'You can do a lot': Longford activist strives for an optimistic attitude at AvCon 2025

Liam J Coyle is a climate ambassador and strategy consultant at KPMG, who recently attended AvCon 2025 to give a panel to students.

Held at the Irish Air Corps Base in Baldonnel on October 2, he spoke about how, while climate change is a topical issue, it is manmade and can be solved with small actions.

He emphasises that it is unlocking new opportunities for business, innovation, entrepreneurship, and new ways of doing things.

Read more: Congratulations: Longford GAA duo graduate with degrees in computer science from DCU

The young man from Aughnacliffe, County Longford, got to present President Michael D Higgins a wooden harp back in June, which he spoke about fondly. Reflecting on his own background, opportunities to meet the President, lecture in University College Dublin and be part of AvCon has amazed him.

“I came from a disadvantaged area in the country, from when I was coming through school. It didn’t feel like many opportunities. Challenges like climate change where we can help out can help you develop, to help you achieve despite coming from a disadvantaged area. If you get involved where there is potential, you can do a lot. Coming from North Longford to being invited to meet Michael D Higgins, you can really empower others to get involved.”

Using social media to get his message across, this was how the opportunity came about for Liam. Throughout the month, he has reached an impressive 14,000 followers, and his LinkedIn attracted the attention of the convention’s organiser.

Read more: Richly deserved: Longford volunteer recognised for 27 years of coaching dedication

“I used that social media channel to essentially communicate about climate change, climate action, and climate literacy. Whether it is videos of me on the farm in Longford, or in the garden to encourage people to get involved by growing a tree. (AvCon) is Ireland's largest aviation careers event with 8,000 student participants. Lots of students were on the ground during the day. Most schools had some sort of projector to livestream it. It was great to be invited.”

Climate is close to Liam’s heart, from seeing flooding on the family farm to the destruction caused by the likes of Storm Éowyn. His panel at the event highlighted a positive mentality to reversing the unease surrounding climate change. Calling it a Venn diagram, Liam explained how someone’s hobbies to finding out what one is good at can lead to acts of immediate action. For Liam, it is all about optimism rather than fear to tackle the challenges.

“I knew I was good with communications; meeting new people and I found my purpose,” he said as an example. “I mentioned that it can be applied to any challenge that they come across, not just climate change.”

The key message from his panel was what climate action in the industry can offer. From entrepreneurship, to new skills. He said that those who listened were engaged with what he had to say.

“It was great to see so many people at my panel who were energised and looking to contribute to a more sustainable future,” he added.

As someone who lectures on how to make businesses more sustainable, during the interview, the topic of AI in the industry was explored. A new form of technology, AI is being thrust upon all people without choice; immediate Google searches, job applications, phone apps. Liam contemplated on this emerging concept when asked about his opinion by the Leader:

“It’s a fascinating question and one I don’t have the answers to,” he began. “My own perspective and what I’ve heard is that AI requires a considerable amount of power, electricity and data centres which is a controversial topic.

“What I see are business that need AI are fuelling deployment of renewable energy and uptake. It’s not always black-and-white but shades or grey. While a lot of people talk about the mind–boggling energy like AI, there are things that you might not see.

Read more: Joint scrap metal fundraiser to support local Longford clubs

“I have seen applications of AI making more efficient energy for our grid. Then how are we going to deploy offshore wind in our ocean? We need some strong demand for electricity. Coincidentally, data centres are being put up because of AI. That’s what we’re seeing in the business side of things. A lot of these technologies, like the tractor, we’re seeing as a bad thing, but typically you see some efficiencies and benefits. At the start, you hear a lot of things.”

Another big opportunity under Liam's name, he delivered on his goal while at AvCon 2025. Making a strong reputation in the climate action world, he wants to spread a positive outlook.