AI and the Planet: Useful tool or another case of greenwashing?
Making the Desert Bloom?
The role of environmental apartheid in Israel’s occupation of Palestine
Green Island: The environmental case for a United Ireland
Attending COP28
Making the desert bloom? The role of environmental apartheid in Israel’s occupation of Palestine
Playing the 'AI card' against climate change - a royal flush or greenwashing bluff?
Fossil
subsidies, the EU and its interests
Dear Readers,
I’m excited to welcome you to this edition of Evergreen, which marks a significant milestone as Evergreen is now a fully recognised publication by Trinity Publications! Achieving this success is a great honour and a reflection of the dedication that has fuelled Evergreen’s journey I extend my deepest thanks to Trinity Publications for their support in Evergreen’s mission to promote pressing climate issues and amplify environmental consciousness This endorsement allows us to expand climate literacy in Trinity and we couldn’t do it without the support of Trinity Publications
This edition of Evergreen’s highlight is the photos produced in collaboration with DUPA. These photos showcase the beauty and fragility of the natural world, serving as a vivid reminder of what we stand to lose without effective solutions Beyond their beauty, they represent societies’ entanglement with
nature, questioning the future solutions needed to respond to climate change.
I am particularly grateful for Brí’s support in this edition, her contributions and support in making this edition happen Ellen for her amazing work in the Layout, making the images and articles come to life! Finally, Siubhán and DUPA for choosing the most amazing photos for this edition and Henry for the stunning front cover
This is my last edition for Evergreen, I have thoroughly enjoyed being editor-in-chief and it has definitely been a highlight of my time in college I am excited to see what Evergreen will become and am delighted to have a part in that journey! We encourage you to get involved and share your thoughts with us If you have any questions or queries, don't hesitate to reach out via email at editorevergreentrinity@gmail com
Happy Reading!
Photograph by Elizabeth Rymut
B y E l i z a b e t h R y m u t
A little over a year ago, I wrote my first opinion column, which happened to be on the 27th United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP27). I learned about this annual event when climate activists, like Greta Thunberg, and environmental journalists, like Naomi Klein, began voicing criticism and opposition toward that year ’ s conference This year, I was selected as one of four student virtual attendees for COP28 through Trinity College, and I was able to continue to report on it.
In November 2022, COP27 was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, a resort city in Egypt, a country known for its fossil fuel resource exportation Activists and journalists were arrested or otherwise stifled A record number of 636 fossil fuel lobbyists attended the conference and world leaders failed to meet goals created through the Paris Agreement, a treaty established in 2015 to address climate change
This past December, COP28 was hosted in Expo City Dubai, a proclaimed green and sustainable city, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The UAE is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, and is notorious for its oil production The amount of fossil fuel lobbyists in attendance increased to 2,456, over three and a half times the amount at COP27 Additionally, according to a report released by the United Nations (UN) after years of pressure, fossil fuel lobbyists “received more passes than the combined total of delegates from the 10 most climate-vulnerable countries combined ” Climate activists also faced increased censorship, as this conference was the most regulated in COP history Specifically, protestors were forbidden from
using signs that displayed nations involved in Israel’s attempted genocide of Palestinians in Gaza; any accessories including card straps that symbolized Palestinian resistance were to be removed by security Protestors were permitted only in the BlueZone conference area, deemed a “UN-controlled space per UAE rules” on one specific day It is ironic enough that the president of COP28, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, is the CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company – he also stated in a press conference that there was no science to support the phasing out of fossil fuels
Witnessing the planet going up in flames is disheartening, but it is more so disturbing to watch our world leaders blissfully allow humanity to inch closer and closer to extinction With 2023 reported to be the hottest year on record, 97% of scientists are predicting increased temperatures and extreme weather in the upcoming years Meanwhile, instead of engaging in necessary, radical action, the morality of those in power has gone from bad to worse.
When I was attending the virtual sessions, I heard many of the same messages from government officials, climate activists, and other representatives In short, there needs to be climate action implemented before it’s too late, and this was the conference to make that happen. With some recent UN achievements, our home is now projected to warm by fewer than three degrees instead of close to five degrees, which would have been a death sentence for humanity Yet this will still induce large-scale damage and “ mass human suffering,” as stated by the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary To put
it bluntly, the climate crisis is appearing to be incredibly doom and gloom
“Witnessing the planet going up in flames is disheartening, but it is more so disturbing to watch our world leaders blissfully allow humanity to inch closer and closer to extinction.”
Climate change is depressing No one enjoys imagining the end of humanity, let alone the end of the world. As a young person, it’s terrifying for me to have the fleeting idea that I have no control over my future, especially because I am a small person in terms of influence and power It often feels like I carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, trying to do my part in ensuring people in power do not fail us. However, I am comforted knowing that thanks to the youth movement, action toward addressing the climate crisis has rapidly progressed
Attending COP28 made me realise the power that the youth hold I heard youth voices in decisions being made for sustainable transitioning. It is present in speaking up for environmental injustices towards people of colour, marginalised communities, and Indigenous peoples The younger generation is leading the call for an end to ecocide, genocide, and fossil fuel wars Youth delegates are holding international leaders responsible, including developed countries, for their environmental damage. They are demanding our destructive systems be renovated The youth, including me, are educating others and have been steadfast in ensuring we all have the opportunity for survival
With youth presence increasing at the COPs, I feel inspired and reassured by participating among the younger generations, and other like-minded individuals, knowing the fate of humanity and our habitat is repairable Outside of COP28, youth movements like
FridaysForFuture, Friends of the Earth, and SunRise Movement have sparked increased international action and demand for an end to using fossil fuels Programs like YOUNGO and Climate Youth Delegate have encouraged youth participation in climate awareness and legislation. Young people are leading school strikes to protest climate inaction, and they are taking their governments and fossil fuel companies to court for contaminating and polluting their world
The results of COP28 were unsatisfying, however, hope returns to me when I see action continuing outside of these conferences. I know that the empty and repeated promises from people in power will be held accountable and in contempt Watching the youth carry great responsibility is not sustainable, however, it secures a better future. I put my faith not in our world leaders but in young people to promote the wellbeing of Earth, our one true home, and the continuation of humanity, the destined protectors of the planet
Environmental violence is just one facet of the wider system of apartheid and human rights violations caused by the Israeli occupation of Palestine – but it plays an essential, and often overlooked role in practices of occupation and colonial violence As of January 2024, three months since the escalation of the conflict on October 7, it is estimated that over 25,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have been killed, with the Palestinian death rate at the hands of the Israeli military reaching an average of 250 people per day, according to Oxfam. Tens of thousands more have been injured, displaced, and subject to disease, hunger, and horrific conditions – marking this as one of the worst atrocities of the 21st century
