Sustainability

As the world’s population grows, we face the challenge of producing more food while also reducing our impact on the environment. How do we increase production, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and manage waste, all at once?

In 2022, University of Galway was identified as Ireland’s number one university for Sustainable Development by the Time Higher Education’s Impact Rankings.

Below, Sustainability Officer Michelle O’Dowd Lohan recounts the University’s sustainability journey thus far, and its goals for the future.

A recent study led by Prof Frances Fahy and Dr Gary Goggins shows evidence that people can significantly reduce energy use when given the tools to challenge their everyday practices.

If implemented at societal level, these savings could play a major role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonising the economy.

ECO-UNESCO is an environmental education and youth organisation aimed at channeling the creativity of our youth into positive environmental change. NUI Galway Alum, Elaine Nevin, is ECO-UNESCO’s National Director. Here, she talks about her own journey into environmentalism and how young people today are demanding change.

What is the maximum level of consumption you need in order to live a good life?

While lacking the cool factor of ‘clean’ tech, questions like this one around habit and social expectations are just as crucial in encouraging a mass shift towards sustainability. Through extensive research and case studies, Prof Frances Fahy has learned that less is certainly more in the fight against the climate crisis.

According to the most recent climate change report from the United Nations, sea level rise, ocean heat and acidification are massively impacting the ability of our oceans to deliver many of the critical ecosystem services that we depend on, yet take for granted. Governments and policy makers have generally failed to recognise the value of these marine ecosystem services in national income accounts and project appraisals; that situation is now changing.

Thanks to its unique location, research at Mace Head shows the extent to which the most remote areas in the world are affected by pollution.

Observing the rise of Greenhouse Gases, Liz Coleman and her fellow scientists find it increasingly important to communicate their findings to the public. In collaboration with artists Paula McCloskey and Sam Vardy, and science engagement & education expert, Mairéad Hurley, Stories of the Air/Spéirscéalta aims to do just that – driving collective action through storytelling.