Last week’s atrocities in Paris shocked us and we sympathise with the families and friends of the dead and injured.  French authorities have confirmed that next month’s crucial climate talks in Paris will go ahead but amid tighter security. In advance of these talks, marches are being organised worldwide to remind the decision makers that they need to sign a climate agreement that will ensure a liveable world for our children and grandchildren. The Dublin march will take place on Sunday, 29 November at 2pm. A bus is being organised by Transition Monaghan to take people from Monaghan to the Dublin march – details at the end of this article.

Last year, all over the world, nearly half a million people took to the streets of their major cities (including over 300,000 in New York alone) to demand strong political action on the climate issue. Gradually it appears that many citizens and leaders are beginning to realise that we are the first generation to feel the effects of global warming and the last generation to be able to do anything about it – but many people including politicians remain to be convinced.

It is widely recognised that we must act now to prevent the critical 2 degree plus rise in average global temperatures. Only last week, scientists revealed the average global temperatures for the first 9 months of the year were 1 degree above pre–industrial levels for the first time in history. This new data will inject urgency into the upcoming UN climate talks in Paris, where world political leaders aim to reach a deal that will keep global average temperature rises below the critical 2 degree mark.

Our politicians need both pressure and support from us to make a deal in Paris a reality. They are facing lobbyists and pressure groups from multinational industries (such as aviation, fracking, oil and gas). These lobbyists have had a lot influence on our politicians – ensuring that little has been done to tackle the high emissions that are causing climate problems. These problems will only worsen if a ‘business as usual’ approach continues.  Instead of a 2 degree increase, a very undesirable 4 degree increase is predicted by the end of this century if we continue the current trend in emissions.

Climate change has already affected millions of the world’s poorest people, inflicting drought, famine and severe flooding on those who have fewest resources to adapt to such changes. While the consequences of not acting are dire, the good news is that there is still a small amount time to affect change, and ordinary citizens can play a very powerful role in bringing about change. Naomi Klein in her book ‘This Changes Everything’ called for a coming together of people of all backgrounds to demand no new fossil fuel extraction and a more equitable world. Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si’ has also emphasised the important role we all can play in tacking the issue of climate change. People Power all over the world is now surging and it is succeeding. One encouraging example of this occurred last week in the US. After years of campaigning by local townspeople and indigenous populations all across the proposed route, Barack Obama announced that a major oil pipeline (KeystoneXL) between Canada and the USA is being halted.

This year, just a couple of days before the start of the all-important UN climate summit (COP21) in Paris, people all over the world will be part of the largest mobilisation for justice ever seen and once again stand up for their homes, for their neighbours, their families, their children and for their and everyone’s future. Organisations such as Trocaire, Stop Climate Chaos and Friends of the Earth are calling for people to turn up in their thousands and join them at The Custom House in Dublin for our contribution to the ‘global action’. The People’s Climate March will take place on the Sunday, 29 of November at 2pm.  We have organised a return bus from Monaghan to Dublin. To book your seat please email transitionmonaghan@gmail.com or book via the link on the website: transitionmonaghan.org or on our Faceboook page. The cost is €10 per person.

Pictured above is Dara Mac Gabhann facilitating a workshop in the Market House, Monaghan on Saturday last. The workshop focused on the challenges and opportunities that participants felt that people of Co Monaghan will face in the coming 100 years. Creative ways to convey how these opportunities would be realised were explored with a view to holding an event on this theme as part of Monaghan County Councils 1916 – 2016 commemorations. Transition Monaghan will consider the output of the workshop and liaise with Monaghan County Council in relation to planning the 2016 event. There will be a further meeting in the near future to begin acting on the ideas suggested. If you weren’t able to make it on Saturday, but would still like to input, you are welcome to do so by contacting transitionmonaghan@gmail.com.

MAPPING OUR BUILT HERITAGE & PROVIDING FUNDING FOR PROTECTED STRUCTURES

Maps of the Architectural Conservation Areas (ACAs) for Monaghan Town, Carrickmacross and Clones are now available to download from the Monaghan Co Council website. Meanwhile the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Ms Heather Humphreys, TD, has announced the Built Heritage Investment Scheme (BHIS) 2016, a new investment scheme for the repair and conservation of protected structures.  The closing date for completed applications is on or before Monday, 7 December 2015. To download the maps of the Co Monaghan ACAs or the BHIS details / application form see http://www.monaghan.ie/en/newsevents.