A central tenet of Zionist ideology is the portrayal of Palestine as a barren, unpopulated desert prior to Israeli occupation in 1948 Zionists have famously justified the occupation of Palestine on the basis that Israel “made the desert bloom”, drawing on associations of agricultural superiority and the perception of Israel as an environmental steward. This is far from the reality Israel has long utilised practices of ecological apartheid to maintain the occupation, involving systemic exploitation of the natural environment, the dispossession of indigenous people from their land and natural resources, and increasing vulnerability to the disproportionate impacts of climate change The environmental violence caused by Israel’s occupation of Palestine is manifested in both the material exploitation of Palestinian land and natural resources, and the symbolic destruction of indigenous culture and heritage that is
rooted in relationships with the land
Settler colonialism, as a fundamentally land-centred project, relies on the exploitation of land, natural resources, and indigenous ecosystems for its success –which Israel has continued in the Gaza and the West Bank since 1967 Over the past 83 years of Israeli occupation, more than 1 6 million Palestinian people have been displaced from their land, and an estimated 600-750,000 Israeli settlers live in over 250 illegal settlements across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
“The environmental violence caused by Israel’s occupation of Palestine is manifested in both the material exploitation of Palestinian land and natural resources, and the symbolic destruction of indigenous culture and heritage that is rooted in relationships with the land”
. Land appropriation is inherently destructive to the natural landscape. Through the systematic destruction of agricultural crops and land, Israel has further maintained colonial dominance over Palestine Uprooting native crops such as olive trees, figs, almonds, and dates is not just a threat to Palestinian food sovereignty, but a practice of cultural oppression. Specifically, Israel has illegally uprooted over 800,000 olive trees since 1967 as part of the settlement expansion in the West Bank Olive trees are widely regarded as a symbol of Palestinian resistance, representing cultural significance and agricultural tradition, as well as a key
source of food and income
This systematic erasure of indigenous ecosystems is an attempt to erase Palestinian history and culture, through rewriting the landscape and severing ties between Palestinian people and the environment. Other native trees such as oaks, carobs, and hawthorns have been destroyed and replaced by the planting of non-native pine trees – an invasive species highly susceptible to wildfires, that serves as a threat to the local ecosystem and as another method of driving Palestinians from their land.
For decades, Israel has treated Palestine as an environmental sacrifice zone, even granting tax incentives to companies with dangerously high levels of industrial pollution to relocate to the West Bank. The most prominent case is Geshuri Industries, a privately owned Israeli agrochemicals company originally located in Kfar Saba, Israel – this plant closed in 1982 over toxic emissions concerns However, the plant was later relocated to the Palestinian city of Tulkarm, in the north-east of the West Bank There are 12 other Israeli chemical factories located in this industrial zone, Nitzanei Shalom, according to the Environmental Justice (EJ) Atlas The industrial pollution from these plants has induced detrimental consequences for public health and the environment and has a direct impact on the
local economy and livelihoods that rely on the land for income This environmental violence not only drives Palenstinians from their land, but also directly harms their health for the economic benefit of Israel.
Prior to the current conflict, water access in Gaza was already vulnerable – relying mostly on groundwater wells, three seawater desalination plants, a wastewater treatment plant, and imported water through three pipelines from the Israeli state-owned company, Mekorot. Clean and safe water is one of the most fundamental resources, and restrictions on water access by Israel exacerbate the existing horrific health and environmental conditions
Now, Palestinians in Gaza only have access to an estimated three litres of water a day, according to the United Nations – a stark contrast to the minimum 50 to 100 litres daily recommended by the World Health Organisation To make matters worse, over 96% of groundwater in Gaza is unfit for human consumption, according to the Palestinian Water Authority
As the only natural source of water, this leaves Palestinians reliant on desalinated and imported water sources, which have purposefully been disrupted and destroyed by Israel during the recent conflict – one of the many war crimes committed so far On 30 October 2023, the water supply from Israel to Gaza was stopped, a second
pipeline between Israel and northern Gaza has been closed since 8 October The land destruction from military attacks has also distorted the natural flow of groundwater, leading to heightened drought and flood vulnerability.
“Does Israel’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 consider the decades of land occupation, resource appropriation, and environmental destruction in Palestine?”
On a global scale, the environmental impact of Israeli military activities, including aircraft missions, tanks and vehicle usage, and bomb explosions, has significantly contributed to CO2 emissions In the 60 days following October 7, the carbon output of Israeli military activities has been equivalent to the
burning of 150,000 tonnes of coal, as reported by the Guardian This is without considering the role of the US military, one of the world’s largest carbon polluters, in supplying Israel with military equipment via hundreds of cargo flights – which in itself is estimated to have emitted 133,000 tonnes of CO2. It is further estimated that the rebuilding of Gaza’s over 100,000 destroyed buildings will generate a minimum of 30 million tonnes of CO2 – which is higher than most countries’ annual emissions Decades of occupation and resource exploitation have already put Palestinians in an extremely climate vulnerable position, which will only be heightened by the long-term impacts of the war on global warming
Does Israel’s commitment to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 consider the decades of land occupation, resource appropriation, and environmental destruction in Palestine? Not to mention the emissions generated from explosives and military aircraft in the ongoing conflict, which will further target the world’s most environmentally vulnerable countries Israel’s greenwashing practices play yet another part in maintaining the system of apartheid. There can be no environmental justice without Palestinian liberation – without the liberation of all people whose land and natural environment have been exploited and appropriated under colonial occupation
Just as references to Artificial Intelligence now flood the contents of LinkedInspirational posts, and the foreboding emails from the Junior Dean, so too has the attention of media and science communities been captured The debate about whether AI represents a radical paradigmatic shift in technology, or another overhyped and jargon-couched grift has launched a thousand think-pieces and ignited new considerations in nearly every academic field Despite this occupation of the media and scientific journal cycle for nearly ten years, the pixelated dust seems yet to settle on what humanity truly has unleashed in terms of AI.
One arena where the promises of AIpowered change are bold, and where interest is surging, is that of climate-change mitigation Companies such as Microsoft and Meta espouse the ‘data-driven choices’ and 'sustainability-enhancements' that AIpowered software can offer in our warming world, stressing their capacity to handle ‘big-data’ and direct efficiency insights in industry and science for the conservation of resources
Lurking beneath the screen of our superintelligent saviour however, are huge water and carbon requirements, placing it at a tension with its supposed climatic goals This contradiction has not gone unnoticed, with papers in AI ethics journals, HAL Open Science archive, and the OECD Policy Observatory, alongside The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian and The Atlantic increasingly questioning the environmental costs of powering and training AI
The question arises then, of whether carbon and water demands at multiple stages of AI software and hardware life-cycles, can be
balanced by its analytic and management strengths in the climate change battle In other words, are we going ‘all-in’ on the same logic of blind consumption that brought us to this climate inflection point, or is AI our winning hand?
