Horizons

Combat climate changeThree out of five Irish people are worried about the effects of climate change and the impact it will have on future generations, according to a new survey.

One in two of those surveyed by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) to mark Energy Awareness Week said that although they are aware of the dangers, they find it hard to be more energy efficient. The theme of SEI's public campaign this year is Combat Climate Change. People are encouraged to turn off televisions rather than leaving them on standby, walk or cycle for short journeys, turn down heating thermostats by one degree, use energy-efficient bulbs and insulate attics. See www.combatclimatechange.ie for more tips.

Irish designs in the US

The achievements of Irish builders and architects who emigrated to the United States in the 18th and 19th century will be celebrated on Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Irish Architectural Archive, 45 Merrion Square, Dublin. While the focus will principally be on James Hoban from Callan, Co Kilkenny, who worked on the President's House (later known as the White House) and the US Capitol project in Washington DC, there will also be some discussion of Irish-born architects who worked on buildings in New Orleans. The free presentation will be given by Denis Bergin of the James Hoban Society. Contact 086-1568916.

Ecological theology

There is a need to articulate a more coherent ecological theology, says Fr Sean McDonagh, Columban missionary and writer on environmental issues. He believes a strong environmental message fits perfectly into the churches' teaching, citing bio-responsibility (the need to include all life-forms as unique expressions of the divinity) and generosity (the need to share the earth's resources with all humans), as examples.

Fr McDonagh is based in St Columban's, Dalgan Park, Navan, Co Meath, which is also the location for a part-time MA in ecology and religion run in conjunction with Lampeter College at the University of Wales. Lecturers on the courses include John Feehan, lecturer and director of the Centre for Environmental Resource Management at University College Dublin, economist Richard Douthwaite and McDonagh himself. For more information about booking for the current year, contact 046-9021525 or email imuinst@eircom.net.

Having fun with fungi

Fungi (the mushrooms not the Dingle dolphin) for Beginners is the title of a one-day course at the Irish Seedsavers Association, Capparoe, Scariff,

Co Clare, on Saturday, October 8th. The workshop will teach participants how to identify various types of mushroom and how to cook with them. It will include a search for species in the woods and fields nearby. Cost €60. Contact 061-921866 for more details.