October

World Bank launches programme to ‘green’ national accounts

29/10/2010

The World Bank has launched a five year pilot programme aimed at encouraging countries to integrate ecosystem valuation into national accounts. The programme was launched yesterday (28^th October) at the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan.

According to the UNEP Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) report, one of the main forces behind increasing levels of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation is the failure to put a value on natural environments such as forests, coral reefs and wetlands. Robert Zoellick, president of World Bank, said:

"The natural wealth of nations should be a capital asset valued in combination with its financial capital, manufactured capital, and human capital. National accounts need to reflect the vital carbon storage services that forests provide and the coastal protection values that come from coral reefs and mangroves."

10 Messages for 2010: Message 10 - Cultural landscapes and biodiversity heritage

29/10/2010

10 messages for 2010 – Cultural landscapes and biodiversity heritage is the last in a series of publications by the European Environment Agency (EEA) to support the UN International Year of Biodiversity. One message has been published each month this year in the lead up to the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) that is currently taking place in Nagoya, Japan. Each message highlights a particular ecosystem or issue relating to biodiversity in Europe.   The themes include:

• Message 1: climate change and biodiversity
• Message 2: protected areas
• Message 3: freshwater ecosystems
• Message 4: marine ecosystems
• Message 5: forest ecosystems
• Message 6: urban ecosystems
• Message 7: agricultural ecosystems
• Message 8: mountain ecosystems
• Message 9: coastal ecosystems
• Message 10: cultural landscapes and biodiversity heritage

Science for Environmental Policy: ‘Forest Protection in Europe’ issue

29/10/2010

The latest in a series of special thematic issues of Science for Environmental Policy has been published. ‘Forest Protection in Europe’ is the 23^rd in the series and provides overviews of the key studies within the field. The contents for this issue include:

• Climate change may be increasing tree mortality
• Climate change will hit Mediterranean forests hardest
• Effects of climate change on insect pests in European forests
• Environmental diagnosis for Natura 2000 forest areas
• Bringing the ecosystem services concept into forestry
• Harvesting temperate forests reduces soil carbon
• Good practices promote sustainable forest LIFE

Aquarium Goes Out of the Deep and into Space for Science Week

28/10/2010

Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland is emerging out of the deep blue sea and into space to celebrate the launch of National Science Week 2010. ‘Our Place in Space’ is the theme for this years Science Week event and the aquarium with the support of the Marine Institute have organised a Family Fun Day on Sunday 7th November from 12.00 noon.

This annual event at the aquarium will include interactive displays and talks from the Galway Astronomy Club and the Dept. of Physics & Astronomy at NUI Galway, Space Invaders and Pac Man games, Face Painting, Cartoon Art for Aliens and a display of Ireland’s very own Alien Species! A host of fun activities for all the family with Galaxy Art & Crafts and Amazing Space Science Experiments is organised. The event will be opened by Mayor of Galway, Cllr. Michael Crowe.

In a run up to the event, Galway Atlantaquaria is calling on primary school children to create an Alien Sea creature to celebrate Science Week 2010. Children are invited to use their own imagination to create their Alien Sea Creature works of art using discarded or reused materials. Age category prizes on offer and all entries will go on display at the aquarium

Remember all finished art work must be at the aquarium by Thursday 4th November and don’t forget to include your name, age and school to your entry.

Science Week 2010 aims to raise awareness of the space industry in Ireland, with a wide range of activities taking place which will look at the latest happenings in astronomy and space exploration. For more information contact 091 585100 or email marketing@nationalaquarium.ie

Source: Irish Press Releases

US Secretary for Energy to Give Keynote Speech at International Sustainable Energy Conference

28/10/2010

~ SEAI Conference to Debate Long Term Ambition for Energy in Ireland ~

The “Pathways to 2050 International Energy Conference” will take place at the National Convention Centre, Dublin on Friday 5th November. The conference will be hosted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in conjunction with the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA).. US Secretary for Energy Dr. Steven Chu will deliver a keynote address to the conference, as will Nobuo Tanaka, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA).The focus of the conference is on long term energy goals, and Ireland’s opportunity to decarbonise our society.