The concept of ‘trade-off’ becomes particularly relevant in areas where AI’s data-processing appears to hold the potential to outstrip current technology Meteorology may be one such area
As climatic warming induces more extreme and frequent weather events, high resolution, fast-response meteorological information is increasingly crucial for planning and response Modern meteorology has relied on successively more advanced Numerical Weather Prediction systems, or NWP, since its earliest manifestation in 1922.
NWPs render atmospheric and oceanic conditions as interacting vertical and horizontal layers Equations representing initial conditions, captured by constant satellite and other weather datacollection, are evolved according to physical laws of fluid, gas and energy behaviour The simulation models transfers of energy between layers, and interactions with land and ocean surfaces, updated at minute intervals according to constant data inputs to forecast weather events. This computationally intense process is remarkably accurate for up to ten-day forecasts However, the time associated with rerunning the simulation as new, unpredicted weather information arrives,
Inhampers the efficiency of response required to minimise human impact of extreme events Additionally, innovation in NWP models requires the manual tweaking and tuning of their algorithms by experts, a time and labour-intense, expensive process.
AI-based methods seem to offer a rapid alternative In a November 2023 ‘Science’ article, developers of ‘GraphCast’ – a machine-learning, neural network-based model – described the outperformance of traditional NWP methods by an AI model in 90% of cases against which it was tested. With just one minute processing time required by the ‘GraphCast’ model to produce a 10day forecast, in contrast to the 4 hours required by NWPs, developers suggested a 1,000% reduction in energy consumption Predictions of severe events, such as tropical cyclones, extreme temperatures, and atmospheric rivers – flows of water vapour in the atmosphere released upon making landfall, associated with mudslides and floods – were also improved by this ML model, when compared to NWP While researchers were hesitant to herald the end of the relevance of time-tested NWP, the potential of machinelearning in weather forecasting is evident. This potential has also been recognised by Met Éireann, who, in December 2023, announced their collaboration with UCD on a research professorship centring on the application of AI to meteorological and hydrological challenges.
“The question arises then, of whether carbon and water demands at multiple stages of AI software and hardware life-cycles, can be balanced by its analytic and management strengths in the climate change battle.”
Further scopes for AI in the context of a changing climate lie in areas as diverse as surveys of river water quality, sustainable
waste-management and illegal dump detection and analysis of high-dimensional climate datasets for trend identification With apparent wide applications, and rapidly increasing capabilities, AI’s exponents claim to hold a strong hand. Yes, even looking beyond dataset bias, beyond ethical concerns of surveillance and use-case specific limitations, in purely climatic terms, AI and machine-learning pose significant concerns
Warehouse-scale data centres housing servers and specialised hardware, while not solely the domiciles of AI and ML servers, were responsible for 1-2% of global electricity usage in 2023 In Ireland, this percentage usage rises to 14% of total usage Exact figures for the proportion of this attributable to AI technology is difficult to ascertain, partly due to the youth and pace of this technology, which has precluded the establishment of carbon-emission estimation methodologies, and reporting standards However, in a 2019 study of a deep-learning language processing model, 270,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, or five times a car ’ s lifetime emissions, were
recorded – released during the ‘training’ process alone
Water consumption associated with AI occurs ‘onsite’ (the water consumed by evaporative cooling towers and by humidity control of server housing), ‘offsite’ (in the generation of electricity that powers data centres) and in ‘embodied form’ (describing the ultrapurewater usage associated with the production of AI’s hardware, with up to 8,300 litres of hyper-processed, pure water used to create one microchip). In particular, the usage of drinking water in these operational and embodied processes represents a tensional point, when compared to the four billion people globally who experience severe water scarcity for at least one month a year
The removal of this water from the environment, is also of particular concern where data-centres coincide with droughtprone regions – such as the tech-centre of Silicon Valley, set within a state which saw its driest three-year period in recorded history from 2020 to the end of 2022 Planned Google and Microsoft data centres in drought-impacted Uruguay and Chile have faced opposition with locals citing the ecological and social impacts of these structures, and watershed vulnerability in the face of rapid increases in consumption demand Microsoft, the owner of Chat-GPT, consumed 700,000 litres of freshwater in its data centres in the training of the third generation of this AI language model. The cooling-needs of AI’s ‘big-data’ requirements – set only to exacerbate in a warming worldtransform data centres to sites of resource contestation, pitting human needs and virtual demand against each other
There seems to be an urgent need to peer behind the curtain of AI – to see through the promise of technological disembodied intelligence, to its physical and climate reality in vast data-centres and their accompanying water, space and carbon demands Even where AI is employed in green-tech and in mitigative measures that are well-intentioned, trade-offs are inherent - requiring a recalibration of the hype and ambition that surrounds this technology The novelty and well-funded marketing campaigns of AI cannot be allowed to obscure the reality of hulking warehouses and their long, thirsty roots.
B y G a b r i e l a G a z a n i g a
Debates on the use of fossil fuels as an energy source are not new Fossil fuel production – creating coal, gas, and oil –requires the burning of fossilised material, which emits toxins and pollutes the air. Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources which have long been linked to the climate crisis, as well as health conditions and other human rights concerns
A recent hot topic of conversation surrounds the European Union’s (EU) participation in, and ultimate encouragement of fossil fuel subsidies Fossil fuel subsidies refer to any government action that manipulates the sale or purchase of fossil fuels to benefit the fossil fuel market In other words, a government may choose to lower production costs, raise the price paid by energy producers, or lower the cost paid by energy consumers This ultimately makes fossil fuels more desirable, meaning they retain consistent value in the market and thus benefit producers of fossil fuel energy sources Fossil fuel subsidies essentially finance the climate crisis.
The EU is a major contributor to fossil fuel subsidies In a November 2023 report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA), between 2015 and 2021, the EU spent, on average, EUR 56 billion each year on fossil fuel subsidies. In 2022 alone, the EU spent EUR 123 billion despite growing pressure and efforts by government agencies to phase out the funding of these subsidies
Although the report interprets this increase of energy prices resulting from global events such as COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war, it nevertheless showcases the prominence of the EU’s fossil fuel subsidies funding.
The complete removal of fossil fuels as the primary energy source is idealistic at best Fossil fuels are the world’s leading energy source and have powered economies for over 150 years. 80% of global energy is
derived from fossil fuels People and economies have depended on fossil fuels for most of modern history Subsidies have merely added metaphorical fuel to the global fossil fuel dependency fire
The question, rather, is one of the sustainability of subsidies: are subsidies currently a sustainable method for selling and purchasing fossil fuels? The answer is a resounding no
“Fossil fuel subsidies essentially finance the climate crisis. The EU is a major contributor to fossil fuel subsidies.”