Two Transition Monaghan representatives, Jennifer McAree and Mícheál Callaghan, attended the National Sustainability Summit which was held in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin on Tuesday, 3 November. Jennifer now reflects on the conference, the theme of which was ‘securing Ireland’s Future’

While there was much media coverage on the controversial Web Summit in the RDS, the National Sustainability Summit, which was happening nearby, received virtually no attention. This lack of coverage was undeserved as the summit brought together a range of businesses and agencies from across Ireland to showcase and share new experiences and ideas in the sustainability field. They included innovative business leaders from Irish and international companies who have made impressive strides in making their businesses more eco-friendly and socially               Jennifer McAree                responsible. Others were representatives of                                                              forward-thinking governmental or semi-state agencies                                                     that have taken steps to improve their environmental practices.

Workshops at the conference covered the following topics: Food & Agriculture; Energy; IT; Construction; Water, Wastewater & Water Efficiency; Transport Supply Chain & Logistics; Corporate Social Responsibility & Stakeholder Engagement and Environmental Stewardship. Paul Price from An Taisce spoke about ‘Pathways to a Low Carbon Future’. He stressed how Ireland must go beyond the EU 2020 goals and start to take more stringent action right now if we are to have any impact on climate change. Our agriculture and energy emissions are especially high and must be addressed immediately. Jennifer Casey of Business in the Community (BITC) encouraged all enterprises to make changes that will improve their environmental and corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. By doing so, it not only raises the positive profile of the company in question, but can elicit major financial savings.

Michael Kelly gave an inspiring talk about setting up ‘Grow it Yourself’ (GIY), an organisation he founded which has seen huge success around the country and beyond since its inception. Michael experienced a ‘light-bulb moment’ during a trip to his local supermarket when he realised he was buying garlic from China, when it could easily be grown in his back yard. With no previous experience he began growing his own vegetables and now believes that everybody should give it a try. GIY received a €100,000 grant from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland which has helped to build upon its success.

A really inspiring presentation was given by Niamh Kirwan from ‘FoodCloud’. Set up in 2012 by two young Irish Trinity graduates, the business links retailers with charities that need a constant supply of food. This is done through the ‘FoodCloud App’ or by text message. Produce that would otherwise end up in landfill is sent to feed those in need. Most Tesco stores in Ireland are now signed up to the scheme, and FoodCloud will soon expand into the UK market. Other interesting talks included the problem of invasive species in Ireland and what is being done by Inland Fisheries Ireland to fight it; Cork University Hospital’s impressive journey to achieve An Taisce’s Green Flag status; the plight of Ireland’s biodiversity, and the opportunities that exist for a more circular economy, i.e. thinking about the design of products from the very beginning in order to reduce carbon emissions and reliance on raw materials and energy throughout their manufacture.

This was a really worthwhile summit and I left with much to think about. While such conferences have a role in promoting sustainability, there is still a long way to go – and very little time left – for the business and farming sectors in Ireland to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to acceptable levels. This is the level required to ensure that we in Ireland play our part in the global effort to avoid catastrophic climate change. The ‘Web Summit’ is moving, somewhat controversially, to Lisbon next year. Perhaps this means the national media will be less distracted and pay a little more attention to the National Sustainability Summit 2016 happening here in Ireland.

A gathering in the Market House, Monaghan this Saturday morning will consider plans for an event in 2016 to re-imagine Co Monaghan in 100 years time. The Transition Monaghan event which commences at 11am is open to all. In December, world leaders will meet in Paris for the crucial UN Climate Talks (COP21. A ‘People’s Climate March’ will take place in Dublin in advance of the Paris Summit to highlight the need for the summit to agree a legally binding agreement to avert climate chaos.  While different in scale to our gathering in Monaghan, the Paris gathering will be one that will also look to a sustainable and resilient future – where the needs of people will be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.  This week we take a closer look at the Monaghan and Dublin events – there are other events related to climate change and sustainability that are listed in the Noticeboard below.  