The conference will present detailed roadmaps from SEAI for the achievement of Ireland’s ambitions in the area of ocean energy, bioenergy and energy efficiency by 2050.

According to SEAI Chairman, Brendan Halligan: “We need to have very ambitious plans when we look to a future of sustainable energy and a low carbon society for all.  The attendance of the US Secretary for Energy is testament to the significant strides  we’re taking to establish  Ireland as a global player in renewable energy and energy efficiency, and the launch of our detailed energy roadmaps to 2050 will set out scenarios of  how we can achieve this.”

The conference will present a number of international perspectives on energy pathways and scenarios to 2050 from distinguished speakers and policy makers from global organisations such as the European Commission;  the  European Climate Foundation; the European Ocean Energy Association and Alstom Power. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD will also discuss how Ireland could to achieve a low carbon society by 2050.

Further information on the conference is available on www.seai.ie/events

Source: SEAI

Minister Gormley launches Mulkear Conservation Volunteers

28/10/2010

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr John Gormley TD, officially launched the ‘Mulkear Conservation Volunteers’, a key element of the MulkearLIFE project, Co. Limerick on October 22^nd. These volunteers will play an important role in the EU LIFE project’s overall aim of restoring the Lower Shannon Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for three protected species: Atlantic salmon, sea lamprey, and European otter.

Study indicates positive impact of global conservation efforts

27/10/2010

A new study that was launched yesterday (26^th October) at the 10^th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Nagoya, Japan, confirms that almost 20% of the world’s vertebrates are under threat of extinction. However, the study also shows that biodiversity decline would have been considerably worse without global conservation efforts.

The data used for the study is from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Results show that an average of 50 species of mammal, bird and amphibian come closer to extinction because of invasive species, over exploitation and expanding agricultural land use. The study also offers hope for biodiversity as it is the first to present clear evidence of the positive impact of conservation across the globe. It shows that biodiversity would have declined by a further 20% without current conservation projects.

New research shows importance of improved global water management

27/10/2010

A new international study indicates that rivers that serve 80% of the world’s population are affected by agricultural runoff, pollution and invasive species. ‘Riverthreat’ was partly funded by the EU’s EVOLTREE project (Evolution of trees as drivers of terrestrial biodiversity), and findings were recently published in the journal Nature.

Researchers examined the effect of a number of environmental stressors on water systems. Results showed that pollutants were a threat to human health as well as endangering the biodiversity of 65% of the world’s river habitats. Professor Peter McIntyre from the University of Wisconsin explained:

"We've integrated maps of 23 different stressors and merged them into a single index. In the past, policymakers and researchers have been plagued by dealing with one problem at a time. A richer and more meaningful picture emerges when all threats are considered simultaneously."

One of the main goals of the study is to support international protocols for water system protection as numerous river basins cross international borders.

Science for Environmental Policy: latest issue

26/10/2010

The latest issues of Science for Environmental Policy has been published. The contents for this issue, 25th October, include:

• Partnerships key to greening the European workforce
• Embedding sustainability into the design of products and services
• A new approach to studying climate change adaptation
• Cost of damage to crops from ozone pollution
• Moth and butterfly vulnerability to habitat fragmentation
• Climate change imapcts on UK seas

The full articles are available to download on the Science for Environmental Policy website.

EPA reports significant decrease in Ireland's Greenhouse Gases in 2009

26/10/2010

• Ireland’s Greenhouse Gas emissions fell by 5.4 million tonnes (7.9%) in 2009 to 62.32 million tonnes.
• Greenhouse Gas emissions decreased across all sectors in 2009 due to the effects of the economic downturn.
• Emissions reductions were mainly evident in the following sectors:
• 2.3 million tonne reduction (20.0%) in the Industry and Commercial sector;
• 1.6 million tonne reduction (10.7%) in the Energy sector (primarily power generation) and
• 1.1 million tonne reduction (7.7%) reduction in the Transport sector.
• In particular, emissions from the cement sector alone decreased by 1.3 million tonnes (38%).
• While the actual situation in regard to compliance with the Kyoto Protocol will not be known until after the 5 year (2008-2012) period is over, we can estimate that after the first two years we are currently a total of 6.2 million tonnes above target when the impact of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and approved Forest Sinks are taken into account.

