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climate change

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Recent reports circulating in the media on the disastrous effects of humankind on the planet and resulting climate change are pretty terrifying.

The greenhouse effect includes rising sea levels, famine and climatic alterations, and is caused by the emission of certain gases into the atmosphere such as man's use of fossil fuels. 

The latest findings by the United Nations are alarming, at worst. The sweeping assessment has concluded that humans are transforming Earth’s natural landscapes so extensively that as many as one million plant and animal species are now at risk of extinction.

Populations worldwide depends on these threatened ecosystems.

Transportation is imperative to this problem and bears responsibility for one fifth of all carbon dioxide emissions currently. Cars and lorries contribute 80-90 percent of all transport emissions, and traffic congestion is drastically worsening in Dublin.

It's time that Ireland declared a national emergency on climate change, and we found solutions. How can we make small but significant changes to our daily lives for the sake of the planet? Diet, travel, fashion and plastic; four key areas.

Your life can't totally cease to contain any fun, and why shouldn't you still be able to travel despite the troubling findings? We've made a comprehensive list of ways to travel in an eco-friendly, guilt-free way. The planet will thank you for it…

1. Travel by train, if possible, or boat.

Trains are more energy-efficient than other modes of transport, and can easily adapt to different sources of energy. Renewable energy is the key, so using cars and planes for travel can cause problems. Of course, we in Ireland are surrounded by water and generally have to fly everywhere, but at least the first waste-free plane journey has taken place.

Steps are being taken to reduce the plastic intake on flights; Quantas operates the 'world's first zero-waste' airline journey, which is SO exciting. They disposed of all their waste via compost, reuse and recycling.

Why not try inter-railing as a means of travel? The European journey tickets offered by USIT feature some great offers at low prices.

Ferry journeys also save a lot more energy than flying, though many people find long journeys on the sea unnerving. 

2. Ride that bike and give your planet a like

As well as saving you a rake load of cash on transportation, cycling is an amazing way to improve your general health and fitness as well as reducing your carbon footprint.

By riding your bicycle for just four miles, you stop roughly 15 pounds of pollutants from being released, in comparison to car journeys. 

Places like Amsterdam, Barcelona, Oslo, Prague and Tuscany offer some incredible views and cycling tours. From riding your bike through the Italian countryside to pedalling the coastal roads of France, you're seriously missing out if you think bikes aren't a brilliant holiday opportunity.

They contribute zero negativity to the planet, yet can get you to some beautiful places, so it's worth giving it a go.

3. Do you ever feel, like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind….

DITCH those plastic bags, it's easier than ever. Plastic bags can take up to 500 years to biodegrade, so why not take a reusable bag with you when you're grabbing goods or groceries?

You can get some gorgeous tote bags made ethically, and are perfect if you want to support independent artists while making a moral statement. 

4. If you can, try to book non-stop flights

It’s actually the takeoffs and landings that create most of a plane's carbon emissions, so by only booking one flight to a destination rather than two or three, it saves energy.

Studies have found that stops can increase emissions by a shocking 35 percent per person, all because of the takeoff.

5. Shame on you if you still buy plastic bottles

Okay, granted sometimes it's necessary to buy plastic water bottles in countries which have undrinkable tap water. We've all been there, just desperately trying to avoid getting a stomach parasite in some remote part of Asia.

If you're in an area that has tap water freely available and it's drinkable, you have no excuse not to carry around your own water bottle to refill it.

Considering the news that, by 2050, the world's oceans will contain more plastic than fish., we definitely need to reduce our plastic water bottle use.

6. Ask if your hostel, Airbnb or hotel has a recycling policy

If they don't have one, why not leave a comment on their feedback cards asking them to start one? 

If you can find a nearby recycling area with bottle bins, etc, try to bring your rubbish with you to dump somewhere eco-friendly. You can also quiz your hostel or hotel on their policies regarding issues like solar power, wind turbines, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and low-flow toilets.

