Taking every measure possible to help tackle the climate crisis
Meath County Council is calling on community groups to apply to their newly launched Community Climate Action Programme Fund.
Community organisations in Meath with an interest in helping to address climate action in their local areas can now apply for a Department of Environment, Climate and Communications grant fund.
They can apply for the fund under the themes of Community Energy, Travel, Food & Waste, Shopping & Recycling and Local Climate & Environmental Action. Administered by Meath Co Council, the overall aim of the programme is to provide finance to community groups interested in undertaking projects which help to shape and build low carbon communities.
The call to action comes at the same it is revealed that global temperatures last year reached exceptionally high levels averaging close to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
According to new analysis from the EU's climate change service, Copernicus, and reported on by RTE, several record-breaking conditions, including the hottest month on record and daily global temperature averages briefly surpassed pre-industrial levels by more than 2C.
Last year's average temperature was 14.98C, which beats the previous hottest year set in 2016 by 0.17C.
July 2023 was likely the hottest month in the last 120,000 years, almost as long as modern humans have existed, while Antarctic sea ice has been at an historic low.
Each month from June through to December was hotter than any other corresponding month in a previous year, while every continent except Australia and many ocean areas saw record-breaking annual air temperatures for the year.
Some climate analysts have likened it to changes in body temperature whereby a difference of 1C can separate a healthy person from one with a fever.
Copernicus Deputy Director Samantha Burgess said: "2023 was an exceptional year with climate records tumbling like dominoes.
"Not only is 2023 the warmest year on record, it is also the first year with all days over 1C warmer than the pre-industrial period.
"Temperatures during 2023 likely exceed those of any period in at least the last 100,000 years."
Given that stark analysis, the council's Community Climate Action Programme Fund may seem ineffectual and miniscule in terms of the global action required. But it's something, and every effort is required right now.
There are two grant categories that can be applied for, the Local Community Projects and a joint project between a community in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland which will operate under the Shared Island Initiative of Government.
The grants you can apply for include a small grant of up to €20k, medium grant of €21- 50k or a larger project grant of €51- 100k.
Eligible groups for these grants should contact the Community Climate Action Officer at climateactionmcc@meathcoco.ie to discuss their project idea before completing an Expression of Interest Form and making sure to submit it by 28/02/2024.