Special Funding for Water Supplies

26/10/2010

On 19th October, Minister for Housing and Water Services, Mr Michael Finneran TD, announced that allocations of over €10 million are being made to water service authorities for special funding for water schemes identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as having potential issues regarding the safety and security of supplies.

Full details are available on the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government website.

New biomass plant in Co. Offaly

22/10/2010

A new €40 million biomass plant is planned for construction early next year in Rhode, Co. Offaly. Over 250 jobs will be created by Biotricity during construction of the plant and a further 65 jobs when the plant opens. The new 15 MW Combined Heat and Power biomass facility will be powered by the supply of willows grown in Ireland. It is expected that the new plant will generate enough energy to meet the requirements of 5,000 homes.

Europe Direct Soapbox on Wind Energy

22/10/2010

The Europe Direct centres in Blanchardstown, Dundalk, Letterkenny, Galway, Thurles, Killarney and Wexford libraries are holding a "Soapbox" event on Wind Energy as their National Action this year. The national soapbox competition on “Wind energy – the future or a blot on the landscape?” highlights the importance which the European Union places on Climate Change.

The regional events will take place during the month of November and the final will take place on Friday 19th November in Farmleigh House, Dublin. Closing date for entry is Wednesday the 27th October 2010.

Further information is available on the Europe Direct website.

National Housing Development Survey published

21/10/2010

Mr Michael Finneran, T.D., Minister for Housing and Local Services, and Mr. Ciarán Cuffe, T.D., Minister of State have published the National Housing Development Survey. The survey establishes a proper evidence basis for further action by Government and local authorities in relation to planning, housing, building control and other matters towards resolving the emergence of unfinished housing developments. Over 2,800 housing developments were identified where construction had commenced but had not been completed.

In publishing the results of the survey, the Ministers announced immediate plans for the establishment of a high-level Expert Group comprising key stakeholders to advise on practical and policy solutions to ensure satisfactory completion or resolution of unfinished housing developments.

Source: Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government

RDS Speaker Series: 'How to keep your allotment and vegetable garden healthy'

20/10/2010

To mark the launch of the RDS Allotment Awards tonight, 20^th October, author of Vegetables for the Irish Garden Klaus Laitenberger has been invited to present a talk on growing healthy vegetables.

‘In the last few decades we perceive ourselves as a separate unit on the earth and think that technology will eventually solve all our problems. But I strongly believe that only the care for the earth and soil and especially the plots we tend will bring us a lot more satisfaction and happiness than the many gadgets which seem all important to us now’ – Klaus Laitenberger.

The talk will take place at 6pm in the Minerva Suite and is free of charge. For booking, please contact 01 240 7254 or email librarydesk@rds.ie.

TH!NK ABOUT IT: Climate Change blogging competition - deadline 1st Nov 2010 !

For more information see http://climatechange.thinkaboutit.eu/index.php/think4/about

Source: Eurodiary

Ministers take joint action to stop the poisoning of Birds of Prey

20/10/2010

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr  John Gormley, T.D., has announced (18 October 2010) he made Regulations under the European Communities Acts making it an offence for a person to use any type of meat, fish, egg or other animal substance as bait to poison or stupefy birds or animals such as otters and pine martens, unless licensed to do so.

Europe Direct Soapbox Competition on Wind Energy

Enter Europe Direct's national soapbox competition and Win Fantastic Prizes! To highlight the importance the European Union place on Climate Change we are holding a soapbox competition on “Wind energy – the future or a blot on the landscape?”

Enlarge image

You will have a chance to share your views and be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes! Regional finalists will win an iPad and a trip to Brussels and will be entered for the national final with a prize of €1,000!  Soapbox events will be held in 7 regional locations followed by a national final in Farmleigh, Dublin on 19th November 2010.

