First Female President of Ireland and Climate Activist Recent Environmentalists Mini-Series #4
Thank you Mary Evelyn Tucker for sending this suggestion of the film Mrs Robinson (about Mary Robinson) and Project Dandelion.
Mary Robinson (Irish: Máire Mhic Róibín), born in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland on May 21, 1944, is an Irish lawyer, politician, and diplomat.
She served as the first woman president of Ireland (1990–97).
Later , in 1997-2002, she was the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR), which is the principal UN entity responsible for promoting and protecting human rights globally.
—Britannica, by Michael Marsh
The significance of Mary Robinson’s election as President of Ireland in 1990 is encapsulated best in an anecdote told to her by her driver, one she fondly recalls in her memoirs.
On being asked to serve the tea, a woman responded to her husband: “Make your own tea, things have changed around here!”
That sentence was not an understatement.
With a career spanning law, politics and diplomacy over decades and across the globe, Mary Robinson’s electoral success was the springboard to a lifetime devoted to being a voice for the vulnerable, both in Ireland and worldwide.
Born Mary Teresa Winifred Bourke, she is the daughter of Aubrey and Tessa Bourke. Both parents, who were medical doctors in Ballina, County Mayo, were always supportive of her education and her efforts.
In an interview with Mary on August 8, 2019, Jane Graham provides a glimpse into Mary’s childhood and famiy life:
I adored my father, he was a wonderful doctor, a vocation doctor. I used to love going out with him on evening house calls. He’d tell me stories on the way there, then he’d go in, leaving me reading in the car.
Eventually he’d come back out of these poor, peasant houses with no electricity, and I watched him stand in the dim light of the front door talking to the mother of the house. He was bent over listening very patiently.
And I waited and waited, wanting him to come back and tell me more stories. But he would stand there for 20 minutes, because he knew that listening was very important as a doctor.
I think it was because of him I called my memoirs Everybody Matters, because he firmly believed that. And I grew up believing it too – no matter how poor, how old, how inarticulate – everybody matters.
My mother died very suddenly of a heart attack. It was a terrible loss to me. My mother was the life and soul of the family, the heart of the family. She influenced me more than I knew. When I was campaigning to be President of Ireland I realised I’d have to let people get to know me. I’d been very private before that, I was a naturally shy person. But the more I really talked to people on a personal level – opening up, becoming more people-friendly, warmer, a better listener – the more I became like my mother. That changed my approach to public life and I’ve never gone back.
I grew up wedged between two sets of brothers – two older and two younger. Five of us born in six years.
So by the time I was 16…I had a strong sense of gender equality, human rights, and justice. My parents made it clear that they wanted me to have the same opportunities as my brothers, but the wider Irish society in Mayo didn’t give me that same sense.
I had very few options. I was expected to marry very young – which I had no interest in doing – or become a nun.
My brothers were altar boys. There was no such thing as an altar girl. We were a very religious Catholic family. My grandparents went to mass daily, we went every week on Sundays. I had to wear this awful scarf in church. I was a girl, and there was no doubt in my mind that there was a difference.
—The Irish Independent—News, 25 Apr 2025 by Adrianna Wrona
For Mary’s education, a convent school education preceded finishing school in Paris, then a law degree in Trinity College Dublin (1963–1967) and a master’s in Harvard (1967–1968).
Mary served her office as Ireland’s first female president from 1990 to 1997, then resigned to take up her appointment as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR).
While serving as UNHCHR, she widened the commission’s brief to include many women’s issues, such as food and water security, shelter and healthcare.
As High Commissioner, she changed the priorities of her office to emphasize the promotion of human rights at the national and regional levels.
Mary later became a founding member—and remains part of—The Elders, a group of 12 eminent leaders, who have included Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter and Kofi Annan, among others. They have acted as global advisors under the direction of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The Elders was founded by Nelson Mandela in 2007. They describe themselves this way:
We are an independent group of global leaders working for peace, justice, human rights and a sustainable planet.
Our vision is a world where people live in peace, conscious of their common humanity and their shared responsibilities for each other, the planet and future generations; where there is universal respect for human rights; where poverty has been eliminated and people are free from fear and oppression, and able to fulfil their true potential.
Other achievements: Mary established and led the Mary Robinson Foundation—Climate Justice, a center for education and advocacy on sustainable and people-centered development in the world’s poorest communities.
A notable accolade for Mary was receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States. It was awarded to her by former President Barack Obama.
by Elly Friel
The Elders Foundation, London
Mary met her husband, Nicholas Robinson, who is an author, cartoonist and solicitor (lawyer), while studying Law in Trinity College Dublin. They were married in 1970 and have three children, Tessa Robinson, Aubrey Robinson and William Robinson.
PROJECT DANDELION — A RAY OF HOPE
However devastating the climate and nature crisis is, we are not helpless against it
On August 20, 2024 in Brasilia, Mary Robinson joined the G20 Interfaith Forum on Religion and Sustainable Development as a special guest speaker.
