TEDxStormont is set to host ‘Countdown’ - a global initiative to champion and accelerate solutions to the climate crisis, turning ideas into action.
The online Belfast event will take place on Saturday 10 October and will be part of the global launch of around 500 other TEDx events highlighting the need for greater action on the climate emergency.
Local voices such as Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon MLA and filmmakers, The Scott Sisters will make appearances, as well as internationally-known leaders, including Prince William, EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and Hollywood actor, Chris Hemsworth.
Countdown ambassador, Daniel Mulhall
A special appearance is expected from Irish Ambassador to the US, Daniel Mulhall, who has discovered newfound fame with his Covid-19 lockdown poetry and literature recitals via social media. Ambassador Mulhall will read a selected poem to celebrate nature for the virtual audience.
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A specially composed mini opera “Final Act: Unexpected Changes” will be premiered at the event.
This unique production brings together technologists from NASA, MIT and Google in collaboration with globally renowned musicians to explore the human emotional cost of the interaction of technology and climate change.
Eva Grosman, Curator of TEDxStormont said: “The Countdown initiative is the perfect opportunity for Northern Ireland’s climate change and environmental leaders to discuss ideas for change.
“Countdown will also hear from politicians on what they are doing to better our environment, especially on the aim of having net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“No other voice is more important in the climate crisis than that of our young people. Unfortunately, they will inherit this emergency and it is important that they have a platform. Our youth panel is expected to throw up some insights into the actions they believe to be essential and what must be done to create a sustainable way of living.”
To register for TEDxStormont Countdown: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NeokYQACSLGHbWhU2ol2DA
TEDxStormont Countdown Programme of Events:
SESSION 1 (3pm – 4pm): Urgency and Leadership
SESSION 2 (4pm – 5pm): Transformation and Breakthroughs
SESSION 3 (5pm – 6pm): Action
The TEDxStormont Countdown event is being held in partnership with SONI the Electricity System Operator for Northern Ireland. SONI runs the NI electricity system and is committed to transforming the power sector from fossil fuels to a clean energy system, as a direct response to the climate crisis.