 COME TO THE MARKET HOUSE THIS SATURDAY TO  RE-IMAGINE MONAGHAN’S FUTURE

 Climate Change will be one of the biggest issues in the next hundred years. It is important that we, as a community, respond by taking actions that will reduce our environmental impact while also preparing for the changes that lie ahead in all sector of life. We would like to invite all members of the public, to share their ideas on how we can re – imagine Monaghan’s future for the next 100 years, to ensure our continued prosperity and well – being in challenging times. It seems that the main challenge will be how to live in  a zero-carbon society and ensure that as individuals and communities we are resilient and that human rights and justice prevail. Increasing numbers of refugees arriving in our communities,  resulting from conflict and climate change, is an example of how the world is likely to be different in the coming years.

As part of Monaghan County Councils 1916 – 2016 commemorations, Transition Monaghan has been invited to prepare an event entitled ‘Re – Imagining Monaghan’s Future’, which will run next year. This will be an interactive, engaging and fun day of workshops which will present the various challenges and opportunities facing our county in a creative way. In particular we would like to invite local artists, actors, poets, writers, film – makers, singers and all creative types to consider how we can present these challenges in more engaging and appealing ways.

If you have any ideas for short plays, songs, poems, films, talks, workshops, or if you are simply curious about what other people think, then come along to our brainstorming workshop this Saturday in The Market House, from 11am to 1pm. Participation is free of charge and everyone is welcome. If you would like more details please contact Mícheál on 086 865 2724 or e-mail transitionmonaghan@gmail.com.

JOIN US AT THE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH ON 29 NOVEMBER

On the 29^th of November, hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take to the streets of cities across the world, to demand action on climate change, on the eve of the Paris Climate summit. Dublin will host its own climate march on Sunday 29^th November, and the organisers are calling on people of all ages, from every background to come out and show their ‘Earth Pride’. The march will leave from Custom House Quay, in the city centre, at 2pm. While the issue is of huge importance, the day itself will be light – hearted and will provide an opportunity to show solidarity with those who are worst affected by climate change. Transition Monaghan will be organising transport at a reasonable rate for anyone who wishes to join us on the day. More details will be released in next week’s Sustainability Matters column. If you are interested, or would like to receive an e-mail update, please email transitionmonaghan@gmail.com

Calling all artists and musicians, activists and pacifists, school teachers and shopkeepers, grandparents and young people, butchers, bakers and candlestick makers, GIY enthusiasts and farmers and as many imaginative, creative Monaghan people as possible to come alone and create the best fun inspiring and uplifting event Monaghan will see in 2016!

Transition Monaghan is seeking your views on how we can re – imagine Monaghan’s future to 2116, and so ensure that our county has the resilience to deal with the environmental, social and economic challenges of the 21^st century. We are holding a brainstorming event on Saturday, 7 November, from 11am to 1pm in The Market House, Monaghan. People of all ages, backgrounds and interests are being invited to come along and express how best we can address the challenges and opportunities that face us in the next 100 years. The ideas generated will help us plan an exciting event next year as part of Monaghan County Council’s 1916 Commemorations. The event in 2016, entitled, ‘Re – Imagining Monaghan’s Future’ will feature a number of sessions, whereby artists, musicians, poets, story tellers, academics, and many more will express their views on what Monaghan could and should look like in a hundred years time.

If you are interested in writing a poem about climate change, a drama about the importance of community or a song about growing your own veg (as examples of some possible ideas!) then we why not come along to our brainstorm on Saturday, 7 November. The session, which is free to attend, will be facilitated by Dara Mac Gabhann, who is well – known from her work in Monaghan Community Forum and various arts and cultural organisations.  Tea and coffee will be provided.  If you have queries / ideas, please contact transitionmonaghan@gmail.com or call Mícheál on 086 865 2724. For information on Transition Monaghan see our Facebook page or our website http://www.transitionmonaghan.org.

COMING TOGETHER OF GENERATIONS AT MONAGHAN U3A CLIMATE JUSTICE CONFERENCE

Defying age – related stereotypes, over 120 people of all ages, attended the highly successful Climate Justice Conference on Friday last, organised by Monaghan U3A (University of the Third Age). The conference, entitled ‘What will we tell the children when they start to ask us why?’ focused on the intergenerational elements of climate change. This refers to the fact, that carbon emitted into the atmosphere remains there for hundreds of years, so unless we take radical action now, those who are not yet born will suffer the worst effects of climate change.

