On behalf of the Older People's Council and Age Friendly Cork County, we are delighted to be part of this innovative initiative which involves older people in the climate change discussion. This book presents an intergenerational learning experience using the power of storytelling.

Storytelling is one of the ways in which people connect with each other. It's how we bond with people, how we understand people and it creates a sense of fun and enjoyment through the connections we make.

This is also a learning experience. Stories about the past are key to shaping our future and by looking at the past, we can learn what needs to be done to safeguard the future.

In this book, you will read stories about the changing seasons, the impacts of climate change to our flora and fauna, our birdlife and the upsurge of traffic patterns, packaging, waste and coastal erosion. We also read about the changing patterns of agriculture compared to fifty years ago. All these developments are players in worldwide climate change, accumulating over the years.

Life has changed so much – sea levels are rising, weather and seasonal patterns are shifting and we are being warned by experts that we have to alter our behaviours to save our planet and our world, from climate destruction.

One could despair in gloom but on the contrary, in this book, older people show optimism and hope. The biggest message is that we can adapt our ways to halt the destruction.

The overpowering message from our 'Voices of Experience' is that it is not too late to turn things around. Climate change can be managed, even halted, if the world listens to what can be learned from the past and we change our ways for the future. As one of the contributors says:

"We all have the power,"

We may feel it slight,

But we do have the power,

Everyone can do something"

Sincere thanks to the contributors who took the time to write these stories and to Cork County Council for collating them into this poignant and impactful book.