Category Archives: Public Participation

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”

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 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”

Want to Participate? Here’s how!

As a follow up to my previous post here is the information, context and questions contained in the long term strategy survey – consultation. Take time to devise responses, perhaps in a document format and then copy and paste them in before December 31st. I have filled in the first 3 to show you itContinue reading “Want to Participate? Here’s how!”

Thank You For Caring

My daughter recently rang me out of the blue. She was listening to people talking about this “green wave” and voters wanting action on climate and the environment. She considered how trendy it is now and wanted to thank me for being at it so long, before it became trendy. That was a good day,Continue reading “Thank You For Caring”

Changing THE System

As 2018 comes to an end I feel like looking back on the past few years since moving to Clare. My first year was spent working on national energy and climate policy with the Environmental Pillar as well as establishing Clare PPN. It is very easy forget that we can all change the world forContinue reading “Changing THE System”

Lisdoonvarna and the Direct Provision Contract

I headed to the green schools expo last Wednesday soon after news of the proposed Direct Provision centre for Lisdoonvarna broke. I missed the first community meeting and given my recent burnout was happy to be away from it all to be honest. I got the feeling things were not going well at home soContinue reading “Lisdoonvarna and the Direct Provision Contract”

Lisdoonvarna Sustainable Economy Vision

In September 2017 the Transition Year students at Mary Immaculate Secondary School Lisdoonvarna embarked on a project to show what a sustainable local economy might look like in a thriving Lisdoonvarna. They took a one day trip to Cloughjordan Ecovillage where they had a tour of the local bakery, visited the community farm, ate localContinue reading “Lisdoonvarna Sustainable Economy Vision”