Floods have brought home devastation of climate change to Irish, says Mary Robinson

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Mary Robinson was speaking at the launch of Self Help Africa in New York last week

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“We want to try to influence policy,” he continued, joking “I want Barack Obama on our board!”

It was certainly a good idea to get Robinson involved. Climate change is one of her most passionate interests right now. Robinson explained that Africa produces less than 3.8 percent of green house gasses, but is deeply affected by global warming. She said a cycle of flooding and drought has replaced what used to be the seasons.

African countries have a “right to development,” she continued, and African people “must be able to pursue their own dreams, their own aspirations, their own careers.”

Members of the audience were impressed. Carletta Downs, an investment banker who has worked for Goldman Sachs and HSBC, said she’d like to use her skills to get involved with Self Help Africa. “Women are the focal point of the uplift of Africa, economically and educationally,” she said. “I’d be a big supporter of this group.”

The Irish Consul General, Niall Burgess, spoke about Ireland’s own experience of Famine.

"One of the first things I learnt in New York was how powerful our Famine has been, what a strong narrative it is for Irish America,” Burgess said.

“Hunger and poverty and being without shelter are issues that connect us at a deep level.”

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