In a 2021 report, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) found that not a single country globally priced “all its fuels sufficiently to reflect their full supply and environmental costs” Further, IMF analysts revealed that “setting fossil fuel prices that reflect their true cost would cut global CO2 emissions by over a third” This means that at its true cost, the fossil fuel industry would lose its demand by over a third, ultimately reducing fossil fuel energy use by the same amount However, although the appeal of fossil fuels would arguably decrease, they would likely maintain their status as the world’s leading energy source unless governments implement effective alternatives
Although not the ideal solution, the removal of fossil fuel subsidies would be a step in the right direction for bettering the climate crisis However, as previously explained, the reality is that fossil fuel subsidies are on an exponential rise despite growing concern and protest.
When COP26 was held in late 2021, a primary discussion topic by EU states was the phasing-out of subsidies by 2030 However, the November 2023 report by the EEA reported that the EU still lacks any concrete plan for how it will phase out subsidies and the timeline in which this will occur. Therefore, although the EU often discusses
the environmental harm posed by fossil fuel subsidies and engages in discourse regarding its phase-out, the EU has yet to demonstrate any tangible effort to remove subsidies
The EU is well aware of the growing calls to remove subsidies but arguably due to its economic interests, lacks any initiative Fossil fuel subsidies are not sustainable and are already regarded as a leading factor propelling the climate crisis The EU, having the knowledge it possesses, should be compelled to act quickly against the use of fossil fuel subsidies in the interest of its people and the environment
L
Hey mom, happy new year to you, and Lil and Jackie. Wish I could have said this in person. There was no time when they pulled me away and my phonecall was spent on the lawyer
It hurt when they shoved me but it hurt more when that guy tried to pull me off the street
I choose good glue you know. Bought it with my pocket money.
I get it you know Our bodies obstacles getting in the way Of whom?
I wish I could throw my body in the way of the drills, Making the earth bleed black blood, In the way of blue ink pens, Signing signatures with sure hands, under dotted lines that sell precious soil at too high a cost
I wish I could step between the sneering saws, sawing down tree by tree, consuming the forest like a fierce fire fueled by interests
But all I can do is block a road And for a short while there was a pause
My pocket money only lasted for the glue, Will you bail me out?
I love you
B y S u k i W e c k e r t
B y L a u r e n S h a p i r o
As Manchán Magan astutely points out in Listen to the Land Speak, classic folkloric myths seem to “mould themselves with eerie accuracy ” to present-day concerns. Magan and his contemporaries, Marina Carr, and Joanne McFall, examine this phenomenon in their writings, and discover how ancient beliefs can bring wisdom to our current climate concerns Celtic culture and tradition have always been intimately linked with Ireland’s landscape. Indeed, every natural Irish landmark has its own mythical origin story, as Celtic ancestors revered the land they inhabited and sensed a spirit worthy of respect within every tree, lake, and animal This mindset is central to Celtic beliefs and landscapes are central the folklore that inspired Listen to the Land Speak (2022), By the Bog of Cats (1998), and Beyond the Forest Floor (2021).
In Listen to the Land Speak, Manchán Magan travels across Ireland to unearth ancient beliefs implanted in enduring folk tales and natural landscapes. Traversing his ancestors’ land, the author recounts the rich legends associated with each location he visits. As he untangles webs of legend and history, he gains a newfound connection to the Earth With many natural sites facing the risk of disappearance, the author dreads the loss of wisdom that this destruction inevitably causes. Magan implores his readers to reacquaint themselves with their surroundings, and truly ‘listen to the land speak’
Marina Carr sets her play By the Bog of Cats in the mysterious and mystical Irish bog A frequent figure of Celtic mythology, the bog has long captured Irish imagination. The most fascinating aspect of bogs is how they carry remains of the past, both literally and figuratively The play weaves together folklore, myths, the natural, and the supernatural, shedding light on the consequences of environmental degradation,
neglect, and exploitation. The story follows Hester Swane, the human embodiment of the bogland Conflict arises when Hester is forced to leave her land by greedy characters seeking property ownership and financial profit. The outcome of this conflict is disastrous, but the bog will forever haunt Hester’s antagonists. Carr leaves the audience with a clear message: never mess with nature
“These enthralling stories raise questions about real-world issues caused by modernity’s dissociation from nature.”
In Beyond the Forest Floor, Joanne McFall embraces Ireland’s long history of storytelling to inspire ecological mindfulness Her book holds multiple short stories, each set in various enchanting forest settings, and including blended elements of Celtic myths, folklore, and woodland imagery to entertain and awaken eco-awareness for its readers
The book follows intriguing human and nonhuman characters who confront environmental change, embark on quests to resolve danger, and reconnect to their natural surroundings. These enthralling stories raise questions about real-world issues caused by modernity’s dissociation from nature The collection encourages readers to reflect on their relationships with the planet and its creatures To further support vital climate action, the author invites readers to contribute to carbon removal projects and access links to environmental non-profits on her website
Understanding human impact on the environment (or environmental awareness) is a crucial first step for important, long-term change. By blending tradition and contemporary concerns, the works of these writers inspire actions for environmental protection After all, in reconnecting with our land, we not only become reconnected with ourselves but also honour those who came before us and so valued the land on which they lived. Photograph by Fionn Fitzpatrick
Photograph by Reese Cheng
B y D a v i d F l a n a g a n
The island of Ireland is a place of shared landscapes, water sources, flora, fauna and people Like anywhere else in the world, no one place on this island is shielded from the disastrous consequences of human-induced environmental damage Therefore, we all have a collective responsibility to protect it.
The partition of our island has always complicated our approach to all-island issues Naturally, one would question if our island’s history of division poses a barrier to cooperation, and if our country’s partition makes combined sustainable government policy impossible. This topic has caused me to consider what the future of our island should look like and reflects the growing debate on the constitutional question of our island In the discourse surrounding this debate, there has been no shortage of speeches and newspaper articles devoted to the economic and identity questions that a reunification poll would awaken. While these are pertinent issues, very little attention has been paid to the benefits that a re-united Ireland would make for environmental protection, as well as for wider climate action on this island
“It is up to us to demonstrate to the world that environmental protection is formed through unity and not division.”