Your 3 minute speech will be less impromptu – you will get to research it and prepare it in advance. The topic is wind energy – like it or loathe it, agree or disagree, wind farms generate a lot of controversy as well as potential energy. We want to hear your views! You will deliver your speech at your local Europe Direct Centre at an event in November in front of a local audience and a panel of judges who will include someone with an expertise on the subject – so do your research! The winner of each local soapbox will win an iPad! And each local winner has the chance to compete against the other local winners for an overall prize of €1,000!

For further details and information on registration, please see www.europedirect.ie.

The Aichi Nagoya Summit on Biodiversity: a new Biodiversity Strategy for the twenty-first century

Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security publishes climate change bill

18/10/2010

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security has published a comprehensive Climate Change Bill for Ireland aimed at providing a regulatory framework to translate Ireland’s policy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions into legally binding targets.

National Workshop on modelling efforts for GHG accounting in Irish agriculture and associated land use change

18/10/2010

A National Workshop on Modelling efforts for greenhouse gas accounting in Irish agriculture and associated land use change will be hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the EPA offices, Richview (Room 1), Clonskeagh Rd. Dublin 14 on Wednesday, 24 November 2010.

Objectives -
1. To outline current state-of-the-art knowledge in simulation/validation of existing Ecosystem /process-based models for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting at EU and international levels.
2. To evaluate the implication of empirical models for accounting carbon stock changes in agricultural land uses of Ireland as a strategy to develop Tier 2 of IPCC approaches.
3. To elucidate existing models for developing Tier 3 of IPCC approaches to best estimate GHGs emitting from Irish agriculture and land use and the associated uncertainty at different scales.

For further information, please contact Dr. M. Ibrahim Khalil - E-mail: i.khalil@epa.ie; Tel: +353 (0)53 9160600 Extn. 5124.

Source: EPA

WWF Living Planet Report

14/10/2010

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has published the Living Planet Report, which examines the changing ecosystems and rapid consumption of the world’s natural resources. It aims to raise public awareness of the pressures of our planet.

“The Ecological Footprint shows a doubling of our demands on the natural world since the 1960s, while the Living Planet Index tracks a fall of 30 per cent in the health of species that are the foundation of the ecosystem services on which we all depend.” (Introduction to the report, by Director General WWF International James P. Leape)

According to the report Ireland has the 10^th largest ecological footprint in the world, with the average Irish person uses six ‘global hectares’ - productive land and water available per person on the planet.

The full report is available to download from the WWF website.

EPA Autumn newsletter 2010

14/10/2010

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has published its Autumn 2010 newsletter. The following articles are included:

• New EPA resources for second-level schools
• Historic Mine Site Inventory and Risk Classification Geochemical Characterisation & Environmental   Matters
• EPA monitors ash cloud in Ireland
• EPA STRIVE News The Science, Technology, Research and Innovation for the Environment (STRIVE) programme 2007-2013
• Climate Change Research Programme
• EPA helps develop network of prevention experts
• Communities Awarded for their Efforts in Greening their Homes
• EPA launches 24 pilot phone line for environmental complaints
• The Quality of Ireland’s Bathing Waters
• How Wexford Festival Opera is becoming green
• The Water Framework Directive Managemnet Plans
• Model County Abundant with Green Entrepreneurs

Pride of Place Meath - Winners Announced

13/10/2010

The north Meath community of Castletown was announced as the overall Pride of Place winner at a ceremony in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan last Friday (7^th October). The aim of this competition, now in its 8^th year, is to enhance your local surroundings and create civic pride in your area. The community worked hard to transform a former railway crossing into a landscaped garden, conserve the local parochial house, and erect a ‘Fáilte’ sign for visitors to the area.

Winners in other categories included: Community Involvement – Kilskyre; Youth Project – Crossakiel Handball Alley; Waterways Award – Royal Canal, Killyon, Hill of Down; Housing Estates – Garden City, Ashbourne.