A number of very interesting speakers outlined the scientific, moral, ethical, cultural and political elements of climate change. Theologian and Columban priest, Fr. Seán McDonagh referred to the Pope’s recent encyclical on climate change (Laudato Si’) as “the most important document from the Church in my lifetime”. Fr McDonagh expressed his belief that each diocese should set up a Synod to address the issue of climate change. He quoted the Pope’s strong words about our planet “starting to look more and more like a big pile of rubbish”, and he challenged the notion that human – beings have ‘dominion’ over the Earth.

Two particularly interesting guests were Sigurd Reimers of Grandparents for a Safe Earth and Elizabeth Vezina of the North American Raging Grannies. They are ‘older’ activists who campaign in various ways on climate change and other environmental issues. Sigurd Reimers describes how Grandparents for a Safe Earth engage in peaceful demonstrations, occupy banks and take part in colourful and creative marches and actions. He spoke of the need to be aware of the emotional element of climate change, in particular, as it can lead to feelings of helplessness and frustration. The Raging Grannies, also partake in various colourful direct actions, by conveying their message through song, dance and marches. Perhaps their contributions will inspire some of the attendees to set up similar organisations in Co. Monaghan?

Other speakers at the event included Professor John Barry (Queen’s University), Dr Lorna Gold, (Trócaire) Dr. Frank McGovern (EPA), Paul Nolan (Met Eireann) and Oisín Coughlan (Friends of the Earth). There were also contributions from Young Friends of the Earth, Age Action and Linking Generations (Northern Ireland). One of the key messages to come from the conference was the need to stress to politicians the importance of strong, meaningful emission reduction targets. This is a message with which Transition Monaghan would agree.

Postscript: This week we hear that gigantic fires in Indonesia, that have been intentionally lit,  are  out of control and will make global warming even worse. It points to the urgent need for a concerted effort, by all of us, to use the last opportunity we have to avert the oncoming climate crisis.

Pictured at the U3A Climate Change Conference in Monaghan were members of Friends of the Earth and Transition Monaghan: (left to right) Sydney Weinberg, Heather Mason, Oisin Coughlan, Mícheál Callaghan, Meaghan Carmody, Liam Murtagh, Charlie Barker and Conan Connolly.

Will Budget 2016 help in preparing Ireland for the low carbon / low energy future that is needed to deal with climate change, now regarded by many scientists as the greatest threat facing humanity? An Taisce says that in the Budget there is no overarching vision to dramatically transform our transport, housing, energy and agriculture sectors towards genuine sustainability or serious investment in adaptation to the projected impacts of climate change. One measure that was welcomed by An Taisce was the move to commit extra funding to the ‘Better Homes’ Programme as a start in improving the efficiency of our total housing stock but the organisation says that there is much more to be done.

Charles Stanley Smith, spokesperson for the Environmental Pillar a coalition of 28 Irish national environmental NGOs said: “The stabilisation of Ireland’s finances in recent years has been commendable but it will count for little if we fail to prepare our communities and businesses for future shocks. Ireland’s commitments around climate change mean that we must prepare now for a low energy world now. We need a new type of politics which moves away from the shortsightedness of the five year electoral cycle and works to deliver a better Ireland for our children and theirs.”

The Environmental Pillar welcomed plans to substantially increase the development of new housing as necessary given the current housing crisis. However it is calling on the Government to build this new wave of housing stock to passive house standard as it will “mean that that those living in these new houses will benefit for many years to come from low energy bills”.

On environmental protection, the Environmental Pillar says that the Government missed another important opportunity to fund the protection of Ireland’s environment through investing in the Environment Fund. A huge amount of environmental protection measures, such as recycling initiatives, litter and waste enforcement, pollution monitoring, and wildlife conservation, are paid for from the Environment Fund. In the last three years the revenue into the fund has fallen by a third from roughly €65m to and estimated €43m. In the coming years the fund, which draws from the plastic bag tax and the landfill levy, is expected to fall further. To prevent serious environmental impacts from the diminishing fund the Environmental Pillar says that is essential that the Government commit further funding to the fund and that this should have happened in Budget 2016.

 How do you Imagine Monaghan’s future to 2116?