7. Carpool with your pals

Road trip, anyone? Carpooling with friends or family is a big method of reducing your pollution contribution. It brings down the volume of vehicles on the road, which helps lower emission rates.

It's also a lot more fun than embarking on road trips by yourself, with nobody in the car to appreciate your killer Spotify playlists…

8. Get that Keep Cup out at all times, people

Nurse your Keep Cup like it's your baby, gals. If you carry it with you in your bag (there are foldable ones that barely take up any space too), you'll cut down on the amount of cardboard takeaway coffee cups you use.

While some of these cups and lids are recyclable, many of them aren't and cause needless harm to landfill sites.

9. Keep the energy down

Treat your hostel or hotel like you would at home; turn off lights whenever you can, switch off appliances like a television or kettle, don't use clean towels when you have a perfectly good one already, take shorter showers if possible. Showers use 10-25 gallons of water, but baths use up to 70 gallons, so choose showers.

Of course, a holiday is supposed to be relaxing. Treat yourself, but keep in mind that the planet needs treating too. Eating and drinking local food also cuts down on the travel mileage of your meal, instead of having meals or beers which have been transported from halfway across the world.

10. Wildlife lover

If you're hiking or travelling in protected sites, make sure not to wander off the beaten track and risk endangering more species of plants and wildlife.

When in another country, it's so important to respect the ecosystems there and do your research before the trip. Especially with snorkelling and scuba diving, take caution with disrupting coral reefs.

Know the laws for example about hunting, or trespassing on specific grounds. NEVER touch or feed animals you meet along the way, unless it's in a protected area or you're visiting an animal sanctuary alongside knowledgable guides.

Don't visit tourist sites which cause animals distress or harm, like elephant grounds in Thailand which allow you to ride the animals or walking with lions.

Do your homework before visiting anywhere involving animals to ensure there are no cruel practices.

You can even adopt an animal safety through the correct websites, and give them some love. by sponsoring their care. 

11. Walk this way

If you can walk around cities or countrysides on your holidays, make sure to try and do as much as you can on foot. Walking tours of cities are always brilliant for discovering the history of the places you are staying in, and don't waste any money or energy on transport.

Walking also gives you bonus health benefits which extend beyond the environment. Reduce your risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease by walking only 30 minutes every day, at home or abroad.

12. Beep Beep: Electric Cars

Electric cars produce zero emissions during your travels, but can increase a power plant's emission when charging. The only issue with them is their production, which takes place in factories often powered by fossil fuels. This actually means the vehicle has already caused pollution before hitting the roads, but if the factories started using renewable energy, this could all change.

Make sure to do the research when it comes to your choice between electric cars or diesel powered machines.

13. Reduce plastic in your shopping habits

Try your best not to buy goods from major corporations which use unethical worker policies and produce large amounts of plastic waste. It's important to support independent companies and eco-friendly, ethical shops. 

Research online before you travel somewhere new about the location's best shops and companies for the environment, and get groceries that aren't pre-wrapped in plastic. Carrier bags are ideal for loose fruit and vegetables. 

14. Bamboo toothbrushes and natural toiletries

It's cheap and cheerfully easy to buy a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one, which takes 400 years to break down in landfill. Holland and Barrett sell a great range, and you can also switch to natural shampoos and deodorants.

Irish brand Indeora sell a beautiful-smelling spray-on deodorant (vanilla, YUM) and Lush is famous for it's bars of shampoo and skincare products using either zero packaging or 100 percent recycled packaging.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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15. Mini carrier fans

This was an absolute GOD-SEND when I travelled Asia (50 degrees Celsius, permanently). Instead of using a monumental amount of air condition, try limiting your energy consumption by just using battery powered mini-fans.

They work insanely well if you pay a tad bit more for a decent brand, and last for ages too. 

16. Break up with your make-up

We highly recommend buying reusable make-up pads or remover face cloths, because make-up wipes are incredibly harmful for the environment.

They usually end up in landfill, or the ocean, and don't break down well. More and more brands are releasing their machine washable face cloths, buy enough to keep you going and they'll last for years.

