Empowering Communities to Adapt and Thrive

This is a recording of a panel discussion, ‘Empowering our communities to adapt, thrive and flourish’, held during a learning exchange event as part of Transition Kerry’s Community Climate Adaptation & Resilience Programme. It was hosted by Catríona Fallon, co-founder of the Green Arts Initiative in Ireland and press contact for Transition Kerry, whom you might remember from episode 218. Catríona was joined by three guests, each bringing a different perspective on how local communities can prepare for a changing climate. Brigid O’Connor is an organic sheep farmer and Farming for Nature Ambassador who has been involved in community development for many years. She now runs farm walks that tell the story of the local area’s farming and folklore traditions. Thomas O’Connor, who also joined me in episode 218, spoke about food, farming and ‘Feeding the Kingdom’. Thomas runs Manna Organic Store with his wife Claire and sits on the board of Talamh Beo. Finally, Dr Nuala Rigney, a recently retired GP with more than 30 years of experience in rural communities at home and abroad, spoke about the health effects and challenges of climate change. While in Kerry, I also recorded individual conversations with Brigid and Thomas, which will be published in the upcoming episodes, so stay tuned.