What do you think are the big challenges that we in Co. Monaghan will face in the next 100 years? What sort of county would you like to live in in 2116? As part of Monaghan Co. Council’s 1916 commemorations, Transition Monaghan will be organising an event entitled ‘Re – Imagining Monaghan’s Future’.  With the broad theme of sustainability in mind, we will host an interactive, fun and thought – provoking day of workshops along this theme, with a strong arts, cultural and action planning focus. In order to put together an event which is of interest to as many people as possible, we are inviting members of the community to have their say on what type of workshops or content interest them. We invite anyone who would be interested to attend a planning workshop on Saturday, 7 November, from 11am to 1pm in the Market House, Monaghan. Ideas and suggestions put forward will help us shape the final event. We are keen to ensure that our 2016 event is inclusive and reflects the diversity of groups, talents and viewpoints in Co. Monaghan. We hope to collaborate with others in the community who make this event happen. This might mean taking part in a performance, or by hosting a talk, performing a sketch or musical piece or doing a demonstration. For further information email transitionmonaghan@gmail.com or call 086 865 272.  More details will be posted on www.transitionmonaghan.org and on Facebook.

Launch of New Book: ‘Life’s Delicate Balance’ by Nellie McLaughlin

 Life’s Delicate Balance: Our Common Home & Laudato Si’ is just published and available in Veritas bookshops. The author Sister Nellie McLaughlin is a Mercy Sister based in Donegal – she launched the book last week in the Veritas Bookshop in Derry. According to the publisher the book “exhorts people everywhere to pay heed to the Pope’s call to save our planet from destruction. With core questions included for reflection and action, this clear and concise book is an urgent and timely wake-up call in its own right.” The book is an 80 page paperback and is priced at €7.99. We will review Life’s Delicate Balance’ in this column in the coming weeks.

This week we look at events concerning the climate change issue and the need to be prepared for the challenges it poses for this and future generations. We report on our activities at the recent Taste of Monaghan festival and look ahead to the U3A (University of the Third Age) Climate Change conference in Monaghan on Friday, 23 October and to the ‘Convergence 2015’ events around Ireland on the theme of co-operatives and sustainable livelihoods. Finally we consider the response of major NGOs to the recent ‘climate’ legislation in Ireland in the context of the upcoming and crucial Climate Talks in Paris.

The Transition Monaghan stall at the recent Taste of Monaghan Festival

Transition at ‘Taste of Monaghan’

At our stall at the Taste of Monaghan Festival we used the opportunity to talk to many different people and display information about our group and other local initiatives like  GIY (Grow it Yourself). In a changing world there is a need for more community and skill-sharing and one of our main aims as a local sustainability group is to support and facilitate such initiatives.

We also showed some traditional skills and products like knitting socks and squares and examples of handmade bags and scarves from recycled materials. On the food side we invited visitors to sample our locally made sour-dough wholemeal bread, quince jam, spelt cookies and courgette cake. These hand made products were so popular that quite a few visitors asked where to buy them or wanted the recipes. A huge success was the hand operated grain mill which over the course of the day produced 600 gr of wholemeal flour that could be used for two breads the next day. We also did a survey on what people think or feel when they hear the term ‘Climate Change’. The survey results will publish here in the near future.

Our ‘skills box’, which was a collection point for local skills on offer/sought after, acted as a starting point for developing skill-sharing events, courses, networks and/or online-projects. It generated a lot of interest and we now have a great range of skills offered by members of the local community that are available to be shared among us. They range from green wood-working to beauty and make-up and from foreign languages to knitting / crochet.

Inter – generational climate conference in Monaghan

In Monaghan, a major conference on climate change is being organised for Friday, 23 October in the Four Seasons Hotel. The organisers – U3A (University of the Third Age) – have a great line up of speakers. These include Fr Seán McDonagh (theologian and author on climate change), Oisín Coughlan (Director, Friends of the Earth), Lorna Gold (Policy Director, Trócaire). There will also be activists of all ages, with representation from older and younger people’s environmental groups. It is open to members of the public, for a fee of €20, which includes a light lunch and tea / coffee. For further details and registration visit monaghanu3a.com

‘Convergence’ Festival of co – operatives and collaboration

‘Convergence 2015’ events will focus on providing ‘sustainable livelihoods’. They will take place across the island of Ireland between Tuesday, 19 & Saturday, 31 October The events vary in format and cover topics such as community ownership; co-housing; community share options; renewable energy co-operatives; co-working; community owned pubs and shops; buyers’ clubs; artist and food co-ops and the emerging collaborative economy. For details see http://www.cultivate.ie

Reaction to ‘Climate Bill’

Last week the Climate Action and Low Carbon Bill 2015 passed Dáil Éireann. This is the culmination of many years of campaigning by Irish environmental groups. It received a cautious welcome from environmental NGOs, who had called for stricter targets in legislation. The Environmental Pillar, an advocacy coalition of 28 Irish Environmental NGOs, is now calling on the Government to put in place a solid plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions across Ireland’s economy. The transition and mitigation plan, which will set out emissions reductions, is not due to be revealed for 18 months after the bill is passed. This is a long delay, and takes some of the political attention away from climate change in the upcoming election.