Speaking on the theme, “Leave No One Behind: The Well-Being of the Planet and Its People,” she underscored the urgency of the climate and nature crisis, highlighting both the progress made and the critical work still ahead.
Here are some of her remarks:
Today, our planet is on a path of runaway climate change due to the rate of global warming. The Earth is warmer than it has been in the last 125,000 years. This makes extreme weather events more severe and more frequent.
And it’s not just a climate crisis. It is a climate and nature crisis.
Since 1970, we’ve seen a 69% drop in wildlife populations.
The ocean, which is the largest ecosystem on Earth, teeming with wondrous life, is experiencing increasing acidification and marine heatwaves, threatening countless species.
Our planet is undergoing its sixth great mass extinction. This should alarm us all.
But we know the root causes, which is the first step in solving this crisis.
First, the burning of coal, oil and gas accounts for three quarters of global greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions blanket the Earth and trap the sun’s heat, driving the climate breakdown we’re experiencing.
Second, the way we produce, process, package and transport food is responsible for a third of emissions that heat our planet.
THERE ARE POSITIVES:
As my dear friend the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu used to say, I am a prisoner of hope. I know we can tackle the climate and nature crisis.
Solutions are already underway, and we must support and accelerate them.
For example:
—Renewable energy is being built at an unprecedented rate.
—At [the 2023] COP28 climate conference, world leaders agreed to triple global renewable capacity by 2030.
—Food producers across the globe are already shifting towards regenerative practices.
—Farmers, fishers, agroforesters and many others are leading the way to help transform our global food system from an extractive to a restorative one.
—This is the beauty of these transitions. They can have a ripple effect on innumerable facets of society.
They can help solve many interconnected crises today and for generations to come.
—And this is an important point.
We must remember that we don’t just inherit this earth, we are borrowing it from future generations.
Indigenous peoples speak of the Seventh Generation Principle, which invites us to think of the decisions we make today and whether they will result in a sustainable world seven generations in the future.
HOW DO WE MAKE THE RIGHT DECISIONS TODAY?
—I believe it starts with having more diverse voices at the table and creating greater pluralism.
—We need better representation of women, youth, LGBTI communities, Indigenous peoples and marginalised groups in the decision-making process.
—Above all, we need to encourage a sense of connection between all of us striving for that healthier, fairer, renewable-energy powered world.
—That is what Project Dandelion – a women-led climate justice movement – is seeking to do.
What is PROJECT DANDELION?
Project Dandelion is a women-led global campaign for climate justice that unites leaders, organizations, and individuals to accelerate action toward a climate-safe world.
The initiative emphasizes the power of grassroots movements, collective action to drive systemic change and women leading with non-hierarchical courage and solution focused practicality.
Project Dandelion unites women at all levels to push for a shift in global finance away from high government subsidies for fossil fuels and harmful industries, into renewable energy and climate solutions.
This shift must have climate justice at its core. We need this to secure just transitions in sectors driving the climate and nature crises.
While we must recognize that women are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, we must not make the mistake of seeing women as passive victims.
Women are active change-makers and climate leaders: from raising awareness in villages and cities about the effects of extreme heat, to encouraging the use of clean cooking through biogas and championing solar power for crop irrigation.
We need everyone to join us to pressure our leaders to do more, with more urgency.
Project Dandelion is inspired by the resilience of the Dandelion. Its roots are regenerative of soil, all parts of the Dandelion can be consumed, and it spreads by blowing in the wind.
It has one goal - to seed more dandelions. That is our goal too.
We will build a chorus of voices that will help us to reach and motivate 2 billion people to ACT Now for Climate Justice.
The ACT Now for Climate Justice campaign calls on world leaders to cut carbon emissions drastically, and to help the world's poorest to cope with the impacts of climate change while developing in a sustainable way.
By sharing the Dandelion symbol we will grow our strength and the power of millions and millions of voices.
Project Dandelion is not only for—or by—women.
It includes everyone.
We embrace hope, with a positive mindset and determination that our best times are ahead of us, and we will be unstoppable in securing a safe climate future for all.
When woman leads, action follows. I hope you will join us.
—Mary Robinson
—Learn about - Project Dandelion
Or use this URL for Project Dandelion. Copy and paste the URL into a web browser, such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox:
https://www.projectdandelion.com/learn#welcome-letter
View a brief descriptive video about Project Dandelion.
Or use the URL below for the video. Copy and paste it into a web browser:
https://youtu.be/75YBeGwzAFg?si=hudq-20Q7AqnxDzn
One more point from Mary: Climate Justice
Too often in my experience, the climate and nature crisis and conflict are placed in two different silos, and the political research undertaken on each rarely engages with the other.
Yet any rational observer contemplating the interlocked crises afflicting our world can see the linkages and the need for a holistic approach to both by policymakers and politicians, guided by the principles of justice, sustainability and universal human rights.
