The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) has released peer-reviewed papers and research in the latest edition of the Administration Journal, calling for a step-change in how government and society address Ireland’s climate and environmental challenges.
Guest edited by Prof. Mary Murphy of NUI Maynooth, the edition’s introduction urges government and wider society to change the conversation about climate action, noting that Storm Éowyn was a wake-up call for Ireland.
Prof. Murphy advocates for a constructive, inclusive narrative that links climate action to positive outcomes based on everyday needs – clean air, secure homes, good jobs, and care for all – while ensuring that equality and social justice are at the heart of Ireland’s transition.
“This special edition is a call to action for Ireland to embrace a truly transformative approach to climate change; one that puts people, equality, and practical solutions at the heart of policy. We need to change not just what we do, but also how we talk about climate and who is included in the conversation, to empower governments, NGOs, the private sector, and the general public to make changes that benefit everyone in our society.
“Only by integrating climate action with social justice can we ensure a future that is both sustainable and fair for all,” she concluded.
Prof. Colette Darcy, Registrar/Head of Whitaker School of Government and Management at the IPA, highlighted the significance of the IPA’s findings for policy and practice: “Research and evidence-based insights such as this latest climate-focused edition of Administration are vital to inform policy and practice at every level of governance. This latest research indicates that cross-government collaboration, robust leadership, clear roles, and strong coordination are essential for Ireland to meet its commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals and the national Climate Action Plan.”
Practical recommendations from this edition include:
- Strengthen policy coherence: Move beyond information-sharing to strategic, joined-up action across departments and levels of government
- Empower local and community engagement: Foster bottom-up participation and support local government capacity to deliver on water, circular economy, and bioeconomy goals
- Clarify roles and leadership: Ensure senior-level commitment and clear lines of responsibility in environmental governance structures
- Integrate social justice: Embed equality and inclusion in all climate and environmental policies, making sure that the transition benefits everyone
- Communicate positively: Shift public discourse to focus on practical, collective solutions that improve everyday life and foster a sense of belonging, as an outcome of climate action
Pictured above are Prof. Colette Darcy (IPA) and Prof. Mary Murphy (NUI Maynooth)