In my first argument for this case, I want to address the suggestion that “full blown” reunification is a step too far This school of thought preaches that there are no barriers to greater cooperation between North-South
organisations (namely environmental regulators) In reality, we have seen with Brexit (a situation which the North of this island decisively voted against) that the British government has a keen appetite to cut critical environmental regulation, particularly European environmental regulations as part of a so-called “Brussels Bonfire” to dispense with critical European legislation This is in stark contrast with the ambition of the EU, in which the Republic of Ireland remains a member state A divergence in ambition and policy is becoming apparent. This divergence risks leaving certain parts of our island behind in terms of environmental action
Pan issue can be resolved via superficial cooperation when there exists extensive foundational legislative differences, is not a strategy for success This sentiment is reflected in a recent report by the Irish Environmental Network. Conducting a brief scan of the “Linking the Irish Environment” report, we see that the report references the word “all-island” more times than the word “United Kingdom” (Yes, I am sad enough to have used Ctrl+F to count the number of times both words were used). It is apparent that this island’s environment is safer in our unified hands, rather than in the hands of an inwardly-looking British government
Photograph by Lauren YangsUnknown to many, the island of Ireland already has a unified electricity market, simply named the Integrated Single Electricity Market (ISEM) Its existence reflects another fact - we are a relatively small island nation In terms of energy security, Ireland is severely exposed to energy shocks. This was made obvious during the recent energy shock experienced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022
If we are serious about electrifying and decarbonising our island, a stable, reliable and sustainable electricity grid is fundamental to our ambitions. However, again, due to incohesive and contradictory planning systems between the two jurisdictions, we see critical failures in delivering essential grid infrastructure One only needs to look at the much anticipated and much delayed NorthSouth interconnector If one believes in supporting climate action, then you must support a clear all-island approach to making our island’s infrastructure fit for a decarbonised future In my opinion the most effective route to such an island, is through a united Ireland
Finally, a united Ireland offers the opportunity to preserve and restore this island’s historical native biodiversity. You don’t need me to tell you that flora and fauna don’t acknowledge or obey borders No more is this apparent than in
the ongoing battle against Ash dieback and the mad cow disease crisis in the early 2000s There have been many government documents and column inches dedicated to pointing the finger at the other part of this island for importing these diseases. However, a unified approach to biosecurity and wider conservation is only feasible in a re-united island The alternative means such security is at the behest of changing British governments who may - at any given moment - decide to diverge from established agreements Besides, it wouldn't be the first time that a British government has ripped up an internationally recognised agreement.
There is an ongoing and active debate regarding the future of this island Having these conversations is a natural and formative process for any democracy In such conversations we establish, as a people, what is best for our future. It is important, given the context of ever-increasing global temperatures, that environmental matters are included in these discussions I have briefly outlined why as a united island, as one nation, we can protect and promote our rich environment. It is up to us to demonstrate to the world that environmental protection is formed through unity and not division. After all, there is no re-united Ireland on a burning planet
B y W i l f r e d - M a r i e F a l l o n
Rewilding is a form of nature restoration that is ecosystem-led, a strategy minimising human interference and maximising the agency of natural systems to self-heal Rewilding has begun to grip the collective imagination during its global rise in popularity over the last five years As an environmental philosophy, rewilding describes how a piece of land changes and who changes it; with a broad definition, the range of approaches and actors in rewilding efforts is as diverse as the ecosystems and communities it impacts Rewilding has become increasingly common in environmental circles due to its low-cost, high-biodiversity output.
For a country with a long history of habitat degradation, rewilding may appear unrealistic, but the prevalence and success of Ireland’s rewilding initiatives shows that a shift in conservation ideologies can lead to a more biodiverse country. In the Irish context, rewilding takes the form of native forest revival, revitalization of urban green spaces, and bog restoration
Coillte, Ireland's state-owned forestry company, estimates that forests made up 80% of Irish land following the last ice age. As human settlements grew, the range of forested land fluctuated proportionally to the demand for agricultural land However, the overall trend firmly indicates a continual decline in woodland across Ireland since the last ice age Woodland historians disagree as to the scale that settler colonialism had impacted Irish forests by the early 17thcentury, but it is clear that between 2 1% and 12 5% of Irish land was still covered in ancient forests Today, Coillte estimates that native woodland comprises approximately 2% of Ireland However, promising forest rewilding projects in both the public and private sector create hope for restoring native ecosystems
Eoghan Daltun, who writes at length about the natural history of Irish forests, has personally undertaken a rewilding project on a piece of former farmland in West Cork. In
his book An Irish Atlantic Rainforest, he discusses his journey from restoring a cottage in Inchicore to facilitating the rewilding of a young temperate rainforest and the threats that his rainforest faces from invasive species. He highlights the challenges in maintaining a functional forest ecosystem in modern-day Ireland, with invasive species being a critical concern during his rewilding efforts Feral goats and a lack of tertiary predators to regulate goat and deer populations has led to a lack of young understory in protected forests across Ireland, in his eyes. One of the most noticeable aspects of a healthy temperate rainforest is the different stories of wildlife, with a lush and mossy floor, taller saplings and plant stalks, and orchids hanging off the branches of the tallest trees Achieving a robust and functional rainforest ecosystem is not possible without diverse levels of plant, animal, and fungal life; An overabundance of grazing invasives significantly harms this
“Rewilding dares us to imagine a future where humans and ecosystems can interface seamlessly, and serves as a beacon for fostering environmental health and community wellbeing throughout the nation.”
Two organisations, Mossy Earth and Hometree, are working in conjunction to reforest and rewild large swathes of land outside of Ennis, County Clare Unlike Daltun’s land on the Beara peninsula, their Foraois/Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project is not building on existing old-growth forests, but is focused on planting a new forest composed of native, soil-appropriate trees This approach, coupled with natural succession’s changes to understory and wildlife populations, is more labour intensive and expensive than Daltun’s hands-off method. However, given the exceedingly
small pockets of native woodland in Ireland, there is promise in a more heavily facilitated rewilding approach
In the Dublin Mountains, Coillte has allotted roughly 30% of its timber woodlands to be converted into native forests. This endeavour has been dubbed the “Dublin Mountains Makeover” and comes at a time of increased demand for recreation space and biodiversity in an area historically used for commercial timber operations The Dublin Mountains Partnership Strategic Plan outlines that this change will be gradual, with the monoculture of non-native trees being gradually felled and replaced with native Scots Pine, Rowan, Holly, and Birch trees This technique of felling individual trees to allow for younger saplings to join the canopy and undergrowth to thrive promotes nature-led regeneration, a key principle in rewilding. Additionally, in the Glenasmole Valley of the Dublin Mountains, the National Parks and Wildlife Service is facilitating a rewilding effort that includes expanding native woodland ecosystems, as well as rewetting the surrounding blanket bog
Depleted and drained peatland is a massive source of methane and carbon dioxide emissions in Ireland, with The Irish Times estimating that 80-90% of peatland is degraded nationally This degradation happens when the peat is harvested as turf and burned for fuel Bord na Móna, the stateowned peat production company, has ceased all industrial peat extraction and transitioned to peatland rehabilitation and restoration. Peatland restoration, or rewetting, involves raising the water table and restoring the bog to peat-forming conditions This can only be achieved on bogs drained in preparation for extraction but remained unextracted, which limits the scope of Bord na Móna’s restoration efforts to roughly 8,125 hectares of peatland.
