On Friday 15th September, climate activists affiliated with Fridays for Future took to the streets of Dublin in protest of Government inaction on the climate crisis.
On Friday 15th September, climate activists affiliated with Fridays for Future took to the streets of Dublin in protest of Government inaction on the climate crisis. The group is affiliated with UCDSU, and numerous UCD students and SU members were in attendance. Speaking to the Irish Independent, UCD Sustainability student Ellen Curran stated: “People want to get out there, they want to strike, they want to help. (...) People are realising the issues and they’re realising the power behind their voice.”
Sustainability, climate, and environmental issues have been identified as policy priorities by UCD and UCDSU. In a recent interview with the University Observer, UCDSU president Martha Ní Riada expressed support for organising a workshop to discuss public transport solutions, and expressed interest in forging a constructive working relationship with the new VP for Sustainability. She stated: “Everyone is affected by the quality of public transport. On so many grounds: the cost of living, sustainability, student experience (...).”
UCDSU has a history of participation in protests and campaigns organised by Fridays for Future, founded by Swedish environmentalist Greta Thunberg in 2018. The organisation organises students and young people around the world on the issue of the climate crisis, and enjoys the support of many UCD students. The issue enjoys strong interest on-campus, with numerous Earth Science and Sustainability students protesting the issue last year. A UCD student made headlines last year with his hunger strike for the climate, as previously reported by the University Observer.
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