climate change and the loss of biodiversity is one of the biggest threats facing humanity. It is a crisis and challenge shared by all on this island; it will require collaboration, research and innovation across all sectors of public, private and civil society. We are stronger working on this together. 

“The solution-based research of the All-Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network has never been more critical and I have every confidence in the important work it will undertake.” 

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The climate emergency is causing serious harm across the globe. The scale of the challenge is such that a truly international effort is required with ambitious targets.  We are not immune to the effects of climate change – across the island, we are facing a biodiversity crisis. This is a shared challenge and it calls for shared action. 

“For us in government, that means taking the action needed at policy level to implement the measures that will help to achieve our shared goals; and working in partnership with organisations and experts at an operational level to address these challenges and bring about positive change.

“I commend the leadership shown by all those involved in the all-island Network for their efforts to work in partnership to develop solutions that will help tackle this critical issue.” 

The launch of the Network is very timely given UN COP-26 is making headlines right now and the first part of the UN COP-15 Biodiversity Conference concluded recently with the Kunming Declaration that “putting biodiversity on a path to recovery is a defining challenge of this decade”.

Key aims

Members of the AICBRN are already working together on biodiversity rich renewable energy, low carbon biodiversity friendly agriculture, aspects of the blue economy, sustainable materials required for future infrastructure, nature-focused solutions for resilient cities and nature-based solutions for climate action, amongst other projects.

The network will significantly ramp up collaborative research activity, building on these successful projects, to develop fair and effective solutions to biodiversity and climate challenges across the economy and society.

Switching to a green economy based on biological resources rather than fossil fuels and a circular economy that uses resources efficiently, regenerates value from wastes, and invests in nature will provide significant employment and business opportunities as the world moves rapidly towards carbon neutrality.

The All Island Climate and Biodiversity Network aims to be fully inclusive of all talent across the island of Ireland. No single institution, discipline or project can solve these highly complex challenges alone. It is only by working together across institutions, disciplines and jurisdictions that we can collectively deliver the solutions required. 

Prof Yvonne Buckley, Vice President for Biodiversity and Climate Action at Trinity College Dublin, said: 

“The climate and biodiversity crises transcend national, disciplinary and sectoral boundaries. We all live on the same planet and urgently need to fulfil our international commitments to reducing greenhouse gases while protecting and restoring the ecosystems that sustain our lives, livelihoods and wellbeing.”

Eventbrite details can be found here.