A reflection on our Cuppa for Climate event on 12th November, The Rock Bakery

Katie Lattimore joined our committee this autumn and brought with her the idea and energy to organise this wonderful and meaningful get-together. She writes:

The climate crisis is not a distant issue—it affects all of us, our communities, and our future generations. On November 12th, Friends of the Earth led the charge for a nationwide Climate Justice Day of Action, urging local groups and individuals to join forces in highlighting the importance of urgent, equitable climate action.

This event focused on raising awareness of climate issues, building solidarity, and demanding accountability from those in power and those seeking our votes in the upcoming election. As events unfolded across the nation, the global stage was set for COP29, where world leaders gathered to address climate injustice on a broader scale. Among the key goals was the establishment of funds provided by developed nations to underdeveloped countries.

These funds aim to help vulnerable nations adapt to worsening climate impacts, recover from damages, and transition to green energy systems. As of the day of our Cuppa for Climate, an agreement had not yet been made by world leaders. In the end, the amount of funds agreed at the summit has been said to not come close to the required amount for developing nations to address the effects of the climate crisis they are experiencing…

Why Climate Justice Matters to Everyone

The climate emergency is not just an environmental issue; it’s a deeply personal one. The crisis touches us all, from extreme weather events affecting our neighbourhoods to systemic inequalities that make it harder for vulnerable communities to adapt. But the burden is not shared equally.

Our Contribution vs. Their Cost:

Countries in the developed world are the largest contributors to climate change, yet people in the developing world pay the highest price. Rising sea levels, droughts, and floods devastate nations with the fewest resources to recover.

Meanwhile, wealthy nations continue to consume at unsustainable rates. This injustice—caused by the gap between responsibility and impact—demands global and local solutions.

Climate injustice isn’t only a global issue. Within developed countries, systemic inequalities mean that many cannot afford to retrofit their homes for energy efficiency or access reliable, clean public transport. Addressing climate change requires addressing these disparities, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Individual and Collective Action:

Tackling the climate crisis can feel overwhelming, but each of us has a role to play. Discussions that took place during our Cuppa for Climate event highlighted the power of individual and collective actions we can take. Talking with friends, neighbours, and coworkers is a great way to spread awareness and find common ground.

We highlighted the need to express to politicians that the climate crisis matters to us and that we ask them how they will enact policies to improve this. Politicians have the power to implement systemic changes, but they need to know that climate action is a priority for voters.

When canvassers came knocking in the run up to the election, we tried to ask them: “What are you doing to make climate justice central to your policies?” or to tell them: “I am a climate voter”

Small individual changes matter

We also discussed how small changes in our daily lives can contribute to wider positive impacts e.g. reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local sustainable initiatives—can add up, especially when communities adopt them together.

As a Collective:

Linking with local climate groups can help contribute to wider actions and it is important to find solidarity with others. We can also ensure we hold our leaders to account.

Make your voice heard. Attend public meetings, write to your representatives, and join campaigns demanding climate action.

We can push for policies that address inequality, such as subsidies for retrofitting homes, accessible public transport, and affordable clean energy solutions.

Take home message

We can all make a difference in reducing our contributions to the climate crisis, in both individual and collective actions. Whether by joining a local group, speaking with your elected representatives, or simply starting a conversation, there’s a way for everyone to contribute.

Thank you!

I would like to sincerely thank The Rock Bakery in Skerries for hosting this event. I would also like to sincerely thank Friends of the Earth for the idea to arrange this event, for the resources they provided and for the excellent work they are doing on a larger scale to help the climate crisis.