Biodiversity Week: Cuppa for Climate in Cork City

We are thrilled to have hosted a Cuppa for Climate for Biodiversity Week.

National Biodiversity Week is all about connecting you with nature and our planet. As part of many free events offered all over the country, we were in Cork City at the Hideout Cafe for our version of a Climate Cafe: a way to sit down, share concerns and worries about our planet and channel that into climate action over a cup of coffee and some lovely cake. 

At the event, we shared frustrations about climate issues and the lack of action from individuals and leaders alike. This often leads to a sense of isolation when discussing climate change within our social circles.

Yet, by coming together in this way, there were several realisations: more positive climate goals are being achieved even if we don’t hear about them (follow Jessica Kleczka on social media and see weekly posts on positive climate news). We also noted a global shift towards greater awareness and engagement with climate issues, even if progress isn't as fast as we'd like.

It's the first Cuppa for Climate I've attended and, while I had no expectations, I felt it was a fantastic way of sharing our thoughts and ideas around an issue we felt strongly about. It's a shame we don't do it too often, but that can surely be changed (as this event can be set up regularly within the community). The casual setting made it easier to articulate how we feel or what we think about certain topics around climate and biodiversity, and it felt like a very safe place to exchange ideas and opinions, without any sort of judgment. After attending the Cuppa for Climate in Cork, I feel more hopeful about the future and ready to do my best in this path to a just transition. It is incredible to know how many initiatives are already out there doing their bit, yet we only get to hear about it through meetings like these. - Karla (participant)

We were reminded of the important role community plays. Many issues, like the energy crisis and the disproportionate impact of climate issues on vulnerable groups, are interconnected. Claudia, a staff member and participant, noted, “It was great to see some sparks flying, people realising how much is happening they were not aware of, and getting new ideas for potential future projects. Events like the Cuppa for Climate are great to make us all aware that we are not on our own, that there are like minded people out there who share our fears and our hopes. They are a wonderful way of building community wherever they happen!”

 

Cuppa for Climate is a fantastic way to gather people to discuss the climate crisis. Whether it’s a small gathering with friends or a larger event, every Cuppa for Climate makes a difference. We encourage you to host your own today!

Sign up for Cuppa for Climate

• To help with your climate conversations, check out our recent Mythbuster document to discuss the climate crisis with others even more effectively.

At the Cuppa for Climate, we explored issues of concern, politics and policies, initiatives, ideas and future events around climate and biodiversity, and it was a highly enriching experience where the need for connecting with nature was clearly palpable. I think humanity's disconnect with nature and our planet is something worth restoring. Thanks for being there for us during this event! - Karla (participant)