Mary Robinson, one of Seanad Éireann's most distinguished alumni, spoke in the House about the increasing urgency with which we must tackle the climate emergency.
Mrs. Robinson's address was frank and apolitical, touching on the roles of scientists, politicians and other societal leaders in facing up to what is a major challenge confronting everyone on the planet. Beginning her address, she stated:
Tá an-áthas orm a bheith ar ais. It is an honour to address the Seanad again. I am going to speak personally, passionately and from the heart. I hope, as iarUachtarán na hÉireann, nothing I say will be politically divisive. I do not wish to cause any trouble as that would not be right. While I will not cause any trouble, I am going to speak from the heart and I hope what I say will resonate with all of you.
Mary Robinson climbs the stairs in Leinster House to the Seanad Chamber, accompanied by the Cathaoirleach
Mrs. Robinson is a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, as well as a founding member and current Chair of the Elders. As a Member of Seanad Éireann, serving from 1969 to 1989, she championed social issues such as the ban on contraception, divorce, the decriminalisation of homosexuality and family planning legislation.
Mrs. Robinson speaks to Members and staff
Speaking ahead of her address, the Cathaoirleach of Seanad Éireann, Senator Jerry Buttimer, stated:
As a global leader in environmental causes, Mrs. Robinson will provide an important account of the issue and will really highlight the necessity of a firm and just response to the emergency to protect our planet and the most vulnerable people across the world.
In her address, Mrs. Robinson outlined the potentially grave consequences of climate inaction, stating:
However, tipping 1.5°C is very serious and they explained that the difference between 1.5°C and 2°C is really very serious. Probably, in that time, the coral reefs will disappear. It is very likely the Arctic ice will entirely melt and change the whole system of the gulf stream and everything else that affects us because the Arctic and the Antarctic are very connected. The permafrost will melt and throw up both carbon and methane. Methane is more dangerous and there is a lot of it beneath the permafrost.
Mrs. Robinson also spoke to the responsibility that politicians have to keep climate issues in the public consciousness. She stated:
I do not want to get political but I did not hear that figure at all during the local elections. I was waiting for somebody to mention it but I did not see it mentioned anywhere. We just had our elections but nobody wanted to know. Nobody wanted to think about it or say it. It is not easy because people want to get re-elected and that is why we have to change everything.
Mary Robinson enjoys a lighter moment smiling while addressing Seanad Eireann
Mrs. Robinson was the first woman elected to the Office of President of Ireland and spoke with wry wit of her work with women leaders:
I am involved with a lot of women leaders now who are involved in the climate space. They are leading climate activists, climate organisations and in their governments, etc. We have Project Dandelion and Senators will see I am wearing a big dandelion. It is a symbol which is very useful because the dandelion, which we know in this country as a weed, is also a beautiful flower. It grows on all continents and is very resilient. You cannot get rid of the damn things if you want to and most of us have tried.
Having listened to the contributions of Senators to the debate, Mrs. Robinson ended her address to the Seanad on a positive and hopeful note:
I hope together we can change the narrative and make it a hopeful way forward that involves and engages everybody, that has young people involved, and that really makes us feel excited about this future that we need to imagine and rush towards. That is what we need to do.