Editorial Ecological Economics and Politics in the Ecology Encyclical Donal Dorr

Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’: On ‘the moral and ethical case’ for international action The ecology encyclical, Laudato si’: On Care for Another fundamental aspect of the converted Care for Our Common Home, the first papal on climate change. However, John Sweeney also Our Common Home, issued by Pope Francis in economics which Francis calls for is that it puts a document devoted entirely to ecology, has points to the reality that annual climate conferences June 2015, is a very wide-ranging document. It is high value on employment – ensuring that people generated considerable interest and debate since over the past twenty years have failed to produce a call for ‘an ecological conversion’ in the areas of are not put out of work (§ 129; cf. §51, 127, its publication in June 2015. The encyclical is at a global agreement capable of achieving the economics and politics – and also in the spheres of 189). He says, ‘In order to continue providing once an exploration of the various environmental reduction in carbon emissions necessary to avoid spirituality, theology, culture, and education. In this employment, it is imperative to promote an crises facing the world, a radical critique of current dangerous climate change. He concludes that the article, I shall focus only on the pope’s challenge economy which favours productive diversity and economic models, a call to action, and a reminder most likely outcome of the Paris conference will be to governments and to all of us to establish an business creativity.’ 1 of the values which underpin Christian concern for ‘an agreement that will be marketed as a political ecologically oriented economics and politics. the environment. triumph, but fall short of the radical change of He goes on to point out that most of the peoples of hearts and minds necessary to protect the world Ecological Economics the world are engaged in ‘a great variety of small- In the opening article of this issue of Working from 2°C warming over the next four decades’. At the heart of the transformation called for in the scale food production systems … using a modest Notes, Donal Dorr writes that at the heart of the encyclical is the replacement of the present-day amount of land and producing less waste, be it in transformation which Pope Francis calls for, in An important feature of Pope Francis’ encyclical is market-dominated economics by a truly ecological small agricultural parcels, in orchards and gardens, response to the ecological crisis, is the replacement its call to individuals and civil society organisations economics – or what Francis calls an ‘economic hunting and wild harvesting or local fishing.’ of present-day economics – in which the market to do whatever they can to respond directly to ecology’ (§ 141). He is calling for a rejection of This type of economy, he says, provides adequate and the pursuit of profits dominate – by an the environmental crisis. In this issue of Working the ‘deified market’ (§ 56). This is a term which he employment, whereas modern systems which seek ‘economic ecology’, which takes proper account Notes, six church communities in Ireland outline later explains by referring to ‘a magical conception economies of scale ‘end up forcing smallholders to of ecological considerations. Donal Dorr suggests the ecology work they have been carrying out for of the market, which would suggest that problems sell their land or to abandon their traditional crops’. there are three particularly strong statements in several years. These articles reflect a commitment can be solved simply by an increase in the profits of (§ 129) the encyclical. These are: the need to reconsider to taking practical action – for example, minimising companies or individuals’. (§ 190) the assumption of continuing economic growth the use of resources; reclaiming and replanting Further crucially important aspects of a renewed and even to acknowledge that ‘the time has come garden areas; incorporating environmentally In the same paragraph, he points out that, ‘Where economics are the adoption of more ecologically to accept decreased growth in some parts of the friendly features into building projects – and to profits alone count, there can be no thinking about respectful methods of production and consumption world’; the need to move away from reliance including environmental concern in prayer and … the complexity of ecosystems which may be (§ 23, cf. § 5, 138, 191). So too is a great reduction on fossil fuels; the need to recognise the global liturgy. The articles also describe education and gravely upset by human intervention.’ In that in the amount of waste we generate and the way inequity inherent in the environmental crisis, such awareness-raising aimed not only at encouraging situation, he adds, ‘biodiversity is considered at we deal with it (see § 44, 50, 51, 90, 129, 161). that the developed world now owes an ‘ecological changes in lifestyles, but developing greater most a deposit of economic resources available for For instance, the encyclical refers to the possibility debt’ to the developing world, because it is the consciousness of the political dimensions and exploitation ...’. (§ 190) of ‘developing an economy of waste disposal and former which has played the predominant role in global justice aspects of the environmental crisis. recycling’. (§ 180) generating ecological problems but it is the latter An important account of one crucial aspect of which is forced to bear the greatest impact, though In the final article of this issue, Gerard Doyle an ecological economics comes in the following Three Key Challenges least able to do so. Donal Dorr suggests these suggests that social enterprises – that is, enterprises passage: Francis makes three very strong statements which statements pose a significant challenge to political which have as their core aim the realisation of are probably the most challenging in the encyclical. leaders, who for the most part have been unwilling a social objective, rather than the maximisation Environmental impact assessment should not come The first is this passage: to face up to, and to act upon, the issues involved. of profit – can make an important contribution after the drawing up of a business proposition to addressing environmental issues. Focusing on or the proposal of a particular policy, plan or ... given the insatiable and irresponsible growth Writing about the UN Climate Change Conference social enterprises engaged in the production of program. It should be part of the process from produced over many decades, we need … to think in Paris in December 2015, John Sweeney notes the renewable energy, he argues that the experience of the beginning, and be carried out in a way which of containing growth by setting some reasonable high expectations for what may be achieved at these other countries shows how such enterprises have is interdisciplinary, transparent and free of all limits and even retracing our steps before it is too negotiations. He says that the preparatory work for the potential to play a significant role in meeting the economic or political pressure. It should be linked late. We know how unsustainable is the behaviour the Paris conference has been strengthened by the energy needs of local communities and in assisting to a study of working conditions and possible of those who constantly consume and destroy, while publication of the 2013 Fifth Assessment Report of the transition to a low carbon economy. He suggests effects on people’s physical and mental health, on others are not yet able to live in a way worthy the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, that the Irish State needs to place greater value on the local economy and on public safety. Economic of their human dignity. That is why the time has which set out the scientific evidence on global the role of social enterprises in providing renewable returns can thus be forecast more realistically, come to accept decreased growth in some parts warming and emphasised the role of human activity energy and that it should prepare an overall strategy taking into account potential scenarios and the of the world, in order to provide resources for in generating this. He highlights the significance for the development of this sector. eventual need for further investment to correct other places to experience healthy growth. (§ 193, of Pope Francis’ encyclical in terms of making possible undesired effects. (§ 183) emphasis added)

2 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 3 Editorial Ecological Economics and Politics in the Ecology Encyclical Donal Dorr

Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato si’: On ‘the moral and ethical case’ for international action The ecology encyclical, Laudato si’: On Care for Another fundamental aspect of the converted Care for Our Common Home, the first papal on climate change. However, John Sweeney also Our Common Home, issued by Pope Francis in economics which Francis calls for is that it puts a document devoted entirely to ecology, has points to the reality that annual climate conferences June 2015, is a very wide-ranging document. It is high value on employment – ensuring that people generated considerable interest and debate since over the past twenty years have failed to produce a call for ‘an ecological conversion’ in the areas of are not put out of work (§ 129; cf. §51, 127, its publication in June 2015. The encyclical is at a global agreement capable of achieving the economics and politics – and also in the spheres of 189). He says, ‘In order to continue providing once an exploration of the various environmental reduction in carbon emissions necessary to avoid spirituality, theology, culture, and education. In this employment, it is imperative to promote an crises facing the world, a radical critique of current dangerous climate change. He concludes that the article, I shall focus only on the pope’s challenge economy which favours productive diversity and economic models, a call to action, and a reminder most likely outcome of the Paris conference will be to governments and to all of us to establish an business creativity.’ 1 of the values which underpin Christian concern for ‘an agreement that will be marketed as a political ecologically oriented economics and politics. the environment. triumph, but fall short of the radical change of He goes on to point out that most of the peoples of hearts and minds necessary to protect the world Ecological Economics the world are engaged in ‘a great variety of small- In the opening article of this issue of Working from 2°C warming over the next four decades’. At the heart of the transformation called for in the scale food production systems … using a modest Notes, Donal Dorr writes that at the heart of the encyclical is the replacement of the present-day amount of land and producing less waste, be it in transformation which Pope Francis calls for, in An important feature of Pope Francis’ encyclical is market-dominated economics by a truly ecological small agricultural parcels, in orchards and gardens, response to the ecological crisis, is the replacement its call to individuals and civil society organisations economics – or what Francis calls an ‘economic hunting and wild harvesting or local fishing.’ of present-day economics – in which the market to do whatever they can to respond directly to ecology’ (§ 141). He is calling for a rejection of This type of economy, he says, provides adequate and the pursuit of profits dominate – by an the environmental crisis. In this issue of Working the ‘deified market’ (§ 56). This is a term which he employment, whereas modern systems which seek ‘economic ecology’, which takes proper account Notes, six church communities in Ireland outline later explains by referring to ‘a magical conception economies of scale ‘end up forcing smallholders to of ecological considerations. Donal Dorr suggests the ecology work they have been carrying out for of the market, which would suggest that problems sell their land or to abandon their traditional crops’. there are three particularly strong statements in several years. These articles reflect a commitment can be solved simply by an increase in the profits of (§ 129) the encyclical. These are: the need to reconsider to taking practical action – for example, minimising companies or individuals’. (§ 190) the assumption of continuing economic growth the use of resources; reclaiming and replanting Further crucially important aspects of a renewed and even to acknowledge that ‘the time has come garden areas; incorporating environmentally In the same paragraph, he points out that, ‘Where economics are the adoption of more ecologically to accept decreased growth in some parts of the friendly features into building projects – and to profits alone count, there can be no thinking about respectful methods of production and consumption world’; the need to move away from reliance including environmental concern in prayer and … the complexity of ecosystems which may be (§ 23, cf. § 5, 138, 191). So too is a great reduction on fossil fuels; the need to recognise the global liturgy. The articles also describe education and gravely upset by human intervention.’ In that in the amount of waste we generate and the way inequity inherent in the environmental crisis, such awareness-raising aimed not only at encouraging situation, he adds, ‘biodiversity is considered at we deal with it (see § 44, 50, 51, 90, 129, 161). that the developed world now owes an ‘ecological changes in lifestyles, but developing greater most a deposit of economic resources available for For instance, the encyclical refers to the possibility debt’ to the developing world, because it is the consciousness of the political dimensions and exploitation ...’. (§ 190) of ‘developing an economy of waste disposal and former which has played the predominant role in global justice aspects of the environmental crisis. recycling’. (§ 180) generating ecological problems but it is the latter An important account of one crucial aspect of which is forced to bear the greatest impact, though In the final article of this issue, Gerard Doyle an ecological economics comes in the following Three Key Challenges least able to do so. Donal Dorr suggests these suggests that social enterprises – that is, enterprises passage: Francis makes three very strong statements which statements pose a significant challenge to political which have as their core aim the realisation of are probably the most challenging in the encyclical. leaders, who for the most part have been unwilling a social objective, rather than the maximisation Environmental impact assessment should not come The first is this passage: to face up to, and to act upon, the issues involved. of profit – can make an important contribution after the drawing up of a business proposition to addressing environmental issues. Focusing on or the proposal of a particular policy, plan or ... given the insatiable and irresponsible growth Writing about the UN Climate Change Conference social enterprises engaged in the production of program. It should be part of the process from produced over many decades, we need … to think in Paris in December 2015, John Sweeney notes the renewable energy, he argues that the experience of the beginning, and be carried out in a way which of containing growth by setting some reasonable high expectations for what may be achieved at these other countries shows how such enterprises have is interdisciplinary, transparent and free of all limits and even retracing our steps before it is too negotiations. He says that the preparatory work for the potential to play a significant role in meeting the economic or political pressure. It should be linked late. We know how unsustainable is the behaviour the Paris conference has been strengthened by the energy needs of local communities and in assisting to a study of working conditions and possible of those who constantly consume and destroy, while publication of the 2013 Fifth Assessment Report of the transition to a low carbon economy. He suggests effects on people’s physical and mental health, on others are not yet able to live in a way worthy the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, that the Irish State needs to place greater value on the local economy and on public safety. Economic of their human dignity. That is why the time has which set out the scientific evidence on global the role of social enterprises in providing renewable returns can thus be forecast more realistically, come to accept decreased growth in some parts warming and emphasised the role of human activity energy and that it should prepare an overall strategy taking into account potential scenarios and the of the world, in order to provide resources for in generating this. He highlights the significance for the development of this sector. eventual need for further investment to correct other places to experience healthy growth. (§ 193, of Pope Francis’ encyclical in terms of making possible undesired effects. (§ 183) emphasis added)

