Earth, Wind and Spire

Moving house

2011-01-19T17:29:00.003Z

We're moving the blog to a new home (with a new name) so things will be a bit quiet around here for the next couple of weeks.

5,000 birds fall out of the sky

2011-01-04T14:31:00.003Z

Weird story from Arkansas. Five thousand blackbirds dropped dead out of the sky on New Year's Eve, all within a square mile (they must have a lot of blackbirds in Arkansas?). Then, unrelatedly, 83,000 thousand dead fish washed up along the Arkansas river.

Ireland to outstrip Europe on carbon emission cuts

2010-12-23T13:25:00.012Z

Ireland is to enact an ambitious climate change law that goes beyond the EU Commission’s carbon emissions targets.

The Minister for the Environment John Gormley, this morning published a Bill (statement below) that sets a target of 2.5% cuts in emissions on 2008 levels each year until 2020. The Bill sets a medium-term goal of a 30% cut on 1990 levels by 2030. By comparison, the EU Commission stated last May that the EU’s current trajectory would see a drop of only 25% by 2030.

The main current EU target is a reduction in carbon emissions of 20% below 1990 levels by 2020.

The new legislation will establish tackling climate change as a national priority in Ireland with a statutory basis. Government ministers will be required to produce sectoral climate change mitigation strategies.

Unsurprisingly, the influential farmers’ lobby is furious. Agriculture will almost certainly have to take some sort of hit if Ireland’s emissions are to fall in any serious way. Farming remains the single biggest contributor to Ireland’s greenhouse gas output, responsible for just under 30% of emissions last year, and eclipsing emissions from the industrial and commercial, and transport sectors.

The Irish Farming Association (IFA) President, John Bryan, has rubbished the Green Party’s decision to prioritise the Climate Change Bill as “badly thought out.”

“We have a low carbon model of food production and Government policy must not undermine the sector’s ability to drive exports and jobs as part of our economic recovery,” Bryan claimed.

The IFA's inevitable opposition is unlikely to ruin Christmas for Gormley et al, who seem more worried about their legacy at this stage of the (end) game, than courting popularity with rural voters.

The only nod to farmers' interests in Ministers' Gormley's and Ryan's statement is a couple of very vague paragraphs tacked onto the bottom. These are to do with agriculture and forestry's potential for sequestration, which is when emissions are offset by trees and plants absorbing atmospheric carbon.

The climate law is due to be enacted in February, a few weeks at most before the Dáil is likely to be dissolved ahead of the general election. (Bookmaker Paddy Power is offering 8/11 odds on no Green TDs being returned).

Friends of the Earth today backed the Green Party legislation and accused the IFA of “scaremongering.”

The organisation’s director in Ireland, Oisín Coghlan, said the climate change Bill was the equivalent of the banking regulation Ireland should have had 10 years ago to prevent the current economic crisis in the country.

“It [the Bill] will prevent the next bubble, one driven by a belief that pollution can rise forever without leading to a crash," Coghlan said last week.

Full text of the Climate Change Bill press release

2010-12-23T10:24:00.005Z

[Pretty much all waffle until the bit near the bottom in bullet points.]

Mr John Gormley, T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage & Local Government, and Mr Ciaran Cuffe, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of the Environment with responsibility for Climate Change, today (23rd December, 2010) published the Climate Change Response Bill 2010. The Bill, which has been in preparation for the past eighteen months, is a legislative priority for the Government and Ministers Gormley and Cuffe will be seeking to progress it through the Houses of the Oireachtas immediately, with a view to enactment in February 2011.

The Bill sets out a robust statutory basis to strengthen the national response to climate change. Key provisions include ambitious but realistic national greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for 2020, 2030 and 2050; a new national planning process encompassing both mitigation and adaptation; a new annual process on reporting to the Oireachtas; and a new Expert Advisory Body to advise Government on policy and implementation.

The objective of the statutory approach is to reinforce Government policy on positioning Ireland as a responsible country on climate change, with a progressive policy response focussed on transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable future. Transition aims to address the challenges and embrace the opportunities that climate change presents for Ireland and to significantly reduce our over-dependence on imported sources of fossil fuel energy.

"Climate change is an issue that not only threatens the natural environment we depend on, but also raises serious concerns regarding the potential impact on economic activity and the social fabric of society," Minister Gormley said. "This legislation is about planning for the future. It's about protecting our economy and our society in the long term."

"Constructing a low-carbon economy is an enormous challenge, but it is a challenge that also brings immense opportunities. The low-carbon economy of the future will see the development of new industrial sectors. These new clean technologies will create new jobs and develop new sources of economic growth development".

Minister Cuffe said: "With our unique geographical, climatic and human-capital advantages, the enactment of this Bill will send a very clear signal to the global investment and business community that the direction of public policy in Ireland is unambiguous and that Ireland is a prime location for long-term investment opportunities."

"Since entering Government in 2007, we have been working solidly to ensure that Ireland is at the forefront of the international response to combating Climate Change. In an era of ever rising energy prices and insecurity, addressing Climate Change not only makes sound environmental sense but equally sound economic and social sense, particularly for job creation."

On enactment, the legislation will establish our response to climate change as a national priority; that is a major policy milestone for this country in terms both of our contribution to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and preparing to engage effectively and successfully in the clean, high-tech, low-carbon global economy of tomorrow.

"The emphasis on transition is key to the twin objectives of greenhouse gas mitigation and effective preparation in the low-carbon global economy," Minister Gormley said. "Targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are important indicators of our progress but let's not lose
sight of the big picture, the long-term vision of where we want to be. That, in my view, is a significant and necessary change in our approach to climate change policy; transition is so fundamental that we need a very clear and strong focus on the ultimate objective - a future that is economically and environmentally sustainable - if we are to map out a progressive and successful future for our country."

The Minister also announced that a public consultation period will run until 28th January 2011. All information relevant to this consultation can be found on the Department*s website, www.environ.ie.

The main provisions of the Bill include:

to underpin a core objective on transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable society;
a short-term target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average 2.5% per year, compared to 2008 emissions, by 2020;
a medium-term target to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030 and a long-term target of 80% by 2050, both compared to 1990 emissions, both targets will serve as key milestones on the transition pathway;
a requirement for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, with the approval of the Government, to produce a National Climate Change Plan which will address both
greenhouse gas mitigation, and adaptation to the inevitable impacts of global climate change;
a provision for the Government to require such Ministers as it considers appropriate to produce Sectoral Climate Change Plans to address mitigation and adaptation in their areas of responsibility;
an Annual Transition Statement will provide accountability to the Oireachtas in relation to progress towards the transition goal, the milestone targets and implementation of the National Climate Change Plan (the Annual Transition Statement will replace the current Carbon Budget process);
establishment of an Expert Advisory Body to advise Ministers and the Government in relation to functions under the Bill, including the national and sectoral planning processes, and the annual transition statement process; and
obligations to be introduction for public bodies in relation to greenhouse gas mitigation and adaptation to global climate change.

Minister Cuffe said: "The Climate Change Response Bill provides the framework for our Transition to a low-carbon, resource-efficient, environmentally sustainable and climate resilient society. All sectors of society have a part to play in this transition to a climate resilient society. Agriculture is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and Ireland has been active on the international scene to ensure that the link between climate change and food security is fully recognised in international agreements.

"The emphasis on the sustainability of agricultural production in Food Harvest 2020 serves as a reminder of the importance of avoiding carbon leakage in successfully implementing global climate policy as well as maximising the potential for increasing sustainable employment domestically."

"Within our own policies, we emphasise the importance of an integrated approach to the emissions and sequestration from agriculture, forestry and natural ecosystems. They must be considered together; agricultural and forestry policies must address the major potential for increased sequestration from farmed land, forestry and perennial energy crops. I look forward to further interaction with the Farming Organisations to exploit these potential opportunities and maximising Ireland's efforts to fight Climate Change."