17. Paper planes

If you're handed leaflets or paper maps during your trip away, either hang on to them or return them to the companies so that they can be re-used.

Whatever you do, don't let them just get dumped on the street, They could be useful for someone else, so why waste them? Try to use Google Maps instead of buying paper maps, if you can.

18. Waste not, want not.

Hang on to any unused shampoos or toiletries that are provided to you by hostels or hotels. They most likely just end up in the bin, which in turn ends up in MORE landfill.

Also, if you're having some sexy fun times abroad with your significant other or just feel like a spontaneous summer fling, why not try using vegan condoms or eco-friendly latex? Greenpeace have a great article about eco-friendly sex. No, seriously…

You can even reuse the plastic containers or bottles for another purpose. Many ethical brands allow you to fill up your plastic bottles with their products to reduce waste.

19. Fast fashion

Many of us can't resist the temptation to buy a whole new wardrobe for our summer holidays. Bear in mind, most holidays are only a week or two long, out of 52 in the entire year.

Try to refrain from buying brand new clothes unless you absolutely need them. Most high street brands like Penneys, Zara, Missguided, PrettyLittleThing, H+M, Boohoo, Berskha and Pull and Bear don't use ethical working conditions, and don't pay their employees a living wage.

The textiles industry is also the second biggest polluter of water on earth, and needs to massively reduce ASAP. Try going for ethical brands, charity shopping or vintage clothing instead of getting brands new threads. Depop is a brilliant app for buying used but stunning clothes and giving them new life. You can also put your own clothes up for sale.

Good On You is a great website which can tell you if your favourite shops are ethical or eco-friendly, so give it a go.

20. Local loving

Try to seek out indigenous artisans, because if you shop from them rather than a typical assembly line, your money goes directly towards feeding that person's family. Do your best to ensure that your money doesn't go towards tourist traps that don't pay the workers properly.

If you keep up to date on foods, such as those containing palm oil, you can also avoid harmful products made in unethical circumstances. Avoid meat, especially beef, if you can. The World Wildlife Fund have loads of information on their website along those lines.

It's our duty to protect the environment from even more harm, before it's too late. Be conscious on your travels, sustainability benefits everyone on earth!

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Australia is currently facing some of the largest bush fires in the history of the country. The fires have been raging since September but have recently intensified. The BBC reported that at least 24 people have died, dozens are missing and about 1500 homes have been destroyed.  So far, 13 million acres of land has been burned. To put it into perspective, that’s about the size of Leinster, Munster and most of Connacht combined. This is also an ecological disaster and so far, it is estimated that as many as 480 million animals have been killed.

At this stage, the best thing any of us can do is to donate money to those working on the ground. The following organisations need our help:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by  (@re.pit_official) on

Australian Red Cross

The Red Cross support recovery programs and emergency assistance. They work in evacuation centres and recovery hubs across Australia, providing trauma and mental health supports both for victims and volunteers. Click here to donate.

Salvation Army Australia

The Salvation Army has launched a disaster appeal that uses donations to support communities in the crisis by delivering meals, clothes, and other necessities. They also work directly with the first responders who are assisting victims.

New South Wales Rural Fire Service

New South Wales is one of the worst affected areas. By donating here, you can directly help fund Rural Fire Brigades, a group that provides emergency assistance to communities directly affected by wildfires. 

St. Vincent de Paul Society

The St. Vincent de Paul Society has launched a bushfire appeal. This allows you to choose what area you wish your donation to go from a variety of supports they provide such as food, clothing, shelter and medicine. Donate here. 

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

The RSPCA New South Wales’s Bushfire Appeal uses donations to help livestock, pets and wild animals that are in danger. They also treat animals that have been injured by the fires.

World Wildlife Fund

The World Wildlife Fund relies on donations to help koalas that have been affected by the fires. Donations will help with the replanting of trees and habitats for rescued Koalas and will also help protect the forests and woodlands that have not yet been burned. Donate here. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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You can also choose to donate to these GoFundMe campaigns – verified by the CNN– for local animal hospitals who need help: the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. These hospitals help koalas and other animals that are in danger or injured.