2 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 3 The second blunt statement of Francis is: future generations is expressed in no less than eight The encyclical offers no support at all to those However, adequate protection of the environment other paragraphs of the encyclical (see: § 22, 95, who maintain that nuclear energy is the solution to is an issue which goes beyond individual We know that technology based on the use of 109, 160, 162, 169, 190, 195). the issue of global warming. Furthermore, Francis countries. There is urgent need for international highly polluting fossil fuels – especially coal, but does not even bother to mention the more bizarre binding agreements, since otherwise there will also oil and, to a lesser degree, gas – needs to be Cooperative Enterprises technological ‘solutions’ which are sometimes be a continuation of the present situation where progressively replaced without delay. (§ 165) The encyclical has words of praise for ‘cooperatives proposed – for instance, shooting billions of countries compete with each other in regard to of small producers’ who adopt less polluting means reflectors into or above the atmosphere in order to which of them can get away with doing the least These statements focus attention on two issues of production (§ 112). It refers also to the potential lessen global warming, or sucking huge amounts of to prevent further global warming and more which are emphasised time after time, not only role of cooperatives in producing energy, noting carbon out of the atmosphere.2 pollution. Francis insists that, ‘... it is essential to by ecological campaigners but by the majority that there are places where ‘cooperatives are being devise stronger and more efficiently organized of scientists studying these questions. And they developed to exploit renewable sources of energy international institutions, with functionaries who are, of course, issues which politicians in both which ensure local self-sufficiency and even the are appointed fairly by agreement among national the developed and the developing world are very sale of surplus energy’ (§ 179). Francis sees these governments, and empowered to impose sanctions.’ reluctant to face up to and act upon. cooperatives as models of an alternative economics (§ 175) – one which does not follow the dominant ideology The third strong statement of Francis which poses of subordinating ecological concerns to the making He has harsh words of criticism for political leaders an enormous challenge – and one that the leaders of of short-term profit. who fail to respond adequately to ecological the developed countries have been most unwilling problems. He maintains that this happens because to accept fully and act upon – is the following: Genetic Modification ‘too many special interests, and economic interests The encyclical includes a significant treatment easily end up trumping the common good and Inequity affects not only individuals but entire of the issue of genetic modification (§ 131–5), manipulating information so that their own plans countries; it compels us to consider an ethics of Protecting our common home through recycling including a strong but carefully nuanced warning iStock Photo © Henrik5000 will not be affected’(§ 54). He points out that the international relations. A true ‘ecological debt’ about its dangers. A key passage is the following: Conference of the United Nations on Sustainable exists, particularly between the global north and Development in Rio de Janeiro in 2012 (Rio+20) south, connected to commercial imbalances with In various countries, we see an expansion of Political Aspects of an Ecological ‘issued a wide-ranging but ineffectual outcome effects on the environment, and the disproportionate oligopolies for the production of cereals and Conversion document’ (§ 169). use of natural resources by certain countries over other products needed for their cultivation. Francis is under no illusion that small-scale long periods of time. (§ 51) This dependency would be aggravated were the alternatives undertaken on a voluntary basis can, Perhaps the pope saw himself as contributing to production of infertile seeds to be considered; the on their own, constitute the economic conversion the agenda of the up-coming UN Climate Change Francis goes into some detail on this issue of effect would be to force farmers to purchase them that is required to safeguard the Earth and its more Conference (COP21) in Paris, from 30 November ecological debt. He refers to the loss of valuable from larger producers. (§ 134) vulnerable inhabitants. He sees an urgent need to 11 December 2015, when he wrote the following raw materials exported from South to North, to for decisive political action to eliminate abuses or passage: deforestation, and to the environmental damage Alternative Forms of Energy ‘free-loading’ by individuals or companies. So he done to poor countries by mining of gold and On the question of alternative forms of energy, says: A global consensus is essential for confronting copper, by the dumping of toxic wastes, and by lack Francis says, ‘How could we not acknowledge the deeper problems, which cannot be resolved of adequate controls on pollution by companies the work of many scientists and engineers who Civil authorities have the right and duty to adopt by unilateral actions on the part of individual operating in the South; he also mentions the global have provided alternatives to make development clear and firm measures in support of small countries. Such a consensus could lead, for warming caused by the excessive consumption in sustainable?’ (§ 102). He also maintains that ‘poor producers and differentiated production. To ensure example, to planning a sustainable and diversified rich countries which causes particular problems in countries … are … bound to develop less polluting economic freedom from which all can effectively agriculture, developing renewable and less the South, especially in Africa (§ 51). forms of energy production.’ He points out that benefit, restraints occasionally have to be imposed polluting forms of energy, encouraging a more this ‘will require the establishment of mechanisms on those possessing greater resources and financial efficient use of energy, promoting a better By way of driving home his challenge to the leaders and subsidies which allow developing countries power. (§129) management of marine and forest resources, and of the rich countries, Francis goes on to say: ‘The access to technology transfer, technical assistance ensuring universal access to drinking water. foreign debt of poor countries has become a way and financial resources’, but he adds, ‘... to do This applies at both the national and the (§ 164) of controlling them, yet this is not the case where so they require the help of countries which have international levels. Focusing first on the national ecological debt is concerned.’(§ 52) experienced great growth at the cost of the ongoing level, he insists that when any policy, plan, Water pollution of the planet’. (§ 172) programme, or business proposition is being drawn From his experience in Latin America, the pope Intergenerational Equity up it is important that all the different stakeholders knew how the poorest people suffer when the Pope Francis leaves us in no doubt that his concept However, he has chosen not to give detailed should be involved and should reach consensus. water supply is privatised. So his emphasis in the of a truly ecological economics is one which takes references to different alternative energy sources. He insists that, ‘The local population should have a above quotation on the right to universal access to 3 full account of the potential impact of present-day Although noting that developing countries can special place at the table; they are concerned about drinking water is particularly significant. Earlier economic decisions on future generations of people take advantage of ‘abundant solar energy’ (§ 172), their own future and that of their children, and can in the encyclical he had said: ‘Fresh drinking and on other inhabitants of our world. He insists he does not mention wind power, tidal power or consider goals transcending immediate economic water is an issue of primary importance, since it that, ‘The notion of the common good also extends thermal energy from deep in the Earth (§ 172). interest.’(§ 183) is indispensable for human life ...’ (§ 28). A little to future generations’ (§ 159); and his concern for later he said: ‘ ... access to safe drinkable water

4 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 5 is a basic and universal human right, since it is the rather vague comment that ‘attention needs to on by all the agencies which have investments – so surprising that she was invited to take part in a Vatican essential to human survival and, as such, is a be paid to imbalances in population density’ including trade unions, philanthropic foundations, conference on the encyclical in early July 2015. 3. We may presume that Francis is not suggesting that the condition for the exercise of other human rights. (§ 50). We must hope that a later Vatican statement and a wide variety of church and religious agencies. water supply must always be provided entirely free; it is – perhaps a statement emerging from the October more likely that what he is condemning here is a type of privatisation of the water supply which has occurred in some Our world has a grave social debt towards the poor 2015 Synod of Bishops in Rome on the theme, As already noted, Francis praises the initiative parts of Latin America – one where poor communities were who lack access to drinking water, because they ‘The vocation and mission of the family in the at local level of cooperatives of small producers left short of water because they were deprived of access to traditional sources of water, or because their area was not are denied the right to a life consistent with their Church and contemporary world’ – will address the who use renewable sources of energy and foster provided with an adequate water supply, or because the inalienable dignity’ (§ 30, emphasis in the original; population issue in a more thorough and nuanced local self-sufficiency (§112 and §179). He also price was set at a level they could not afford. see also § 1854 ). manner. recommends a whole series of practical actions 4. Pope Francis writes: ‘In any discussion about a proposed venture, a number of questions need to be asked in order to which each of us can take: ‘... avoiding the use of discern whether or not it will contribute to genuine integral By insisting on the universal right to clean water, Ecological Conversion at Social and plastic and paper, reducing water consumption, development ... In this discernment, some questions must have higher priority. For example, we know that water is Francis shows how aware he is of the need to Community Level separating refuse, cooking only what can a scarce and indispensable resource and a fundamental protect what are called ‘the global commons,’ a Francis is keenly aware that we dare not leave reasonably be consumed, showing care for other right which conditions the exercise of other human rights. term which refers to resources such as the oceans This indisputable fact overrides any other assessment of everything to the initiative (or lack of it) of our living beings, using public transport or car-pooling, environmental impact on a region.’ (§ 185) and the air, as distinct from local commonages of political leaders. He holds that ‘... while the planting trees, turning off unnecessary lights …’ 5. David Bollier, Think Like a Commoner: A Short Introduction land or forest. He says, ‘What is needed, in effect, (§ 211). to the Life of the Commons, Gabriola Island: New Society existing world order proves powerless to assume Publishers, 2014. is an agreement on systems of governance for the its responsibilities, local individuals and groups whole range of so-called “global commons”’(§174). can make a real difference.’ So he insists that: Conclusion The argument against the privatisation of commons ‘Society, through non-governmental organizations It is clear that in Laudato si’ Pope Francis has put is put forward very effectively by David Bollier and intermediate groups, must put pressure on forward a quite detailed account of what is required Donal Dorr is a theologian and a in his book, Think Like a Commoner: A Short governments to develop more rigorous regulations, at the economic and political levels if there is to be 5 member of St Patrick’s Missionary Introduction to the Life of the Commons. (Bollier procedures and controls’. (§ 179) an adequate response to the ecological problems Society. He is the author of also emphasises the significance ofnew kinds of of our world. His encyclical poses very serious numerous books and articles on commons, such as Wikipedia and the Linux open- Such civil society groups could be expected to challenges not only to governments but also to each spirituality, social justice and source software.) include trade unions; NGOs including development one of us in our daily lives. Catholic social teaching, including groups; credit unions, and the whole range of Option for the Poor and for the Carbon Credits business enterprises. All need to become far Is the programme he puts forward unrealistic? That Earth: Catholic Social Teaching Francis adopts a very controversial position when more ecologically aware, and to be willing to depends on how we define the word ‘realistic’. If (Maryknoll NY: Orbis Books, 2012). he puts forward a quite strong criticism of the take effective action. One of these civil society ‘realistic’ is understood to mean what is objectively A new edition of this book, reflecting system of ‘carbon credits’ which is widely used at organisations is, of course, the Church itself. required to avoid an ecological catastrophe then the contribution of Pope Francis, is present. He describes this arrangement as appearing Francis says that all Christian communities have one must say that what Francis proposes is fully in preparation and will be published at first sight to be ‘a quick and easy solution, an important role to play in ecological education realistic. But if it is understood to mean what is early in 2016. under the guise of a certain commitment to the (§ 214). This education can take place not only likely to emerge by way of a binding agreement environment’, but he maintains that ‘in no way through words but also through a wide variety of from the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris does it allow for the radical change which present committed actions. in December 2015 then there are serious grounds circumstances require’. Instead, carbon trading can for pessimism. This, however, is not a reason for ‘lead to a new form of speculation’, and actually Pressure has to be put not only on governments despair but rather for renewed commitment to put enable rich countries and sectors of society to but also more directly on business interests. pressure on our governments to make truly realistic increase their carbon emissions (§ 171). Francis spells out one way in which this can be commitments, and for each of us ‘on the ground’ done. He points out that consumer movements to devote all our energies to campaigning for Population Growth bring healthy pressure to bear on those who wield ecological responsibility – and to bringing about a Responding to those who maintain that part of the political, economic, and social power by using significant ecological conversion in our everyday solution to the environmental crisis is a reduction in the tactic of boycotting certain products. In this living. the birth rate, Francis says bluntly: way, ‘They prove successful in changing the way businesses operate, forcing them to consider their Notes To blame population growth instead of extreme and environmental footprint and their patterns of selective consumerism on the part of some, is one production.’ (§ 206) 1. For an account of the encyclical’s treatment of an ecological way of refusing to face the issues. It is an attempt to culture see my article, ‘Ecological Conversion and Cultural Transformation’, in Thinking Faith, the online periodical of legitimize the present model of distribution, where a As far as I know, this is the first time that a pope the English Province of the Society of Jesus, 20 July 2015 minority believes that it has the right to consume in has come out in favour of boycotting the products (www.thinkingfaith.co.uk). a way which can never be universalized, since the 2. Perhaps Francis or somebody who helped him to draft of companies which fail to take seriously their the encyclical had been reading Naomi Klein’s book, This planet could not even contain the waste products of ecological responsibilities. This support for a Changes Everything: Capitalism vs The Climate (New York: such consumption. (§ 50) Simon and Schuster; London: Allen Lane, 2014) in which boycott of consumer goods can also be extended to Klein argues quite convincingly (pp. 256–8) that reliance on the present campaign for divestment in fossil fuel this kind of ‘geoengineering’ is not merely futile but is part He does, however, qualify his statement by adding companies; we must hope that this will be acted of the problem rather than a solution. So perhaps it is not