This is why I have long used the concept of climate justice to inform and guide my work on these issues.
For Mary’s full speech, click HERE.
THE DOCUMENTARY FILM: MRS ROBINSON
MRS ROBINSON is a documentary film about Mary Robinson, Ireland’s first female president—and climate activist.
Unfortunately, the film itself is not available for streaming. We are hoping it will become available soon.
HOWEVER—
YouTube has a short video about Mary Robinson that includes a trailer to the film.
Here is the URL for the video to copy and paste into a web browser, such as Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox:
https://youtu.be/QKICypsdcIw?si=Ng5lr51A741SFc3E
And here is a repost of a public recap of the film:
MRS ROBINSON is more than a documentary, it’s a blueprint for modern leadership. The film empowers us all to join Mary Robinson in taking a stand in the fight for climate justice.
In a contemporary world where we have strongman presidents closing down borders, pursuing aggressive and attritional policies and anger and fighting seems to be the fall-back position, a film that tells the story of a democratically elected leader who is the absolute antithesis of such demagogic figures is most welcome.
It’s more a loving picture of a woman who changed Irish society. It’s a consideration of what makes a genuine humanist – how you can use your talents and experiences for the good of everyone.
That is Mrs Robinson in a nutshell.
Described as “fearless about walking into difficult situations,” we learn she is both tough and cultured, serious but party loving. “She knows how to party as hard as she does work,” we are told.
AN EXTRA PERK: The Oxford Union has a delightful —and significantly excellent—video of Mary giving a talk on July 8, 2025.
Title: Mary Robinson: “50% of leaders should be women.”
It is well worth taking the time to check it out.
Here is a link to the YouTube video.
And here is the URL to copy and paste into a web browser:
https://youtu.be/4GSlZHvDflg?si=tQGI65STSjFujHqx
MARY ROBINSON QUOTES
Former President of Ireland
"I was elected by the women of Ireland, who instead of rocking the cradle, rocked the system."
MARY ROBINSON
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
“Human rights are inscribed in the hearts of people; they were there long before lawmakers drafted their first proclamation.”
MARY ROBINSON
Climate justice champion
"We are the first generation to understand how serious the climate crisis is and the last generation to be able to do something about it."
MARY ROBINSON
…to be continued
with recent environmentalists who have been in the U.S. Government, Bella and Albert.
IN YOUR OWN WORDS:
Previous post: “Where Have We Come From; Where Are We Going?” “The Journey of the Universe” by Anne Andersson, August 8, 2025
—Thanks so much for this wonderful post! It looks great! —MET
—Good start to morning. Thank you, Anne. —E
—Thank you. Appreciate the personal touch. The directions for enlarging the print was most helpful. Looking forward to future editions. —RE
WE ARE ADDING A NEW SECTION:
In the current news flurry about the Epstein Files, important voices are missing or not believed: the voices of the women who were the victims.
Actually, in almost all sexual assault situations, the women’s voices are so often silenced or not believed.
So, the new section will be called:
“WOMEN SPEAK OUT. BELIEVE THE WOMEN.”
In this section going forward—and for as long as we have stories—we will offer one woman’s voice.
Her story will be accessible only by link—or by copying and pasting the provided URL into a web browser.
In that way, you may listen, read, or watch at your own discretion.
TODAY’S FEATURED WOMAN:
—Virginia Giuffre, trafficked by Maxwell and Epstein, spoke out publicly; died by suicide April, 2025.
Virginia speaks in this YouTube video: Surviving Jeffrey Epstein: Virginia Giuffre Tells Her Story (Lifetime)
URL to copy and paste into a web browser:
https://youtu.be/7j1xEv8ZXFUsi=VDLWwH2cQcFgUDuu
ALSO OF NOTE:
The 2020 Netflix original, four-part docuseries, Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich,directed by Lisa Bryant, presents a detailed account of Epstein’s abuse and those who enabled him.
Survivors, including Virginia Giuffre, tell their stories in this docuseries, which examines how convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein used wealth and power to carry out his abuses.
In the first episode, survivors recount how Epstein abused, manipulated and silenced them as he ran a so-called molestation "pyramid scheme" out of his Palm Beach mansion.
Here is a link to the Netflix docuseries and its trailer, if you wish to view them:
https://www.netflix.com/title/80224905
BE PROACTIVE:
Perhaps you might feel like acting proactively and wish to urge your Federal government leaders to act on behalf of the victims—to acknowledge that none of this is okay and should not to be ignored or covered over.
If you wish to do so, here is an easy-to-use guide for finding contact information for your own elected leaders just by entering your zip code:
Find and Contact Elected Officials: USA.gov
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials
C:WED Wish List:
—If you have any environmentalists whom you would like to highlight, please send their stories to us (with their permission, of course) at:
info@cwed.org
