Category Archives: policy

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.

Food Security

It’s a grey day in the Burren and the birds are busy flittering around the pond in our Hares Corner. Great success was celebrated recently as over 7,000 trees were planted around Clare to make more space for nature; mini habitats to support wildlife in the Hares Corner project. Throughout Ireland work to restore habitats, hedgerowsContinue reading “Food Security”

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 Meetings

Things have changed with meetings. The formal boardroom has learned to adapt or gone into retirement. Casual group meetings are now a more structured activity. A visit to the grandparents means wiping fingerprints off the screens. People are sharing a cup of tea or glass of wine and a chat with friends via their laptops.Continue reading “Imagine Meetings”