6 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 7 science. The headline statement that, ‘it is at least However, perhaps the most influential finding of Preparing the Road to Paris 95% likely that human activities – chiefly the AR5 was the conclusion that global temperatures burning of fossil fuels – are the main cause of were closely related to the cumulative emission of John Sweeney warming since the 1950s’, was accompanied by a carbon dioxide. Essentially, the long residence time number of key findings, as follows: of the gas in the atmosphere means that the effects of emissions on temperature are felt for a century • Global temperatures have increased by 0.85°C or more. The consequence of this is that, once a Introduction self-interest to community good, and a carefully over the period 1880–2012 and about 0.5°C certain total of emissions is exceeded, a specific timed campaign of misinformation and attempted Some of the younger activists at a recent United over the period 1979–2010. Slower warming temperature threshold will eventually be crossed. discrediting of leading climate scientists, a Nations Climate Conference sported tee shirts occurred over the 15 years prior to 2013. campaign collectively termed ‘Climategate’. which read: ‘You have been negotiating about • The warming has been greater over land than Accordingly, to have a 50:50 chance of limiting climate change since before I was born!’. Indeed, over the ocean and greater in mid to high total human-induced warming to less than 2°C Six years on, the groundwork for COP21 has the seemingly intractable negotiations which began latitude parts of the globe. Heatwaves have relative to pre-industrial levels would require been more meticulously laid out and an evidence- with the First Conference of the Parties to the increased in frequency. Each of the last three cumulative CO2 emissions from all anthropogenic based approach more solidly integrated into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate decades has been warmer than all preceding sources since 1870 to remain below about 3,000 procedures. Three pillars support this: the science, Change (UNFCCC) in Berlin in 1995 have been in decades since 1850; moreover, 1981–2010 GtCO2. However, over 1,900 GtCO2 has already the ethics and the politics of climate change. essence a spectacular failure. These negotiations was the warmest 30-year period of the last 800 been emitted. At current rates of emission increase, have been unable to deliver a global agreement years. therefore, there is only a very narrow window The Scientific Preparation capable of offering hope to the next generation that • Global precipitation has not changed of opportunity – about two decades – to achieve The Assessment Reports of the Intergovernmental the inexorable rise in greenhouse gas emissions can significantly over the course of the twentieth the radical cuts in emissions required to avoid Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) have always been be contained at a level that does not endanger their century. An increasing precipitation trend exists inevitable dangerous climate change. Such a seen as providing the underpinning for evidence- wellbeing, and the wellbeing of the entire planet. in middle and high latitudes of the northern sobering reality has finally begun to permeate the based policy initiatives. The First Assessment hemisphere, strongly evident after the 1950s. public and political consciousness. Report in 1990 provided an important impetus to This kind of agreement is, however, at last within Intense rainfall events have significantly the United Nations Framework Convention on reach – or is it? The forthcoming 21st Conference increased in frequency in a majority of regions, Climate Change (UNFCCC) which was adopted in of the Parties (COP21) in Paris, from 30 November especially Europe and North America. There is only a very narrow 1992, while the Second Assessment Report in 1995 to 11 December 2015, is eagerly anticipated as was influential in persuading delegates at COP3 • Tropical Atlantic storms have increased in window of opportunity – about offering the prospect of an agreement capable of (Kyoto, Japan, 1997) to agree the Kyoto Protocol. intensity, though trends in other areas are not two decades – to achieve bringing about reductions in carbon emissions clear. sufficient to limit the rise in global temperature to the radical cuts in emissions The protracted efforts to ratify Kyoto spanned • Greenland’s ice sheets are melting much more no more than 2°C above pre-industrial levels. A rise required ... almost a decade, during which political rather quickly in recent years, with average losses per in temperature in excess of this would commit the than scientific considerations became paramount, year six times higher than in the early 1990s. world to unavoidable ‘dangerous climate change’. to the extent that, despite the IPCC Third In the Arctic, sea ice cover has decreased by Assessment Report of 2001, significant progress 4% per decade since 1979 and winter sea ice Careful ‘choreography’ has produced an The IPCC does not conduct original research. towards a comprehensive global agreement thickness has halved. The Antarctic ice sheet expectation that, at last, what Pope Francis referred Rather, it provides a synthesis of existing stalled. By 2007, and the Fourth Assessment is now losing mass five times faster than in the to as the ‘Care for Our Common Home’ will be knowledge, based on extensive analysis of the Report, some momentum was restored and an early 1990s. prioritised over narrow national self-interests and peer-reviewed scientific literature. Some 3,605 elaborate ‘roadmap’ set the scene for COP15 in • Sea level rise has accelerated from 1.7mm per powerful vested interest groups. The background experts provided 142,631 comments on AR5, all Copenhagen. The optimism was misplaced. Despite year over the twentieth century to 3.2mm per to this prospect and the chances of success are of which were tabulated and responded to by the the ‘roadmap’ so carefully laid out in advance, the year over the past two decades. addressed in this article. author teams comprising 831 individuals. Possibly, negotiations ended up in a cul-de-sac. European no document in history has been more extensively Background Preparation leadership of attempts to tackle climate change was Warming has continued in recent years: 2014 reviewed prior to publication. Accordingly, while lost and a new world order emerged which was was the warmest year since reliable records were the IPCC does not make policy recommendations, Some 50,000 people are expected to attend COP21, more based on narrow national, rather than global, kept2 and there is a high probability that 2015 will the scientific case for action is robust and provides such is the level of anticipation. There is, however, priorities. Recovery from this failure has been be warmer still, aided by the El Niño conditions a compelling justification for radical decisions to be an eerie sense of déjà vu – a feeling that we might tortuously slow. present in the Pacific Ocean. taken in Paris. be facing a repeat of what happened at the ill- fated COP15 (Copenhagen, 2009). Then, as now, The publication, in 2013, of the Fifth Assessment Should emissions continue to rise on their present The Moral and Ethical Preparation expectations were high: 119 Heads of State or 1 Report (AR5) has, however, injected a new trajectory, models project only a 50:50 chance that When he visited Dublin in May 2015 the UN Heads of Government from 192 countries were sense of urgency into the build-up to COP21 a global warming of 4oC (relative to pre-industrial Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: ‘Ireland has joined by 40,000 participants to ‘seal the deal’. But in Paris. AR5 produced greater certainty about levels) can be avoided by the end of this century. been a champion of efforts to counter hunger, but negotiations foundered on a lack of trust between several aspects of climate change, based on better This would have very serious implications for much today one cannot be a leader on hunger without also the developing countries and the developed 3 observations, better modelling and improved of humanity and the natural world. being a leader in climate change’. countries, an unwillingness to subordinate national understanding of the complexities of the underlying

