Gather, chat and chip-in for climate action! Friends of the Earth invite you to grab a cuppa to celebrate Earth Day and dive into climate action.

This Earth Day, Friends of the Earth is encouraging people across Ireland to host a Cuppa for Climate - a coffee morning with a difference.

The environmental charity, which celebrates its 51st birthday on Earth Day, is inviting communities to gather in celebration of our cherished planet and take action locally to protect our natural world.

The Cuppa for Climate initiative is a way for people to connect with others who share our concern for the environment and our children’s future. Through meaningful conversations in an informal setting communities are inspired to share how they feel about the issue and to find ways into positive action that can make a real difference. 

You don’t need to be an expert on climate change to get involved. Cuppa for Climate is for anyone who cares and wants to take part in climate action. Friends of the Earth provides support and a handy tool-kit with tips on hosting your event, a conversation guide and suggested actions that you can take going forward.

Ruth Jedidja Stael, Supporter Care and Fundraising Officer at Friends of the Earth, stated:

“The climate crisis is the defining challenge of our time, and urgent action is needed. This reality can be overwhelming and it’s easy to despair, but there are so many ways to get involved and play a part in transitioning to a more sustainable way of living that benefits all people and nature.

“When we realise we’re not alone in our fear and worry, and when we join in positive action, we can be lifted out of our despair. Eco-anxiety is a rising issue among people these days so it’s important to come together and be proactive. It all starts with a cuppa and a chat, and Friends of the Earth is here to help you along the way.

“Cuppa for Climate isn’t limited to Earth Day, of course every day should be earth day so if April 22nd doesn’t suit you - pick a day that does! To find out more on how to host your own Cuppa or find an event near you, check out the Friends of the Earth website for more."

Friends of the Earth first launched its Cuppa for Climate initiative on Earth Day back in 2023, and now two years on, the organisation continues to support people across Ireland to find other like-minded people and ignite action in their local communities. Many people take the traditional coffee morning approach to raise awareness and fundraise to support Friends of the Earth’s campaign work, whereas others have taken it upon themselves to form local climate action groups.

Alongside numerous Cuppa’s taking place in communities and workplaces across the country, Friends of the Earth are hosting their own Earth Day Cuppa for Climate at 6:30pm on April 22nd at Patagonia’s store on Exchequer Street, Dublin. 

Seán McLoughlin, Data Centre Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, stated:

“Our Earth Day event this year will have a big focus on our Data Centres Campaign. Our team will be sharing more about our work and how people can get involved. We’ll also be joined by Pierre Terras from Beyond Fossil Fuels, a coalition of civil society organisations striving for a just transition to a fossil-free, renewables-based energy system by 2035. Pierre will speak about the global implications of Data Centres and their reliance on fossil fuels.

“This is a great chance to find out more and get involved in a really pressing issue for Ireland right now. Data centres take up 21% of our energy supply, whereas the European average is 3%. They are escalating Ireland’s unhealthy and unsustainable reliance on polluting, expensive fossil fuels, particularly gas. This is the opposite of what we should be doing in a climate crisis.

“We need a moratorium on data centres until we have an appropriate policy in place. And we need more support from people and communities to keep the pressure on our decision-makers and resist new data centres in our local areas. We must put the safety and wellbeing of people and the planet first over big-tech and fossil fuel interests. Join our event or check out our website to find out more.”

 

Notes:

1. Link for people to host Cuppa for Climate on Earth Day: https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/cuppa-for-climate/signup 

2. Friends of the Earth’s Earth Day event: https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/events/join-us-for-an-earth-day-get-together/ 

3. Friends of the Earth’s Data Centres Campaign: https://www.friendsoftheearth.ie/data-centres/