ENDS

What to feed the birds

2010-12-21T10:42:00.008Z

Right so we don't care if this is totally naff: it's time for a post on the dos and don'ts of feeding the birds during the cold weather.

Here's how to sort the hazelnut whirls (yum) from the coffee crèmes (ugh), as told to us by Niall Hatch of Birdwatch Ireland.

Yum:

Sunflower seeds. If birds were people and the mixed birdseed you get in supermarkets was Cadbury's Roses, sunflower seeds would be the purple ones. The other stuff is just filler – pigeons can eat it, but little birds like finches only really like the sunflower seed.
Stale cake and biscuits if you have any lying around. In winter, birds need a very high-calorie diet.
Wholegrain bread, cos they like the seeds. Bread is easier to digest if it is soaked in water first.
Peanuts in a wire mesh feeder.
Fat e.g. suet.
It’s also a good idea to put out a dish of water (and replace it if it freezes). Birds need to keep their feathers clean for insulation.

Ugh:

Uncooked rice because it absorbs moisture and swells in their stomachs, which is very harmful. Cooked rice is ok.
White bread won’t do any damage but it isn’t very nutritious. Brown bread is alright, but wholegrain is better.
Loose peanuts: easy to choke on.
Salt: toxic to birds.

In my garden (in Lucan) this winter there have been about six or eight collared doves (pictured left) every day, which we never really had before. They look like pigeons but much prettier and not as fat.

Collared doves first came to Ireland as recently as 1959, apparently, and they mostly live in suburbs and small towns. They almost exclusively live near human settlements.

In the 19^th-century, these birds were only found in sub-tropical Asia. By the 1930s they had reached the Balkans, and they spread to England in 1955. In the 1970s they somehow ended up in the Falklands, and then in the Bahamas and they are now considered invasive in Florida. They're basically on the brink of world domination but nobody knows why their population has exploded. Here’s an interesting article about them from the Examiner earlier this year.

December 17's show

2010-12-21T08:58:00.004Z

On this programme:

Niall Hatch of Birdwatch Ireland on why Irish migratory birds can't cope with the cold, and what food to put out in your garden over Christmas.
Short-term gain, long-term pain? Padraic Fogarty of the Irish Wildlife Trust says the latest EU fishing quotas could spell disaster for the eco-system in Irish waters.

As well as this week's environmental news.

Presented by Leah Leiva and produced by Valerie Flynn. Research and reports by Louise Finan and Valerie Flynn.

Podcast of Friday, December 10's show

2010-12-15T12:59:00.006Z

On this programme:

Professor John Sweeney of NUIM on the latest round of climate change talks in Cancun, Mexico.
Claire McDonald reports on Dublin City Council's attempts to become more energy efficient.
Labour Party Councillor Dermot Lacey on the new building height guidelines for Dublin.

As well as the week's environment news.

Presented by Leah Leiva. News by Valerie Flynn. Produced by Christina McSorley and Valerie Flynn.

Green Party promise on climate Bill

2010-11-30T13:08:00.005Z

The “first and top priority” of the Green Party for their remaining weeks in government is pushing through a climate change bill, according to Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan.

Minister Ryan has promised that the climate change Bill would be published before the Greens left government buildings.

“This is probably our first and top priority. It is the priority because it will effect future generations,” Minister Ryan said.

He was speaking at the Earth Talks event last Thursday evening, November 25, in the Science Gallery in Trinity College. Minister Ryan made the commitment on a climate change Bill when questioned from the floor by Friends of the Earth's Molly Walsh.

The Minister said that the Greens aspired to get a climate change law onto the statute books because “we hope to leave it as our legacy.”

He added that he was confident that Fianna Fáil backbenchers would support the Bill.

Chairman of the event, RTÉ broadcaster John Bowman, pressed Minister Ryan on the issue of asking the Opposition parties to support the Bill in a “free vote” in the Dáil. The Opposition traditionally vote against all government proposals.

But the Minister said he was satisfied that the party whip could keep Fianna Fáil backbenchers in check.

“It is always a free vote in the Dáil,” he said – which got a big laugh from the audience.

“I suspect we will get it through,” he added.

Minister Ryan concluded his contribution to the debate – which was about the media’s attitude to environmentalism – by saying that writer John Moriarty was his hero because he communicated the “Irish mystic connection about how the earth talks and we need to listen.”

Endangered ringtones

2010-11-15T01:42:00.008Z

Forget about crazy frog, kids, all the cool people are downloading the Puerto Rican crested toad, if the Irish Environmental Network (IEN) is to be believed.

IEN has drawn its bulletin readers' attention to a website that provides "rare and endangered animals calls for mobile phones."

"Putting these unique cries, howls, and warbles on your phone for the world to hear is one great way to spread the word about endangered species from the rockhopper penguin to the Puerto Rico rock frog — and to help remind others why they need our protection," IEN enthuses.

Why didn't someone think of this before? Has anyone told the UN? Is there provision for ringtone subsidies in the Nagoya agreement? When is the techno remix out?

Myxer: Privacy Policy | Terms - More from Center for Biological...

2010-11-12T19:10:00.005Z

Podcast of November 12th

On this week's show.....

We find out about Ireland's nitrogen levels
Ever heard of Eco-Cement? Jack Cane investigates
Why our peatlands need more protection
Can Ireland afford Metro North?

And....

This week's news stories with Valerie Flynn

Presented by Jack Cane and produced by Louise Finan

Doomsday Approaches

2010-11-12T09:52:00.009Z

I’ve always been fascinated by doomsday predictions and have distinct memories of friends and I anxiously awaiting the predicted end of the world back in secondary school. It may have had less to do with being scared and more to do with wanting out of Maths class.

Now tonight we can find out if the world will end in 2012, and it doesn’t have anything to do with IMF and Ireland.

Professor Jocelyn Bell Burnell, Oxford University Astrophysics will give the Royal Irish Academy Astronomy Lecture for Science Week 2010. In this talk Professor Bell Burnell will discuss such topics as:

What's all this about the end of the world in 2012? Just what is meant to happen, and how likely is it to happen? This talk examines the threats from space and explains how much truth there is in the suggestions that killer asteroids, lethal solar flares or the black hole at the centre of the Milky Way (for example) could cause the end of the Earth.

The talk is taking place this evening at 7 in the Burke Theatre, Trinity College. Admission is free and to book your place go here.

Ireland at 'low risk' from climate change

2010-11-04T10:13:00.003Z

Ireland has been ranked the fourth least at-risk in the world when it comes to suffering the effects of climate change.

Norway, Finland and Iceland are the safest countries, in that order, according to a new study by British risk analysis firm Maplecroft. Ireland is one of only 11 countries globally ranked as "low-risk." Bangladesh, India, Madagascar, Nepal and Mozambique are at the most risk, in that order, according to the study.

Maplecroft's environmental analyst, Dr Anna Moss, suggests that extreme weather events like this year's floods in Pakistan are the result of climate change.

“There is growing evidence climate change is increasing the intensity and frequency of climatic events,” she said.

“Very minor changes to temperature can have major impacts on the human environment, including changes to water availability and crop productivity, the loss of land due to sea level rise and the spread of disease.”

The data is mapped here. The study measured:

how vulnerable the country is right now to climate-related natural disasters.
human sensitivity in terms of, for example, dependence on agriculture.
how capable the country is of adapting to the effects of climate change.

Of the 25 countries ranked as being at "extreme risk", 12 are in Africa.