A huge thanks to anyone who donates to or raises awareness around this climate disaster.

 

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For the August bank holiday weekend, Dr. Bronner's will collaborate with All Together Now as one of the festival's sustainability partners.

The organic, Fairtrade, biodegradable-vegan, versatile personal care brand will bring their gorgeous soaps to the festival's 'Eco Area', where the team will promote good practices.

Attendees can be educated on what changes need to be made to combat climate breakdown and encouraged to make sustainable choices in everyday life.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by  (@drbronner) on

The Dr. Bronner's team will be undergoing their 'Heal Earth' campaign to promote regenerative organic agriculture.

The brand's efforts to combat climate change will be emphasised, and their product range of certified organic, biodegradable goodies will be sampled and available to buy.

Dr. Bronner's soaps will be supplied all over All Together Now's showering facilities for attendees, as well as in the backstage areas of artists like Hot Chip, The National and Patti Smith.

Paul Irwin, Director of Life’s Great said;

"We are delighted to be partnering with ‘All Together Now’ and providing attendees with ethical, environmentally friendly and fair trade Dr Bronner’s soaps while sharing the ‘Health Earth’ message which is very much aligned to the ethos All Together Now promotes".

The company was founded in 1948 by Emanuel Bronner, a third-generation master soapmaker from a German-Jewish soapmaking family.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by  (@alltogethernow.ie) on

The business remains family-owned and run, and the brand honours Emanuel Bronner's vision by making socially and environmentally-responsible products of the highest quality, while donating profits for a better world.

'We are All-One or None!' remains their mantra, and their combat climate change goals are perfect for a festival like All Together Now.

For more information on Dr. Bronner’s or to have a scope at their gorgeous goods, check out their range on Life's Great. 

Feature image: Instagram/@drbronner

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Last night, Ireland became just the SECOND country in the world to declare a climate and biodiversity emergency, after the United Kingdom began the proceedings on May 1.

A Fianna Fáil amendment to the Oireachtas report on Climate Action was accepted by the Opposition parties and Government without a vote, which led to this vital development.

Fine Gael's Hildegarde Naughton, who acts as Chair of the Climate Action Committee praised the vote as "an important statement" but stressed that "now we need action."

16-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg welcomed Ireland' progress, and posed the valuable question to other countries around the world, "Who is next?" 

The young Nobel Peace Prize nominee has been pivotal in starting the school strikes around the globe to protest government lack of action on ecological breakdown.

Naughton claimed that Minister for Climate Action Richard Bruton would come back with new proposals soon to the Dáil. The Chair also asserted that she looked forward to working "with all parties and none" to scrutinise them.

Eamon Ryan, leader of the Green Party, said tonight’s declaration came under quite“unusual circumstances” after he moved the Fianna Fáil motion into the Dáil without any of their TDs being present in the chamber.

Ryan continued by saying “it will be of little meaning unless we are now willing to act on the recommendations of the Committee.”

He vehemently warned that "declaring an emergency means absolutely nothing unless there is action to back it up. That means the Government having to do things they don't want to do".

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Climate Love Ireland (@climateloveireland) on

Deputy Bríd Smith, of Solidarity/People Before Profit, said she was "delighted" with the declaration, but expressed her concern over whether or not the Government will support her Climate Emergency Measures Bill next month.

The Bill seeks to limit oil and gas exploration. Fianna Fáil climate action spokesman Timmy Dooley moved the amendment, but when the vote came before the House it was put forward by Deputy Ryan,

There were only six TDs in the chamber and none of them were from Fianna Fáil, which speaks volumes. The Green Party Leader stated that, "We have declared a climate emergency in our own Irish way."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Irish Doctors for Environment (@irishdocsenv) on

Ireland has hit the headlines in recent times over our dire attempts to tackle climate change. The nation was ranked the worst in Europe in a report published in December. 

