News & Events

On Tuesday 9 November 2021, the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill officially launched the All Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network, a research-led initiative which aims to work together across the island of Ireland to undertake the research necessary to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies.

UCD Earth Institute director Professor Tasman Crowe and Earth Institute member and director of Biorbic Bioeconomy Research Centre Professor Kevin O'Connor are founding members of this ambitious cross-border network which aspires to address key challenges in climate science, climate mitigations, climate adaptation, biodiversity change and just societal transition.  The All Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network also aims to develop a large-scale research and innovation initiative to improve public good policy and management decisions, underpin business and enterprise strategies and strengthen societal capacity.

Speaking about the launch of AICBRN, Professor Tasman Crowe said: “The timely launch of this research network is an important and exciting step forward in climate change and biodiversity research on the island of Ireland. The emphasis on interdisciplinary, collaborative, and solution-based research chimes with the work of the Earth Institute and its members and we look forward to forging productive new partnerships across the network”

Speaking about the launch of AICBRN, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: “Climate change and the loss of biodiversity is one of the biggest threats facing humanity. It is a crisis and challenge shared by all on this island; it will require collaboration, research and innovation across all sectors of public, private and civil society. We are stronger working on this together.

“The solution-based research of the All-Island Climate and Biodiversity Research Network has never been more critical and I have every confidence in the important work it will undertake.”

Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill said: “The climate emergency is causing serious harm across the globe. The scale of the challenge is such that a truly international effort is required with ambitious targets.  We are not immune to the effects of climate change - across the island, we are facing into a biodiversity crisis. This is a shared challenge and it calls for shared action.

“For us in government, that means taking the action needed at policy level to implement the measures that will help to achieve our shared goals; and working in partnership with organisations and experts at an operational level to address these challenges and bring about positive change.

“I commend the leadership shown by all those involved in the all-island Network for their efforts to work in partnership to develop solutions that will help tackle this critical issue.”