On Friday 8th September 2023, students from across senior years at Glenstal Abbey School attended a talk and presentation in the Monastery Library about inequality and climate change given by Professor Martin Cormican, a world-renowned Professor of Bacteriology at NUI Galway and director of the GUH National Microbiology Reference Laboratory who has contributed immensely to his scientific fields.
His talk focused primarily on the impact of climate change on individuals’ health and the steps we need to take in order to improve and enrich the lives of future generations. An interesting point that resonated with the gathered students was how if goods were to be equally distributed and only what was needed was consumed, the lives of each and every one of us would be enhanced.
Professor Cormican supported his point with evidence from Second World War Britain, where the population’s life expectancy rose as people had to distribute goods more equally and consume less. This led to increased quality of life for those less fortunate and helped to raise the nation’s life expectancy. This astonishing point amazed the students in attendance.
Towards the end of his talk, Professor Cormican began a discussion with the audience about inequality and our duty towards others’ wellbeing and quality of life. This in turn sparked many fascinating conversations which enabled the audience to gain a better overall understanding of the problems facing humanity and the steps that we can take to resolve them.
The students concluded by expressing their gratitude to Professor Cormican for his fascinating talk, and to Fr Luke Macnamara OSB from Glenstal Abbey for his work in planning and organising such an inspirational and interesting talk.
Peter Purcell, Transition Year student
