‘When I retired, I wasn’t ready to put my feet up’ – Jacinta Barrins turns experience into climate leadership for older generations

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

A pioneering climate education initiative founded by former United Nations facilitator and climate advocate Jacinta Barrins is empowering older adults across Ireland to become informed climate action leaders in their communities with a free six-week course to be held in Sligo.

The Over 55’s Climate Course, a six-week programme designed specifically for older adults, has already been delivered successfully in 14 counties nationwide, helping participants better understand climate change and take meaningful action in their daily lives.

Jacinta Barrins has spent nearly two decades working in the Department of Hydrology at the University of Galway before leading water-related projects across Africa and serving for 15 years with the United Nations. Jacinta developed the programme in consultation with Galway County Council after recognising a gap in climate awareness among older generations.

“When I retired, I wasn’t ready to put my feet up,” said Barrins. “After completing a climate-focused MSc at the University of Galway, it became obvious to me that many people in my age group didn’t fully understand climate change or how it relates to their everyday lives.”

Working with Sligo County Council, Barrins will deliver a programme to make climate science accessible, practical and relevant. The course delivers complex environmental concepts in a friendly, easy-to-understand format that encourages participation rather than intimidation.

One of the programme’s opening sessions explores the connection between a simple cup of tea and climate change, helping participants understand how everyday consumption choices contribute to environmental impacts. By examining their own carbon footprints, participants gain a personal understanding of emissions and identify realistic actions they can take to reduce them.

Jacinta explains the science behind climate change in a way that is easy to understand and showcases behavioural change models to illustrate the barriers people face. The participants of her talks and course usually sign up to one action that they will undertake to reduce their carbon footprint.

A key element of the programme is its focus on action. Participants commit to making improvements in at least one of four areas: housing, transport, food and waste.

In addition to personal behaviour changes, participants are encouraged to share their knowledge with family members, neighbours and wider community networks, extending the programme’s impact far beyond the classroom.

The course is supported by expert guest speakers who will provide practical guidance on a range of climate-related topics. Biodiversity specialists, as well as representatives from local authorities and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) will provide information on grants, supports and energy-efficiency incentives.

As Ireland continues its transition to a more sustainable future, the 55+ Climate Course demonstrates the vital role older generations can play in climate leadership, community engagement and environmental stewardship.

The 55+ Climate Course is a free six-week climate education and action initiative taking place on Tuesdays from 10.30am – 12.30pm at Abbeyquarter Community Centre on the following dates: September 15, 22 and 29; October 6 and 13 and December 1.

For further information in relation to the Over 55’s Climate Course or to book your place, please email: agefriendly@sligococo.ie or phone (071) 9114432.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.