News
Join the Dots Together items of interest
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July Newletter Editorial
Last month, we reflected on alternative economic models that place people and planet at the centre of our systems. This month, we turn our attention to the political sphere and the shared responsibility we hold as citizens and people of faith. In Northern Ireland, we are acutely aware of the environmental threats facing our communities.…
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High Court rules Stormont department breached law for 20 years on MOT tests for diesel vehicles
Mr Justice Colton highlighted a lack of political will to deal with the ‘crucial issue’ Shauna Corr, Jul 03, 2026 Belfast High Court has ruled that a Stormont Department has been breaching the law for 20 years over its failure to test diesel cars for potentially dangerous emissions. It follows a judicial review by Friends…
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What We Read in June
The heat is real, and it’s not natural variability. The record UK/European heatwave in late June was, according to World Weather Attribution scientists, the most severe ever recorded across the region — temperatures reached 5–12°C above seasonal averages across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and southern England, and a similar heatwave in the climate of 1976…
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Christian-Muslim Dialogue on Integral Ecology
The Laudato Si’ Research Institute (LSRI) at Campion Hall, University of Oxford, recently offered an enriching course on Christian-Muslim Dialogue on Integral Ecology, exploring how the Christian and Muslim traditions can contribute together to addressing today’s interconnected ecological and social challenges. The course was led by Farhana Mayer, a Research Affiliate at the Laudato Si’…
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People’s Emergency Briefing: A Community Conversation on Climate and Nature
People’s Emergency Briefing: A Community Conversation on Climate and Nature What do climate change and the nature crisis mean for our everyday lives? How are they affecting our weather, food, health and cost of living? And what can we do about it? Greenpeace Belfast is inviting people from across the community to a special free…
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Unstoppable Together: Faith and Climate Action at the Austrian World Summit
The 10th Austrian World Summit in Vienna on 16th June, brought together leaders from politics, business, civil society and faith communities under a message of hope and determination in the face of the climate crisis. Opening the Summit, Arnold Schwarzenegger reflected on the journey that began ten years ago with a simple but ambitious mission:…
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Biodiversity project inspired by Pope Francis soars
Updated / Saturday, 20 Jun 2026 08:42 https://www.rte.ie/news/regional/2026/0620/1579444-graveyards-biodiversity/ Biodiveristy measure embraced by parishioners of St Mary’s Church in Quin By Petula Martyn, RTE Mid West Correspondent Church grounds and graveyards across Ireland are becoming havens for birds, bees and bats as part of a biodiversity project inspired by Pope Francis. The initiative, which began in…
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Saving Our Lakes: Shared Island Challenges and Opportunities
On Thursday 11th June, I attended the Irish Association conference, “Saving Our Lakes: Shared Island Challenges and Opportunities“. The atmosphere in the Lantern Boardroom was charged with a shared sense of urgency, purpose and community. The event was exceptionally well attended, drawing voices from across the political, scientific and local spectrum. It was also…
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LAUNCH OF THE JUST TRANSITION COMMISSION PUBLIC APPOINTMENTS
DAERA has launched an inaugural public appointment process to appoint a Chair and 15 Members to the Just Transition Commission. The Commission is a statutory body established to provide independent oversight of the implementation of the just transition elements of the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022 and advice to NI departments on how to ensure…
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What We Read in May
Global voices, local echoes Chris Packham has hit out at world leaders, accusing them of “incredible stupidity and ignorance” for ignoring Sir David Attenborough’s climate warnings — particularly those delivered at COP26 in Glasgow in 2021. Packham, speaking to the Big Issue, lamented that after Attenborough’s impassioned speech urging leaders to “turn tragedy to triumph”,…