Deep emission cuts give the EU a head start under the Kyoto Protocol

13/10/2010

A new report by the European Environment Agency (EEA) shows that large drop in emissions seen in 2008 and 2009 gives EU-15 a head start to reach and even overachieve its 8 % reduction target under the Kyoto Protocol. Austria, Denmark and Italy, however, need to step up their current efforts until 2012 to ensure that their contribution to the common EU-15 target is delivered. The EEA report also shows that EU-27 is well on track towards achieving its 20 % reduction target by 2020

The EEA report 'Tracking progress towards Kyoto and 2020 targets' presents an overview of the progress actually seen in 2008 (and 2009 where data are available) in European countries towards their respective targets under the Kyoto Protocol. Based on aggregated emission projections at EU level, the report also presents an assessment of projected progress of the EU-15 towards its 8 % reduction commitment and of the EU-27 towards its 20 % reduction target by 2020.

'We cannot afford to wait until after the end of the Kyoto period to start implementing policies targeting sectors not covered by the EU ETS, such as transport and residential heating. These sectors are crucial for the EU targets set for 2020,' said Professor Jacqueline McGlade, Executive Director of the EEA.

Details of the key findings of the report are available on the EEA website.

Source: EEA

Globeforum innovators contest - applications open

13/12/2010

Early Career Researchers Contest

SEEKING INNOVATIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS ON SUSTAINABILITY

Apply here

Globe Forum in association with IRCSET, Dublin City Council, Accenture, Enterprise Ireland, IDA, SFI, UCD/Trinity Innovation Alliance, SEAI and other university partners seeks early career researchers to highlight on-going individual or team-based research that has implications for science, sustainability and society. Proposals for this competition should reflect the major themes of the conference which seeks to promote innovation and sustainability in an Irish context. Additionally, proposals are expected to emphasize the importance of cross-disciplinary, innovative research and the unique collaborative and creative nature of Irish researchers.

Further information
 

Innovators Contest

SEEKING SUSTAINABLE INNOVATIONS

Apply here

Globe Forum in association with Dublin City Council, Accenture, IDA, and Enterprise Ireland seeks innovative clean-tech companies to showcase their work at the onstage competition at Globe Forum Dublin 2010.

Further information

Source: Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)

Irish Passive House Academy - supported training places announced

12/10/2010

The Irish Passive House Academy have announced 360 fully supported training places for people on Social Welfare for the following courses:

• Certified European Passive House Design
• Green Construction Training
• Insulation Installer Training

Training will be provided by the Irish Passive House Academy and Alaymont and will be delivered in Navan, Clondalkin, Portlaoise, Dun Laoghaire, Rathnew and Arklow. The training will take place before Christmas and all place must be filled by the end of October. Applicants must be unemployed for more than 3 months. For further information, see http://www.alaymont.com/1656.html or call Alaymont at 01-2463022.

Transforming Ireland Seminar Series: Seminar # 19

12/10/2010

The 19th seminar of the Transforming Ireland Seminar Series will take place on Thursday 14th October from 12.30-14.00 pm, at the TCD-UCD Innovation Academy Space, 2-3 Foster's Place, Dublin 2. Role of Renewable Gas in Meeting Renewable Energy Targets will be presented by Cathal Gallagher, Bord Gáis Energy and Dr. Jerry Murphy, Environmental Research Institute. Brendan Marren, CES Energy will present Reducing Energy Demand, Cost and Carbon Footprint for the IT/Data Centre/Telecommunication Sectors.

This seminar series is presented jointly by the TCD TrinityHaus and the University College Dublin (UCD) Earth Sciences Institute. Attendance is free and all are welcome. To reserve a place at this seminar, please contact ESI.ADMIN@UCD.ie.

Repak Recycling Awards 2010

11/10/2010

The ninth annual Repak Recycling Awards took place in the National Convention Centre on October 7^th as part of Repak Recycling Week (4th -10th October). The award is is given in recognition of good recycling practice amongst industry, local authorities, waste contractors, and schools from across the country.