Peatland restoration can be the first step in rewilding, enabling the naturally occurring processes within the peatland to gradually recover Rehabilitation, in contrast, is creating conditions for new ecosystems to form on already depleted peat. While these new ecosystems require significant capital investment to be created, they can become self-sufficient and productive ecosystems afterwards If they prove successful, the restorations that Bord na Móna are undertaking are some of the largest rewilding efforts in the country.
On Dublin’s doorstep lies Dunsany Nature Reserve, a rewilding project comprising of over 300 hectares of forested and marshy areas in County Meath. As the first site to join Rewilding Europe, the largest rewilding association in Europe, Dunsany Nature Reserve has received significant media attention The reserve has been largely successful, increasing bird populations by 35% and allowing woodpeckers and the endangered corncrake to return to the reserve. The estate, which has been around since the 11th century, has historically been used for agriculture When Randall Plunkett, Lord Dunsany, inherited the estate in 2011, he ceased some agricultural activities and left the former farmland to rewild with minimal management.
Amidst the urban landscape, conservationists and community leaders are collaborating on rewilding initiatives in the greater Dublin area, weaving a tapestry of thriving ecosystems that harmoniously coexist with the vibrant cityscape. In our very own college, we can see
the wildflower meadow on College Green and the unmowed sections of Front Square. While such small spaces cannot support most mammals and predators, minimally-managed native gardens are crucial in supporting pollinators in urban settings
The surge in rewilding's popularity over the last five years signifies a profound shift towards prioritising robust ecosystems across Ireland. With the modern and historical degradation of forests, grasslands, and bogs, fostering conditions for natural systems to improve and return is a more holistic approach than pure conservation These initiatives, public and private, not only underscore an increased national dedication to biodiversity but also provide a concrete avenue for addressing climate change Rewilding dares us to imagine a future where humans and ecosystems can interface seamlessly, and serve as a beacon for fostering environmental health and community well-being throughout the nation.
Photograph by Con Hinds
S
B y R u a i d h r í S a u l n i e r
This article suggests actions for individuals to minimise their carbon footprint. These are all things which everyone can apply to their dayto-day actions, and can be very easily implemented
1. Use less paper
If you examined how much paper you used, you would be surprised From the pages handed to you in tutorials, the booklets used during exams, toilet paper, tissue paper, and more, it all adds up quickly Trinity alone requires the paper equivalent of 250 trees yearly just for exams and their booklets, and countless more other equally pointless uses If we were able to cut our paper use, through having soft copies of the pages in tutorials, using a bidet, or a reusable tissue, the amount of paper consumed would be reduced (Not showing up to exams would also reduce the amount of paper used, but could have other unintended consequences)
2. Turn off electronic devices when not in use
There are so many devices we use in our everyday life that use electricity Instead of leaving your TV on standby when it's not in use, you could simply turn it off This is not only good for the environment, but would also save you money. This is what I was told growing up, and after looking into it, this is
per year! Device efficiency has increased significantly since I was first told this, so it may have been better in the time of cathode ray tubes and dinosaurs
3. Cut out the avocado toast
Unless you are in Mexico, or somewhere where avocados are grown natively, maybe don’t buy that avocado toast. Some people say that this is the way you can save the money to buy a house It isn't But it will do a small part to save the planet, and is that not better than owning your own house? Or with the way things are going, you’ll be able to grow it in Ireland, so who knows, maybe the best and worst of both worlds.
4. Plant a tree or two
A small thing that can be done, provided you ’ ve got the land and other assets, is plant a tree Start small, and eventually your tree
Photograph by Thomas Lara Leonard PhotographbyMarieMessmerBachert
will do its part If you don’t have land, convince a government to plant a forest so that when the trees grow up, they will be able to be used to build a navy The secret? Wooden ships will be outclassed by ironclads and dreadnoughts by the time the trees are usable in a navy, but at least we’ll have a forest with a story. This is a true story someone once fell for, so you could try replicating it, hopefully with the same success
5. Fly less (€10 flights to Italy are tempting, but are they strictly necessary?)
Whether you are flying somewhere for a holiday on a commercial flight or are flying private on short-distance flights between neighbouring cities, or even just going private because you have a global tour for your entire music catalogue (at least the music is recycled), flying is pretty bad for the environment. When alternative travel arrangements could have been made, flying less, or ideally not at all is probably the single greatest thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint It may seem like flying is the best way to go on that ski trip, but could a road trip and boat trip not provide a more eco-friendly travel alternative?
6. Don’t spill 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico
We’ve all been there, you ’ re drilling for oil in the Gulf of Mexico, maybe a bit too deep, too greedily, and sometimes, accidents happen. Next thing you know, you ’ ve spilled 5 million barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico. We’ve all been there, it happens The second best thing you could do, so as to not spill that vast quantity of oil is to have proper safety mechanisms installed, and use the correct type of concrete for oil drilling and pipelines. The best thing you could do is not pump oil seven kilometres deep. If you don’t spill this much oil, you could save billions of dollars in cleanup costs and fines A nobrainer if you ask me, I’ve managed to do it, you ’ ve (probably) managed to do it, and let’s do all we can to keep it that way.
With these tips for how to do your part to save the planet, go out there, and make those positive changes to make the planet a better place, because there is someone out there hellbent on making it worse
Photograph by Hnery James
B y R a c h e l S m y t h
In a world that normalises disposability, the art of upcycling is gradually making a comeback. Upcycling extends the lifespan of unwanted belongings like clothes, furniture and even electronic devices while reducing the material, labour and environmental costs associated with producing new objects Items can be reworked for different functions until the very end of their life. However, we are slower to
infrastructure, the most sustainable building is the one that already exists, and refurbishments can be carried out more quickly than starting anew. In today’s housing crisis, the rapid provision of suitable accommodation is more important than ever and recent reports have highlighted the potential for converting Dublin’s vacant 20th century office blocks into apartments
However, the planning and funding process is slow, with granting currently only approved for four refurbishment projects in the city, with five further feasibility reports still underway Furthermore, Dublin is not only in need of housing but also community-centric “third places” that allow for socialising and skill-building outside of home and work. How can we rapidly reimagine vacant space to support community-building activities that reduce spatial inequalities across the city?
Enter the up-and-coming concept of temporary urbanism Also referred to as tactical urbanism, it usually involves shortterm, low-cost uses of vacant, underutilised or public spaces, often by local communities. Temporary urbanism allows space for experimentation, which is an essential quality of the upcycling process that can give creative autonomy to the local community and test out ideas before full commitment. This form of urbanism can range in outcomes from larger-scale, publicly funded interventions, to counter-cultural guerrilla initiatives that freely reclaim space for community activities In general, temporary or tactical urbanism aims to implement low-risk solutions to local planning issues with potentially high rewards.