8 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 9 In this statement, Ban Ki-moon was expressing problem than most countries in the developing for unity in tackling the environmental challenges for climate negotiations, the segmentation the basic principles of climate justice. As with world. However, it also has greater capacity to of water, air and land pollution, but especially in of responsibilities among government-based many hazards, those least responsible and least mitigate and adapt to climate change than they do. tackling climate change. negotiators renders it difficult to operationalise able to withstand the impacts bear the brunt. The It should, therefore, bear a greater responsibility in practice. Few have the breadth of vision to see burden of climate change falls most heavily on the for both reducing its emissions and assisting poorer On the economic side, he brings together the radical beyond their ‘silo’ and this has rendered elusive the developing world. The World Health Organization countries to adapt to future climate change along a opponents of globalisation from the far left of the ‘big compromise’ necessary over the twenty years estimates that as many as 150,000 excess deaths more sustainable trajectory. political spectrum and conservatives from the other of UN Climate Conferences. occur annually due to the direct and indirect effects side sensitive to the fact that market economics of climate change, a figure that is expected to rise ‘Common but Differentiated Responsibility’ require to be tempered by social and environmental to 250,000 between 2030 and 2050.4 Responsibility is clearly the principle that should apply in responsibility to a much greater extent. He Pope Francis has moved the for this situation rests primarily with the emissions apportioning the remaining carbon budget. emphasises the need to move away from a solely debate beyond the concept of record of developed countries. However, national self-interest is the brief economics-based view of the natural world and given to negotiators at climate talks and in such reminds us that its protection is essentially a moral stewardship to active caring for Key Principles for Climate Negotiations circumstances a resource with common access and ethical issue. This is a challenging paradigm the elements of the environment Several principles are often invoked as providing a inevitably gets destroyed, as explained in Hardin’s shift for decision-makers steeped in conventional ... threatened by climate change. moral compass for COP negotiators. classic essay on ‘The Tragedy of the Commons’.9 cost-benefit analysis concepts. Our disconnection with the natural world is leading, Francis says, The Precautionary Principle states that where there to an ecological crisis of our own making as our are threats of serious or irreversible impacts, lack ‘throwaway’ culture destroys ‘our common home’. Thirdly, the Encyclical links ‘ecological debt’ of full scientific certainty should not be used as a to financial debt. Here the reality that developed reason for postponing actions to mitigate future All of this is highly relevant to the climate change countries have enjoyed access to the resources climate change.5 Uncertainties – for example, problem. In a dismissal of deniers and sceptics, of the environment free of charge so as to propel in model projections – will always exist. But the pope identifies climate change as a human- their development is at variance with their wish to the nature of the ‘planetary emergency’ being induced problem, rooted in an insatiable quest for constrain poorer countries in their development by faced should not allow preventative action being unsustainable growth and material consumption. demanding that they achieve this in a non climate- over-ruled by short-term economic or political threatening manner. considerations. On the community front, non-governmental organisations and community groups are lauded The need of the latter to finance their sustainable The Polluter Pays Principle6 likewise argues that for their role of holding to account political development through loans from the former raises Highlighting the seriousness of the crisis the issue of climate justice, an overarching theme of the utilisation cost of the atmosphere should be iStock Photo © rrodrickbeiler leaders who shy away from making the hard paid for proportionately by those who pollute it. decisions necessary to address climate change the document. This links human and natural rights Burdening society with the costs of a delinquent issues effectively. In what amounts to the first to more practical issues of compensation, legal and sector, or the actions of a vested interest group, is Laudato Si’ endorsement of the environmental movement by financial redress and ultimately how the developed not acceptable from a moral perspective. The most significant event in terms of the moral the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has moved the world should interact with the developing world and ethical case for addressing climate change debate beyond the concept of stewardship to active politically to ensure that a global accord on climate The Principle of Intergenerational Equity7 extends came with the publication in June 2015 of the Pope caring for the elements of the environment, such is achieved. This is where the politics comes in. this responsibility through time. Exploitation of a Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our as water, biodiversity and the natural and built resource, such as the assimilative capacity of the Common Home.10 It is difficult to overemphasise environment, which are threatened by climate The Political Preparation atmosphere, must be conditioned by consideration the scholarly quality and potential impact of this change. The UNFCCC was based on an assumption that a of its impact in reducing the opportunities for work. What many anticipated as a theological ‘top down’ international accord would be achieved, sustainability for present and future generations. treatise turned out to be a scientifically robust, Secondly, the Encyclical emphasises the futility similar to the successful Montreal Protocol of readable and inspirational document. In this, Pope of a piecemeal approach to tackling the issues 1987 which led to the phasing out of substances The most widely quoted principle at COP Francis calls for urgent and far-reaching cuts in concerned. Feeling comfortable about tackling harmful to the ozone layer. Tackling carbon negotiations is the Principle of Common but greenhouse gas emissions and stresses the need for poverty is not sufficient. As regards climate change, emissions, however, was always going to be a much Differentiated Responsibility.8 This acknowledges an internationally supervised agreement to ensure emissions trading, for example, is seen by Francis more demanding task. The failure of the Kyoto that developing and developed countries bear very that states deliver on their commitments though as a flawed instrument that does not in itself get Protocol to bring on board a sufficient number different levels of responsibility for causing the action at both national and local levels. to the root of a problem which lies in excessive nations to gather the momentum necessary to make present problem and should bear differentiated consumption. Rather, a holistic approach, termed meaningful progress further confirmed this, as did responsibility for addressing it. To exemplify this The potential role of Laudato Si’ as a ‘game ‘integral ecology’ is necessary to synthesise the the failure of COP15 in Copenhagen. with reference to a local case, total greenhouse gas changer’ comes, firstly, from its embracing of multifaceted dimensions of the problem. Only then, emissions for Ireland (with a population of four and communities not normally the target audience for can currently difficult-to-quantify components of While a second commitment period for Kyoto half million), amount to more than the total for the encyclicals. On the religious side, Pope Francis the environment under threat, such as biodiversity, was agreed at COP18 (Doha, 2012) several large 400 million poorest people on the planet. Together draws on the writings of the Ecumenical Patriarch, be recognised for their intrinsic worth and not emitters withdrew or refused to participate. As with other developed countries, Ireland has made Bartholomew I of Constantinoble, and of a ninth- seen as resources for exploitation. Although such of September 2015, only 43 states have ratified a historically greater contribution to causing the century Muslim Sufi poet, emphasising the need a holistic approach seems an obvious prerequisite the agreement – far short of the 144 signatories

10 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 11 necessary for the agreement to enter into force. adaptation programmes. In its establishment, issues The extent to which a deal achieved in Paris will 2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Centers for Environmental Information, State of of governance were of primary concern, with the have legal standing is not clear. The compromise the Climate: Global Analysis – Annual 2014.(http://www. Intended Nationally Determined Contributions developing countries in particular stressing the agreed at COP17 in Durban was to seek ‘a protocol, ncdc.noaa.gov/sotc/global/201413) As an alternative to the ‘top down’ approach, a need for independence from control by bodies such another legal instrument or an agreed outcome 3. Pamela Duncan, ‘Ban Ki-moon: Ireland must realign stance on climate change’, The Irish Times, 25 May 2015. ‘bottom-up’ approach has been employed in the as the World Bank. Resolution of such issues was with legal force’. The experience with Kyoto 4. World Health Organization, Quantitative Risk Assessment build-up to Paris. This has taken the form of an finally achieved at COP17 (Durban, 2011) and the suggests that a new treaty would face major hurdles of the Effects of Climate Change on Selected Causes expression of effort at a national level in terms of GCF, which has its headquarters in South Korea, in gaining ratification from some member state of Death, 2030s and 2050s, Geneva: World Health Organization, 2014 (Editors: Simon Hales, Sari Kovats, what each nation, or bloc, considers appropriate to has now begun to assess project proposals. governments, such as the USA. Crucially, it is also Simon Lloyd, Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum). its own circumstances in terms of post 2020 actions. not clear to what extent the Intended Nationally 5. Kenneth R. Foster, Paolo Vecchia and Michael H. These pledges are known as ‘Intended Nationally The intention of the GCF is to raise $100 billion a Determined Contributions (INDCs) would be Repacholi, ‘Science and the Precautionary Principle’, Science, Vol. 288, No. 5468, May 2000, pp 979–81. Determined Contributions’ (INDCs). The European year by 2020. Although this appears at first sight legally binding, or indeed to what extent pledges 6. Thomas Lindhqvist and Reid Lifset, ‘Can We Take the Union’s INDC commits the EU to a binding to be an extremely ambitious target, it is worth made by the developed countries to the Green Concept of Individual Producer Responsibility from Theory to Practice?’, Journal of Industrial Ecology, Vol. 7, Issue 2, target of at least 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emphasising that, at present, annual fossil fuel Climate Fund would be enforceable. April 2003, pp 3–6. emissions by 2030 compared to 1990, with the consumption subsidies worldwide are over five 7. Douglas MacLean, ‘Intergenerational Equity’, in James modalities of how this will be achieved at Member times higher, at $548 billion.11 Pledges to the Fund Progress on preparing the way for decisions to be C. White (ed.), Global Climate Change: Linking Energy, Environment, Economy, and Equity, New York: Plenum State level still to be finalised. have been slower to materialise than hoped for and made at Paris continues to be tortuously slow. A Press, 1999, pp 177–82. this is currently a major issue for the developing draft negotiating text of 89 pages formed the basis 8. Lavanya Rajamani, ‘The Principle of Common but In November 2015, a synthesis report expressing countries. To date, about $10 billion has been for two weeks of talks in Bonn in June 2015; the Differentiated Responsibility and the Balance of 12 Commitments under the Climate Regime’, Review of the aggregate emissions reductions pledged pledged from around 40 countries. About half of intention was that the discussions would lead to European Community and International Environmental will be prepared as input to the Paris COP. It this has been formally signed off on, and this has this document being reduced to a more manageable Law, Vol. 9, Issue 2, July 2000, pp 120–24. seems likely that the aggregate effort will fall permitted the GCF to commence activities. length but by the end of the talks it had been cut by 9. Garrett Hardin, ‘The Tragedy of the Commons’, Science, o Vol. 162, No. 3859, 13 December 1968, pp 1243–48. far short of what is required to avoid the 2 C just four pages. 10. Pope Francis, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common warming threshold. Pressures to increase the Typically, pledges are around $10 per capita, with Home, Encyclical Letter, Vatican City, 24 May 2015. (http:// pledged reductions, especially by the developed the most generous country (Sweden) committed to A wide range of options, from radical to w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/ papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html) countries, and to shorten the timescale for effective over $60 per capita. Among EU states, generally conservative actions, are up for decision in Paris. 11. International Energy Agency (IEA), World Energy Outlook reductions to be achieved, will undoubtedly poor contributions have been pledged by Member An emphasis on transparency is indicative of a 2014, Paris: IEA Publications, 2014. be centre stage during the Paris negotiations. States in Eastern Europe, with some absent degree of mistrust still remaining regarding the 12. Green Climate Fund, Status of Pledges and Contributions made to the Green Climate Fund, 10 July 2015. (http:// altogether. Member States in Western Europe translation of aspirations into actions. Ultimately, news.gcfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Status-of- Loss and Damage have generally made more substantial pledges. A national negotiators will leave the big decisions to Pledges-2015.7.10.pdf) The realisation that even with projected mitigation notable exception is Ireland, which has not offered the Heads of Government in Paris. Despite what 13. ‘Statement from Mary Robinson on the Closing of the Third Financing for Development Conference in Addis Ababa’, and adaptation efforts, adverse climate change any pledge to the GCF as of September 2015. This the latter say for public consumption regarding 16 July 2015. (http://www.mrfcj.org/news/statement-from- impacts are likely to occur has stimulated was a contributing factor to Ireland receiving the the imperative of tackling climate change, when it mary-robinson-financing-for-development.html) discussion on how the issue of loss and damage ‘Fossil of the Day’ award (decided by a network of comes to making concessions in the international should be handled in the negotiations. Naturally, 950 non-governmental organisations) at COP20, in arena, protecting national interests remains the a focus on the plight of developing countries is Lima. priority for most. John Sweeney is Emeritus Professor apparent. COP20 (Lima, 2014) adopted a two-year of Geography and a researcher with work plan designed to enhance understanding and The Likely Outcomes from Paris The most likely outcome from Paris is, therefore, ICARUS (Irish Climate Analysis expertise in areas such as resilience, vulnerability Climate finance will most likely be the deal an agreement that will be marketed as a political and Research Units), Maynooth and risk management. Although the terminology maker or breaker at Paris. It is important that triumph, but fall short of the radical change University. He was one of the conjures up concepts such as liability and developing countries are persuaded that developed of hearts and minds necessary to protect the contributing authors and review compensation, financial redress instruments are countries’ contributions to the GCF will not result world from 2°C warming over the next four editors of the Fourth Assessment not likely to emerge as major issues at Paris unless in commensurate reductions in their development decades. Whatever the outcome, any agreement Report of the Intergovernmental developing countries lose confidence in the good programmes. Developed countries are increasingly is not currently scheduled to come into force Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), faith of developed countries to bear the greatest integrating climate change funding into their before 2020, leaving open the possibility that 2007. burden of emission reductions. One area in which broader development strategy and while the new administrations will row back on their such a potential pitfall might occur is in climate distinctions are often blurred for individual commitments. The one surety from COP21 is finance. projects, any suggestion of ‘re-labelling’ will be that negotiations to strengthen the UNFCCC will strongly resisted by developing countries. The fact continue at COP22 in Morocco in 2016. Climate Finance that there was an inconclusive outcome from the The future main multilateral funding mechanism Third International Conference on Financing for Notes for fostering climate mitigation and adaptation Development in Addis Ababa in July 2015 has not in developing countries is likely to be the 1. IPCC, Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis, allayed the fears of the developing countries that Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Green Climate Fund (GCF). This facility was unlocking financial commitments from developed Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, established under the UNFCCC to provide finance Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013, 1,535 pp. countries is proving more challenging than (http://www.climatechange2013.org/) to developing countries for their mitigation and anticipated.13