Some of the 12 award winners included Kenco, which achieved a 97% less packaging of their coffee product since the introduction of Eco Refill packs in 2009, Tesco Ireland, which diverted over 64% of all waste material from landfills, and Midleton C.B.S. Primary School was awarded Repak Recycling School of the Year.

Calling All Young Environmentalists!

11/10/2010

Registration is now open for Ireland’s most exciting environmental awards programme for young people, the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards. The Awards recognise and reward the achievements of young people in environmental protection and are open to any group of young people, aged 10-18, who want to take action on key environmental issues such as climate change, energy, waste, biodiversity, transport and more.

IEA: CO2 Emissions from Fuel Combustion - Highlights

07/10/2010

How much CO2 are countries emitting? Where is it coming from?

In the lead-up to the UN climate negotiations in Cancún, the latest information on the level and growth of CO2 emissions, their source and geographic distribution will be essential to lay the foundation for a global agreement. To provide input to and support for the UN process the IEA is making available for free download the Highlights version of CO2 Emissions from Fuel Combustion.

This annual publication contains:

• estimates of CO2 emissions by country from 1971 to 2008
• selected indicators such as CO2/GDP, CO2/capita, CO2/TPES and CO2/kWh
• CO2 emissions from international marine and aviation bunkers, and other relevant information

These estimates have been calculated using the IEA energy databases and the default methods and emission factors from the Revised 1996 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories.

The tables available in the PDF document can also be downloaded in a separate EXCEL file.

For queries, please contact STATS@iea.org.

Source: IEA

First Census of Marine Life report

06/10/2010

Findings from the first Census of Marine Life (COML) has revealed a ‘more connected and more altered’ marine environment than previously believed. An estimated 6,000 new species have been identified.

The project has taken a decade to complete and involved 2,700 researchers from 80 nations. The team have mapped migratory routes, marine highways, meeting points and rest stops. Anyone can now view the distribution of a species by entering its name at www. iobis.org, an online ‘address book’ compiled in the Census’s global marine life database.

Highlights of the report are available from the COML website.

Green Entrepreneur Certificate Programme - FETAC Level 6

06/10/2010

The Green Entrepreneur Certificate Programme will take place from late October 2010 until April 2011, and is free fro jobseekers. It will consist of full-time lectures, normally 2 days per week, tutorials, group and individual work and special presentations on remaining days. The deadline for application is 20 Oct 2010. Please express your interest with email forms.

This programme is aimed as those who are interested in starting their own green business or taking a leadership role in an existing business in any sector.  It specifically focuses on the development of businesses that supply green services and products and those that wish to run their companies more sustainably (regardless of the product or service).  Practical concepts associated with sustainable business are explored and specific training provided on the actions and approaches necessary to put it into practice.  Areas covered include Start Your Own Business (sustainability focus), Green Marketing, and Sustainable Development in Business.  A work placement forms an integral part of the programme. Leads to FETAC Level 6 in Business Management.

Green Works provides training across Ireland in sustainable technologies.  In addition to FETAC certificate programmes, Green Works offers a selection of courses 'bundled' under themes, work placements, lectures, workshops and more.

Source: Cultivate Centre

Report launched on Smart Grid Opportunities for Irelan at international event in United States

New Willow and Miscanthus Guidelines Being Launched

05/10/2010

‘Best Practice Guidelines’ for the energy crops, willow and miscanthus are being launched at the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, today Wednesday, 22 September. The best practice guidelines were produced jointly by Teagasc and the Agri-Food and Bioscience Institute (AFBI), Northern Ireland. They are being launched by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Brendan Smith and the First Minister for Agriculture in Northern Ireland, Michelle Gildernew.

Speaking at the launch, Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle said: "These guidelines bring the most recent research findings and information for growing, managing and harvesting of the crops in a user friendly booklet format. The ‘Best Practice Guidelines’ will be updated on a biannual basis as new research findings and information becomes available from both the Teagasc and AFBI research programmes."

