Page 169 - Guerin Media Ltd | Active Retirement Ireland Members Annual 2016
P. 169
COMMUNITIES IN TRANSITION ENVIRONMENT
We’ve got the whole world in our hands!
The Transition Towns Movement in Ireland
-With Theresa ‘O Donohoe
“Transition is a quiet revolution unfolding around the world. People like you and I are seeing crisis as the
opportunity for doing something different, something extraordinary. It’s an idea about the future, an
optimistic, practical idea. And it’s a movement you can join. There are people near you who are optimistic
and practical too.”
One of the most all encompassing issues of our time is In any company or organisation facing a problem or
challenge, the specialists are brought together to “toss
that of Global Warming or Climate Change. As a country we
it around” - everyone has a different skill
are over dependent on fossil fuels although set, with individual talents and experience.
Through having a real conversation and
we have massive local potential for renewal asking the right questions, together a
solution can be found that everyone can
energy solutions. Ireland is facing billions agree to. When it comes to the issue of
Climate Change, all of us are the specialists
of euros in fines due to our rising Carbon in our own way. No one else knows our
local area as we do. What are our resources
Dioxide emissions but our leaders have been our networks of influence? What are our
strengths, our skills our talents? What can
failing on this issue. Can Economic growth fuel our passion our motivation?
can continue in a way that promotes a way “On spaceship earth there are no passengers, only crew”
of life that does not force us to steal from -Buckminster Fuller
our children as our present system has been This year, Kinsale, Co. Cork, the world’s first “Transition
Town” celebrated ten years of inspiring local community
doing – polluting the earth so wastefully. action with a vision of local resilience. Let’s just consider
that for a moment. This is a movement that spans the
Locally, and Nationally what kind of changes world. Today there are 1,107 registered “Transition”
initiatives and transition groups in about 50 countries.
are we going to have to make to meet these Ireland really has something to celebrate!
challenges? Change is upon us – through taking positive
actions now locally as families and communities we can In Kinsale, Local walks, talks and seasonal community
make a huge difference to the world we leave for our celebrations keep the town buzzing through the year.
children and grandchildren. We are aware of issues of Kinsale’s local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
pollution, species extinction and loss of biodiversity – but has grown oats (and quinoa!) while the allotments are
there are also reasons for hope!
There are a number of clarion calls to action in this
country. Known to families across the country for his
encouragement in getting people to insulate their homes
and be energy efficient, Duncan Stewart is one of the most
vocal and resolute on the need for radical change. Another
voice is Davie Philips of Cloughjordan eco-village and
“Cultivate”. Less well known are the many local community
groups working away across the country with a vision of
local resilience under the banner of “Transition Towns”.
www.activeirl.ie Active Retirement Ireland 169
We’ve got the whole world in our hands!
The Transition Towns Movement in Ireland
-With Theresa ‘O Donohoe
“Transition is a quiet revolution unfolding around the world. People like you and I are seeing crisis as the
opportunity for doing something different, something extraordinary. It’s an idea about the future, an
optimistic, practical idea. And it’s a movement you can join. There are people near you who are optimistic
and practical too.”
One of the most all encompassing issues of our time is In any company or organisation facing a problem or
challenge, the specialists are brought together to “toss
that of Global Warming or Climate Change. As a country we
it around” - everyone has a different skill
are over dependent on fossil fuels although set, with individual talents and experience.
Through having a real conversation and
we have massive local potential for renewal asking the right questions, together a
solution can be found that everyone can
energy solutions. Ireland is facing billions agree to. When it comes to the issue of
Climate Change, all of us are the specialists
of euros in fines due to our rising Carbon in our own way. No one else knows our
local area as we do. What are our resources
Dioxide emissions but our leaders have been our networks of influence? What are our
strengths, our skills our talents? What can
failing on this issue. Can Economic growth fuel our passion our motivation?
can continue in a way that promotes a way “On spaceship earth there are no passengers, only crew”
of life that does not force us to steal from -Buckminster Fuller
our children as our present system has been This year, Kinsale, Co. Cork, the world’s first “Transition
Town” celebrated ten years of inspiring local community
doing – polluting the earth so wastefully. action with a vision of local resilience. Let’s just consider
that for a moment. This is a movement that spans the
Locally, and Nationally what kind of changes world. Today there are 1,107 registered “Transition”
initiatives and transition groups in about 50 countries.
are we going to have to make to meet these Ireland really has something to celebrate!
challenges? Change is upon us – through taking positive
actions now locally as families and communities we can In Kinsale, Local walks, talks and seasonal community
make a huge difference to the world we leave for our celebrations keep the town buzzing through the year.
children and grandchildren. We are aware of issues of Kinsale’s local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
pollution, species extinction and loss of biodiversity – but has grown oats (and quinoa!) while the allotments are
there are also reasons for hope!
There are a number of clarion calls to action in this
country. Known to families across the country for his
encouragement in getting people to insulate their homes
and be energy efficient, Duncan Stewart is one of the most
vocal and resolute on the need for radical change. Another
voice is Davie Philips of Cloughjordan eco-village and
“Cultivate”. Less well known are the many local community
groups working away across the country with a vision of
local resilience under the banner of “Transition Towns”.
www.activeirl.ie Active Retirement Ireland 169