12 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 13 includes awakening to the mystery of God in all Presentation Ecology Officer: the work of Environmental Initiatives by Church Groups in of life, reverence and care for the cosmos, earth the Ecology Officer focuses on environmental and its peoples, ‘particularly where these are most education, environmental advocacy and sustainable Ireland wounded’. The sisters undertook to reflect critically communities. In collaboration with Nano Nagle on the way power is used, including our own use of Centre, the Justice Network and Mount St. Anne’s power; ‘move towards ways of living that enable Retreat Centre, the Ecology Officer advocates on justice and sustainable living’; and endeavour to environmental issues, facilitates workshops for A previous issue of Working Notes devoted to environmental questions (Issue 72, October 2013) included challenge unjust systems at local, national and community groups, young people, transition year articles describing initiatives by four Church groups in Ireland aimed at protecting and enhancing the international level. programmes and runs a ‘Take Learning Outside’ natural environment. course for primary school teacher training.7 Presentation in Ireland In this issue, we publish articles outlining the ecology work of a further six groups. The first article describes Clann Credo: founded by Presentation Sister, the work of the Presentation Sisters in Ireland. Following this, there are articles on four church communities In honouring congregational commitments to Magdalen Fogarty, the initial investment capital for (Carrigaline Union, Church of Ireland; Clonakilty Methodist Church; Fitzroy Presbyterian Church; ecological conversion, many sisters collaborate this programme was provided by the Presentation Rathfarnham Quaker Meeting) which have received an ‘Eco-Congregation Ireland Award’, and on a fifth locally to promote this. The following are some Sisters. Now involving more than twenty religious (Balally Catholic Parish) which is shortly to receive an Award. The Eco-Congregation Award is open to examples of our current initiatives in Ireland. charities, Clann Credo provides affordable loan church groups throughout the island of Ireland which have been working on ecology issues for a minimum finance to community, voluntary and charitable of two years. Applications are assessed on the basis of environmental work undertaken under four headings: Nano Nagle Centre: based in the birthplace of the foundress (Ballygriffin, Mallow), the Centre’s organisations, community businesses and social spiritual, practical, community and global. 8 work has a three-pillar approach – heritage, ecology enterprises throughout Ireland. 3 Eco-Congregation Ireland is an all-Ireland, inter-denominational project, which aims to provide information, and spirituality. It offers workshops, spirituality Inter-Congregational Collaboration: through resources and support for individuals and church groups wishing to become involved in awareness-raising programmes and retreats for all ages to promote involvement in ‘The Future We Need’ group, the and practical action in relation to environmental questions. The initiative is supported by the Roman deeper awareness of the ‘spirituality of being in Justice Network collaborates with other religious Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, the Methodist Church and communion’. The 32-acre organic farm at the congregations in Ireland, promoting awareness the Religious Society of Friends in Ireland (Quakers) (see: http://ecocongregationireland.com; see also, Centre tries to be as self-sustaining as possible, and lobbying decision-makers on environmental Catherine Brennan, ‘Eco-Congregation Ireland’, Working Notes, Issue 72, October 2013 using its own produce and modelling a more issues – examples include making submissions to www.workingnotes.ie). ecologically-friendly method of farming and living. the Environmental Protection Agency advocating against ‘hydraulic fracturing’ and to the UN Association (IPA) – consisting of the Union of Presentation Justice Network: the Network collaborates with others in working to bring about Working Group on the sustainable development Presentation Sisters, to which Ireland belongs, goals and climate change in the lead-up to Rio+20 Presentation Sisters and the Conference of Presentation Sisters of North systemic change for more sustainable development. Its Sustainable Living Programme – a training in 2012. Currently, The Future We Need group is America, and the Australian Society of Presentation developing a toolkit on the extractive industries, Ecology Sisters – was established in 1989. The IPA works module originally published in 2007 – has been widely disseminated.4 which is intended as an education and advocacy Maureen O'Connell in partnership with others to promote a ‘more tool. sustainable society based on universal human rights, economic justice and a culture of peace’. The Network advocates and lobbies in collaboration with other NGOs. For example, it is a member of Training Opportunities: over the years, Introduction Stop Climate Chaos, a coalition of civil society Presentation Sisters have availed of education and As for many other organisations, IPA’s ‘special training opportunities relating to ecology, including: Although Presentation Sisters are primarily organisations which has been campaigning consultative status’ at the United Nations Economic recognised in Ireland as educators in first and and Social Council allows active participation in for effective climate legislation in Ireland. It has been involved with the Comhlámh Trade • ‘Be the Change’: this programme, brought second level schools, we have, for many years sessions of the UN Commission on Sustainable to Ireland by the Sisters of Mercy, trains now, been active in education of a different kind. Development. In association with other non- Justice campaign regarding the potential social and environmental impacts of the EU–USA facilitators to deliver modules promoting a Influenced by experiences gained through our own government organisations (NGOs), we aim to more ‘environmentally sustainable, spiritually Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership international networking, and challenged by the influence global policies that promote justice, fulfilling, and socially just human presence on (TTIP). It collaborated with Trócaire and the Debt outcomes of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit and by peace and sustainable development. We use our this planet’. the aspirations of the Earth Charter,1 we saw and international network to bring experience from and Development Coalition Ireland in lobbying in • Diploma Course in Ecology and Religion in responded to the need for education to promote grassroots realities to the attention of decision- the lead-up to the Third International Conference ‘ecological conversion’. Pope John Paul II appealed on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa in Dalgan Park. makers. 5 for this kind of conversion in 20012 and, more July 2015. • An Tairseach’s 10-week programme exploring recently, so has Pope Francis in his encyclical, At the 2006 Congregational Gathering, the sisters spirituality in the light of Christian tradition, an Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. of Presentation Union pledged themselves to Challenge-to-Change: this is a development evolving Universe and our endangered Earth. commit to a ‘spirituality of being in communion education programme for young people attending Founded in Cork by Nano Nagle in 1775, the that seeks God in the interconnectedness of the Presentation schools; it aims to raise awareness and Conclusion Presentation Congregation now has members whole of creation and empowers active love for bring about a greater understanding of global social 6 We Presentation Sisters continue to respond to in 23 countries. The International Presentation and environmental issues. self, others and all of creation’. This spirituality the challenge of protecting the environment by

14 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 15 modelling methods of care of the earth, promoting of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory) determined to do where we let people know what has been sustainable living, lobbying for systemic change Carrigaline Union, Diocese of something about environmental issues. happening and indicate that we are continually and supporting like-minded organisations. In looking out for suggestions as to what we can particular, we focus now on the follow-up to the Cork, Cloyne and Ross We developed a Diocesan Green Charter1 which do to become a greener parish. We also have Post-2015 Sustainable Development Agenda, which was rolled out to every parish in the diocese. This items on environmental issues in our weekly governments will commit to at the UN Special Elaine Murray initiative ultimately led to a motion being brought ‘Pewsheets’. Summit on Sustainable Development in September to the General Synod of the Church of Ireland, • We stopped buying plastic cups and cutlery 2015 and to the carbon reduction targets it is in May 2015, proposing that an Environmental and began using the delph we already had hoped will be agreed at the UN Climate Change Introduction Charter be adopted by the whole of the Church as in the cupboard. We sourced ‘green’, 100% Conference in Paris from 30 November to 11 This is an account of the ‘eco journey’ of a way forward in environmental good practice. The compostable, cups, plates and napkins for use December 2015. one County Cork Church of Ireland parish – motion was adopted by the General Synod. at events attended by large numbers; these ‘Carrigaline Union’, which has two churches, St materials are composted in the rectory compost Days of reflection and discussion onLaudato Si’ Mary’s, Carrigaline and St John’s, Monkstown. The Environmental Charter commits parishes in bin. are being sponsored for Presentation Sisters and each of the twelve Church of Ireland dioceses to: • We bought new bins and began separating their co-workers. The encyclical asks, ‘What kind As a Christian community, we believe that all recyclable items. of world do we want to leave to those who come are accountable to God for what is done with • Identify areas of waste and excess; • The Sunday School children were all given after us, to children who are now growing up?’ This creation, and so we face the question of how we • Encourage environmental responsibility in the sunflower seeds, courtesy of Christian Aid, in motivates us to continue to question the negative are to fulfil that responsibility in the light of our broader community; 2013 and they ‘saved’ seeds from this original social and environmental impacts of unsustainable contemporary problems. At a parish level we must • Support the development of developing stock in 2014; we hold a competition to see patterns of production and consumption. We emphasise the need for justice for those places and countries both spiritually and financially, by who can grow the tallest sunflower and awards envision a world where ‘no one is left behind’, people who bear the brunt of the damage and pain supporting fair trade and addressing the effects are made at the Harvest Service. where the principles of integrity, sustainability, provoked by our human-induced climate change. of climate change; equity, inter-generational solidarity, respect for For these places and people, a changing climate • In 2013, major work was undertaken on the nature and the common good are firmly established. means droughts, floods, crops failing, and diseases • Advocate policy change that is environmentally rectory garden which had been left to its own devices for many years. We began by felling spreading, with no resources to adapt to the beneficial at both at local and national level. some trees which were in a dangerous state; changes. As we see the effects of climate change, the logs were sold within the parish to bear we are forced to acknowledge the ‘carbon debt’ Carrigaline Union some of the costs of the renovation and the Notes owed by the developed countries to the rest of the I arrived in my new parish of Carrigaline Union, remainder of the logs were used in the rectory 1. The Earth Charter, a product of a decade long, world-wide, world. Diocese of Cork, Cloyne and Ross, in December cross-cultural conversation about common goals and during the winter of 2013/14. We planted shared values, is a declaration of fundamental principles 2011. Initially, we set about becoming a ‘Fairtrade bee-friendly scrubs, hedging and fruit trees. for building a just, sustainable and peaceful global society However, even as we acknowledge the need to Parish’ which we achieved in August 2012, and The entire garden usage was revised and two in the 21st century. The Preamble to the Charter states: respond to the environmental crisis we can also ‘Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples then we began our journey towards applying for an separate ‘allotment’ type areas were developed of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the feel overwhelmed by the scale of the challenge: Eco-Congregation Ireland Award. We received the for growing vegetables. A composting area greater community of life and to future generations.’ we can experience a sense of helplessness and Award in November 2014. was set up. The rectory now has a lovely and 2. Pope John Paul II, General Audience Address, ‘God made of being swamped when faced with problems of man the steward of creation’, 17 January 2001. (http:// productive garden, buzzing with bees and www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/audiences/2001/ such magnitude. Yet we recall the words of the We see our work in the area of ecology as an butterflies and the members of the rectory documents/hf_jp-ii_aud_20010117_en.html) eighteenth century Irish statesman and writer, ongoing process, and the Eco-Congregation website family are enjoying the ‘fruit of our labour’. 3. http://www.nanonaglebirthplace.ie/news/ Edmund Burke, who said that: ‘Nobody made a has many more resources and ideas which we hope • The surplus from the rectory garden is left in 4. See: Union of Presentation Sisters, ‘Sustainable greater mistake than he who did nothing because he Living Programme Downloads’ http://www. to tap into in the coming years as we continue our a box at the back of Carrigaline Church with a presentationsistersunion.org/resources/default. could do only a little.’ work. cfm?loadref=271 poster encouraging people both to take produce from the box and to add their own surplus to 5. http://www.un.org/esa/ffd/ffd3/ As a parish, an existing Christian community, we 6. http://presentationsistersunion.org/news/view_article. Our initiatives over the last three years have the box for others to take. This has proved very cfm?id=1251&loadref=16 are already called to be ‘hope-filled’ and so we are included: popular as people put in what they cannot use 7. www.ecopresireland.org ideally formed to actually do something about the and then take home other types of produce. 8. www.clanncredo.ie threat of climate change. Practical: 9. http://bethechange.org.uk/symposium.cfm • The wider parish is benefiting from the • The Select Vestry of the parish voted rejuvenated rectory grounds as the parish picnic At the heart of the covenant of God with his unanimously in February 2013 to support the people is a call to ‘do justice’ and climate change is held there in June and the parish barbecue is concept that environmental issues and caring held in September. Sr Maureen O’Connell is Coordinator is primarily a matter of justice. To do justice in this for God’s creation form part of our parish’s life of the Irish Presentation Justice area is a call to change our lifestyles. and mission. This is important as it recognises • An initiative which has not yet been Network and lives in Mountmellick, the fact that a concern for the environment implemented but has been passed by the Select Co. Laois. The Green Charter needs to be a ‘whole parish’ initiative. Vestry, and has a subcommittee assigned to get it established, is to use our parish hall as a As a vicar in Kilkenny between 2005 and 2011, I • In our parish’s page in the diocesan magazine ‘community market’ each Saturday morning, was fortunate to be working in a diocese (Diocese we have a section called ‘Green Matters’ encouraging local producers to ‘take a table’

