“Ours To Protect” is a new weekly feature on Midlands Today where we embark on a journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Join Will Faulkner every Thursday at 11.20am as he explores the pressing issues that shape our world today, from recycling to fast fashion to agriculture and food waste. 

"Ours to Protect" is funded by Coimisiún na Meán through the Television Licence Fee. It builds upon previous initiatives like the Irish Music Month IBI Hot Press project. Over the next 50 weeks, we will delve into various topics, including the climate impact of energy, travel, food, waste, the circular economy, and biodiversity, among others. We will also highlight local initiatives and contributions towards addressing climate change in the Midlands region. For further information, please visit https://ourstoprotect.ie/.

What is your ecological footprint? Find out at footprintcalculator.org

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Listen Back & Weekly Information and Fact Sheets:

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  Week 27

  Elevate your Christmas with eco-conscious choices. Reduce impact, support locals, and embrace sustainability. Check our guide for a greener celebration!

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  Week 26

  Ireland pursues sustainable energy with innovative battery and hydrogen tech for a cleaner, resilient future. Explore in this factsheet.

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  Week 25

  Ireland strives for Net Zero electricity through renewables, smart grids, and offshore wind, shaping a sustainable energy landscape with government support.

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  Week 24

  Cutting home energy use saves money and benefits the environment. In Ireland, where energy costs are high, this guide offers essential tips for efficiency.

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  Week 23

  The Climate Change Advisory Council (CCAC) advises governments and policymakers on climate issues. Fact sheet here for a quick overview.

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  Week 22

  Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, play a pivotal role in ecosystems and food production, but face habitat loss, pesticides, and climate challenges. Conservation is vital.

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  Week 21

  Discover Ireland's Community Climate Action Program, empowering local communities to reduce carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and build resilience while fostering sustainability through education and awareness initiatives.

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  Week 20

  Energy Masterplans: Local strategies for sustainability, integrating renewables, efficiency, transportation, waste-to-energy, community engagement, and climate resilience, enhancing towns' eco-friendly future. Discover the key components and benefits!

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  Week 19

  Swifts in Ireland are known for their agile flight and nesting in buildings. Conservation efforts address habitat loss, and they exhibit remarkable aerial life and social nesting behavior.

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  Week 18

  Explore Ash Dieback in Ireland: a fungal threat causing wilting, leaf loss, and biodiversity loss. Learn prevention and management measures in this concise guide.

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  Week 17

  Join the Battle to Save Ireland's Woodlands: The Cherry Laurel Threat. Discover how the Gaelic Woodland Project fights for nature's survival. Learn and act now!

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  Week 16

  Discover the Vital Role of Irish Bees: From pollination to conservation efforts, explore why these essential insects are crucial for Ireland's ecosystems and agriculture.

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  Week 15

  Ireland may not have the most diverse spider fauna, but it still has a range of unique spider species. This factsheet covers spiders in Ireland, their diversity, habits, and ecological roles.

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  Week 14

  Highly intelligent and adaptable Corvidae family members. Meet Carrion and Hooded Crows, explore their habitats, intelligence, diet, and intriguing role in folklore.

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  Week 13

  The Shannon Callows in Offaly is a vital floodplain along River Shannon. Ecologically rich, it hosts diverse species, faces challenges, and offers recreation while preserving local heritage.

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  Week 12

  Irish bogs, covering 17% of the land, are vital for biodiversity, carbon storage, and water regulation. Cutaway bogs for fuel and restoration efforts are key. Learn more in this overview.

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  Week 11

  Ireland's landscapes bloom with diverse wildflowers, thriving in the temperate climate and rich soil. Explore our factsheet showcasing captivating Irish wildflowers.

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  Week 10

  The buzzard (Buteo buteo) is Ireland's widespread and recognizable raptor. This factsheet provides essential info on their habitat, behavior, diet, and conservation.

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  Week 9

  Explore nest boxes and the birds they attract. Learn species preferences and habitat creation. Enhance your birdwatching with valuable insights into this diverse and enchanting world.

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  Week 8

  Disposable vaping devices pose risks to waste systems due to batteries and materials. Government explores options that are outlined in this weeks fact sheet.

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  Week 7

  CAP23 is Ireland's second annual Climate Action Plan, striving to slash emissions by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050, integrating climate solutions into national development.

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  Week 6

  The Dusk Chorus from birds is a unique behavior observed in regions like Ireland. It involves birds engaging in collective dust bathing, creating a chorus of flapping wings and bill-ruffling. This fact sheet provides key information about the Dusk Chorus in Ireland.

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  Week 5

  Ireland's energy has transformed due to environmental concerns, EU directives, technology, and energy demands. Experts from IRDG, Ocean Winds, and Bord na Móna explain the irreversible changes in energy generation.

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  Week 4

  Fridays for Future: Global youth movement demanding urgent climate action. Started by Greta Thunberg in 2018. Gaining momentum worldwide. Goals, actions, impact, and future outlook summarized in this fact sheet.

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  Week 3

  Transitioning to a vegan diet is a significant lifestyle choice that can have various health, ethical, and environmental benefits but nutritional therapist Breda Maleney believes you should take it step by step.

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  Week 2

  Today, we highlight NanobOx, a company working on innovative water treatment technology that efficiently oxygenates water for chemical-free cleaning and sanitization using nanobubbles.

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  Week 1 Panel Discussion

  For the first panel discussion for Ours To Protect Jack O'Sullivan and Caroline Hofman joined Midlands Today, discussing Portlaoise's low carbon ambition, its 2040 vision, transport, and eco-friendly housing.

Ours To Protect, brought to you by Midlands 103, the IBI and funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee - for more information check out - https://ourstoprotect.ie/