Horizons

A brief look at the environment

Ecoweb

unep.org/wed

The official website of the United Nations Environment Programme, which celebrates World Environment Day today. This year’s theme is Many Species, One Planet, One Future. Check out what’s happening around the world.

Green home flags

Green home flags were awarded to communities throughout Ireland earlier this week as part of the pilot phase of this new environmental-awareness programme. Modelled on the Green Schools initiative, it gives householders advice on how to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, conserve water and embrace sustainable travel. More than 10,000 families have participated so far. See greenhome.ie or contact the Green Home team at An Taisce on 01-4002218.

Perceptions of Water

If you are in Berlin this summer, travel the short distance to Lubben to see the Aquamediale International Art Festival, which runs from next Saturday until September 5th. The exhibition Perceptions of Water highlights the fact that in 15 years' time a third of the world's population will be living in regions with inadequate water supplies. Fourteen artists from eight countries, including the Irish artist Andrea Jameson, responded to the theme. Jameson's metal sculpture The Next Step Is Our Futureshows the precarious position we are in.

Watch those whales

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group is hosting three whale-watching courses on Clear Island, in west Cork, this year. The weekends – June 18th-20th, July 16th-18th and September 10th-12th – offer those aged 14 and over opportunities to learn about and observe some of the 24 species of whales and dolphins that live in Irish waters. The courses cost €95. Call 023-8838761 or see iwdg.ie. Meanwhile, Island Ecology, an environmental summer school, goes ahead on Clear Island from July 5th to 12th. It costs €200. Call 085-1211281 or see oilean-chleire.ie.