16 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 17 and sell their wares, in particular items such as • We have planted daffodil bulbs (a gift from the countries and hosted an annual charity craft fair ‘ugly vegetables and fruit’ which supermarkets local Tidy Towns committee) in our properties (to raise money for Tearfund, Christian Aid, will not buy from them. (We have a number of to enhance the look of the area for the Tidy Clonakilty Methodist Church and CAPHA, Centre for Artists Handicapped farmers and market gardeners in the parish, as Towns competition. Clonakilty Eco-Congregation Physically, Ivory Coast) to which we invited well as, for example, honey producers, bakers, • The Rector organised a Dawn Chorus event in speakers from developing countries and at egg producers, soap makers). The Rector has Currabinny Wood within the parish boundaries which we served Fairtrade products. already met with the local Environmental in May 2015. This was an ecumenical event, Officer to expedite this project and now, with with the Roman Catholic parish priests from Thanks to our then minister’s championing of the their approval, we are negotiating with our Carrigaline and Monkstown joining in. Over 50 In Clonakilty Methodist Church we began our Eco- cause, the mindset of the congregation changed insurers and hope to be up and running in 2016. people took part in what we hope will now be Congregation journey in 2004 when members met over time and we all became more aware of local • We have boxes at the back of the churches to an annual event. together to undertake an ‘environmental check-up’. and global environmental issues. In 2008, we were collect clothes, shoes and blankets for Cork We started by noting down the existing activities the first church in the Republic of Ireland to receive Simon Community. We also collect food for Global: of the church and to what extent the environment an Eco-Congregation Ireland Award. Cork Penny Dinners and cosmetics and other The parish supports several global charities, some played a part in these activities. We chose the items for the Women’s Refuge. of which are involved in mitigating the effects of following five areas to concentrate on as we worked Towards our Second Award climate change on vulnerable communities (these towards achieving an Eco-Congregation Ireland We were aware that this was an on-going project Spiritual: charities include: Christian Aid, United Society and Award: and there was still much to do so we appointed a • We arrange creation-themed special services in Feed the Minds). member of the congregation as an ‘Eco-Champion’ the church (for example, Saturday Service on 9 • Creation and Christianity – in our regular to keep us on our toes! He encouraged us by February 2013 launching the parish’s ecological Notes and special church services we highlighted our including an ‘Eco-Tip’ in each Sunday Service initiative; Harvest Festival Service in 2013 and stewardship of God’s creation and included and displaying it on our new notice board (made 2014; Rogation Sunday Service in 2013 and 1. For the text of the Charter, see website of the Diocese prayers for environmental issues; we held a of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory. (http://cashel.anglican. locally with local timber) outside the church so that 2014). org/?page_id=14650 children’s summer club titled, ‘Reduce, Reuse, passers-by could see it throughout the week. • Billy the donkey joins us for our Palm Sunday Recycle’. Service in Carrigaline each year and the entire • Financial Matters – we switched to a greener In the church buildings, we continued to make congregation walks out of the church, down the electricity supplier and worked on reducing changes so that we as a church community would road, through a housing estate, into the rectory Rev Elaine Murray has been Rector the amount of electricity used, including low be kinder to the environment. We began to turn off grounds for an outdoor reading from the day’s of Carrigaline Union since 2011, energy lighting options in the church. We also the lights in the church on the brighter days during lectionary and then through the graveyard back and prior to that was Vicar of the reduced the number of lights used and the spring, summer and autumn. Solar lamps were into the church. Kilkenny Group of parishes, Diocese length of time they were in use for services. installed on the pulpit and beside the organ. When • On Easter Sunday in 2013, 2014 and 2015, we of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory. • Care of Church Grounds and Land – we our old boiler broke down we replaced it with a joined with our sister church in Monkstown for cleared the back yard to make a garden new, more efficient, one and reduced the length an ecumenical dawn service which celebrated (in which we no longer use synthetic of time it is running. We reclaimed more waste the Risen Christ out of doors by the sea. chemical weed-killers); we planted trees to space at the back of the church and re-designed • We hold an Animal Blessing Service in commemorate special services such as baptisms the garden (with more trees, eco-friendly gravel Carrigaline on the Sunday nearest the feast of and confirmations. At Christmas, we have a pathways and raised flower beds including plants to St Francis of Assisi. living Christmas tree in the church, and then we attract bees, butterflies and insects). The garden is transfer the tree into the garden for the rest of now a wonderful facility and is used to host outdoor the year. events. Community: • We are involved in our parish school’s Green • Personal Lifestyles – we encouraged church In the church and at home we began to use a wider Flag initiative. members to reduce, reuse, recycle and compost, to use long-life shopping bags; to plan better range of green cleaning and Fairtrade products • Since 2013, we have had an annual sponsored for car-journeys, including using car-pooling as and recycling facilities. We purchased a compost ‘parish and school walk’ which joins up with a option; to use eco-friendly cleaning products; bin. The plaster on the wall outside the church was An Taisce’s National Spring Clean initiative. to purchase L.O.A.F. products (that is, products stripped to reveal beautiful natural stone. All of the participants pick up rubbish as they that are locally produced, organic, seasonally walk. Rubbish bags are then collected free of available and fresh); and to join local groups In 2013, we were the first church in Ireland charge by the local council. such as ‘Sustainable Clonakilty’ and ‘Grow to receive a second Eco-Congregation Award. • We had a Flower Festival at Pentecost 2013 in Your Own’). Representatives of Eco-Congregation Ireland came Carrigaline, celebrating the wonderful diversity • Global Neighbours – we encouraged church to present us with our wooden plaque (made from of flowers. The theme was ‘The Fruit of the members to purchase Fairtrade products; recycled church pews) and a bag of bio-charcoal Spirit’. Plants were sold at this event and we we fostered links with asylum seekers in for our garden! After the ceremony, members of advertised the availability of allotments in our Clonakilty Lodge; we created an awareness of the congregation, along with local organisations local community. the impact of climate change on developing involved in environmental projects, joined

18 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 19 together for a L.O.A.F. meal. We received national talents, we co-operate and we complement each attention of passers-by to the church and improved recognition when RTE Six One News included a other. We try to meet each month and tend to the look of the church grounds. short piece on our eco achievements. Fitzroy Presbyterian Church arrange our meetings via emails; our minister and Clerk of Session are also included in any relevant Cleaning: We switched to using eco-friendly hand Since 2013, we have continued to look for ways Fitzroy Caring for Creation emails, as are members of the congregation who soaps, cleaning products, and toilet rolls. to reduce our use of resources – for example, have registered an interest in the group but are installing a data projector which is operated through unable to attend the meetings because of other Energy Saving: We changed all of the light bulbs in a reconditioned laptop: this reduces printing and commitments. the main church to energy-saver bulbs (most of the paper usage. We have installed timers on the water Origins bulbs in the halls were already energy-saving). heaters. We encourage all those who decorate the The environmental work of Fitzroy Presbyterian Activities and Award church with flowers for Sunday Service to use Church in Belfast city emerged from Fitzroy’s We used the resources of Eco-Congregation Ireland Recycling: We started weekly recycling of paper, what they have in their own garden and/or use existing work with Clonard Monastery, under website to get us started, compiling the suggested plastic and tins in the church and church halls. what is in the church garden first before buying the ‘Clonard/Fitzroy Fellowship’. As part of the ‘audit’ to identify where we were strong and where Three separate bags are now available beside the imported expensive flowers. We have spoken about programme of activities of the Fellowship, we there were gaps. This showed up several gaps in our main bin, so that people can appropriately dispose the possibility of installing solar panels or a wind asked Sr Catherine Brennan of Eco-Congregation eco-awareness and practice. of council-recycled products. turbine in the future. We have discussed purchasing Ireland to speak to the group on the theme of the a water butt to save rain water, using water hippos environment and reconciliation. This excited the We decided not to be a group that focused inwardly Environmental Message: We had a notice area in to reduce the amount of water used in toilets and interest of a number of members of the group, on Fitzroy but, rather, we would go out and visit the corridor of the church to promote our message installing aerators for taps. so they spoke about it in the wider church circle other churches in Belfast, as well as individuals, and provide information on new initiatives. We and from this emerged a desire to expand the we knew had similar interests. And so we spent have also led a Harvest Service on Caring for We also continue to encourage members of the Fellowship’s work of reconciliation to include the time building relationships with other groups and Creation themes, as well as other environmental church to find ways to ‘reduce and re-use’ in their environment. churches – we visited St Molua’s parish in East slots in services throughout the year. own lives – for example, to consider their heating Belfast (this was first church on the island of options and reduce the use of fossil fuels; to use A meeting open to people from both churches was Ireland to receive an Eco-Congregation Ireland Reduce: We have tried to reduce the size of our non-peat firelighters; to consider where and how the arranged to see what interest there was in pursuing Award) and other churches and church groups to Order of Service printouts each week. The front clothes they buy are produced and when finished this issue and what they would like to do. Everyone see what they had done and to get ideas for how page is no longer just a presentation page but also with them to donate them to charities, to consider who attended shared experiences and perspectives we could start becoming more environmentally- contains the start of the Order of Service. The more fuel efficient models as options if purchasing and indicated the issues that interested them. Out friendly. We were keen also to network with words of all hymns/songs are no longer printed a car. of this, Fitzroy Caring for Creation group was set other churches and groups to promote an eco- in every Order of Service handout: instead, there up in 2009; all the members of the group were from congregation approach. In addition, we sought to are now just a few copies of the words printed for The journey is not over – we plan to keep Fitzroy Church. address the wider Presbyterian community in south people who struggle to read the words from the environmental issues in the minds of the Belfast through meeting with the South Belfast screen at the front of the church. We have reduced congregation, to continue the work we have done Inspiring Principles and Core Features Presbytery. the quantity of paper used by 50%, although there to date and endeavour to come up with new and are some larger print versions for those with a Fitzroy Caring for Creation (FCfC) started out as fresh ideas. We will continue to encourage one visual impairment. a small group of people who shared a passion for Following our self-assessment through the audit another to take care of the beautiful planet which creation and a concern for its well-being. Initially, and the initiation of a number of eco-friendly God provided for us, remembering the words of Fairtrade: We have maintained our Fairtrade status, we had a core group of about six to eight, with links initiatives, the group submitted an application the Psalm: ‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything encouraging the use of Fairtrade tea and coffee to others who also had an interest in creation. This for an Eco-Congregation Ireland Award. The in it, the world, and all who live in it’ (Psalm 24:1; throughout the church. We use ceramic mugs and core group met monthly to monitor progress in subsequent visit and assessment by Eco- New International Version). cups after church services on Sundays and try to current projects and to start work or research on any Congregation led to Fitzroy becoming, in 2011, the use biodegradable paper cups at other meetings. future projects. first Presbyterian Church in Ireland to gain an Eco- Congregation Award. Nature: In 2010 there were five Sunday afternoon From the beginning, an important feature of the church walks with an emphasis on being aware of group has been that it is led by ordinary members Some of the practical changes that Fitzroy Caring our surroundings – and some practical recycling! of the congregation – it is not a top-down group for Creation has been part of include: Each walk examined a different eco-system, for initiated by the Kirk Session. After it was set up, the example, woodland, wetland, coastline. In 2011, group wrote to the Kirk Session to seek its support; Flowers: We spent time getting about 20 large four walks were arranged: Carnmoney Hill (April); this was given, but the driving force remained the troughs built to place around the church premises. Helen’s Tower, Conlig (May); Cavehill (June); members of the group itself, and it was left to them These troughs were filled with soil and we then Scrabo Country Park (September). These walks to decide the direction the work of the group should planted them with annual flowers. Fitzroy is located were led by a member of the congregation who is a take. in a rather bleak urban setting – there is little of the natural world evident in the vicinity. Having 20 keen amateur botanist. The group is based on co-operative values without troughs filled with flowers and shrubs really helped Eco Network: As stated previously, we are an individual leader. Having various skills and to soften the look of the area, brought along lots of insects and bees to feed off the flowers, drew the interested in the wider community outside the doors

