Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 6 December 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

The Role of the Media and Communications in Actioning Climate Change: Discussion

Photo of Alice-Mary HigginsAlice-Mary Higgins (Independent)
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I have a few follow-up questions. On biodiversity, I have a few nice things to say about the Minister, Deputy Catherine Martin. I am often very harsh on the Government on lots of issues but, as I said, I am pleased that biodiversity has been included alongside environmental sustainability and climate change in the provisions relating to the European works scheme.

Ms Craig talked about the climate action round. Where does the biodiversity aspect fit into the BAI's schemes? There has been quite successful funding of arts initiatives in respect of climate. Is that creative perspective on climate something that has come through in the climate action round? Is it coming through in the BAI's arts funding or could it be supported to come through? I am interested in an artistic perspective, take on or framing of climate issues.

Ms Craig mentioned having contact with European colleagues. Another area that needs resourcing and focus is the international context. Climate as an issue is very specific. While it can have a very local dimension, and local radio is key in that regard, as was mentioned, it also has a clear international context. This is a global challenge. How can the BAI support Irish storytelling that links with the international context and bring international storytelling on climate into an Irish context? How does Ms Craig see that link being made?

I would appreciate if Ms Craig would comment on the issue I raised regarding the reporting of carbon budget impacts and implications in the same way that projected financial costs and things like that are reported. There is scope to incorporate the carbon aspects as a standard measure in respect of a number of key topics. Is there capacity among broadcasters to do that or will they need access to different kinds of materials to be able easily to include the facts on carbon impacts as they do the facts on financial impacts?