New business approach: "The uncontested ideology of continuous growth, consumption, competition, cheapness and profit for its own sake - all of this totally dependent on the burning of fossil fuel - is causing irreparable damage to the fabric of life, and ultimately to business itself," say Paula Downey and David Youell.
Business consultants with a difference, they are keen to point out that most business leaders seem indifferent to the environmental threats and - get this - the extraordinary commercial opportunities it presents.
Downey Youell Associates offers new insights and fresh perspectives to businesses and organisations keen to follow a "whole-systems" perspective. Quoting the economist, E F Schumacher, they add, "If Man wins the war against the environment, he will find himself on the losing side." Contact mail@dya.ie.
Threats to the environment
Encouraging local action as a response to environmental threats now and in the future is the theme of a day long seminar run by the Cork Environmental Forum on Tuesday in the Metropole Hotel, MacCurtain St, Cork. The CEF, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, hopes the seminar will offer the public a chance to raise concerns and seek solutions in consultation with local authority officials.
"Our main focus is to highlight the fact that threats to the environment are growing in spite of the work that is being done," Jackie Jodgson of the CEF tells Horizons. On Tuesday afternoon, Colin Campbell, chairman of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil, will chair an open session, Why You Should be Concerned About Energy.
Cork's Green Map project (a guide to eco-cultural resources in the city) will also be launched at the seminar. Full registration details contact 028-37884 or hodgson@cef.ie See also www.cef.ie and www.corkgreenmap.org
Go wild on the beach
Those holidaying or living in the south-east can look forward to a weekend of beach sport and wildlife events in Tramore, Co Waterford, as the town celebrates World Oceans Day from June 10th-12th. Now in its second year, the festival features guided walks, exhibits of marine heritage and exploration of coastal rock pools. New this year is a demonstration of how a bird box can be built using beach driftwood and a seaweed tasting session showing how ocean vegetables can be used to create nourishing and appetising dishes. Contact www.worldoceansfestival.com or 051-391297 for more details.
Awards for school projects
A flock of hens for a Dublin school, a wildflower meadow and butterfly patch for a school in Co Wicklow, recycling units for a Kilkenny school and an environmental summer camp in Co Mayo were among the recipients of grants in this year's Vodafone Conservation Ireland Nature Fund Awards. The monies come from Vodafone's recycling programme for mobile phones which has over 185 outlets countrywide. Contact Conservation Volunteers Ireland at 01-4952878 for more information.