Blog 1 - Opportunities from Climate Change: Really?
We are under bombardment from bad news: climate change, a global pandemic, self-centred world leaders, recession, coastal erosion, Dublin going for 6 in a row - I'll stop, this is getting depressing. Invariably we look for the quick fix where we can, we have busy enough lives without having to get our heads around the complexities of these issues.
Climate Change
So when it comes to climate change, rather than looking for the 'fix' maybe we should change tack and see how could this be of benefit to us. It is happening (even those who don't believe we have caused it don't deny it is happening) and it will continue to happen as our kids become adults and parents, and grow old and ... well you get the idea. What are our gut instincts driving us to do? protect our kids, give them a better life (than we had?), a safe, thriving (happy?) life. Well if so, then we have time.
We Change
The biggest opportunity climate change affords us is the chance to dream of a future where our community has adapted its daily functioning and seasonal rhythms to be able to absorb extreme weather events, where local economies are not at the mercy of global shocks, and where people are part of healthy ecosystems, maybe even food and energy self-sufficient.
This may sound a bit airy fairy, too woolly even, but we are legally bound to go down this route! All major policies we have developed at European level require communities to have a say in their own futures (not to be 'consulted' but to have a genuine voice in shaping their future). The wording around this in the climate adaptation material is for communities to be involved when 'all options are still on the table'. This is a powerful opportunity and differs from previous attempts to include citizens simply because society is now so much more aware of how impactful climate change is and how we have to genuinely plan for 15 to 20 years, rather than the current ~5 year cycles.
Old Dogs, New Tricks
It will not be easy, as we are not used to this: communities have to learn how to exert themselves and local government and national agencies have to learn how to integrate communities into decision-making processes. Overcoming existing attitudes and practices, reforming governance structures, and finding ways to develop flexible plans are just some of the challenges. If we keep our eye on that future community we hope for our children, we can overcome any of these. And believe it or not, go some way to fixing many of those other problems I mentioned earlier - well maybe not the Dubs issue (just watch the hurling instead #HurlingToTheCore).
PS
If you'd been expecting the blog to cover specific economic opportunities, or want a better idea of some technological fixes as we go along (temporary shorter-term option?) check out some of these sites (PPS, I am not promoting these as good or bad, just as places with interesting ideas)
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