Horizons

Environmental events from around the country

Fuelling debate

With the threat of higher oil prices providing yet another wake-up call on the need for renewable energy, conferences such as Promoting a Sustainable Energy Culture in Europe, in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork, on September 22nd and 23rd, assume even greater significance. Aimed at policymakers, technology providers and energy users, the conference will focus on new developments and trends in energy technologies. Speakers include Jim Barry, of Airtricity; Dr Gerry Wardell, of the City of Dublin Energy Management Agency; and Mary Kelly, director of the Environmental Protection Agency. See www.energy-services.ie/ conference for more details.

Fair coppicing

"Every farmer in Ireland can help reduce Ireland's reliance on imported fossil fuels," says David Nevins, chairman of the National Council for Forest Research and Development (COFORD). His comment refers to the potential of wood biomass as a source of renewable energy and comes in advance of a workshop and seminar on short-rotation coppicing next Thursday, September 15th, at Hotel Minella, Clonmel, Co Tipperary. Short-rotation coppicing involves planting willow on former tillage land or good-quality pastureland to be harvested in a three- or four-year cycle as woodchip for energy generation. For more details, contact COFORD at 01-2130725 or e-mail info@coford.ie. See also www.coford.ie and www.woodenergy.ie.

Food for thought

Is Our Lunch Killing Our Planet? is the thought-provoking title of a debate on food production, one of the highlights of the annual Green Living Fair in Castle Espie, Comber, Co Down, next weekend. Other highlights include a talk on sustainable interior design practice and a question-and-answer session with Guardian journalist Leo Hickman, who has written prolifically on ethical issues facing consumers today. There's also a fair trade marquee, renewable energy displays, workshops from artisan food producers, and children's activities. E-mail info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk or call 048-91874146 for more details.

Green on the screen

An environmental schools pack and website (www.reuseton.ie), launched last week in Cork city, will help teachers to educate the next generation of ethical consumers. By visiting the online town of Reuseton, teachers and primary school children can together learn good environmental habits and practices.

Luka on the lough

The Third Green Festival North-West runs from September 16th to 25th. One of the highlights that is sure to be booked out quickly is a sunset cruise on Lough Gill with singer-songwriter Luka Bloom and environmentalist Dick Warner. Other events include a health fair (September 18th) an organic fair (September 25th), and a bat walk in Parke's Castle, plus lots of other eco-adventures. Programme details from the Organic Centre, Rossinver, Co Leitrim (tel: 071-9854338; e-mail: organiccentre@eircom.net).