Teagasc bioenergy specialist, Barry Caslin said: "There is a renewed emphasis on energy crops at this year’s ploughing, as a number of companies are announcing that they are offering farmer contracts to grow energy crops. Given this development, the availability of these publications is timely for prospective growers and individuals who would like to get involved in energy supply chains."

Barry Caslin continued: "There are a number of exciting developments in the energy crops sector. The main emphasis is on co-firing biomass at our peat burning stations and a major project in County Louth looking at willow logs for the heat market. There is also a number of Combined Heat and Power (CHP) projects ear marked which will require significant tonnage of biomass from energy crops."

The ‘Best Practice Guidelines’ are available on the Teagasc website at:
 

• Miscanthus Best Practice Guidelines (1.4MB, PDF format)
• Willow Best Practice Guidelines (1.8MB, PDF format)

Source: Teagasc

Climate Change – Challenges and Opportunities for Irish Agriculture

05/10/2010

The seminar Climate Change – Challenges and Opportunities for Irish Agriculture will be presented by the RDS in association with NUI Maynooth on Tuesday 26^th October. It will be hosted in NUI Maynooth, Iontas Building, North Campus. Experts in the field of climate change will outline current international climate change agreements, identify climate change impacts on growing conditions in Ireland, highlight the opportunities for energy crop production, and much more.

Full details of the programme of events are listed on the RDS website.

Two day seminar on Irish Biodiversity

05/10/2010

To mark the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, the National Museum of Ireland – Natural History will host a two day seminar on Irish Biodiversity. The event will take place from 10am to 4pm on Friday 15^th and Saturday 16^th October in The Ceramics Room, National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

All members of the public are welcome to attend. To reserve a place phone 01-648 6316 or email educationnh@museum.ie

Launch of Green Star Awards to find the environment's humanitarian heroes

04/10/2010

The search for individuals, organizations, governments and private enterprises that have demonstrated leadership in preparing for, responding to, and reducing the environmental impacts of disasters and conflicts has begun with the launching of the 2nd biennial Green Star Awards. Nominations are being received until 30 November 2010 with the awards ceremony taking place in May 2011.

The Green Star Awards, launched in 2008, are a collaborative initiative between Green Cross International (GCI), an international non-governmental organization, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Galway Aquarium Launches new Website & Educational Programme

04/10/2010

Galway Atlantaquaria, National Aquarium of Ireland has relaunched its website, www.nationalaquarium.ie. The website has been revamped to engender a new and interactive view of the aquarium activities.

Working with Fable Interactive, a Galway based company, Kevin O’Hara, Aquarium Manager said “We are really pleased with the new look website and would like to thank everybody involved including
Neil Warner and John Smyth for some fantastic photography. Our new website went live this week and feedback on the site would be welcome.”

The aquarium also launched their award winning Education Programme for the Autumn/Winter
semesters. Headed up by Dr. Noirin Burke, The Discover Primary Science, Seashore Sensations programme covers modules from the SESE curriculum allowing children in primary schools the opportunity to learn about marine life whilst taking part in hand-on science experiments and classroom activities.

Discover Primary Science is a flagship project run by the Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) awareness programme. DSE is managed by Forfás on behalf of the Office of Science & Technology at the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment.

The programme aims to develop creativity in our children, show them how important science is to our everyday lives and more importantly how much fun it can be! A dedicated section to education is available on the new website where you will find information on our courses together with Teacher Resources and downloads. For information on our Education Programme contact 091 585100.

Source: Irish Press Releases

Environmental Sciences Association of Ireland: 2010 Photography Competition

04/10/2010

The Environmental Science Association of Ireland (ESAI) is now accepting entries for the fifth ESAI photography competition.  The theme for this year’s competition is “The Energy of Nature”. The ESAI welcomes entries from all amateur photographers and entries will be assessed on the basis of picture quality, composition and the appropriateness of the caption.

Entry Forms and Terms & Conditions can be downloaded from the ESAI website www.esaiweb.org . Closing date is Friday December 31^st 2010.