Trocaire, while welcoming the legislation, is calling on the Government to adhere to the principle of climate justice and to make a strong climate finance commitment to support vulnerable communities in the developing world who are already disproportionately impacted by climate change.

Preparing for Paris ClimateSummit

We need to ensure that our politicians take the climate issue seriously at national, EU and UN level especially in the run up to the all-important Climate Change summit in Paris, this December. On Sunday, 29 November, the eve of the Paris summit, you can show your concern by joining a peaceful march in Dublin being organised by the ‘Stop Climate Chaos’ network.  Find out more on the ‘Dublin Climate March’ Facebook page, or keep an eye on this column. If you are interested in travelling from Monaghan to the march, please e-mail  transitionmonaghan@gmail.com. Depending on numbers interested, we may organise a bus to attend.

Recently hundreds of people gathered under a clear night sky in Dublin’s Merrion Square for the premiere of the film, ‘This Changes Everything’. Transition Monaghan members Mícheál Callaghan, Conan Connolly and Jennifer McAree were in attendance.  Here they review this landmark film on climate change.

The film is based on the much acclaimed book of the same name, by world – renowned author and activist, Naomi Klein. In the making of the book and film, Klein discusses how she had to address her own ‘climate denial’. For Klein, it wasn’t so much that she denied that climate change was happening, but more so a denial on how it would impact our way of life. For Klein, she went through a realisation that climate change does and will change everything, if it is unabated, and that it is up to everyone to become active in trying to stop it. However, while the science is stark, that we are running out of time to secure a viable future for the planet, ‘This Changes Everything’ attempts to galvanise grass – roots activists in a bid to re – write our prevailing economic and social narrative which in creating our environmental crisis, has also led to chronic social and economic inequality around the world.

The film itself was shot on five continents and featured struggles of various grassroots organisations against dirty energy projects. The common thread between many of these campaigners was not that they fitted the stereotype of environmentalists or ecologists, but that many of them were ordinary people who suddenly came face to face with fossil fuel energy projects which threatened their existence in places they had lived their whole lives. For example, Klein visits one native Canadian (First Nations) community in Alberta, whose peaceful existence has been severely disrupted by intensive drilling for a particularly dirty oil, known as tar sands. The film encapsulated health difficulties they faced, as well as battles for information regarding the project. In particularly poignant scene, members of the community are visibly upset and frustrated at the fact that they are refused entry into an area which their community had inhabited and visited for thousands of years.

The film also features a community in Greece who are fighting against the destruction of their natural environment. In the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis, short – term drilling and mining projects are being justified on economic reasons, despite the evidence that the planet must move away from dirty energy in order to prevent future economic and social strife.

Importantly, however, the film also shows that an alternative is possible. Towards the end of the film, focus shifts to clean energy projects, which have been particularly successful, for example, wind energy in Germany, where towns and villages control and benefit from their own power supply. At the end of the film, there was a call for all those in attendance to take up the call for climate action in Ireland. Slowly, but surely grassroots action is gaining momentum around the world. Thanks to the work of activists and ordinary citizens, universities, schools and churches across the world are removing their investments from fossil fuels. Recently, acclaimed academic and author, Noam Chomsky, stated his support for the divestment group at Queen’s University Belfast.

