Reflecting on From Despair into Action: A Powerful Evening of Climate Justice

A blog by Ruth Jedidja Stael

On November 29th, we gathered in the Teacher’s Club, Dublin, for an evening of conversation, discussion and music. The event, as part of our Learning Hub, brought together an inspiring panel as we reflected on the pressing climate justice issues at the heart of our movement, drawing inspiration from Rebecca Solnit and Thelma Young Lutunatabua’s book Not Too Late.

The evening began with reception with mince pies and coffees. By 7:00 PM, the room was filled as we started off with a performance by singer-songwriter Sive (Sadhbh O’Sullivan), which was then followed by our panel. 

Prof. Mazin B. Qumsiyeh

Mazin is head of the Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability at Bethlehem University (for more information on the institute, click here.) He offered powerful reflections on the intersection of environmental sustainability and justice in Palestine. What is happening in Palestine is a stark reminder that our struggles are connected, going beyond artificial borders. The challenges faced there—whether environmental devastation or the daily struggles for survival—reflect a larger, shared crisis of humanity. Speaking about his experience of losing his friends in this struggle, he focused on the need for something more than mere solidarity (feeling sorry for someone on the other side of the world)— it is about recognising that their struggle is our struggle. This is a joint struggle, because climate change does not respect borders and countries, and regional wars can lead to global wars. It is not a matter of winners and losers. We really need to wake up, and work together.  

At the heart of survival is the need to reconnect—with each other, with nature, and with the values of respect and care. Palestine, for example, is a heritage shared by all humanity, a land crossed by humanity on our journey out of Africa, which is now being destroyed at an alarming rate, people and nature alike.

We, Indigenous people of the world, do not have the luxury of despair, we have to keep going as there is no other choice for us.

~Mazin

Lelo Mary Thebe

Lelo is a Zimbabwe-born Healing Justice facilitator and writer and spoke of the importance of centering healing and resilience in our fight for climate justice (You can follow her here). She began by stating that it’s natural to feel grief when you begin to understand the full impact of climate change. Acknowledging this grief is a crucial step toward healing. Often, climate change feels distant or abstract, something that will happen far into the future. People often imagine a future of technological marvels like flying cars but rarely mention the possibility of a world without clean water, food, or habitable spaces. To change this, we must reimagine our relationship with the earth. Many people are disconnected from the land, relying on what they can buy and not knowing where it comes from. Healing justice offers a way to bridge that gap by nurturing connection—both with the earth and with others. By engaging with those already affected by the climate crisis, listening to their experiences, and asking questions, we can learn, grow, and heal together. 

It is not easy getting up every day and knowing the struggles, like in my community in Zimbabwe. Not knowing how to create a tangible change. What is important is to have a community that you can fall back on. Because if I am burning out, then I am not helping any one and just exhausting myself.

~Lelo

Eoghan Daltun 

Eoghan Daltun is an Irish rainforest rewilder and author and shared the importance of Ireland’s native ecosystems and the transformative potential of rewilding. Eoghan Daltun runs a high nature value farm and rewilding project on the Beara peninsula of Co. Cork. (You can read about his books here and here.) 

He discussed that the one thing that makes farming possible is a stable climate, which is increasingly under threat due to environmental degradation and climate change. Unlike the narrative brought forward by the media, environmentalists are not rivals of farmers. We actually want the same thing. In his experience, most environmentalists recognise the challenges farmers face and understand that the damage to the environment is not intentional but rather a result of systemic pressures. There is a shared responsibility across society to address these challenges together, recognising that farmers and environmentalists ultimately share common goals: sustainable livelihoods and a healthy environment. Healing that divide and recognising that this is a joint cause and struggle is the first part of creating change. 

Human activity has damaged the natural world with Ireland ranking among the worst in terms of biodiversity and nature conservation. Not only is there an urgent need to rethink farming practices and policies to balance agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability, Eoghan emphasised the need to work together, again finding joy in connecting with others. As at the end of the day, we all want a land that prospers. What gives him strength and motivation is when he is in nature and he sees that nature can reverse the damage that has been done. It just needs time to do so. 

The one thing that makes farming possible is a stable climate. We need to remember that environmentalists are not the enemies of farmers.

~ Eoghan 

Turning Despair into Action

What made this evening truly special was the chance to hear from speakers with three very different backgrounds and experiences, yet common threads came back again and again. The first is the need to reconnect with the natural world – to build a deeper connection with the land, with nature itself. In doing so, we open the door to healing, and understanding. The second is the vital role of community and collaboration. The third is about realising that all our struggles are interconnected. The fight for environmental justice, social equity, and thriving communities is one and the same. From this place of connection and solidarity, we can take meaningful action. Change begins with relationships – with the land, with each other, and with a shared vision of what’s possible.

Mazin summarised it well when he said,

My struggle is the same as Lelo’s struggle, is the same as Eoghan’s struggle - it is a struggle of survival as a species that we face. Our earth is in deep trouble, we can all feel it and see it and it is all connected. We need to reframe and re-educate ourselves that this is a joint struggle.

From Despair into Action for Climate Justice. I was really struck by the need to acknowledge the sorrow that climate breakdown is bringing across the world (Mazin talked of the toll on Palestine, Lelo the loss of seasons in Zimbabwe, Eoghan the loss of our Irish ecosystems). But most importantly to use that grief and anger to take action, and not just in solidarity with the most vulnerable and affected, but as part of a global struggle; emissions and biodiversity loss ultimately impact us all.

~Mark George, attendee

One of the most brilliant, rich panel discussions I've had the privilege of witnessing.

~Sive, singer-songwriter who sang at the event. 

Note: This event was partially funded by Irish Aid at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas development programme which supports partners working in some of the world’s poorest countries. Irish Aid also supports global citizenship education in Ireland to encourage learning and public engagement with global issues.