My Experience as a Climate Ambassador - Fionn Bowes-Fitzpatrick
My name is Fionn Bowes-Fitzpatrick. I am a recent Film & Broadcasting graduate of TU Dublin, who served as an An Taisce Climate Ambassador throughout 2022. Having struggled with climate anxiety for many years, I can safely say that becoming a Climate Ambassador was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Growing up, I was always conscious in some way of the Climate Crisis. Nevertheless, I carried on happily, trusting that the wise, virtuous people running governments and economies were doing everything in their meritocratically-earned power solve it. This changed however, in my mid-to-late Teens.
I came of age in the 2010s. This was a decade of increased political instability worldwide and, an unfathomable lack of serious action to address the greatest existential threat humanity has ever faced. I became very depressed. Then, in late-2021, upon the recommendation of some friends, I applied for An Taisce’s Climate Ambassador Programme. Not expecting to be accepted, I was surprised when I was offered a place on the programme in January 2022.
Through the programme, I met many different people from across Ireland. They came from a diverse array different background, qualifications, professions, age profiles, genders, interests etc… The one thing we all had in common, was a desire to channel our existing skills and interests to make a positive difference for the climate.
In hindsight, one thing I would do differently, is enter the programme with more of a plan on what actions and projects to pursue. As I was still completing my undergraduate degree, I didn’t have as much time to commit to the programme as I would have liked. Nevertheless, I was able to make up for this by using my skills in photography, videography, and research, in assisting other Climate Ambassadors with their projects. For this work, I even won a joint Outstanding-Achievement Award for a short documentary I made about another Ambassador’s dance-themed outreach programme.
It doesn’t matter who you are, or what your background is. If you’re someone who has struggled with anxiety about Climate Change, but feels powerless to stop it, I cannot recommend An Taisce’s Climate Ambassador Programme enough. As well as looking anazing on your CV, the initial training will provide you with skills to cope with these anxieties, and brainstorm practical solutions. By engaging with the programme, you will build a broad network of like-minded people from all walks of Irish life. Even if you don’t have any specific projects or plans in mind, by collaborating with other Climate Ambassadors on theirs, you will be empowered to channel your skills and interests into making a positive difference in your local community and beyond.
The Climate Crisis still looms. The necessary political and systematic action remains lacklustre. Nevertheless, becoming a climate ambassador empowered me to make a positive contribution in whatever way I could, thus improving my attitude and outlook substantially.
Don’t delay! The deadline for the 2024 intake closes on September 18th. Becoming a Climate Ambassador was easily one of the best decisions I have ever made. Chances are, it may be one of the best decisions you ever make too.