The Climate Change Performance Index ranked Ireland 48th out of 56 countries, with a score of 40.84. This is dangerously low, considering the EU average is 60.65.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has bluntly referred to Ireland as a “laggard” on the issue, and the country is set to miss emission reduction targets and face significant EU fines as a result.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by schoolCED (@global_climate_emergency_now) on

A Citizens' Assembly will consider the issue of a biodiversity emergency. A United Nations report has only just hit the world, stating that almost one million species are facing extinction because of humankind's damage to the planet.

Sinn Féin's Brian Stanley had also called for a climate emergency to be declared, but there were no Sinn Féin TDs in the Dáil chamber when the amendments were put. The lack of representation from major parties did not go unnoticed.

Feature image: PressFrom

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We all know that working to ease climate change is a hugely important issue, but along with the dire potential consequences of rising waters, extreme weather and droughts, climate change could have another interesting impact. 

A study from MIT called Ocean colour signature of climate change found that the ocean's colours will change because of climate change – but if you're hoping for a literal red sea or cascading pink waves, look away now. 

Essentially, he change will make the ocean's blues bluer and its greens greener, and it's all down to the miniscule operations of microscopic organisms called phytoplankton.

Phytoplankton are tiny planktons made of oceanic plants, and are one of the most important parts of an ocean's ecosystem as they provide food for a wide range of sea creatures. 

Ocean regions with high concentrations of phytoplankton have shades of blue-green – currently more regularly seen in warmer, tropical climates. 

The Phytoplankton's community structure strongly affects the day to day oceanic activity, and according to the study, 'is likely to show one of the clearest and most rapid signatures of changes to the base of the marine ecosystem.'

'The change is not a good thing, since it will definitely impact the rest of the food web,' Stephanie Dutkiewicz, one of the study's co-authors and principal research scientist at MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, told CNN.

'Phytoplankton are at the base, and if the base changes, it endangers everything else along the food web, going far enough to the polar bears or tuna or just about anything that you want to eat or love to see in pictures.'

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Is there anything Sir David Attenborough can't achieve? Probs not. He's an absolute legend and undisputed king of nature, as well as possessing one of the greatest narratorial voices of ALL TIME.

He's lending his voice to Netflix for their forthcoming natural history show (seems off-brand for them?) but now he'll be back on the BBC screens with a huge new programme.

The TV show will focus on the environmental forces reshaping our world, and is entitled One Planet, Seven Worlds. We can't wait for this.

One Planet, Seven Worlds will focus on an individual continent per episode, and uses cutting-edge technology to explore the characteristics of how the animals are affected by their habitat.

He is also appearing in Green Planet, which will look at the world from the plants' point of view in the global ecosystem.

Attenborough recently spoke to Prince William about today's environment, emphasising the fact that we are less in touch with nature than ever.

"We are one coherent ecosystem- it's not just a question of beauty or interest or wonder, it's the essential ingredient. The essential part of human life is a healthy planet," he said.

He urged politicians and business leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos to focus their attention on climate change, before it's too late; “the Garden of Eden is no more”.

Blue Planet II and Plastics Watch have both achieved massive success, so the new BBC One shows are hoping to spotlight the environment in the form of protection.

Three-quarters of a BILLION people worldwide watched Blue Planet I, which is mind-blowing. Some people see his new Netflix affiliation as a blow to the BBC, as streaming services take over.

He has worked with the BBC for over 60 years, so he most likely isn't ditching them.

The Netflix show is due out this April, while the BBC show will hopefully air in the autumn. Get yourselves and your metal straws ready, it's time to save the WORLD, people.

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Lena Headey, Queen Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, has changed the #10YearChallenge game after posting an image of a polar bear, and now everyone feels hella guilty.

Rather than focusing on herself in terms of the ageing process, the actress instead chose to take a stance on climate change and its horrific environmental consequences.