Feel smug on the Luas

2010-11-03T20:52:00.013Z

Next time you're freezing your arse off on the Luas opposite a sleeping junkie dribbling all over himself (ah, the Red Line) - don't sit there wishing you owned a car. Just remember how much more eco-friendly it is to travel by tram.

To promote this feeling of moral superiority among the Luas-travelling public, the RPA has launched a Luas Carbon Calculator (pictured below).

When I get the Luas from Heuston to Tallaghtfornia, I save 5.5 times as much carbon compared to driving my imaginary car. It's a whole 2.68 kilograms of carbon saved.

As of 2006, Ireland's carbon emissions stood at 10.27 metric tons per capita (up from 4 metric tons in 1960). So one junkie-infested journey saves a little over 0.0002% of my probable carbon output this year. Well...every little helps.

Environmental events this week

2010-10-31T22:41:00.004Z

A few environmental events happening this week:

Tuesday, November 2: Green Drinks in Messrs Maguire on Burgh Quay. The special guest speaker this month is Padraic Fogarty, chairman of the Irish Wildlife Trust and he'll be talking about upcoming reform of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. There's also (free) vegetarian food and (not free) pints....allegedly the most eco-friendly pints in Dublin.
Tuesday, November 2: A talk by Dr Peter Cox from the Social Sciences Department of Cheshire University about planning for and supporting urban cycling. It's on in the Greenhouse (formerly ENFO) on Andrew's Street.

3. Thursday, November 4: UCD's Earth Sciences Institute will host a seminar on Smart Cities, addressed by Michael Roche of IBM and chaired by Dublin City Council planner Dick Gleeson. It's at 12.30pm in the Wood Quay bunkers.

By the way, the following Thursday (November 11), Mary Robinson will speak on the topic of climate justice in the Edmund Burke Theatre at 12.30pm. The Earth Sciences Institute are advising that anyone who wants to attend should book a place. Details are here.

Podcast of October 29's show

2010-10-30T18:40:00.003+01:00

On this programme...

Private waste operator Greenstar on why they won't send waste to the Poolbeg incinerator.
Is Ireland meeting its responsibilities under the Aarhus Convention on environmental matters? Leah talks to Michael Ewing.
South Dublin County Council on their anti-bonfire plans.

Presented by Carys Sanders. News by Louise Finan. Reports by Leah Leiva and Margaret Roche. Produced by Valerie Flynn.

New UN agreement on protecting species and habitats

2010-10-30T18:15:00.009+01:00

The UN's 193 nations have agreed a new deal on protecting threatened species - it's something like the Kyoto agreement but for biodiversity.

The deal, agreed in Japan yesterday (Friday), sets out 20 goals to be implemented within the next decade The area of the world's oceans that is protected will go from 1% to 10%, while the area of protected land in the world will go from 12.5% to 17%.

It's a good outcome to the International Year of Biodiversity.

Podcast of October 22's show

2010-10-27T11:02:00.005+01:00

On this programme...

Leah talked to Noel McGloin, Senior Environmental Officer with Inland Fisheries Ireland about salmon, water quality and invasive species in Ireland's rivers and lakes.
At a seminar on biodiversity in the 'Dead Zoo', Claire asked the experts about the threat posed by invasive plant species in Ireland, and Padraic Whooley of Irish Whale and Dolphin Group told us where to go whale-watching in Dublin.
From computer desktop energy monitoring to the, ahem, 'waterless urinal': Leah checked out the green business ideas nominated for the top prize at the annual Resource Ireland expo.

Produced by Christina McSorley. Presented by Valerie Flynn. Reports by Leah Leiva and Claire McDonald.

Greenhouse emissions fall because of recession

2010-10-26T10:20:00.005+01:00

The recession caused Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions to fall by 5.4 million tonnes (7.9%) last year – but we’re still not in compliance with our Kyoto Protocol targets.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions fell across all sectors last year, most noticeably in the industry and commercial sector where there was a 20% drop.

But the EPA reckons that in 2008 and 2009 we were still 6.2 million tonnes above our target ‘limit’ under the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse emissions. Agriculture remains the single biggest contributor to Ireland’s emissions, at 29.1% of the total.

Dr Mary Kelly, director general of the EPA, said Ireland should use the recession as an “opportunity to embed fundamental emission reductions in the economy in order to meet the very stringent EU 2020 limits which we face.”

“We should not rely on a recession to meet our targets for the future,” she warned.

Ireland's experience tallies with that across Europe. Last month, the European Environment Agency (EEA) reported that emissions across the EU's 27 states fell by 6.9% last year. The EEA says this puts Europe's emissions 17.3% below 1990 levels.

In Ireland last year, emissions from agriculture decreased by only 0.3 million tonnes (1.5 %). This decline is thought to reflect lower sheep and pig numbers and a reduction in gasoil use on farms. Residential emissions fell by less than 1%.

Invasive species: Australia v starlings

2010-10-22T13:32:00.008+01:00

We've been covering the problem of invasive species a lot as it's one of the big issues that the UN's 2010 International Year of Biodiversity is designed to highlight.

In Western Australia (pictured below in dark orange), October is the start of starling trapping season. ABC now reports that this year, efforts to eradicate the species are finally meeting with tangible success. The highly adaptable European birds, introduced to the south of the Australia in the 1880s, are seen as an "extreme threat" to agriculture, the environment and the economy.

But eradicating invasive species isn't cheap. WA's anti-starling programme has a budget of $3 million. In addition to culling the birds, the state's Department of Environment and Food has a "pest hotline" where citizens can report sitings of any non-native species.

The harsh lesson for Ireland is that without investment, invasive species like the grey squirrel, Japanese knotweed, and (in a recent development) the Asian clam can not be combated effectively.

Radioactivity in the Irish Sea at historic low

2010-10-22T12:18:00.003+01:00

Radioactivity levels in the Irish Sea are at their lowest levels since the 1970s, according to a new report by the Isle of Man’s Government Laboratory.

Low levels of the radioactive isotope Caesium-137 were found in all the seafood tested by the Manx scientists. But the report states that the levels are well below EU-recommended maximum permitted levels.

Low levels of another contaminant, Technetium-99, are found in all Manx lobster. This "will result in only a very small radiation exposure to people who eat lobster on a regular basis," the scientists say. Certain seaweeds are prone to accumulating Technetium-99, "however there is no radiological hazard to the general public using the Island’s beaches, as the Tc-99 content of seaweed is far too low to give any measurable skin contact exposure, from handling seaweed."

The Isle of Man is exactly 32 miles from Sellafield (pictured) and 32 miles from the Irish coast.

The main commercial activity at Sellafield is the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, which results in liquid and gaseous radioactive waste. Most of this waste is stored on site, but some gaseous waste is vented into the atmosphere and some liquid waste is discharged into the Irish Sea.

Four podcasts - September and October 2010

2010-10-21T20:12:00.006+01:00

(Apologies for the backlog.)

1. On October 8's show...

A new car rental scheme modelled on Dublin Bikes
Repak Recycling Week 2010
Residents’ reaction to Dublin City Council’s moves to CPO land for the Poolbeg incinerator
And...
Christina talks to the woman behind the Open House festival

Powered by Podbean.com

Presented by Leah Leiva. Produced by Christina McSorley. Reports by Louise Finan and Valerie Flynn. Research by Claire McDonald. News by Valerie Flynn.

2. On October 1’s show...

Dublin’s directly elected mayor: We talk to Councillor Dermot Lacey, the bookies favourite to take the job, and ask people on the street what they think of the proposed office.
Ireland’s bats: The threat from wind turbines, and from a deadly fungus.

And...

Geothermal energy: plans for a plant at Rathcoole.

Presented by Louise Finan. News by Leah Leiva. Research and reporting by Valerie Flynn. Produced by Christina McSorley.

