Water, water everywhere: Thompson Elizabeth Kolbert's forthcoming book on how climate change is affecting peoples of the world brings a fresh perspective to an environmental issue which often fails to capture the public's imagination.
Due to be published on Monday, Field Notes From a Catastrophe (Bloomsbury, £14.99) explains how in countries such as the Netherlands, engineers are already planning how to cope with widescale flooding. So, instead of reclaiming land from the sea - the Netherlands has the most sophisticated water management system in the world, comprising miles of dunes, dykes, pumps, holding ponds and windmills - the Dutch have decided they are going to have to start to give it back. They are also beginning to build houses differently to cope with varying water levels. The first amphibious homes were completed in 2004 and buoyant roads and floating greenhouses are on the way. In her book, Kolbert mixes science, politics and information on natural phenomena caused by climate change in a fascinating way.
Power talking
The 10th annual Energy Ireland Conference will be held on June 19th and 20th in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin. Speakers include international climate change experts, Aubrey Meyer and Mayer Hillman. Britain's low-carbon vehicle strategy, the EU emissions-trading scheme, wind energy, the future of natural gas supply to Europe and developing a sustainable energy strategy for Ireland are among the topics to be discussed. See www.energyireland.ie or tel: 01-6613755.
Oceans away
Billed as Ireland's official celebration of the UN Designated World Oceans Day, the World Oceans Festival goes ahead next weekend in Tramore, Co Waterford. Now in its third year, the event combines coastal ecology with beach sports. Highlights include the Blue Lagoon - the Irish Wildlife Trust marine explorer marquee with touch pools, pebble painting, eco-games and workshops. Beach sports include kite surfing, beach volleyball, sea-kayaking and surfing. Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle or take the bus to Tramore to participate in events. The festival is jointly organised by the Irish Wildlife Trust and T-Bay Surf and Wildlife Centre, a not-for-profit community group. See www.worldoceansfestival.com or tel: 086-8124275.
A Clare first
Clare County Council has become the first local authority in Ireland to produce a biodiversity action plan. Officially launched recently alongside another report, Recording the Wildlife of County Clare, the plan has been developed by the Clare Biodiversity Group. This voluntary group includes members from Irish Seed Savers Association, the Shannon Dolphin and Wildlife Foundation, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Forest Service. Meanwhile, more than 1,000 people attended Clare Biodiversity Day at Dromore Woods, Co Clare last Saturday. "The huge turnout at this event is a clear indication of the public's profound interest in biodiversity issues," said Elaine Keegan, biodiversity officer at Clare County Council.