The 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers programme is designed to unearth, inspire, and equip 30 leaders under the age of 30 who can play an instrumental part in shaping a better climate future for Northern Ireland and beyond.
Launched for the first time in 2022, it draws on the international EE 30 Under 30 initiative introduced by the North American Association for Environmental Education.
The programme is delivered by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and Podiem, and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Pacem, Pinsent Masons and Danske Bank.
Watch 30 Under 30 in action!
The class of 2022/23
In its debut year, the programme received a strong level of interest, with over 100 applications created.
Following a competitive judging process, the first-ever 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers are:
Alix McDaid - Endangered Ireland
Aoife de Bhal - RSPB
Ashleigh Henry - PhD Student
Callum Carville - Belfast IT
Ciaran Ferrin - Ulster University
Ciara Grogan - Graham Construction
Dakota Reid - RSPB
Emma Denton - Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful
Emma McKeever - Greeting Relations
Erin Galbraith - McCloy Consulting Ltd
Gareth McClune - Barclays
Harry Murphy - Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful
Jacinta Hamley - Climate Craic
James Rae - Solv
Jordan Birt - Business in the Community
Josh Armstrong - Responsible
Moya Doogan - Environmental Éadaí
Orlagh McNeill - Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful
Rachel Vaughan - Queen’s University
Ralph Lavery - Catagen
Rebekah Bajko - Student
Reece England - Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
Robbie Jamison - East Belfast Enterprise
Ross Blackbourne - Queen’s University (Student)
Ross Portis - Westland Horticulture LTD/MR
Ruairi Brogan - RSPB
Sarah Walsh - Bread 41
Sinead Murray - Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful
Tom Cowderoy - Ulster University
Una Barrett - Felix O’Hare
Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful sends congratulations to each of the class members on behalf of all partners and funders.
To gain the skills, knowledge and confidence of well-rounded climate champions for Northern Ireland, the 2022/23 class attended high-quality training from industry professionals in six carefully selected workshops:
Workshop 1: Finance, Economy & Business - Friday 11 November 2022
Workshop 2: Social Impact & Purpose - Friday 02 December 2022
"An extraordinary experience that has enriched my knowledge, expanded my network, and provided me with outstanding industry insights.” — Jordan Birt
"I will never forget the people I met through this.” — Reece England
"It was an honour to be part of the 30 Under 30 programme in 22/23. The programme included some top-quality guest speakers and it was great to get the opportunity to learn from them." — Ciara Grogan
“Would highly recommend it to any younger ambitious leader.” — Josh Armstrong
Enquiries
For further information on the 30 Under 30 Northern Ireland Climate Change-Makers programme, please contact Jenna Potter.