Wexford Climate Heroes show power of local climate action

Community groups from Wexford have been praised for their climate actions…

Together with volunteers from community groups in 16 other counties, the members of 3 community groups in County Wexford teamed up to combat consumption and take small steps to change their lives, their communities and the world.

Our friendly neighbourhood volunteers from the Rosslare Eco Crusaders, Sustainable Enniscorthy, and the YMCA took part in the nationwide “Climate Heroes” competition organised by the charity Global Action Plan.

The Wexford teams logged over 1,200 climate smart micro actions, saving more than 900 kgs of CO2 emissions – roughly as much CO₂e as is absorbed by an 18,608m² area of trees per year.

They selected these actions from a menu of 40 activities, which had been assigned average emissions rates and were themed around transportation, food, shopping, and energy. Participants could see the consequences of their actions in real time, compare them against their teammates and other groups, and visualise how small actions taken collectively can pack a powerful punch.

Supported by funding from Irish Aid, the competition was accompanied by webinars that explored the global dimension of climate change and spotlighted the amazing local work of citizens across Ireland.

“Our Climate Heroes have reduced their carbon footprints significantly, and more importantly have built a sense of collective engagement, community and empowerment. Their enthusiasm and dedication underscores the vital role of individual and collective actions in addressing the climate crisis,” said Alex Whyatt, Global Citizenship Coordinator at Global Action Plan.
“In our webinars, we saw the amazing work that groups across the country are doing to make their communities more sustainable, inclusive and future-focused,” Whyatt concluded.

Reflecting on the broader impact of the challenge, Hans Zomer, CEO at Global Action Plan, expressed gratitude to all participants, noting:

“The actions of the hundreds of people that took part in this unique challenge serve as an inspiration to us all. Sometimes global problems such as climate change can be overwhelming, but the people who took part in the the Climate Heroes showed that each and every one of us has the power to effect meaningful change.”
“As the world confronts the urgent imperative of climate action, volunteers like these Climate Heroes give us hope and show what can be achieved if we work together.”