On the 29^th of November, people across the world will gather, in solidarity with those worst affected by climate change, in the global climate march. Last year over 400,000 people took to the streets, the largest number ever to demand action on climate change. It is hoped that this year even more people will do the same. You can join in the march in Dublin on the 29^th of Novebmer. Details of this will be publicised in this column and on our facebook page in the coming weeks. Finally, this December, world leaders will gather in Paris in an attempt to finally sign a new global agreement on climate change, that will compel states to cut their emissions to help stabilise the earth’s climate. While, there have been some positive moves by the USA and China, the view among the NGO community is that pledges made are still too small to stay below the critical 2 degrees Celsius threshold of warming. Therefore, everyone in Co. Monaghan can play an important role in ensuring strong action from Ireland, by attending events, marches, and most importantly asking politicians and public representatives to take strong action on climate change. If you would like more information on how you can get involved in activism in the lead up to the Paris conference, or if you would like to find out what Transition Monaghan plans to do, please see transitionmonaghan.org or email transitionmonaghan@gmail.com.

Sr. Lena Deevy, a member of the Little Sisters of the Assumption is a former Executive Director of the Irish International Immigrant Centre in Boston. She was among the recipients of the first annual Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad. Sr. Lena has been active in many international peace and justice initiatives and campaigns. Originally from Co Laois but now  living near Carrickmacross, she continues her peace and justice work and is focusing in particular on the current refugee crisis. This week we invited Sr. Lena to reflect  on our role in responding to the crisis. She writes…

Daily we are reminded of the numbers of men, women & children fleeing the war in Syria.  We struggle to come up with an appropriate response we can manage.   We applaud the great work of the Irish Naval service in rescuing thousands of individuals from certain death at sea but we could play a greater role in the resettlement of refugees. As a country and as people our responses fluctuate  from a great compassion, generosity  and wanting to help,  to a  fear of being ‘taken over’ by people whose ethnicity, language, customs, and religious traditions are different,  and a fear that it will impact negatively on our  services for our own ‘vulnerable’ people.

Pope Francis has called on every parish and religious community to accommodate one refugee family and recently we were reminded by our President that “there are times in our life when we have to decide to do what is right”.   I believe that time is now.   We Irish are compassionate and caring and can respond with generosity. The collective outpouring of generosity and concern expressed by thousands of individuals in response to appeals for help proves this. In our own county,  Monaghan Credit Unions are helping to fund the cost of items needed by refugee families and unaccompanied minors as they reach Milan in Italy. Monaghan Institute has set up a collection point for goods to delivered to Syrian refugees who are camped at Calais in France. These initiatives are commendable.

Jean Claude Juncker, Head of the European Commission reminded us that it should not require a punch in the moral solar plexus to remember our past.  He went on to say: “Imagine for a second if it were you, your children in your arms, the world you know torn apart around you. There is no price you would not pay, no wall you would not climb, and no sea you would not go to sea in, no border you would not cross.”

I suggest that perhaps our fears around the issue are unfounded and instead of seeing migrants or refugees as a ‘problem’ and a financial liability we view them as an opportunity to be our best selves as a compassionate and generous people and in the process gain financially and culturally. Imagine a town where much of the buildings are boarded up and the younger population have emigrated and the local people are disheartened.   Welcoming refugees could be mutually beneficial.   Yes, our way of life may be disrupted but it could also be enriched by sharing our culture and customs with ‘strangers’ and telling our stories, inviting them to be part of our GAA games, cultural nights etc. We would expand our knowledge of others cultures and customs and in turn we learn about the life of migrants and their fears, hopes and dreams.

However for this to happen, a different ‘mind set’ needs to be brought to the resettlement programmes.  Local communities and agencies need to be involved at all levels and the hopes and fears of the refugees need to be respected.   Additional resources need to be invested into communities to provide culturally appropriate services, and ways to welcome people.   With thoughtful and planned local integration programme refugees could bring much needed lifeblood and indeed economic stimulus to small towns.

Ireland needs to be part of the solution — it needs to promote a unified compassionate response.   The numbers are daunting but we can do more. We can lobby, pray and work for the safety and care of the refugees in their search for acceptance and that the EU, the UN, and world leaders will be inspired in their efforts to bring about a successful and peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Last week, I and a group of individuals from six other religious orders, members of the Irish branch of Vivat International, an international peace and justice NGO with consultative status at the UN, highlighted via a national newspaper the fact that we are deeply concerned about this worsening humanitarian crisis.  You can also play your part by contacting your local Oireachtas representatives and asking them if they will lobby so that the Government will:

• Communicate fully with NGO’s, local communities, and relevant agencies when refugees are being housed in an area.

