News
A Brush with Climate
Dr Maria Kirrane received €63,000 in funding to lead a project "A Brush With Climate" working with the Research Ireland MaREI Centre at ERI/UCC under the Research Ireland Discover Programme. This programme aims to inspire broader public engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The project, 'A Brush with Climate', will utilise UCC’s expertise in climate change and communications and The Environmental Forum’s experience of local community climate action. Workshops with hairdressers will co-develop role-play methodologies to assist in conversations on local climate mitigation and adaptation actions, including the top six most impactful personal climate actions.
"The grant will allow for engagement and activation of an influential profession that exists within every town but has heretofore been untapped in Ireland. Hairdressers and barbers not only provide a service for people; they are a real hub for conversation and social spaces within a community. Their reach is broad and gives the possibility of reaching a cohort of people that may not be involved in local environmental groups and the usual pathways of climate conversation and action. The relationship between client and hairdresser is a deeply personal and trusting one," said Dr Kirrane
Over the next few months, a series of workshops will explore the best approaches to introducing climate awareness into informal, everyday conversations, particularly in settings like hair salons. The goal is to strike a balance: to avoid alienating clients who simply want a relaxed chat during their appointment, while also providing meaningful resources for those interested in climate issues.
The workshops will equip participants with tools and techniques to:
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Gently introduce climate topics into casual conversations.
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Address common myths and misunderstandings about climate change.
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Shift negative attitudes into constructive, positive action.
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Share information about local initiatives and national support schemes.
Training packs will include practical communication tips, along with up-to-date materials on climate projects that clients can get involved in.
This approach draws inspiration from an Australian initiative that led to the formation of the Sustainable Salons network. Their website is a hub of ideas, offering guidance on how to organically steer discussions from celebrities to sustainability when the moment feels right — without losing the fun and friendly spirit of the salon experience