20 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 21 of Fitzroy. To this end, we initiated the setting up a could take to incorporate creation care into the life as VITA and Rainforest Concern. One year, the wider network of churches and groups to promote of our Meeting. children and young people made an Easter Garden environmental/creation work across Belfast – Rathfarnham Quaker using natural materials and, more recently, they networking laterally. This group meets every six One of our first actions was to complete Eco- made a climate change ‘love tree’ on which they months or so with representatives from about eight Meeting Congregation Ireland’s ‘Church Check-up’, which hung hearts with pictures/words depicting things different churches and is a forum for individuals is the first section of its online resources (www. they love which are currently under threat from and churches/church groups to meet and hear from Ciara Harrison ecocongregationireland.com). climate change – including their families, favourite one another. Our discussions have ranged from beaches, and chocolate. practical matters (such as environmentally-friendly Are you concerned that man’s increasing power We found this an encouraging exercise as it helped cleaning products) to more structural issues, such over nature should not be used irresponsibly but us identify what we were already doing – for We have found too that environmental care is a as the struggle to persuade church authorities and with reverence for life and with a sense of the example, recycling, using low-energy light bulbs, great way to engage with members of the local members of congregations to give more serious splendour of God’s continuing creation? and using delph rather than disposable cups. We community and other churches. We have invited attention to the issue of care for creation. The met with the warden of the Meeting to work out local people to join us in a number of initiatives, support of Eco-Congregation Ireland in promoting Try to live simply. A simple lifestyle freely chosen a plan to take further steps and we found that including litter picks and candle-lit vigils to mark these events has been very helpful. is a source of strength. Do not be persuaded into working through the check-list had already given us Earth Hour on the last Saturday of March. We hope buying what you do not need or cannot afford. Do plenty of ideas. the vigils will become an annual event: there is Plans you keep yourself informed about the effects your something powerful in joining with people locally We in Fitzroy are coming towards the completion style of living is having on the global economy and In order to save water, we put water containers into and across the globe in switching off lights to save of a large extension of our premises; this work has environment? the toilet cisterns and, to support renewable energy, energy and, in so doing, promoting awareness of meant that many of our facilities have not been we switched to Airtricity. We made a commitment the urgent need for carbon reduction. in use over the last year. We have tried to include These are the words of two of the Advices and to buy only eco-friendly soap, washing-up liquid, a number of environmentally-friendly and cost- Queries on which members of the Religious Society toilet rolls and cleaning products and to purchase In December 2011, we were delighted to become efficient ideas in the new build – for example, of Friends (Quakers) are encouraged to reflect from Fairtrade-labelled tea and coffee. the first Quaker Meeting in Ireland to receive an zoned heating and movement sensors to turn lights time to time. Quakers, who in the early days were Eco-Congregation Ireland Award. Since then, we on and off. known as Friends of the Truth, have ‘testimonies’ In the garden of our Meeting House, we dug a herb have continued to strive to keep earth care in our which point to the way we attempt to lead our lives garden and planted four fruit trees. All members of sights. For example, in summer 2014, we held Like all groups, we have lost some members by putting faith into action. The testimonies have the Meeting – from toddlers to people over 90 – got a Plant-a-Seed Day for the children and in the over the years, and with the church facilities not changed over the years, according to the times involved in digging, wheelbarrowing, planting and autumn they planted 100 daffodil bulbs. In autumn available during the past year we have not been in which Quakers have lived. At one time, there nurturing. Our gardening was a small step towards 2015, they will make lavender bags, using lavender very active. With the new premises opening were testimonies with regard to slavery, capital local resilience, to be sure, but also a great way from the herb garden, and they are also intending in autumn 2015, it will be a time to renew our punishment and taking oaths, but in the past century to strengthen bonds of friendship in the Meeting. to make pictures for a 2016 calendar with a ‘Save activities, so we are hopeful for the future. the focus has been primarily on the testimonies of It was hoped too that by growing herbs and fruit the Earth’ theme. We are also planning an eco-stall peace, simplicity, equality and integrity. in our garden, members of the Meeting would be for the Open Day we will be holding on 4 October encouraged to grow produce at home, thus reducing 2015 where we will invite visitors to write carbon- In 2009, two members of Cork Quaker Meeting food miles to food metres. reducing pledges on footprints; these we will use visited Rathfarnham Meeting and delivered an to make a giant collage, which will be displayed so informative and challenging talk on environmental In order to encourage biodiversity, we allowed that it can be seen by all the different groups who care. Denise Gabuzda linked creation care to some of the lawn to grow into a natural meadow use the premises. the testimonies, emphasising especially those and in 2011 this became home to three bee-hives. of simplicity and peace. She shared with us also Given the precarious position of bees in the world Members of the Rathfarnham Meeting will also how some Quakers, especially in America, were today and how essential they are to the balance of continue to take part in events and campaigns beginning to talk about environmental care as an nature, it is satisfying to be able to accommodate organised by Eco Quakers Ireland and Stop Climate emerging testimony. Natasha Harty, who at that bees in this way and to enjoy the fruits of their Chaos. We believe it is crucial that we continue time was the Quaker representative on the Eco- labour – including natural lip balm as well as to work together with other groups – locally, Congregation Ireland committee, shared how delicious honey. We also installed a water butt, nationally and internationally – especially in the Cork Quakers had undertaken practical steps to which is convenient for watering the herbs and run-up to the crucial UN climate talks taking place incorporate earth care into the life of their Meeting, trees. in Paris in November-December 2015. including planting an orchard in the grounds of their graveyard and promoting locally-grown fruit From time to time, Junior Meeting sessions with and vegetables. our children and teenagers focus on environmental Ciara Harrison is a member of the topics – covering everything from fair trade and Rathfarnham Quaker Meeting Eco Natasha and Denise’s presentation struck a chord recycling to the importance of rainforests. They Committee. with many members of Rathfarnham and prompted joined in Stop Climate Chaos’s ‘Ring the Changes’ several of us to form an Eco Committee for the action in 2009 and over the years have organised Rathfarnham Meeting to consider what steps we fundraising events for environmental charities such

22 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 23 Balally Parish Environment Group Activities purpose was to lift spirits at a time of deep depression in our country. In 2014, people Encouraged by this parish leadership, a parish Responding to its mandate from the Parish Pastoral had the option of planting the bulbs in a new Nurturing Creation in environmental group became active. We Council and its own mission statement, BEG flower bed which had been prepared for this participated in the Eco-Congregation Ireland engages in a range of activities with the aim of Balally purpose outside the church. In 2015, they were bell-ringing initiative on 8 December 2007 raising awareness of the environmental crisis, and encouraged to plant the bulbs at home. Balally Parish Environment Group (in connection with the UN Climate Change awareness of how we as Christians together might Conference in Bali); we marked Earth Hour in address the situation. • For Creation Time in 2014 we held an evening March 2008 and mounted an exhibition in the of music, poetry, and prayer to accompany a PowerPoint presentation of the many wonderful Introduction church on the effects of climate change; with Liturgy Eco-Congregation and Three Rock Churches’ • We contribute prayers on an environmental facets of our natural world. Over many years, there has been a growing Environment Group we hosted an Ecumenical theme to be regularly included in the Prayers of awareness in Balally Parish of the threat to Prayer Service. the Faithful at Sunday Masses. Information humankind posed by climate change; of the reckless • We organise special ‘Creation Masses’, in We recognise that, in order to make a meaningful way we humans abuse the natural environment and The group was formally launched in October 2010 contribution to environmental protection, we and of the fact that the people who suffer most from consultation with the parish liturgy committee, as BEG (Balally Parish Environment Group). our parish community need to keep abreast of the effects of climate change are those who live on significant dates each year (for example, World Environment Day) when the homily, the changes and proposals for changes that have the in developing countries, i.e., the people who have Mission Statement offertory procession, the hymns, the Prayers of potential to impact on the environment for better contributed least to the problem. The Group adopted the following mission the Faithful and the Communion Reflection are or for worse. There is, therefore, an information statement: all chosen to reflect an environmental theme. element in all of our input to liturgies and People in the parish began to recognise that, as community projects. Pope John Paul II said in 1990, there is a new • With Eco-Congregation Ireland and Three Rock consciousness throughout society ‘that world peace We recognise: Churches’ Environment Group, we hosted an Ecumenical Prayer Service for the success of • Individually, we attend conferences, seminars, is threatened, not only by the arms race, regional public meetings; we visit relevant websites conflicts and continued injustices among peoples • that as Christians we have a role to play in the Durban Climate Change Conference in God’s continuing work of creation; December 2011. We attend similar liturgies and read books and articles on environmental and nations, but also by a lack of due respect for issues. nature, by the plundering of natural resources and • that our lifestyles are causing immeasurable organised by other church groups. • We regularly publish climate change material by a progressive decline in the quality of life’.1 damage to the natural environment; • To coincide with the Summit on Climate Change in September 2009, we organised in the weekly Parish Newsletter and also in the • that we are placing in jeopardy the future of monthly Three Rock Panorama Community Some parishioners were motivated to come together a climate change lunchtime prayer service generations as yet unborn; Magazine (circulation 1,700 in the area to seek ‘to recover the gift of the Spirit in creation, accompanied by the ringing of the church bell. • that vulnerable people in the developing from Dundrum to Enniskerry and from in the earth, in each other, and in our Christian world are currently suffering from drought, • To mark World Environment Day in October Leopardstown to Glencullen). communities so that we may together be inspired flood, famine, illness and dislocation as a 2010 we erected in the church a simple and empowered to heal a planet in peril.’2 • We display posters relating to nature, the consequence of our lifestyle choices. structure made of light branches, bamboo, and garden netting, and covered it with environment and climate change in the church Leadership leaves, flowers, fruit, and Fairtrade items. The from time to time. Our mission: For many years, strong leadership on environmental inspiration for this initiative was the Jewish • We display notices in the church to inform concerns has been given by the parish team led feast of Sukkot, marking harvest time and the parishioners of events and activities of We intend to act on our responsibility as Christians by Monsignor Dermot Lane, the Parish Priest of wandering in the desert of the ancestors of the environmental interest. to care for God’s creation by: Balally. Monsignor Lane has a long history of Jews (Lev. 23:42–43). Our aim was to draw presenting a Christian theological understanding attention to the plight of so many Africans Community Projects • making appreciation of and care for God’s of humankind’s role in the continuing act of God’s today who are being driven from their land by • In the lead-up to the Copenhagen Climate creation an integral part of our parish liturgies; advancing desertification. creation in his homilies, liturgies, lectures and Change Conference in December 2009, we writing. He encouraged the parish affiliation to • participating in ecumenical environmental • After our Creation liturgy in October 2012 we organised a petition, which was presented to the Three Rock Churches’ Environment Group, an initiatives; organised a public talk, ‘Treading Lightly on the then Minister for the Environment, urging ecumenical grouping of seven church communities • informing ourselves and our parish community the Earth’, by environmentalist and broadcaster that the Irish Government representatives at located in the shadow of Three Rock Mountain. of the ways in which we can participate in Éanna Ní Lamhna, followed by a question and the Conference would press for a meaningful initiatives to promote sustainable living, both answer session. agreement on climate change. A book for Since 2008, the Parish Pastoral Council has local and global; • We distribute bulbs to all members of the signatures to the petition was available in the church over a number of weeks to give included in its objectives a determination to • promoting awareness of our duty to future congregation as they leave Mass on ‘Balally parishioners an opportunity to be associated increase awareness of climate change; to engage generations as well as towards the poorest Plant a Bulb Day’. We encourage people to with the initiative. actively with other local Christian communities in people of the world who are suffering the plant the bulb at home as a symbol of our developing a Christian response to climate change adverse effects of the unsustainable lifestyles of appreciation of the beauty of creation and of • We publicise and support initiatives by and to engage actively with the Eco-Congregation richer countries. our belief in the future flourishing which will agencies, such as Trócaire, which work for Ireland programme. result from hopeful seeds sown in darkness. climate justice. This project commenced in 2010 and our