Though her status has a LOT of cursing in it, it's understandable how angry she is considering the lack of lawmakers making vital environmental alterations.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lena Headey (@iamlenaheadey) on

She captioned the harrowing image;

"Law makers. People who sign papers. Stop being greedy c*nts and get it done. Ban sh*t that is killing the earth. Stop f*cking about. Make changes NOW, stop all this knobbing about bullsh*t. Stop wasting time we don’t have."

"We don’t need votes on things that don’t need votes. We need bold INTELLIGENT leadership. WHERE THE F*CK ARE YOU ALL?" she concluded.

Lena isn't the only celebrity to focus on the environment, with Shailene Woodley posting an equally as disturbing image;

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by shailene woodley (@shailenewoodley) on

With reports that plastic waste is set to treble within the decade, and scientists discovering that the Great Pacific garbage patch is now three times the size of France, the conversation on plastic waste has come into the fray.

David Attenborough’s 2018 nature documentary Blue Planet made us sit up, listen and get serious about recycling, so maybe we need to talk to our lawmakers even more.

We're sure if polar bears could talk, they'd be cursing about it even more than Lena.

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Donald Trump is facing some ridicule this morning, after the President of the Uniited States of America tweeted that the winter weather being experienced is evidence that climate change is a myth.

'Brutal and Extended Cold Blast could shatter ALL RECORDS – Whatever happened to Global Warming?' he wrote, to his 55.8 million Twitter followers. 

The tweet shows the POTUS's distnct lack of understanding when it comes to the difference between weather and climate – as the scientists at NASA put it: 

'The difference between weather and climate is a measure of time. Weather is what conditions of the atmosphere are over a short period of time, and climate is how the atmosphere "behaves" over relatively long periods of time.'

'When we talk about climate change, we talk about changes in long-term averages of daily weather.'

'Naturally, what with this being a Donald Trump tweet, the responses cam in droves as the POTUS was ridiculed for his inability to differentiate between the weather and climate change. 

Here are just a few responses from indignant Twitter users who believe in science: 

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By Amy Donohoe

Ireland is the second worst country in Europe when it comes to tackling climate change, with Poland last according to a report published by Climate Action Network Europe.

The report looks at how countries perform in reaching their targets. It looked at the aims and progress made by the 28 EU countries fighting climate change.

Ireland ranked at 28th. Sweden is ranked second as they are on track to meeting their climate and energy targets for 2020, and they have a vast amount of renewable energy. We are set to miss our 2020 climate and renewable energy targets and we’re also off-course for the 2030 emissions target.

Ireland will face annual non-compliance costs of around €500 million if efforts are not made to cut emissions. The top position of the ranking is uninhabited as all EU countries are off target and are failing to increase their climate action in line with the Paris Agreement goal, according to CAN Europe.

They also advised EU countries to urgently and substantially increase its action. Green Party leader Eamon Ryan blames a lack of political will.

“We're shamed, we're right down at the bottom of the latest league table,' he said. 'The main reason is not that Irish people aren't good at this or Irish people don't want to do it, it's lack of ambition in government. It's lack of our government within European Union and elsewhere pushing for higher targets, pushing for ambition. We can turn this around, all that's missing is political will.” 

Ryan also said: ”We want that Committee to focus on what the public sector can do and to influence the drafting of the new National Energy and Climate plan, which we have to present to the EU in the next year.”

Transport and agriculture emissions are significantly increasing. Ireland have failed to prepare effective policies to place near-term climate action with EU and Paris Agreement commitments. CAN Europe recommends that Ireland stop using peat in electricity generation by 2019 and coal use by 2025.

Back in April, The Citizens Assembly published a report that makes a number of suggestions on how Ireland should tackle climate change, such as higher taxes and increased public transport. The Assembly made the following 13 recommendations by majority vote:

97% of the Members recommended that to ensure climate change is at the centre of policy-making in Ireland, as a matter of urgency a new or existing independent body should be resourced appropriately, operate in an open and transparent manner, and be given a broad range of new functions and powers in legislation to urgently address climate change.

