Extinction Rebellion staged a “slow cycle” in Dublin city to call for action on biodiversity loss. The group rode bikes at a slow pace to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the planet’s ecosystems. Meanwhile, a children’s assembly on biodiversity called on Ireland to “treat the Earth like family.” The assembly was attended by young people who urged the government to take action to protect the planet for future generations. These events marked Earth Day, which was celebrated around the world with various initiatives and events aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainability. The Irish Times featured 11 Irish visions of the future from politicians, journalists, and activists who emphasized the importance of taking action to protect the planet. President Michael D Higgins, for example, listed 55 reasons to be hopeful for the future, including the increasing number of people who are taking action to address climate change. Others, such as journalist Manchán Magan, called for a shift towards a circular economy and a focus on renewable energy. Pádraig Hoare, writing for the Irish Examiner, highlighted the growing awareness among young people about the importance of protecting biodiversity, and called on governments around the world to take action to address this urgent issue.