3. On September 24's show...

As the closure of Dublin’s civic dump approaches, what next for the capital’s waste?
How Kilbarrack became Dublin’s first carbon neutral fire station
Eco-UNESCO’s annual conference

And

Energy efficiency in Ireland's buildings

Presented by Jack Cane. Produced by Valerie Flynn. Reports and news by Louise Finan.

4. On September 17's show...

The Poolbeg incinerator: Councillor Maria Parodi on the problem of the contract’s expiration date.
Dublin Bikes celebrates a successful first year: We talk to users of the service, and to Councillor Andrew Montague.
Part two of Christina’s series on green initiatives in Ballymun: the Rediscover Fashion recycling project

And...

A setback for social housing in Dún Laoghaire.

Presented by Louise Finan. Produced by Valerie Flynn.

October 15's show

2010-10-15T18:18:00.003+01:00

On this week's show....

The new Cherrywood LUAS opens this weekend but where is Metro North?
Leah Levia finds out whether Ireland is really protecting its habitat....
Claire McDonald talks to architect Ali Grehan about the exiting Pivot Dublin project...

And...

John O'Neill finds out how recycling and waste management can help more than the environment....

The show was presented by Carys Sanders with research by Valerie Flynn. Produced this week by Louise Finan

September 2's show

2010-09-16T08:46:00.006+01:00

On this show:

Dr Rodney Teck, climatologist from NUI Maynooth, gives us the low down on the 'climate gate' scandal.
Valerie Flynn joins campaigning Dublin cyclists at their monthly 'Critical Mass' event.
The deadly fungus threatening Ireland's oak forests.
The second in Christina McSorley's two-part series on a new eco-friendly community development in Ballymun.

Presented by Christina McSorley and produced by Valerie Flynn.

August 27, 2010

2010-08-30T13:51:00.008+01:00

We talked to Dr Cathy Maguire from Comhar about the need for better eco-planning in Ireland. Roger Warburton from Emerald Houses shows us around his new home in a new eco-community in Ballymun, and Valerie found out why Irish bees are buzzing off.

August 20's show

2010-08-27T12:47:00.003+01:00

On this show...

Dirty old town? Dublin's litter problem and new efforts to tackle it.
Wildlife events in your area for Heritage Week.
And...
Dublin City Council's latest move in the Poolbeg incinerator controversy: Is it check mate for opponents of the plans?
As well as this week's round up of environmental news.

Powered by Podbean.com

Presented by Christina McSorley and produced by Valerie Flynn.

Butterfly workshop

2010-08-18T08:15:00.003+01:00

We had an item on the show earlier this summer about butterflies, where we visited the South Circular Road Community Garden for a butterfly workshop with Bob Aldwell from the Dublin Naturalists Field Club.

Dublin Community Growers are holding another workshop this Saturday at the Robert Emmet CDP Garden on Bridgefoot Street in Dublin 8. It starts at noon and ends at 2pm.

The organisers say the aim of the workshop is: "to provide a practical hands on experience, and knowledge, of the butterflies that coexist with us amongst the urban landscape of Dublin.

"A talk and demonstration will serve to reveal butterfly life cycle and habits, while gardening methods for encouraging and supporting their presence will also be described. Speakers from both Dublin Community Growers and Dublin Naturalists' Field Club will be present.

"The event is aimed at both adults and children, with the intention of answering questions, and providing information and advice. While providing an afternoon of recreational fun within this central Dublin location, the gardening workshops also seek to deliver environmental contributions within education and research."

EWS 13 August 2010

2010-08-16T20:32:00.001+01:00

This week's show was presented by Louise Finan. The news was read by Christina McSorley. Valerie Flynn spoke to the new Mayor of South Dublin County Coucnil, Jeannie McCann went to the Phoenix Park and Louise Finan found out about climate change in Kenya. The show was produce by Jeannie McCann.

August 6's show

2010-08-13T16:59:00.020+01:00

First up, Jeannie McCann speaks to James Nix of new environmental lobby group 'Plan Better', an initiative involving An Taisce and Friends of the Earth.

Continuing our series on the mayors of Dublin's four local authorities, Christina McSorley interviews Lettie McCarthy, the new Cathaoirleach of Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.

'Love the City', a new project that aims to enhance the attractivenes of Dublin's city centre using design, kicked off recently. Valerie Flynn went along for Earth, Wind and Spire.

The show was presented by Jeannie McCann and produced by Louise Finan.

Living in Temple Bar

2010-08-10T21:18:00.000+01:00

A few weeks ago we spoke to Irish Times Environment Editor, Frank McDonald, about living in Temple Bar. In today's paper he writes about the history of his home. Read it here.

LED air quality detector

2010-08-10T19:58:00.002+01:00

This is a cool idea.

Anti-litter advertising: will it work?

2010-08-08T22:33:00.007+01:00

Dublin City Council is to tackle litter this month with a new advertising campaign called "Nobody wants your litter. Bin it."

Apparently cigarette butts, chewing gum and fast food packaging together account for 75% of the city's litter, and this is what the ads will address. The Herald reports that Failte Ireland and the Department of the Environment are funding the campaign.

If the object of the exercise is to encourage litter bugs to change their behaviour, would the money not be better spent on stronger enforcement of the litter bye-laws? Probably.

Belfast City Council launched an anti-litter advertising campaign in 2004. Before the campaign began, 52% of people surveyed by the Council's Cleansing Department admitted to having littered in the past six months. Six years later, the figure is at 48%, according to a study published in May. Not a huge improvement, by any standards.

The head of Belfast City Council's Cleansing Department reported that littering in the city has actually gotten worse in the past year, with the number of people who admitted to having littered in the past six months back to 2005 levels.

The research, conducted in February and March of this year, showed that the public advertising campaign had created a "high awareness of litter in the public's mind." But that awareness, unfortunately, did not cause a change in behaviour in Belfast.

Also, Earth, Wind and Spire has noticed the new Dublin City Council campaign posters at busstops but this is not the most effective medium, if Belfast's experience is anything to go by. The overwhelming majority - 87% - of people in Belfast who said they were familiar with the anti-litter campaign recalled it from television.

Petition to protect seabirds

2010-08-06T08:14:00.003+01:00

Birdwatch Ireland has called for support for a new campaign asking the EU to inroduce a strong Action Plan against bycatch of seabirds during fishing.

An estimated 200,000 birds are killed in this way each year in the EU, among them a number of important species that are found in Irish waters. These include the critically endangered Balearic shearwater, and the fulmar (pictured) - best known for its colonies at the Giant's Causeway.

Birdwatch says fulmar numbers are down at Irish colonies, but the reason for this is not known.

Web tool for saving energy and money

2010-08-04T12:33:00.006+01:00

This is actually quite cool, the graphics are really good and the advice is detailed enough to be credible.

The ESB's online 'Interactive House' shows how you can cut your energy usage in every room in the home, and quantifies the saving in terms of money and carbon.

So for instance, if you click into the kitchen, and then click on the washing machine, the tool advises washing clothes at 40 degrees.

"Reducing the wash temperature of a full load from 60oC to 40oC can save up to 110kWh per year = €17.60 = 68.75 kgs CO2 . This is about the same CO2 saved if you reduced your car usage by 443 km in a small family car."

Another good tip is to keep the condenser coils on the back of the fridge freezer clean, as dusty condenser coils can use 30% more energy.

Podcast of July 29's show

2010-08-04T12:12:00.007+01:00

On this programme:

1. Christina talks to Gemma Larkin of the Nevitt Lusk Action Group about the upcoming judicial review of the EPA's licence for the planned north Dublin landfill.
2. Jeannie talks to Irish Times environment editor Frank McDonald about noise pollution in Temple Bar, where he lives.
3. Louise looks at the development of the docklands as the new observation wheel opens.
4. Plans to convert Dublin's street lighting to LED.