Economically, projects can revitalise a neighbourhood to the benefit of local businesses Having vacant and derelict lots in an area can have negative impacts on property values, requires costly maintenance by authorities, and has been linked to higher rates of violence and crime. Introducing street markets and replacing parking spots with outdoor dining or hosting pop-up shops in vacant commercial space could generate footfall in the area and support small businesses
Photograph by Nadine DeehanThe social value of our cities can also be accentuated by temporary urbanism through the provision of community space In 2022, Dublin City Council opened Bridgefoot Park in the Liberties, an eco-friendly and aesthetic recreational space built on a previously derelict site. The Liberties is a historically working-class area that has suffered from urban decay, dereliction and a lack of green space for residents The idea to rezone the derelict site as a public park was originally inspired by guerrilla gardening practices that residents were carrying out on the plot, and public consultations were maintained throughout the process to ensure it was accessible and functional for those who would use it The local community were given autonomy to manage a community garden within the park and no fences were constructed around the border, ensuring that they always felt welcome in their own space.
While temporary urbanism may start out as an experimental, ephemeral project, it can, with appropriate policy and planning, produce a more permanent space that becomes a cornerstone of daily life However, it is important that any planning takes a placebased and community-centric approach to ensure the final project efficiently fulfils a local social need On an environmental level, some temporary urbanism projects lead to emissions reductions through changing the way city-dwellers engage with a space On Capel Street in Dublin’s north inner city, Dublin City Council embraced the experimental nature of temporary urbanism to trial a carfree space in 2021 Implemented on an incremental basis, the project eventually eliminated all traffic from the street, cutting out polluting exhaust fumes from slow-moving traffic and encouraging alternative forms of transport like cycling. The associated environmental and public health improvements have also led to social and economic benefits through the availability of space for outdoor dining and wider walking areas, encouraging people to linger for longer and spend money Similar projects could mitigate environmental issues by making space for biodiversity, supporting the circular economy, or educating through environmental art
Considering the high potential value of temporary urbanism, and the apparent success of the cases discussed above, why is Dublin so slow to transform disused urban space into
housing and community space? Vacant buildings, as opposed to public spaces and empty plots, often require more substantial investment and time than low-cost methods of temporary urbanism can provide Inflexible policy and bureaucratic structures mean that the process of securing granting is lengthy. Only four projects are currently approved with five other feasibility reports still underway for Dublin If the Council is genuinely serious about meeting its carbon reduction targets and providing housing, it will need to overcome barriers in existing planning frameworks and secure more funding to make the refurbishment or simple rehabilitation of vacant buildings easier and commonplace
“How can we rapidly reimagine vacant space to support community-building activities that reduce spatial inequalities across the city?”
The same applies to smaller temporary urbanism projects. It is not enough to gradually increase the housing stock, we simultaneously need to engage communities in transforming underutilised spaces into meaningful places of economic, social, and environmental value Otherwise, we will find ourselves with adequate housing but a poor sense of community, or great local facilities but a shortage of affordable housing that would allow more people to enjoy them The importance of a “ sense of place” should not be underestimated, and this is where key engagement with local stakeholders should be prioritised from the early planning stages
Just like upcycling, we need to mix different materials and approaches together, focus on the good in what we have and envision the possibility of what it could become To build on Dublin’s rich character while creating safe and liveable spaces, temporary urbanism is a step in the right direction.
Photograph by Siubhán Stockman
B y E l i z a b e t h R y u m u t
When I imagine direct action – the act of pressuring institutional change – my mind remembers a scene from “Mockingjay Part 1,” from The Hunger Games trilogy. I picture Katniss Everdeen, the main character, sitting alongside a riverbank with her comrades At one of their requests, she sings a forbidden song called, “The Hanging Tree” – which is outlawed by Panem, the authoritative government district. The lyrics are about two lovers risking life, but also about rebels putting their lives on the line for freedom. Eventually, the scene transitions to unarmed, district rebels storming against Peacekeepers firing ammunition to place bombs inside a water dam, the power source for Panem
Katniss lived most of her life in crisis and by the grace of God, I have not and pray I will never have to fight to the death for anything Though with climate chaos upon humanity, I become wary As Earth rises in temperature, disaster reigns across the globe We all can recall the repetitive headlines of severe flooding, rampant wildfire, rising sea levels, and ecological destruction. We experience the results in our daily lives, as microplastics infiltrate our food systems, and our mental and physical health declines from poisoned air and water Thousands upon thousands of people, particularly in marginalised communities, are displaced, creating mass migration. We witness the effects of resource depletion with increased tensions and warfare Given these issues alone, it is no surprise there has been a rise in environmental direct action
Depending on whether you are a government official or climate activist, direct action can mean something different. Environmentalists may also be described as eco-terrorists, green anarchists, or radical environmentalists Their protests focus on economic sabotage as opposed to civil disobedience, often involving
Photograph by Thomas Lara Leonard
property destruction. These actions emerged after the Atomic Age and became more prominent in the 1960s Groups that engage in direct action include Greenpeace, known for confronting oil ships; Extinction Rebellion, who frequently disrupt the public and desecrate government buildings; and Earth Liberation Front, who were listed as the top domestic threat (terrorism) by the FBI before the 11 September 2001 terrorist attack on the New York City Twin Towers Ultimately, groups like these want an environmentally sustainable society and total liberation from a centralised government.
“Until our systems sustainably serve us, direct action is dire. A system failing means our lives are in jeopardy. Our air, food, and water will continue to be poisoned.”
I want to make it clear that my objective is not to promote overthrowing the government However, we must progress toward an environmentally sustainable society Many studies find that people across the globe find climate change to be a pressing issue, and want to take climate action. Unfortunately, elected world leaders or those who are otherwise put into positions of authority, are failing their citizens Rather than fulfilling goals and promises to preserve and protect the environment from over a decade ago, our presidents and government representatives are continuously choosing to advance economic wealth. Humanity is projected to be on the brink of extinction, and systems in we have place are unable to meet our needs With that in mind, I see direct action as necessary
for an appropriately functioning government. As an American, I must quote former U S president Thomas Jefferson, who wrote in a letter to James Madison, “ a little rebellion now and then is a good thing ” The separation of the United States from Great Britain – forgive me for the quick history lesson – is an excellent example of effective direct action, as colonists eventually rebelled against the King for ignoring their requests What began as an act of property destruction, the Boston Tea Party, became a rebellion and eventually, the situation escalated into a war, leading to the independence and formation of the United States. With this in mind, I recognise parallels with the behaviour of climate activists both in the past and today Citizens are demanding and pleading for reformative change, economically and morally As governments continue to massacre the Earth and reap the benefits, their citizens lead lives of turmoil. It is mere justification to vandalise a singular building for inciting the annihilation of all species Even more so, it is insignificant to risk life by chaining themselves to a pipeline, laying down in front of bulldozers, or taking over a vessel if it means preserving billions of future lives.