100% of the Members recommended that the State should take a leadership role in addressing climate change through mitigation measures, including, for example, retrofitting public buildings, having low carbon public vehicles, renewable generation on public buildings and through adaptation measures including, for example, increasing the resilience of public land and infrastructure.

80% of the Members said they would be willing to pay higher taxes on carbon intensive activities. 96% of the Members recommended that the State should undertake a comprehensive assessment of the vulnerability of all critical infrastructure (including energy, transport, built environment, water and communications) with a view to building resilience to ongoing climate change and extreme weather events. The outcome of this assessment should be implemented. Recognising the significant costs that the State would bear in the event of failure of critical infrastructure, spending on infrastructure should be prioritised to take account of this.

99% of the Members recommended that the State should enable, through legislation, the selling back into the grid of electricity from micro-generation by private citizens (for example energy from solar panels or wind turbines on people’s homes or land) at a price which is at least equivalent to the wholesale price.

100% of the Members recommended that the State should act to ensure the greatest possible levels of community ownership in all future renewable energy projects by encouraging communities to develop their own projects and by requiring that developer-led projects make share offers to communities to encourage greater local involvement and ownership.

97% of the Members recommended that the State should end all subsidies for peat extraction and instead spend that money on peat bog restoration and making proper provision for the protection of the rights of the workers impacted with the majority

61% recommending that the State should end all subsidies on a phased basis over 5 years.

93% of the Members recommended that the number of bus lanes, cycling lanes and park and ride facilities should be greatly increased in the next five years, and much greater priority should be given to these modes over private car use.

96% of the Members recommended that the State should immediately take many steps to support the transition to electric vehicles.

92% of the Members recommended that the State should prioritise the expansion of public transport spending over new road infrastructure spending at a ratio of no less than 2-to-1 to facilitate the broader availability and uptake of public transport options with attention to rural areas. 89% of the Members recommended that there should be a tax on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agriculture. There should be rewards for the farmer for land management that sequesters carbon. Any resulting revenue should be reinvested to support climate friendly agricultural practices.

93% of the Members recommended the State should introduce a standard form of mandatory measurement and reporting of food waste at every level of the food distribution and supply chain, with the objective of reducing food waste in the future.

99 % of the Members recommended that the State should review, and revise supports for land use diversification with attention to supports for planting forests and encouraging organic farming.

The Green Party has welcomed the publication of the report, saying that the findings advertise the government urgently need to take strong climate action. Efforts will need to be made locally and internationally by governments, public agencies, businesses, industries, communities and individuals if we hope to combat climate change.

Achieving major reductions in the use of fossil fuels is essential if Ireland is to secure the major cuts being sought in GHG emissions. Our leaders need to apply policies for a cleaner and more sustainable country. If the world successfully reduces emissions, it will take the Earth time to recover from the greenhouse gases already in the atmosphere.So we will be still suffer with the climate change impact for the next 50 years.

Weather patterns are changing due to climate change, which is causing problems for many people. In Ireland there an increase in average temperatures, rainfall and a reduction in the number of frost days. In the future there will be more extreme weather, water shortages in summer and an increase in flooding which will impact on plants, animals and marine life.

Small changes can make a big difference to the environment such as leaving your car at home even one day per week and cycling or walking instead. This will reduce greenhouse gases and help to improve your health.

Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency have this advice on their website about what we can do to protect our environment.

AIR & CLIMATE

• Turn down the heat especially at night and when away from home.Turning your thermostat down by 1oC will cut your heating bill by up to 10 per cent

• Turn off lights in empty rooms and when away from home

• Buy the most energy-efficient household appliances you can afford. ‘A’ rating appliances are most energy saving

• When making tea or coffee only boil as much water as you need • Buy locally produced or grown items where there is a choice – they don’t require the transportation energy of imported goods • Most energy loss in homes is through poorly insulated lofts, walls and windows – instal more insulation and draft-proof your home • Use renewable energy such as solar energy, heat pump systems and wood fuel for your heating needs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels • Choose a car with a smaller engine capacity or with the best fuel efficiency. In general, the smaller the car, the lower the CO2 emissions will be