And...

5. The controversy over sewage facilities at the new National Convention Centre.

As well as this week's environmental news.

Presented by Christina McSorley. Reports by Jeannie McCann and Louise Finan. News by Valerie Flynn. Produced by Valerie Flynn.

Podcast of July 22's show

2010-07-28T08:26:00.010+01:00

On this programme:
1. The dispute over bin charges in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown
2. We ask Dubs what they think of the Spire
3. Opposition to new planning legislation from An Taisce
4. Green highlights from the Festival of World Cultures
And
5. An Bord Pleanala gives permission for a 19th chapel in St James's hospital to be demolished
As well as the week's environmental news.

Presented by Louise Finan. Reports by Christina McSorley and Jeannie McCann. News by Valerie Flynn. Produced by Valerie Flynn.

Earth Wind and Spire July 16, 2010

2010-07-21T10:00:00.004+01:00

On the programme we interviewed the new Lord Mayor of Dublin Gerry Breen and found out why he became involved in politics.

Six Months after the Haiti earthquake we talk to Habitat for Humanity about their vision for building communities.

And PJ Walsh from the Shannon Protection Alliance tells us Dublin City Council plans to pump water from The Shannon to Dublin would destroy The Shannon.

If you want to get in contact with us leave a comment here or send us an email earthwindandspire@gmail.com

Tune in to 103.2FM this Friday at 3pm to hear more on the demolition of the Chapel in St James Hospital, and the new law that will prevent residents associations from appealing planning decisions, and much much more!

2010-07-21T09:56:00.001+01:00

Podcast of June 9's show

2010-07-10T21:48:00.012+01:00

A special episode on the proposed Poolbeg incinerator.

Padraic Ryan got the objective facts on incineration from Imperial College London's Professor of Waste Management, David C. Wilson (he thinks it's a great idea).

Christina McSorley asked the author of a controversial ESRI report on the matter, economist Paul Gorecki, to explain why he thinks the incinerator should go ahead. She also spoke to Labour Councillor Dermot Lacey (also in favour) about some of the important, non-economic issues in the debate, and to the party's environment spokeswoman Joanna Tuffy (anti-incineration...kind of).

Valerie Flynn gauged local opposition to the incinerator. She also talked to a spokesman for CRAI, the local anti-incinerator campaign group, about the evidence behind the group's allegation that incineration causes health problems, and about whether the group are just a load of nimbys.

And Louise Finan has this week's environment news bulletin.

>

Presented by Padraic Ryan. Reports by Christina McSorley and Valerie Flynn. Research by Jeannie McCann. News by Louise Finan.

Coolbeg...or Droolbeg?

2010-07-09T09:01:00.005+01:00

A special edition of Earth, Wind and Spire this afternoon, when we investigate the arguments for and against the proposed Poolbeg incinerator.

We've got the views of, amongst others: ESRI economist Paul Gorecki; Labour Party environment spokeswoman Joanna Tuffy; Imperial College London's Professor of Waste Management, David C. Wilson; and Maurice Bryan of Combined Residents Against Incineration.

103.2 Dublin City FM at 3pm or streamed at www.dublincityfm.ie.

A Sunday Afternoon in Killiney

2010-07-04T20:59:00.000+01:00

The view from Killiney Hill this afternoon!

Story of Stuff

2010-07-03T22:48:00.000+01:00

The Story of Stuff is a 20 minute animated documentary by the anti-consumerist filmmaker Annie Leonard which has been watched by 10 million people online.

Beauty is in the eye of the spraycanholder?

2010-07-01T23:34:00.005+01:00

Yeah, that was a bit of a reach but a clever title is always important to a blog article. I think I learnt that from Sesame Street. It's really very late.

Friday's show contains a report on the changing public attitude towards graffiti; an art form that is being increasingly celebrated and encouraged by public bodies and by some private businesses. The dividing line between art and vandalism is yet to be defined however, though not for lack of trying on the part of our talented interviewee and patient vox pop targets. Below, we've assembled a smörgåsbord of graffiti (yes I did visit Wikipedia for the correct smörgåspelling) to be judged. Art or vandalism? It's over to you.

- Fergal

Coming up on tomorrow's show...

2010-07-01T21:06:00.004+01:00

Dublin City Council is to debate whether Bank of Ireland should hand over its College Green premises to the public.
Ahead of the Kings of Concrete festival, we'll be asking whether graffiti is art or vandalism.
16 years of the EPA: Jeannie McCann interviews the agency's Micheál Ó Cinnéide.
And why is the Irish Seal Sanctuary moving out of its North County Dublin home?
Plus the latest environmental news from Dublin.
Tune in at 3pm to 103.2 Dublin City FM.

Bed Time

2010-06-26T22:23:00.002+01:00

A novel way to tackle climate change was launched by the Japanese government this week. Japanese citizens are being urged to go to bed an hour early to reduce carbon emissions.

The logic behind The Morning Challenge campaign is that the electricity saved from going to bed an hour early and getting up for an extra hour of sunlight in the morning will reduce the nation's carbon footprint.

This isn't the first unique eco campaign launched by the Japanese government. Five years ago it encouraged workers to wear short sleeved shirts to cut back on using air conditioning in 28 degree heat. If the good weather stays for long enough here maybe Minister Gormley will be unveiling something similar!

Read about the Morning Challenge in the Daily Telegraph.

Earth, Wind and Spire 25 June 2010

2010-06-26T22:02:00.001+01:00

This week's show was presented by Padraic Ryan. The reports were by Jeannie McCann, Valerie Flynn and Jack Cane. Christina McSorley read the news. The show was produced by Jeannie McCann.

Earth, Wind and Spire 25 June 2010

Jeannie McCann's Podcast

What the oil spill would look like if it was in Dublin

2010-06-25T18:04:00.006+01:00

Short on imagination? This handy webtool shows you what the oil spill would look like if it took place in your home town.

So this is what would happen if it all went down in Lucan.

Yeah, I wouldn't really mind either if Lucan was destroyed by some awful ecological disaster. BUT, as you can see, we'd all have to go and live in Cork or Mayo or Donegal...or Bray.

Jesus.

On Tomorrow's Show

2010-06-24T15:00:00.004+01:00

Just a quick preview of tomorrow's show

Padraic Ryan interviewing Patricia McKenna.

Tune in Friday at 3pm.

Tomorrow @ 3pm you'll be listening to...

2010-06-24T09:36:00.001+01:00

Coming up on Earth, Wind and Spire this week...
Padraic talks to former Dublin MEP Patricia McKenna about green politics, feminism and the eco lifestyle.
Jack finds out about creative ideas for unused spaces around the city.
Val learns how to create an environment for butterflies at South Circular Road Community Garden.
Jeannie hears the debate on how to make Ireland's future sustainable.
And Christina has all the last enironment news in Dublin.
Tune in at 3pm tomorrow on Dublin 103.2FM or listen online http://www.dublincityfm.ie/

Sellafield downsizing boo hoo

2010-06-23T23:38:00.006+01:00

Following 'efficiency savings', sixty job are to go at the British state agency responsible for shifting control of Sellafield to the private sector, the BBC reports.

The local Council is gutted. The leader of its strategic policy commitee says: "This does not mean that West Cumbria is not committed to the nuclear industry.

"We have a strong industry with a skilled workforce and there is still much work in nuclear decommissioning and potentially new nuclear sites here in West Cumbria."

(Phew! For a minute there, we were beginning to worry that they'd stop creating oodles of badly stored radioactive waste on the coast of our sea.)

