Power Launches 'Climate Through Time' Initiative

The Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Seán Power T.D. visited Caragh National School this week to launch the Climate through Time initiative.

Produced to mark the International Year of Planet Earth, the initiative will educate primary school students as to the effect of historic climate changes in Ireland.

Students were presented with a Climate through Time map, which was produced by the Geological Survey of Ireland in partnership with the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland, as well as A-Z of Geology booklets which set out the changes in Ireland's climate since prehistoric times.

They also encourage students to seek to identify the evidence of these climatic changes which are still visible today.

Speaking at the event, Minister Power said, "This initiative is a great way of educating our children as to the effects of climate change. It's interactive, it's fun and it encourages them to get involved.

We've seen today that Ireland's climate is delicate and changeable. The children today, were amazed to hear that in relatively short periods of time, Ireland went from being under water, to being covered in swamps and deserts. They were also delighted to learn that there was even a volcanic eruption here in Co. Kildare.

"These changes demonstrate that we can't take our climate for granted. While climates change on a cyclical basis, the rate of change that is now occurring is beyond the norm. This is as a result of our own actions.

"We must all take responsibility. The Climate through Time initiative will not only instil in our children such a sense of responsibility, but it will encourage them to feel an affinity for the planet and environment. This will be of huge importance for future generations," he concluded.