GLSD's Environment Week holds a special significance within the programme, emphasising the critical role of environmental stewardship in sustainable development. On Tuesday, 10 October 2023, students had the privilege of hosting Sinead McDonnell, Environment Awareness Officer for Limerick City and County Council. Sinead provided invaluable insights into the Council's environmental initiatives and the challenges they face.
As students gathered for Environment Week, the spotlight turned to Limerick Council's efforts in environmental conservation and awareness. Sinead McDonnell, with her wealth of experience as the Environment Awareness Officer, shed light on the Council's multifaceted approach to environmental sustainability.
Sinead discussed the Council's ongoing initiatives, ranging from waste management and biodiversity conservation to climate change mitigation. She highlighted the importance of community engagement in driving environmental action, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to address pressing environmental challenges.
During the session, Sinead candidly addressed the challenges faced by the Council in promoting environmental awareness and implementing sustainable practices. From resource constraints to public apathy, she provided valuable insights into the complexities of environmental advocacy at the local level.
Sinead McDonnell's session served as a call to action for students to prioritize environmental awareness and activism in their journey towards sustainability leadership. By engaging with local stakeholders like Limerick Council, students gained a deeper understanding of the environmental issues facing their communities and the opportunities for collective action.
Environment Week highlights the interconnectedness between environmental sustainability and broader societal goals. Through initiatives like Sinead McDonnell's session, students are empowered to advocate for environmental stewardship and drive positive change in their communities.
Global Leadership for Sustainable Development (GLSD) is a seven-week extracurricular programme designed by the UL Centre for Sustainable Futures and Innovation in collaboration with UL Global. This programme brings study abroad, Erasmus, and full degree students from across the world together, to actively learn about systemic approaches and challenges to sustainability across the economy, environment, and society. Students hear from expert guest speakers both on-campus and through site visits, engage in debates and discussions on contemporary sustainability issues, and work in interdisciplinary teams to co-create student-led sustainability projects to be implemented on campus. To find out more, please visit https://www.ul.ie/sustainability/global-leadership-for-sustainable-deve…, or contact the programme coordinator jack.oconnor@ul.ie.