Peter O’Neill is a second-year history student from Ballymacward, Mountbellew, Co Galway. Peter has been involved in youth activism for four years, culminating in representing Ireland at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum. In April 2024, University of Galway marked Earth Day by announcing the winners of the Student Sustainability Leadership Awards 2024, which students Molly Hickey and Peter O’Neill were recipient of. Cois Coiribe had the chance to catch up with Peter a year on from his award. Read on to hear what he had to say!
Introduction . . .
My name is Peter O’Neill, and I am a second-year student of History and International Development from East Galway. I have been actively involved in youth activism for nearly five years, including representing Ireland at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris in 2023. I am currently in the final weeks of my term as Environmental and Sustainability Officer with the Students’ Union (CMLONG), and last summer I was one of two recipients of the Student Sustainability Leadership Award.
Why did you apply for the Student Sustainability Leadership Awards programme?
I was immediately interested in the Award when I heard about it, as it combined my passion for sustainability with an opportunity to develop my skills and create content. At the time, I had recently been elected as Environmental and Sustainability Officer, and the Award seemed like an invaluable opportunity to learn more about the Sustainability Office on campus, including CUSP and their other projects.
How has this programme shaped your perspective on environmental and social sustainability?
Most of my previous experience in sustainability was volunteer-based, often as a ‘youth’ voice. Being recognised as a sustainability leader and included in decision-making was an empowering experience. It made me feel like I could bring something to the table with regards to both environmental and social sustainability. From the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) integrating sustainability into courses and degrees to the ever-present efforts of Buildings and Estates to make the built environment more sustainable, I gained a wealth of information and respect for the different offices and schools within the University, each engaging in their own way. My perspective on sustainability is even more well-founded now, and I have seen how committed people and practical projects working together can create real impact.
Can you share a specific project or initiative you led at the University of Galway?
In the lead-up to the Ban Disposable Cup campaign in September 2024, which was spearheaded by the Students’ Union, Molly Hickey (the SU’s previous environmental officer), and the Sustainability Office, we recognised the need to inform students about upcoming changes in an engaging and clear way. We had great success with our online campaigns through TikTok and Instagram, receiving thousands of likes and hundreds of thousands of views. We carried this momentum into term time by participating in the University’s Sustainability Development Goals (SDG) Week and planning several student-facing events, including quizzes and panel discussions. I’ve really embraced the creative side of sustainability over the last year, and it has helped more students learn about our work in a fun and engaging way!
What are the key challenges in promoting sustainability on campus, and how can we overcome them?
Engagement is often hard to capture around campus, which is why it is vital that we make sustainability as relatable and practical as we can. There is an immense amount of diverse work being done at the University, and students need to know that. Whether they are studying Commerce, Medicine, or STEAM, sustainability is relevant to their studies and will be essential to our collective future. Over the last year, I’ve came to understand the stress and anxiety some students feel in relation to the climate crisis. I think we need to balance personal responsibilities (like recycling and buying sustainably) with collective action (like lobbying, boycotts, etc.) to effectively tackle the climate crisis without burning out.
How important is it to have a student voice in influencing future sustainability initiatives at the University?
Student voice is undoubtedly essential when it comes to designing inclusive, representative, and engaging events, both at a Students’ Union and University level. Some of the most impactful sustainable initiatives on campus, such as the Pantry, Climate Connections, and the Student Garden, came from individual students and societies. A ground-up approach has always been fruitful in my experience, and a diverse group of students can bring their unique perspectives to any initiatives. Sustainability is inherently social, and a just transition will only be ensured if we get the next generation of professionals and academics onboard.
What advice would you give to other students who want to get involved in sustainability initiatives?
There is a place for everyone in sustainability. There is so much to gain by contributing and learning from a diverse group of people, brought together by a love for the environment and a desire to hold back the imminent climate crises. At times, it can be a lonely world being in the sustainability sphere, and finding a group of like-minded people can make all the difference in helping us make the biggest impact. As a man from rural Ireland, I’ve developed a whole new way of looking at the world through getting involved in sustainable initiatives, and I would highly recommend that anyone participate in these kinds of activities and programmes for a truly enriching experience.
Profiles
Peter O'Neill is a second-year history student from Ballymacward, Mountbellew, Co Galway. Peter has been involved in youth activism for four years, culminating in representing Ireland at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum. Peter was recipient of the Student Sustainability Leadership Award on Earth Day 2024.