Acts of rebellion do not have to be destructive In films like The Lorax we see Ted Wiggins plant the last Truffula seed in his completely artificial town In classrooms, teachers and professors educate us and inspire us to make the world a more sustainable place. In the media, journalists take responsibility for reporting on the climate crisis and keeping communities informed to make better decisions In the public, climate activists remind us to refuse the blame for a deteriorating environment and instead call attention to corporations and fossil fuel companies.
Until our systems sustainably serve us, direct action is dire A system failing means our lives are in jeopardy Our air, food, and water will continue to be poisoned The future of upcoming generations and the Earth will remain in question. Resolving the unavoidable climate crisis is vital, for without doing so diminishes any chance or hope of survival The fight to defend our fate is upon us The pen is my sword; choose your weapon
Memories from my childhood are distinctively tethered to various locations, seasons, and experiences The most poignant of these is inextricably linked to the natural environment and my time spent in it. Summers spent swimming in the Atlantic, climbing dunes of the Maharees in Kerry, and helping pick blackberries along bothairíns, have been chased by winters spent sheltering under trees from unrelenting rains, toes incubated in woollen socks and gathering intimately around fireplaces. These experiences, although mundane, have established what can only be described as a cardinal love affair with Mother Earth This love affair, superior to all others in its unfaltering commitment and inability to displease, has remained a constant throughout my years
It is only more recently that I have called into question the nature of this relationship Despite composting, recycling and being a vigilant light-switcher-off-er, what exactly I have offered the Earth in return for access to her garden of Eden has become slightly less clear. Further, in the discovery of my subscription to transnational food, clothing and commodity chains that act to perpetuate huge disparities in wealth, resources and health worldwide, it has become abundantly clear that perhaps this relationship was not as utopian as I had once imagined Instead, these realisations have led me to conclude that my devoted relationship to Mother Earth
and, more expansive humans’ relationship to her, is one characterised not by harmony but instead by exploitation and toxicity
The relationship between Homo sapiens, the so-called “wise people”, and Earth has evolved into a somewhat parasitic one. The tension between human enterprise and the natural world seems to increase daily, diverging further from this proposed harmonious existence The increasing frequency of extreme weather events and decreasing biodiversity stand as martyrs for the human-inflicted harm on this planet. Despite the relatively short period in which humans have inhabited Earth, about 200,000 years of the Earth’s estimated 4 5-billion-year life, we have borne witness to an accelerated mass extinction, a departure from element cycling and energy balances that have remained constant for millennia, and the collapse of naturally occurring feedback loops that have long served as cycle stabilisers
What has caused the souring of this relationship however is not always explicit Homo sapiens are not the most populous species on Earth, and the population, although having experienced rapid growth since 1900, has already experienced peaked fertility rates What has continued to grow aggressively however is the global economy Commencing with agrarian civilisation, humans have maintained a consistent evolution of the economy, moving from agricultural to mercantile capitalism, followed by industrialism, and finally to its current consumerist capitalist state This new capitalist order signifies the re-orientation of market ambitions towards the exponential proliferation of profits. Tagging the increased degradation of our planet to capitalist
enterprises is supported by the identification of the Columbian exchange, denoting the extensive transfer of peoples, plants, animals, metals and commodities around the globe, as a key juncture of human interference in the natural world.
Emerging, what appears in tandem with the burgeoning economy, is a preconception of human separation, supremacy and dominance on Earth Although likely untenable and fleeting, Homo sapiens have for a brief moment claimed a position of mastery and managerialism on this planet. Hidden by this façade is the reality that the Earth, and life it hosts, have existed long before humans’ appearance and most likely will continue to exist long after their disappearance Humanity is entirely more dependent on the Earth than it is on them
“Acknowledgment that Earth and humans exist symbiotically and need to be treated as such to ensure mutual prosperity is imperative.”
Considering all of this, I finally confront this article’s paramount question: Can we ever truly live in harmony with the environment? It is abundantly clear that humans have long struggled to live in rapport with our beloved planet Nevertheless, refinement of science and technology has aided improved surveillance and prediction as well as enhanced opportunities to mitigate planetary devastation These efforts have arisen not in a selfless, redemption arc of the human species but instead as a final attempt at preservation. Unsurprisingly, notable silence on the matter is observed from those deeply embedded in the consumerist economy How this salvation will be delivered however is a hotly contested topic
Geo-engineering presents one such option, promoting large-scale, technological manipulation of natural systems in efforts to mitigate climate change A man-made solution to a man-made problem To what end humans continue to promote mass intervention in natural systems, using technology, innovation and investment dictated hugely by capitalist interests, remains to be seen
Wilsons’ Half Earth approach endorses the opposite: the designation of half the planet to human-free reserves in which biodiversity is allowed to flourish and replenish the Earth, free from contaminating human hands. Although less invasive and potentially lower risk, this approach condemns humans to an existence both physically and conceptually removed from the natural environment The logistics of Wilson's suggestion also seem dubious.
Although these two strategies appear in some ways antithetical, they unite firmly in one aspect That aspect being the eagerness for humans to act in isolation, as detached agents in this environmental redemption mission The ideal of harmony is overridden by control and segregation. But surely this is not the solitary solution to a planet level predicament. Perhaps instead what is needed is change deeper rooted than the above propositions Consider a fundamental change One that departs from normative frameworks of human domination and nature as a commodity and moves towards a more relational engagement with the planet, moderated by empathy, care and reciprocity Acknowledgment that Earth and humans exist symbiotically and need to be treated as such to ensure mutual prosperity is imperative The idea that we may or may not live in harmony with the natural world needs to be vetoed by the fact that we must live in harmony with our environment.
Drawing to a close, I once again return to my long-standing love affair with this planet that humans have been so incredibly lucky to inhabit Not only are humans an intrinsic part of it, but Earth remains intrinsically part of them. Like any good love affair, the two are entangled and near impossible to separate And, as is the case with any relationship, reciprocity, awareness, and mutual respect is integral to maintain the health of this fortified union between humans and our home
Photograph by Henry James
Evergreen Trinity Editor
Lily Hassett
Deputy Editor
Gabriela Gazaniga
Head Copyeditor
Brídín Ní Fhearraigh-Joyce Photo Editor
Siubhán Stockman
Social Media Editor
Aoife Prunty Layout Editor
Ellen Duggan
Copyeditors
Siubhán Stockman
Katherine Irwin
Bonnie MacCann
Staff Writers
Elizabeth Rymut
Siubhán Stockman
Dervla Walsh
Suki Weckert
Rachel Smyth
Suki Weckert
Daire Murray
Isabelle Doyle
Lauren Shapiro
David Flanagan
Wilfred-Marie Fallon
Ruaidhrí Saulnier
Fiona Isdell
Evergreen is a fully recognised publication and funded by Trinity Publications with the Trinity Geography Department. Any questions or complaints must be sent to editorevergreentrinity@gmail.com
