Professor Jennifer McElwain:

I thank Deputy Bruton for the question. I wish to come in on the importance of pride in nature and biodiversity, and a collective national pride. We know that at least one third of all global carbon emissions have been taken up by the oceans and land. Ireland stands out in being quite unusual in a European context because our land is a net emitter of carbon. We have huge potential in this regard. If you have pride in nature and knowledge of it, with high biodiversity farming, you enhance biodiversity and also increase the carbon sink of land in Ireland. This is definitely a win-win for biodiversity and climate.

I think the Deputy asked what academics can do. Beyond this report, we are realising the importance of breaking down disciplinary boundaries in our teaching. Many new courses have developed across the universities in Ireland that break down this disciplinary boundary because we realise that someone studying to be a scientist needs to have modules in psychology, sociology and economics, while somebody studying creative arts also needs to have knowledge of the foundational science of climate change. That is really important for future generations. I am very hopeful that our new students graduating from universities will be multidisciplinary in ways we have never been before.