Ominously though, that dude (one Tim Heslop) is a member of the Alliance Party. His party colleague and Minister for Energy Chris Huhne is the currently the last barrier between the nuclear-friendly Conservative administration and a whole new generation of nuclear reactors. But the Lib Dems seem to be coming round to the idea of nuclear power. One to keep an eye on.

News just in: Gulf of Mexico is far away

2010-06-21T21:59:00.005+01:00

The Irish Times reports the EPA's assurances that no oil from the BP spill in the Gulf of Mexico will reach Ireland.

An EPA spokeswoman said that: “Due to the distance between the Gulf of Mexico and Europe and also the nature and frequency of autumnal storms in the Atlantic Ocean, the likelihood is that the oil will disperse and evaporate in the ocean, possibly leaving 'tar balls' which should sink to the bottom before reaching Ireland."

It's not clear who was worrying about this in the first place.

Speaking of the oil spill, this article from The Onion is very good. "A thick coat of oil should help these animals tremendously, especially with the cold weather coming."

In other news today, the Herald reports that Dublin City Council is going to do something about the morning jam on Camden Street's so-called 'Quality Bus Corridor'. Apparently buses there move at an average of 5km per hour, which is more or less the same as a person walking.

And the big shiny yoke at the bottom of Infirmary Road has won a prize.

Cup of tea?

2010-06-20T11:01:00.000+01:00

Ever wondered what damage you are doing to the environment with that caffeine addiction?

According to the Guardian, drinking four lattes a day uses as much carbon as flying half way across Europe! It's the milk that's the problem - thanks to all the methane cows give off.

And, the environmentally conscience should think about how to boil water. The old-fashioned stove top kettle is over efficient than its new electric equivalent!

So, it seems a cup of tea does more than give you a kick in the morning!

http://bit.ly/bNL0ic

Very hungry caterpillars

2010-06-20T10:26:00.010+01:00

Earth, Wind and Spire went along to the South Circular Road Community Garden yesterday afternoon, where Bob Aldwell from the Dublin Naturalists Field Club gave a workshop on butterflies.

Bob was impresssed by the amount of insect life in the South Circular garden. If you've ever walked by it (coming from Clanbrassil Street, it's on the right-hand side before the turn for Dolphin's Barn/Cork Street) you'll have noticed that it is very overgrown, with the grass beside the railings well over a metre high. This is because a large plot at the front of the garden has been left wild to create a habitat for insects like bees, butterflies and ladybirds.

The vegetable plots are behind the tall grass, but you can't really see them from the road. One of the vegetable plots has been left fallow. Here is a photo of the fallow plot, with poppies and dog daisies growing in it, next to a plot with mustard (the yellow flowers).

This policy of having cultivated and wild/fallow plots side by side seems to be working. There were two Small Whites fluttering round the garden the whole time. Can you spot two of their cunningly disguised offspring on this brassica?

(Clue: They're on a small leaf right in the middle.)

Of course, the only problem with this hippy-dippy, insects-are-our-friends policy is that the caterpillars will have eaten the plant to bits by the time they're ready to pupate. You can see the damage in the above photo. Bob suggested that the most practical approach is to have one or two plants, or a little section of your garden that you don't mind losing to caterpillars, and just move them there when you find them.

There will be an item on butterflies, including an interview with Bob Aldwell, on next week's Earth, Wind and Spire.

Earth, Wind and Spire 18/06/2010

2010-06-19T19:50:00.002+01:00

This week's show was presented by Padraic Ryan and this week's environmental news was read by Valerie Flynn. Reports by Lorcan Archer, Jeannie McCann, Christina McSorley and Fergal Reid. The producer was Jack Cane.

EWS 18/06/2010

EWS - Jack

Ten Minutes To Go... Can You Wait?!

2010-06-18T14:36:00.004+01:00

You'll just have to, I'm afraid.

But never fear, today's show will be worth your fingernails having been bitten down to the quick. In but ten minutes hear all about:

- The protests at Dublin City Council by angry locals (tm) over proposed swimming pool closures and all the other environmental tid-bits from the evening's debates.

- Why aren't Ireland's beaches blue? Because they're mostly that off-grey coarse sand that gets between your toes for days. But now we have less Blue Flag beaches than we've had for a decade. We find out why.

- Seen many building cranes on the Dublin skyline lately? For most it probably means better evening vistas but for budding architectural graduates it's a source of despair. We visit DIT's Graduate Show to find out how Dublin's face will change in the new sustainable future and how graduates are coping.

- Bought a pack of eco-friendly light bulbs? Good for you. We talk to a family that's going a little further in their pursuit of a green lifestyle, with all the green ideas coming from the children and their school.

The podcast of the programme will be available tomorrow, right here on the blog. But you're hardly going to miss it now, are you?

Podcast of show, June 11

2010-06-18T10:20:00.003+01:00

On this show...

On yer bike #2: Wheely good ideas for National Bike Week.
School's in for summer: Dublin hosts the European Biodiversity Summer School.
Greenbacks for green business: Why aren’t the banks lending to eco-friendly companies?
And...
Bloomin’ lovely: Green highlights from last weekend’s gardening extravaganza.

As well as our weekly round-up of environmental news in Dublin.

Earth, Wind and Spire, June 11

val's Podcast

Presented by Padraic Ryan. Reports by Christina McSorley, Lorcan Archer and Valerie Flynn. News by Fergal Reid. Research: Jeannie McCann. Producer: Valerie Flynn.

This afternoon at 3pm...

2010-06-11T11:33:00.002+01:00

Christina gears up for National Bike Week. Lorcan learns about the birds and the bees at the European Biodiversity Summer School. Padraic asks why the banks aren't lending to green businesses. Val checks out organic gardening and other eco exhibits at Bloom.

And we'll have our weekly round up of environment news from Dublin City and County. It's all happening at 3pm on 103.2 Dublin City FM.

Without Further Ado...

2010-06-06T11:23:00.003+01:00

Excuse the delay, planeteers! The latest episode of Earth, Wind and Spire is available below.

EWS 04/06/2010

EWS - Jack

For Your Aural Pleasure

2010-06-04T14:13:00.004+01:00

Today on the next exciting instalment of the city's favourite* effusive environmental extravaganza!

(*Probably)

Will turning off the lawnmowers turn out to be a snake in the long grass for Fingal County Council? Lorcan Archer dives in and finds out.

Are you a fan of ours on facebook? Then you're probably a young trendy type! You'll probably want to hear all about Dublin's new soundstaged/organic/farmer/vintage gear market at the Point Village from Jeannie McCann so.

Find that your friends think damming the Amazon is a good idea and organic food's a waste of time? Christina McSorley visited a green drinks event where you can meet likeminded souls for a pint and a bit of environmentally related banter: the best kind of banter!

The iconic Poolbeg chimneys seem to be on the way out, just as they've seen off millions of visitors to Dublin in the past. Fergal Reid hits the town to talk to politicians in favour of keeping them and people on the street whose opinions are a little harder to read...

Plus all the weekly environmental news in Dublin from Valerie Flynn.

This edition was produced by Jack Cane, and presented by Christina McSorley.

Podcast available here after the programme has aired at 3pm today on 103.2 Dublin City FM, which according to the ad for Little Steven's music show after our own programme is the "coolest radio station in town". Fact!

Bank Holiday stuff

2010-06-04T10:30:00.002+01:00

Morning all. Two big green events in Dublin this weekend.

The first is, of course, Ireland's answer to the Chelsea Flower show - Bloom in the Phoenix Park. This year at Bloom there will be a major emphasis on sustainability. Display gardens will demostrate how to conserve water by gathering rainwater, and the importance of Irish native species for food and to the economy.

