My Book is out!

In 2019 I became aware that far right agitators had created a film that included footage of me. They claimed that I was a paid government mole to facilitate the opening of Direct Provision centres. People in other communities considered it very useful when they found themselves in the midst of the minefield of aContinue reading “My Book is out!”

COP27 Report

I attended COP27 in Egypt, representing Feasta, Foundation for the Economics of Sustainability and the Irish Environmental Network. This is my report from my 9 days there. Reference to “we” includes Martin Vernon. Ahead of the 27th Conference of the Parties, Stop Climate Chaos prepared a briefing document. It consisted of 5 headline recommendations withContinue reading “COP27 Report”

Warning: Criminal Activity

Why doesn’t society act? Oblivious? Defiant? Busy? Lazy? Easier to scapegoat those sounding the alarm. Do you think the two activists wanted to throw paint at a picture? Do you think their ambition in life has been to glue themselves to a gallery? That they had nothing better to do? I would love to be able to stop being a climate activist. They have been criminalised for sounding the alarm.

Can “Just Transition” fail to be a transition that is just?

Can “Just Transition” fail to be a transition that is just? Definitely. What is needed is a national transition strategy that is just, in compliance with the Aarhus convention, respects everybody equally and supports everyone affected. That must begin immediately. Ultimately this lack of a coordinated, whole of society action is a gross injustice to the young people of Ireland, the world and future generations.

Climate Dialogue, Covid19 Ready, in 7 steps

In 2016 the Irish government announced a National Dialogue on Climate Action. Only 4 events have been held within the past 4 years so it falls on the current government to ensure that dialogue proceeds at pace. In a Covid19 world how will that happen? Convene a National co-ordination team: First and foremost there hasContinue reading “Climate Dialogue, Covid19 Ready, in 7 steps”

Imagine Science

Over the past 3 weeks we have had daily briefings about the pandemic, by the government. The nation has come to recognise the Chief Medical Officer over everyone else in these past weeks. We have an emergency. We have the scientist qualified in that field advising. We are being briefed by the experts in that area. RightlyContinue reading “Imagine Science”

Imagine Gardening

The past couple of weeks have seen a surge in seed orders across Ireland. Coupled with beautiful weather and nothing much else to be doing, half the country will probably be in the garden this weekend and into next week. Very often people talk about daffodils, roses and the greenest grass when discussing their garden but theContinue reading “Imagine Gardening”