Ecolution

Whilst many of us travel over the Liffey regularly, how often have you considered the life the river itself holds? Today we investigate the magic of the Liffey on a Currach. And connect through time with a man who grew up on its waters in the 60s and a family who now live on its banks at Islandbridge.

In this episode of Ecolution we discuss why now is the perfect time for us to truly act on decarbonisation. We speak with Garry Walsh of Oxfam on the impacts felt on the ground and visit the EcoUnesco YEA’s to hear solutions being put forward by the students of Ireland. Plus, Dublin Bus on going electric.

From kayaking on the Lakes of Killarney to discovering hidden adventures, this episode explores why spending time outdoors matters. Featuring photographer Tadhg O'Brien and Irish Adventures founder Noel O'Leary, we look at how nature can boost our wellbeing and inspire us to protect the places we love.

Did you know that Ireland has the lowest level of tree cover in the whole of Europe? Less than 10% of our landmass is covered in trees with less than one percent made up of native woodlands. This week on Ecolution we meet Hometree, a nature restoration charity working to restore resilient habitats.

Did you know that Ireland has the lowest level of tree cover in the whole of Europe? Less than 10% of our landmass is covered in trees with less than one percent made up of native woodlands. This week on Ecolution we meet Hometree, a nature restoration charity working to restore resilient habitats.

Every year, on the 20th of May we take the time to celebrate one of the most important pollinators the world has. The humble bee. And this year we headed to a spot you wouldn’t immediately associate with bees; a Dublin Bus Garage in Phibsborough. There we met Irwin and Paul, two employees turned volunteer beekeepers.

This week’s Ecolution looks into a really positive nature story; how one keystone species can have a wider impact on the broader ecosystem. Dr Colin Lawton from University of Galway talks about how the resurgence of the pine martin over the past 50 years has led to a flourishing of red squirrels, once badly affected by the invasive greys.

We woke before sunrise in Killarney National Park to experience the dawn chorus — nature’s incredible morning concert. Joined by ecologist Irene Sullivan, we discover why birds sing at dawn, how birds help biodiversity, and what birdsong can tell us about the health of our environment

This week we speak to the brilliant Emily Fairfax PHD, an Ecohydrologist at the University of Minnesota, about her work documenting the lives of one of the most important ecosystem engineers in the world; the beaver. And how she came to help in the making of Pixar’s new film “Hoppers”.

We’re back for Season 6! And for the first episode we spent 2 days with this year’s Climate Ambassadors from the Irish Schools Sustainability Network. A hopeful story of taking climate action into your hands and making a difference where you live.

For our hundredth episode Evie spoke with the unstoppable, inspirational and inimitable Liz Bonnin to hear all about her astounding career as a TV presenter and campaigner bringing the wonders of the natural world to our screens. And Liz answered questions from kids across Ireland.

The Ocean Cleanup is a non-profit organization developing and scaling technologies to rid the oceans of plastic. We spoke with Matthias Egger, their Director of Environmental & Social Affairs about how he became involved, how they work so effectively and why he has hope for the future.

Today we look at two differing approaches to conserving whales in our oceans. Melanie White of Clearwater Marine Research Institute talks about their efforts to document the last remaining Right Whales. And we get on board with Neptune’s Navy to hear about their approach to whale protection.

For this episode we give the reins to BiOrbic's Generation Glas, a youth ambassador programme that helps young people across Ireland to lead the way on climate and the bioeconomy. It’s Run with Foróige and funded by Research Ireland. And we let participants Stella and Megan, plus leader Conor loose to record their experiences.

Today we look at the subject of reuse and mending. Arran Murphy of the Rediscovery Centre heads the ReLove Fashion competition. Nathalie Crowley has been running a Repair cafe at Mud Island Community Garden. And Lucy Buckley is starting a “Library of Things”.

We continue our mini series on Nature in schools with a visit to a park with first class from Gaelscoil Bhaile Munna with Caitriona Kenny and GAP Ireland. Plus we join teachers in Herbert Park with Globe Ireland, finding new ways to talk about the environment.

We travel north to Nuuk in Greenland to speak with Mie S Winding Department Head of the Greenland Climate Research Centre to discuss glaciers, ocean ice and more. Plus we meet Zach Labe, an internationally renowned climate scientist looking to untangle climate change patterns from natural variability, providing clearer insights into climate risks.

This week we head to St Patrick’s Primary School in Curtlestown to visit their outdoor classroom. A place nestled under trees where students connect to nature and even do maths!

Professor Pete Lunn is the founder and head of the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit. A behavioural economist, Pete’s primary research interest is how people make judgements and decisions that affect environmental, financial and health outcomes. Today we discuss the climate crisis to ask why we find it so hard to adapt our behaviours.

Stuart Goldsmith is a comedian who has made the climate crisis the main topic of his standup. We spoke with him about how to communicate your fears, help people be better informed about our environment, and create change from a very different perspective.

Today’s episode is all about Disinformation. Particularly around the climate crisis. We discuss how you tell fact from opinion, media literacy, memes and what exactly an “alternative fact” could be.

Last week saw the Dublin City Finals of Junk Kouture, the sustainable fashion event open to 12-19 year-olds that challenges them to create high end Kouture from recycled Junk. And Ecolution was there to speak with just some of the finalists. Plus, Clodagh Ramsey from Wilson’s Hospital School, their World Designer of the year in 2024

It's Bike week from this Saturday, so the Ecolution team wound our way to the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, St. Colmcille's Senior National School in Knocklyon, to meet some of their students at its launch and ask why cycling means so much to them.

On a sunny morning in Fernhill, third class from Stepaside Educate Together National School stepped into the forest to take part in something called forest bathing. Guided by Orlagh from Forest Bathing Wicklow and Cat from Danu Forest Bathing, the students explored nature in a whole new way - through their senses!

Ecolution is back - and we’re switching off the lights to look to the stars! In this first episode, we head to Wild Nephin National Park in Co. Mayo. A haven for wildlife and a certified Dark Sky Park, it's the perfect place to explore nature after dark. From nocturnal creatures to the Night Owl crew - get ready to go wild… in the dark!