The second is the European Biodiversity Summer School, organised by Coast Watch and The Irish Environmental Network, with lectures in Trinity College's Science Gallery, nature walks and, er, biodiversity-themed live music (not sure what that's about). Some of tomorrow's events are in Wexford, but there are "special mystery tasks on the train" from Pearse (not sure what that's about either). Here's the programme.

If you're away for the weekend, don't worry because we'll be reporting on the highlights of both events on next week's show.

Fun in the Sun

2010-05-30T23:35:00.000+01:00

There was lots of fun in the sun at the O2 today as the crowds visited the first weekend of the Point Village Market. From home made jam and hand made jewellery to 'ghee spot' butter and massages there was just about everything available! Tune into Earth, Wind and Spire this week to hear what the stall holders and public made of it all - Friday @ 3pm.

Here are a few pictures from earlier:

Podcast of May 28's show

2010-05-30T12:37:00.005+01:00

On the programme this week:

And on that farm there was a turbine: Lusk farmers generate their own energy.
Some bat-time: On the trail of pipestrels in Donabate.
Parking the development: Demolition works for a proposed Dun Laoghaire carpark slammed by An Bord Pleanala.
Striking out of oil: the peak oil crisis is discussed at a Dublin conference.
and
The sorry state of Mountjoy Square.

Earth, Wind and Spire, May 28

val's Podcast

As well as our weekly round-up of the latest environment news from around Dublin City and County.
Producer: Christina McSorley. Reports: Lorcan Archer, Valerie Flynn, Jack Cane, Jeannie McCann and Fergal Reid. News read by Jack Cane. Presented by Padraic Ryan.

To the batmobile!

2010-05-30T11:55:00.008+01:00

...or, you know, your attic or whatever, for next month's national Bat Count.

Bat Conservation Ireland want anyone who knows of a bat roost to help out. Here's what they want you to do:

Pick a location where you won't disturb the bats exiting the roost - someplace where you can see exiting bats silhouetted against the sky makes counting easiest. Please don't shine a torch towards the roost as it will discourage bats from exiting.

Go to your location around sunset on an (preferably dry and not too cold) evening between June 18 and 20. Count as many bats as you can until none have exited for 10 minutes.

Enter the details in this form and click submit.

In other bat news, Bat Conservation Ireland are at Dublin Zoo today as part of the zoo's Native Species Weekend.

BioBlitz: the results are in

2010-05-30T10:53:00.010+01:00

Well, we've had loads of stuff on the show recently in relation to the International Year of Biodiversity... including the news that most Irish people don't know what biodiversity is.

Anyway, last weekend was the first ever national 'BioBlitz', when scientists at six locations across the country took part in a race to record the most plant and animal species in 24 hours (with a frantic surge in activity reported in the last hour).

Teams of botanists, zoologists, entomologists, mycologists and other-ologists were drafted into Newbridge Demesne in North County Dublin, where a grand total of 441 different species was recorded.

180 plants

40 butterflies and moths

46 birds

20 other insects

7 mammals

148 'others' (fungi, lichens and so on. This was the highest 'others' figure in the competition.)

An impressive tally, but the Dubs were left in the ha'penny place by winners Connemara National Park, where 542 species were found, including 351 different plants. (Dublin came second last. Not that it matters, of course, since the point of the exercise is to compile useful information for the National Biodiversity Data Centre. Although, according to Earth, Wind and Spire's sources the competitive aspect of this supposedly 'fun' event was taken terribly seriously by certain elements of the scientific community.)

Black Gold

2010-05-28T00:10:00.000+01:00

Oil is the new gold. As a nation we consume 188,000 barrells of oil a day. We import it all because we do not have any as a natural resource. So what's going to happen when it runs out?

That was the topic for dicussion on Wednesday evening at the Convergence Sustainable Living Festival hosted by Cultivate. Tune into Earth Wind and Spire tomorrow to hear Richard O'Rourke, Director of ASPO Ireland, and Davie Philips from Cultivate, discuss their views.

For more information on the Convergence Sustainable Living Festival see www.cultivate.ie

Podcast of May 21's show

2010-05-21T23:40:00.007+01:00

On today's programme:
- All Dublin's latest environment news
- Port in a storm: controversy over plans to expand Dublin Port
- All creatures great and small: biodiversity in Dublin Zoo
- Green procurement: how green Government purchasing benefits the environment and the bottom line
and
- A growing movement: we look as allotments and the grow-your-own movement

Presenter: Padraic Ryan. Reports: Valerie Flynn, Fergal Reid, Padraic Ryan and Jack Cane. News by Lorcan Archer. Produced by Padraic Ryan.

Podcast of May 21's Show

Earth, Wind and Spire's Podcast

Today's Show!

2010-05-21T10:54:00.007+01:00

Ears (well, no ears, but still) cocked to listen to Earth, Wind and Spire...

Earth, Wind and Spire is on today! 3pm on 103.2 Dublin City, live online at www.dublincityfm.ie, and, I have to tell you, today's programme is the cat's pyjamas.

We have:

- All Dublin's latest environment news

- The port in a storm over proposed expansion

- All creatures great and small - a look at biodversity in Dublin Zoo (and a listen to some serious Siamang Gibbon vocalising)

- Green is gold - how green procurement will aid Ireland's economic future

and

- We unearth the wonderful world of allotments and grow-your-own

Now all you have to do is find something to kill time between now and 3!

Padraic Ryan and the Gibbons (Padraic isn't in the picture)

2010-05-20T01:07:00.003+01:00

Dublin Zoo's Siamang Gibbons can cart-wheel with the best of them. But can they handle an Earth, Wind and Spire questioning? Tune in this Friday at 3pm, 103.2FM to find out.

(In truth, we didn't interview the Gibbons. They're shy about radio. But they were kicking up quite a stir while we found out about Biodiversity in the Zoo, and you can find out more about that, Friday, 3pm, 103.2 Dublin City FM, or by listening to the podcast on earthwindandspire.blogspot.com)

South Circular Road Garden

2010-05-19T21:56:00.001+01:00

Tune into Earth Wind and Spire this week to hear Willie Brennan talk about the South Circular Garden - a green space that's being used for the benefit of the community in Dophlin Barn! Check out their blog: http://southcirculargarden.blogspot.com/

Willie picking some herbs this evening:

Scary scuff: the scare crow in the garden:

This weekend is Biodiversity Weekend

2010-05-19T07:36:00.008+01:00

...and there's lots of very cool stuff happening about town. And by cool I mean nerdy.

Join scientists and volunteers of all ages in a race to record the most species possible at Fingal's Newbridge Demesne, in 24 hours from Friday evening to Saturday evening. There'll also be a guided night-time bat walk on Friday, and on Saturday there'll be bird box-building, falconry displays and face-painting. Full details are here.

The Irish Environmental Network have lots of info and a list of events which includes a coastal biodiversity walk, lunchtime talks and a 'butterflies and bogs day'.

Events continue into next week and the week after, and it's all part of the International Year of Biodiversity. We'll have more info on this week's and next week's show so stay tuned.

Grow Your Own @ Bloom

2010-05-17T22:16:00.000+01:00

Volunteers lending a hand to the 'Grow Your Own' Movement on Sunday in the Phoenix Park as the group prepares its garden for the Bloom Festival in June.

Tune into Earth, Wind and Spire this week to hear the group's founder, Michael Kelly, talk about the benefits of growing your own and offering useful tips and advice for gardening virgins! This Friday @ 3pm on Dublin 103.2FM.

Podcast of Earth Wind and Spire for May 14th, 2010

2010-05-14T22:44:00.004+01:00

Thanks to everyone who listened to today's show! For those who missed it, or thought it good enough to warrant another listen, the link for it is below.

