Cork lecturer features in new TV series on climate change

A UCC lecturer is putting the spotlight on climate change in a new RTÉ series, and she says we all have an important role to play in the global battle, even if it’s just remembering to switch off a light when leaving a room.

Michelle McKeown is one of three presenters of Heated, which over six weeks is sharing inspirational stories about practical, informative or inspirational aspects of climate action.

Michelle, a lecturer in environmental geography in the Department of Geography in UCC, said she ‘jumped at the opportunity’ to be part of the series.

“I like that the series places a strong emphasis around fostering optimism on the issue of climate change. The scale and complexity of climate change can seem overwhelming. 

There are Irish individuals, businesses and communities striving to pioneer a genuinely sustainable future. 

"The series gives them a platform to tell their stories,” said the Louth woman.

Michelle has been lecturing in UCC for over two years, and in a previous position saw the impact of climate change first hand.

After completing a PhD focusing on climate change, she moved to Fiji in 2014.

“I worked as a lecturer in the University of the South Pacific for three years and loved every minute of it. It was probably the best experience of my life; I taught students from small island nations that are at the front-line of climate change impacts. I’ve often spoken about countries feeling the full weight of a warming world but seeing the effects first hand was an eye opener.

“I was in Fiji when tropical cyclone Winston hit in 2016 (the second strongest hurricane ever recorded), and the devastation it had on the community was heart- breaking. 

Yet, people living on these beautiful islands remained optimistic.

“They take steps every day to safeguard their islands, and I was blown away by the level of climate action.”

Michelle later moved to New Zealand after three years, where she spent time studying the country’s peatlands before returning to Ireland.

Despite her credentials and expertise, she admits that, like so many others, she’s not immune to feeling overwhelmed when faced with the big question: what can I do to help address climate change? “Particularly when I’m updating my lectures and have to replace the carbon dioxide measurements with higher values every year. 

It’s sometimes hard to believe that my individual action will have any positive impact. 

"But that’s only on my off days.

“I really think that we can make subtle changes in our daily lives that can collectively make a big difference.”

Having said that, she feels that our policy-makers could do more to mitigate climate change: “Our policies need to be more ambitious with clear road maps for action.”

Some relatively easy-to-adopt climate friendly habits she suggests include buying local.

“Purchasing locally sourced products means that they haven’t travelled long distances to reach you. This reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation. You also have the added benefit of supporting Irish businesses to help build a more resilient economy.

“Also, conserve energy. Simply turning off lights when not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and sealing drafts in your home can also help reduce energy bills.

“Finally, reduce consumption and make more mindful purchases.

“Everything we buy has a carbon footprint, and a water footprint. By buying fewer products and being more selective in your purchases, you can reduce your personal carbon footprint.

I say this as someone that falls short of this sometimes (with probably too many shoes). I’m trying to be more mindful.

For those that can afford them, electric cars and solar panels are a good investment, she advises.

“I don’t own an electric car but I would love one. They are an expensive purchase and not everyone can afford them. I feel this is an area where progress could be made to subsidise them.

“Also, solar panels. The technology is improving and is only going to get better! Most energy-efficient products are more expensive, and I feel that this is a miss. In Fiji, the government subsidised hybrid cars, they were more affordable, and more were on the road.”

Of particular concern to her, are the closely interconnected issues of climate change and water quantity and quality.

“In Ireland, climate research suggest that we’re going to have more summer droughts and more high intensity rainfall events in winter. There needs to be investment in infrastructure and nature-based solutions to ensure that we can cope with high levels of rainfall, along with coping with warmer shortages.

“Globally, we are going to see more water scarcity due to climate change, and this will likely lead to the displacement of communities and even conflict over water. This could have broader implications for regional stability and security,” she says.

Michelle said she learned a lot from filming the show with co-presenters Hannah Quinn Mulligan and Rónán Ó Dálaigh.

“For example, I had no idea neoprene in wetsuits was difficult to recycle and that they weren’t sustainable. I also wasn’t aware that there was a GAA Green Clubs Programme.”

The segments are concise so you can get a lot of information in a short space of time!

“Ultimately, Heated seeks out inspirational stories of ordinary people making significant differences in their communities. 

These may seem tiny on a global scale, but if more people follow their example, together they can make a big difference.

Facing into the festive frenzy, what’s her advice?

“Buy local is my top tip, if you can buy something that’s sustainably produced or upcycled, even better.”

Heated is on RTÉ One on Thursdays at 8pm.