SIXTY ECO-ACTIVISTS set up camp at Shannonbridge in west Offaly over the weekend for Ireland’s first climate camp, which runs until next Sunday.
The temporary camp is a focal point for activists to meet, learn and live in a sustainable environment, where electricity is generated by a wind turbine and solar panels and a dry composting toilet system has been erected.
Climate-conscious individuals have travelled from all over Ireland. Numbers are expected to swell to between 200 and 300 for the main event of the camp, a colourful parade through the village of Shannonbridge, next Saturday.
One eco-activist cycled from Dublin for the event, enduring a gruelling 150km eight-hour bike journey and an overnight stay in a disused Portacabin.
Eoin Lawless (26), who plans to attend the UK climate camp in London at the end of this month, said everyone should be conscious of the effect they have on the environment. “It’s our duty. It should not be a matter of choice. It’s our responsibility,” he said.
The location, next to Shannonbridge power station, the biggest peat-burning power station in the world, represents a stand against the burning of peat which organisers claim is the “dirtiest fossil fuel that can be burned,” because it is the most carbon intensive.
Peat extraction results in the loss of a key biodiversity habitat and as bogs naturally absorb carbon dioxide, their destruction adds to the greenhouse effect, according to Molly Walsh, an organiser and activist based at the camp.
“Brian Cowen opened Shannonbridge station in 2004 and we think he should close it again,” Ms Walsh said. “The amount of pollution generated by the burning of peat compared to the amount of energy produced marks it out as the worst form of fuel that can be burned for energy. The extraction of peat destructs the natural carbon sync of the bog, which acts like a rainforest in absorbing carbon dioxide.”
The camp includes a communal fully vegan kitchen, powered by gas and stocked with locally produced fruit and vegetables.
Cooking and cleaning duties are appointed to campers on a rota basis and all individuals at the site are expected to adhere to the principles in place, which include no dogs, no drugs or alcohol and an open and inclusive ethos.
The nine-day camp aims to take “direct action against the root cause of climate change” and to build up a resistance movement in Ireland to reduce climate pollution and demand social justice.
“For me, the most important thing is to make your voice heard, through campaigning and acting politically, though I try to live as sustainably as I can,” Ms Walsh said.
The camp includes a daily programme of workshops, covering sustainable living issues such as making your own cleaning products and how to fix your bike. Permaculture, carbon trading and racism and climate change will also feature while a full line up of kids programmes runs throughout the week.
Visit www.climatecamp.ie for more information.