Earth Wind and Spire, May 14th, 2010

Producer: Lorcan Archer. Reports: Padraic Ryan, Christina McSorley and Jack Cane. News by Fergal Reid. Presented by Padraic Ryan.

This afternoon...

2010-05-14T08:21:00.002+01:00

At 3pm this afternoon: Nine months on, how successful has the Dublin Bikes scheme been? And, the latest invention from the people who brought you the 30k/h speed limit - Dublin City Council's plans for a 'city farm'. We'll be strolling through Georgian Dublin to hear about issues surrounding conservation. And bringing you the latest on Eyafallajokul (oh yes I did). As well as our weekly round-up of environment news from Dublin City and County.

Podcast of May 7th's show

2010-05-13T15:05:00.002+01:00

On the programme this week:
Is Swords set in stone? Opposition grows to planned new developments.
Berkeleyan Idealism: Trinity's inspiring Berkeley Library turns 45.
The nagging problem with Smithfield's horse market: Will it stay or will it go now?
And our weekly round up of the latest environmental news from around the city.

Earth, Wind and Spire, May 7th, 2010

Earth, Wind and Spire's Podcast

Producer: Fergal Reid. Reports: Lorcan Archer, Valerie Flynn, Jack Cane. News by Christina McSorley. Presented by Padraic Ryan.

Podcast of April 23's show

2010-05-02T14:15:00.012+01:00

On the programme this week:
Private buses: The controversy over licences in Dublin.
Do Dubs dream of electric jeeps? Our reporter takes a spin in an electric car.
Zoning out the Minister: Councillors in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown defy John Gormley with a new rezoning.
And our weekly round up of the latest environmental news from around the city.

Earth, Wind and Spire, April 23, 2010

Earth, Wind and Spire's Podcast

Producer: Valerie Flynn. Reports: Christina McSorley, Jeannie McCann and Jack Cane. News by Valerie Flynn. Presented by Padraic Ryan.

Podcast of April 16's show

2010-05-01T20:40:00.013+01:00

On the show this week:
Icon or eyesore? A look at the controversial plans to redevelop Liberty Hall.
DART Underground: Good news for commuters, but are the proposals being railroaded despite quality of life concerns in Inchicore?
Lusk landfill: A scenic corner of North County Dublin is earmarked for Ireland's next superdump.
The kids are alright: Our reporter tags along with Eco UNESCO to the judging of the 2010 Young Environmentalist Awards.
And our weekly round up of the latest environmental news from around the city.

Earth Wind and Spire, April 16, 2010

Earth, Wind and Spire's Podcast

Producers: Christina McSorley and Jeannie McCann. Reports: Christina McSorley, Valerie Flynn, Lorcan Archer, Padraic Ryan. News by Jack Cane. Presented by Padraic Ryan.

Cees Veerman's lecture at TCD - 'Water, Food Security and Climate Change: The Global Challenge'

2010-04-30T14:39:00.008+01:00

The renowned Dutch economist, and former Minister for Agriculture, Cees Veerman visited Trinity College to deliever the first lecture in the Climate Justice Seminar Series. Prof Veerman outlined the effects that rising temperatures will have on the global food supply, and gave his thoughts on the recent scandal surrounding the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report. And he outlined the potentially catastrophic effects of rising sea levels on The Netherlands. Padraic Ryan recorded the lecture for Earth, Wind and Spire.

Prof Cees Veerman - Lecture at TCD 27 April 10

Padraic Ryan's Podcast

Podcast of April 30's show

2010-04-30T12:06:00.005+01:00

On this week's programme:
Alien invaders: The foreign plants and animals wreaking havoc on Ireland's natives.
Running wild in Dublin: Our reporter sets out from the Spire to find wildlife in the city centre.
Stag-hunting: Backbenchers in revolt over Green Party plans to ban the sport.
Creative recycling: Innovative ideas from the Sustainable Innovation Forum at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
And our weekly round up of the latest environmental news from around the city.

Dublin City FM - Earth Wind and Spire - 30 April 2010

Earth Wind and Spire's Podcast

Producer: Padraic Ryan. Reports: Valerie Flynn, Fergal Reid, Padraic Ryan and Jack Cane. News by Lorcan Archer. Produced by Padraic Ryan.

A Taste of What's To Come

2010-04-10T11:39:00.007+01:00

Greetings to all fans of Dublin, the environment and news!

Things have been slightly rejigged for the inaugural broadcast of Earth Wind and Spire on 103.2 Dublin City FM, and we will now be airing our first show on the FM band on Friday, 16th of April at 3pm.

Fear not though, as we've uploaded two snippets related to this week's environmental news that should give a good impression of what sort of material to expect next week.

Lorcan Archer presents 'This Week in the Environment', our weekly news round-up.

Jack Cane delivers a special report on last Monday's fire at Bull Island Bird Sanctuary.

Thanks for listening! This blog will continue to be updated regularly as we go to air.

Earth Wind and Spire First Show!

2010-04-05T22:14:00.004+01:00

Our first show will broadcast this Friday at 3pm on Dublin City 103.2 FM.

Be sure to tune in to hear more about

SIPTU's plans for Liberty Hall,
when the DART will join the dots and have us all connected,
bird watching in Dublin, and
what the Irish Wind Energy Association think will lift us out of the recession

Watch this space...

EW&S Team

Earth, Wind and Spire

Moving house

5,000 birds fall out of the sky

Ireland to outstrip Europe on carbon emission cuts

Full text of the Climate Change Bill press release

What to feed the birds

December 17's show

Podcast of Friday, December 10's show

Green Party promise on climate Bill

Endangered ringtones

Doomsday Approaches

Ireland at 'low risk' from climate change

Feel smug on the Luas

Environmental events this week

Podcast of October 29's show

New UN agreement on protecting species and habitats

Podcast of October 22's show

Greenhouse emissions fall because of recession

Invasive species: Australia v starlings

Radioactivity in the Irish Sea at historic low

Four podcasts - September and October 2010

October 15's show

September 2's show

August 27, 2010

August 20's show

Butterfly workshop

EWS 13 August 2010

August 6's show

Living in Temple Bar

LED air quality detector

Anti-litter advertising: will it work?

Petition to protect seabirds

Web tool for saving energy and money

Podcast of July 29's show

Podcast of July 22's show

Earth Wind and Spire July 16, 2010

Podcast of June 9's show

Coolbeg...or Droolbeg?

A Sunday Afternoon in Killiney

Story of Stuff

Beauty is in the eye of the spraycanholder?

Coming up on tomorrow's show...

Bed Time

Earth, Wind and Spire 25 June 2010

What the oil spill would look like if it was in Dublin

On Tomorrow's Show

Tomorrow @ 3pm you'll be listening to...

Sellafield downsizing *boo hoo*

News just in: Gulf of Mexico is far away

Cup of tea?

Very hungry caterpillars

Earth, Wind and Spire 18/06/2010

Ten Minutes To Go... Can You Wait?!

Podcast of show, June 11

This afternoon at 3pm...

Without Further Ado...

For Your Aural Pleasure

Bank Holiday stuff

Fun in the Sun

Podcast of May 28's show

To the batmobile!

BioBlitz: the results are in

Black Gold

Podcast of May 21's show

Today's Show!

Padraic Ryan and the Gibbons (Padraic isn't in the picture)

South Circular Road Garden

This weekend is Biodiversity Weekend

Grow Your Own @ Bloom

Podcast of Earth Wind and Spire for May 14th, 2010

This afternoon...

Podcast of May 7th's show

Podcast of April 23's show

Podcast of April 16's show

Cees Veerman's lecture at TCD - 'Water, Food Security and Climate Change: The Global Challenge'

Podcast of April 30's show

A Taste of What's To Come

Earth Wind and Spire First Show!

Sellafield downsizing boo hoo