WASTE

● Be conscious that buying products generates waste so buy only what you need

● Take unwanted, reusable items to a charitable shop such as clothes and toys or return items to businesses/shops

● Buy loose produce (fruit and vegetables) whenever possible and avoid over-packaged convenience food

● Recycle everything you can such as cans, glass, paper and cardboard, plastic, and clothes via home recycling schemes or local bring banks and send less waste to the landfill

● Use local authority ‘drop-off’ facilities for waste oil, batteries or bigger items such as computers

● Return old electrical goods to retailers when buying new electrical goods as defined under the Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations

● Start a compost or worm bin for kitchen waste and garden clippings. As well as reducing the amount of waste going to landfill, you will have your own organic compost which will improve soil health

NATURE

● Be conscious of conserving sensitive habitats when undertaking new developments.

● Avoid picking wild plants or flowers and disturbing wildlife.

● Throw litter in rubbish bins not the countryside.

● Get involved in conservation projects.

● Plant native trees to absorb the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide from the air.

● Avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides in your garden – use natural products/means instead.

WATER

● Use environmentally safe cleaning products to reduce the impact of chemicals on water and dispose of unwanted chemicals, solvents and oils responsibly

● Conserve water and reduce the generation of wastewater by repairing any leaks or dripping taps in your home as dripping tap can waste up to 90 litres of water a day

● Use a basin when washing dishes – it can save up to 10 litres every time

● Run your washing machine and dishwasher only with a full load

● Wash your car with a bucket of water as it will take 10 litres on average. A hose pipe will use 9 litres per minute

● Collect rainwater for watering your plants

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I don't mean to alarm any of you – but scientists are claiming that the world could run out of chocolate by 2050. 

This is not a drill. 

The experts are claiming that due to widespread climate change, that cacao plant could become extinct within 32 years. 

Listen, I am fully aware that climate change is a bigger issue – however the idea of not being able to chow down on a galaxy in 30 years is UNSETTLING. 

bruce bogtrotter eating GIF

According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a temperature rise of just 2.1 degrees could bring the chocolate industry to its knees by 2050. 

Doug Hawkins from research firm Hardman Agribusiness, spoke to the MailOnline about the issue, claiming that a big problem is that cacao farming methods have not changed for hundreds of years.

"Unlike other tree crops that have benefited from the development of modern, high yielding cultivars and crop management techniques to realise their genetic potential, more than 90% of the global cocoa crop is produced by smallholders on subsistence farms with unimproved planting material," he said. 

Lads, I'm nervous. 

"All the indicators are that we could be looking at a chocolate deficit of 100,000 tonnes a year in the next few years."

Now scientists at the University of California at Berkeley have teamed up with confectionery company Mars, in an attempt to keep chocolate on the menu – not all heroes wear capes.

Using the sometimes controversial gene-editing technology known as CRISPR, they are trying to develop a version of the cacao plant capable of surviving in dryer, hotter climates.

Please god now. 

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Yep, sadly it's true; Hedgehogs could be wiped out in just ten years.

The nocturnal creatures are being driven to the brink of extinction by a combination of climate change and garden goal nets.

Experts and conservationists are meeting this week to consider and debate plans to save the wild animal at a Help for Hedgehogs conference.

And while changing weather patterns are believed to be disrupting the creature’s hibernation habits, chain link fences and garden netting is also killing large numbers.

Hedgehogs will be particularly vulnerable in the coming months as babies born late struggle to gain enough weight to survive through the winter(sob).

Hedgehog expert Dr Nigel Reeve said: “The hedgehog is one of our most popular wild animals but it is now on real trouble and declining fast.”

Hedgehog numbers are believed to have fallen to around one million since the 1950s, when an estimated 30 million inhabited countrysides and gardens, according to figures from the Hedgehog Preservation Society.

In the past decade their numbers have fallen by ten percent, a rate of decline which will see them wiped out in a decade.

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