• Ensure that resources needed to help the homeless are not diverted to the refugee crisis.
• Ensure that families and individuals in ‘Direct Provision’ for years are fast tracked out of Direct Provision.
• Continue the great work of the Irish Navy Service in saving lives in the Mediterranean
• Call on the European Commission to be a strong voice for refugees and migrants at a European level and for a united EU response
• Encourage and support lasting solutions by world powers to tackle the conflicts and the climate crisis that lead to refugees fleeing their own countries.

The recent launch of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan identifies actions to help protect pollinators and the livelihoods of farmers who rely on their invaluable pollination service. In recent years the decline of our wild flowers has been decimating our bees and pollinating insects. This Plan which aims to help our bees and other pollinating insects to flourish has been agreed by 68 organisations and makes Ireland one of the first countries in Europe to have such a strategy.

When we think of pollinating insects we usually think of the honey bees but there are many other bees and insects that pollinate our crops and plants. Most of them are declining in numbers in recent years which if it continues would be disastrous for many crops and wild plants and ultimately for humanity and the planet.

This new Pollinator Plan identifies actions that can be taken on farmland, public land and private land to deal with the problem. These actions include creating pollinator highways along our transport routes, making our public parks pollinator friendly and encouraging the public to see their gardens as potential pit-stops for our busy bees. It is also about raising awareness on pollinators and how to protect them. With the support of organisations                        A swarm of honey bees gather         like An Taisce Green-Schools, it aims                        on a tree branch in                             to ensure that everyone, from schoolchildren to Castleblayney earlier this year.         farmers, gardeners, local authorities and businesses,                                                            knows what pollinators need and which simple cost-                                                              effective actions they can take to help. The Plan will                                                              also support Ireland’s bee-keepers in keeping our                                                                  Honeybees healthy.

“Unfortunately, Irish pollinators are in decline, with one third of our 98 bee species threatened with extinction,” said Dr Úna Fitzpatrick from the National Biodiversity Data Centre, who chaired the Plan steering group. She added “bees are declining because we’ve drastically reduced the areas where they can nest and the amount of food our landscape provides for them.” If you’re a pollinator, finding enough food is the biggest challenge you have to face. Fertiliser application has resulted in increased crop yields, but in strong declines in wild flowers in managed field and in adjacent semi-natural habitats. Our tendency to tidy up the landscape rather than allowing wildflowers to grow along roadsides, field margins, and in parks and gardens is also playing a big part in fewer of these resources being available. The Pollinator Plan is not just about protecting bees but also about protecting the livelihood of farmers and growers who rely on their ‘free’ pollinator service, which allows consumers to buy Irish fruit and vegetables at an affordable price. This service is worth over £7 million per annum for apples in Northern Ireland, and €3.9 million for oilseed rape in the Republic of Ireland.

It’s not just crops; about three-quarters of our wild plants also require insect pollinators. Without pollinators the Irish landscape would be a very different and much less beautiful place. The value of

pollination to tourism and branding our produce abroad is enormous, but has never been assessed in a monetary sense. Dr Jane Stout, Associate Professor in Botany at Trinity College Dublin, who co-chaired the group, added: “If we want pollinators to be available to pollinate our crops and wild plants for future generations we need to manage the landscape in a more sustainable way and create a joined-up network of diverse and flower-rich habitats as well as reduce our use of chemical insecticides. This doesn’t just mean in the countryside, but in our towns and villages as well.” Responsibility for delivering the 81 actions has been shared out between the supporting organisations, which include the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Teagasc, Bord Bía, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Heritage Council, Fáilte Ireland, An Taisce Green Schools, Tidy Towns and Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations,.

The National Biodiversity Data Centre will track success in the Plan by measuring increases in the abundance and diversity of pollinators within the Irish landscape as the 81 actions are implemented. For details of the Plan and practical tips to help our pollinators see http://www.biodiversityireland.ie/pollinator-plan.

              A typical insect / bee hotel is a home for pollinators and a great educational           resource for children

In our own county the initiative to develop Monaghan as a biodiversity town will involve helping to make the area in and around Monaghan town more suitable for pollinating insects. This will involve planting apple trees and wild flowers and so will complement the Pollinator Plan. For details see http://www.monaghantownbiodiversity.com. The challenge of addressing the decline of bees globally will be one that local man Philip McCabe will be tackling in his new role as President of Apimondia, the International Federation of Beekeepers’ Associations.