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News 2025
Leading figures discuss climate at Sustainable Futures Forum
Leaders from conservation, business, research, and the media convened to discuss climate- and nature-related challenges and opportunities at the 2025 Sustainable Futures Forum.
Following a successful inaugural event last year, the Sustainable Futures Forum returned to the Glucksman Gallery at University College Cork (UCC) for a high-level thought leadership summit where critical climate and sustainability issues of national and international importance will be discussed.
Also streamed online, the event took place on Tuesday, 25 February.
Issues to be discussed include the future of Green politics, solutions for the climate and nature crises, youth and climate action, human behaviour and climate policy, and more.
Speakers on the day included:
- HE Ms Betty Escorcia Baquero - Colombian Ambassador to Ireland
- Laura Burke – Director General, Environmental Protection Agency
- Oonagh Buckley – Secretary General - Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, Government of Ireland
- Seán Ronayne – Ornithologist, Wildlife Sound Recordist, Author & Environmental Activist
- Éanna Ní Lamhna – Writer and Broadcaster
- Tom Fitzpatrick – Irish Examiner Editor
- Niall Hatch – Head of Communications and Development, BirdWatch Ireland
- Mohammad Naeem – Former United Nations Youth Delegate; Activist; University College Cork Quercus Scholar
- Niall McCaffrey – Director, Ipsos B&A
- Dr. Kevin Marshall – Head of Future Skilling, Microsoft Ireland
- Dr. Vivienne Patterson – Head of Skills, Engagement and Statistics, Higher Education Authority
- Tania Banotti – Director, Creative Ireland Programme
- Jo Linehan – Editor of the CLIMATE Supplement with The Sunday Times Ireland; Host of the Futurist Podcast
- Cian Walsh – University College Cork Students' Union Environmental Representative; Government and Politics Student
- Oisín Coghlan – Chief Executive, Friends of the Earth
Oonagh Buckley, Secretary General at the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications said:
“The Sustainable Futures Forum, and similar events, are crucial for bringing together diverse voices committed to sustainability and climate action. Climate action extends beyond technical targets to encompass vital areas such as behavioural change and the protection of Ireland's natural landscapes, ultimately shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for all".
“Climate action is something we all do together”.
Professor Marguerite Nyhan, Chair of the Sustainable Futures Forum, Professor at University College Cork and Research Affiliate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology said:
“We are in the midst of an accelerating climate and nature crisis. Recent political events have changed the environmental and climate action landscape since we last held the Sustainable Futures Forum, proving that how we address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time is constantly evolving.
“We’re delighted to welcome highly accomplished leaders to University College Cork to provide strategic direction on how to move Ireland towards a net-zero, nature-positive, and just future for all,” she said.