24 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 25 • Each year, as our Lenten priority, we adopt the parish office, by employing alternatives such as theme of that year’s Trócaire campaign and texting and emailing where appropriate. When The Role of Social Enterprise in Renewable plan our initiative around it. printing is necessary, it is done on both sides • We engage our schools in a variety of ways. of the page, if feasible. Waste pages are used Energy Production Surplus bulbs from the annual ‘Balally Plant when preparing machines for print runs and for Gerard Doyle a Bulb Day’ are distributed to the schools to testing before printing commences. assist them in the greening of their school. • BEG encourages the use of Fairtrade products by providing the Pastoral Centre café with Introduction Social enterprises are democratic in that they are • Following the building of our Parish Pastoral controlled by their members. These enterprises Fairtrade tea and coffee. Natural resources – water, energy and fertile Centre we worked with a group of children express their commitment to their social goals soil – are fundamental to our life on earth. Many from Queen of Angels School in planting a • A member of BEG was actively involved in the by limiting the distribution of surplus income to environmentalists – for example, Tim Jackson1 – flower bed outside the church/pastoral centre planning and overseeing of the development members, and instead reinvesting this for future believe that at the heart of the environmental crisis in preparation for the visit of the President of of the new Pastoral Centre. Sustainability development. Social enterprises can take many Ireland for the official opening of the Pastoral was a key consideration in its design and we are experiencing, and which is manifesting forms including co-operatives, mutuals and Centre, in January 2013. Subsequently, at a construction. Heating is provided through the itself in so many ways, lies over-consumption of foundations.6 school assembly, a member of BEG presented use of solar panels. the earth’s resources. In 2009, for example, it was each child who had participated in the work estimated that humans were extracting and using in John Pearce7 suggests that social enterprises are with a certificate signed by the Parish Priest and excess of 50% more natural resources than was the Current BEG Activities more concerned about protecting the environment the Chair of BEG. case thirty years previously.2 • In late spring 2015, Balally Parish applied for than are private enterprises, since the success of • Our two parish schools partnered us in social enterprises is measured in terms of their a Eco-Congregation Ireland Award, and in the This level of consumption is leading to our Lenten project, ‘A School Child’s economic, environmental and social impacts as subsequent assessment was successful. This deforestation, species extinction at an alarming rate, Environmental Pledge for Lent in 2013’. The opposed to the maximisation of profit for owners, Award will be formally presented in autumn shrinking of our natural water resources and climate children were asked to select a simple task from 2015. which is the fundamental objective of conventional change. In order for people in both developed and a list and pledge to do that selected task for the private enterprises. Furthermore, social enterprises • For Earth Day 2015 (Wednesday, 22 April developing countries to live fulfilled lives, there week, then select another task for the following have close connections with the communities in week, and so on for each week of Lent. 2015), fourteen posters, one for each Station is need to reduce over-consumption wherever it which they are based and are often controlled by Different lists were prepared for the younger of the Cross, and containing relevant (climate occurs and, in essence, to live more sustainably. local residents. and older children. The lists also contained a change related) quotations by a variety of well- Failure to do so will lead to increased pressure gentle reminder, to those who could afford it, to known philosophers were mounted on the walls being exerted on ecosystems and may ultimately Social Enterprises and Renewable Energy put a little money in the Trócaire box that week. of the church, and remained there throughout result in large swathes of the earth becoming the summer months. 3 The arguments for promoting renewable energy • We worked with residents of Wedgewood uninhabitable. social enterprises (also referred to as ‘community Estate in a clean-up of the area surrounding the • BEG was involved in supporting Balally Parish local Scout Den and in preparing the ground for in hosting a conference in Balally Pastoral In his encyclical letter, Laudato Si’: On Care for energy’) include: planting. Centre (18–19 September 2015) on Pope Our Common Home, Pope Francis documents the Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for relationship between environmental degradation • Social enterprises can play an important role • On an ongoing basis, we collect used batteries Our Common Home. and global inequality.4 He speaks of the in increasing public acceptance of renewable and used stamps in the church porch. The 8 requirement to replace the culture of consumption energy, particularly wind energy, because the batteries are delivered to the Laura Lynn 9 with a more humane and ecological model benefits to communities are visible. Danish Foundation and the used stamps to a local research has found that people who have shares school. Both batteries and stamps are used for Notes of economic development which meets all of humanity’s essential needs. in wind turbines owned by social enterprises fundraising. 1. Pope John Paul II, ‘Peace with God the Creator, Peace are more positively disposed to the construction with all of Creation’, Message for the Celebration of World • We have been represented on Three Rock Day of Peace, 1 January 1990. (http://www.vatican.va/ This article asserts that social enterprise can play of additional turbines than those who have not Churches’ Environment Group (TRCEG) and holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/peace/documents/ an important role in addressing many aspects of the invested. have participated in its activities over the years. hf_jp-ii_mes_19891208_xxiii-world-day-for-peace_en.html) 2. Dermot A. Lane, ‘Discerning the Holy Spirit in the Life environmental crisis. The particular focus of the • Social enterprises can also play an active role in In summer 2008, our church was the venue for of Creation’, Doctrine and Life, Vol. 62, No. 2, February article is the contribution which social enterprise educating the public about renewable energy10 2012. The article is the text of Fr Lane’s sermon at an a dislay of posters created by children from can make towards combating climate change and the importance of adhering to more seven local primary schools who participated ecumenical service organised by Eco-Congregation Ireland in the Church of the Ascension, Balally Parish, 1 December through the development of renewable energy sustainable lifestyles where households have a in the TRCEG-organised ‘Make a Poster’ 2011, in the context of the UN Climate Change Conference, projects. lower carbon footprint. initiative, the theme of which was ‘Cherishing Durban, South Africa. Creation’. Two ecumenical Eco Services were • Social enterprises provide ordinary citizens Definition and Focus of Social Enterprise held in Balally Church under the auspices of with the opportunity to develop renewable TRCEG and more recently some meetings of ‘Social enterprise’ has been defined in many energy projects. Research into public attitudes the group were held in our new Pastoral Centre. different ways. However, a widely accepted towards renewable energy projects in the definition is that a social enterprise is an UK indicates that people would welcome the opportunity to have greater involvement in Practical Parish Arrangements independent, autonomous organisation that engages in economic activity to realise a social objective.5 renewable energy development. However, it • Use of paper is kept to a minimum in the also reveals that people are conscious that in

26 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 27 • Each year, as our Lenten priority, we adopt the parish office, by employing alternatives such as theme of that year’s Trócaire campaign and texting and emailing where appropriate. When The Role of Social Enterprise in Renewable plan our initiative around it. printing is necessary, it is done on both sides • We engage our schools in a variety of ways. of the page, if feasible. Waste pages are used Energy Production Surplus bulbs from the annual ‘Balally Plant when preparing machines for print runs and for Gerard Doyle a Bulb Day’ are distributed to the schools to testing before printing commences. assist them in the greening of their school. • BEG encourages the use of Fairtrade products by providing the Pastoral Centre café with Introduction Social enterprises are democratic in that they are • Following the building of our Parish Pastoral controlled by their members. These enterprises Fairtrade tea and coffee. Natural resources – water, energy and fertile Centre we worked with a group of children express their commitment to their social goals soil – are fundamental to our life on earth. Many from Queen of Angels School in planting a • A member of BEG was actively involved in the by limiting the distribution of surplus income to environmentalists – for example, Tim Jackson1 – flower bed outside the church/pastoral centre planning and overseeing of the development members, and instead reinvesting this for future believe that at the heart of the environmental crisis in preparation for the visit of the President of of the new Pastoral Centre. Sustainability development. Social enterprises can take many Ireland for the official opening of the Pastoral was a key consideration in its design and we are experiencing, and which is manifesting forms including co-operatives, mutuals and Centre, in January 2013. Subsequently, at a construction. Heating is provided through the itself in so many ways, lies over-consumption of foundations.6 school assembly, a member of BEG presented use of solar panels. the earth’s resources. In 2009, for example, it was each child who had participated in the work estimated that humans were extracting and using in John Pearce7 suggests that social enterprises are with a certificate signed by the Parish Priest and excess of 50% more natural resources than was the Current BEG Activities more concerned about protecting the environment the Chair of BEG. case thirty years previously.2 • In late spring 2015, Balally Parish applied for than are private enterprises, since the success of • Our two parish schools partnered us in social enterprises is measured in terms of their a Eco-Congregation Ireland Award, and in the This level of consumption is leading to our Lenten project, ‘A School Child’s economic, environmental and social impacts as subsequent assessment was successful. This deforestation, species extinction at an alarming rate, Environmental Pledge for Lent in 2013’. The opposed to the maximisation of profit for owners, Award will be formally presented in autumn shrinking of our natural water resources and climate children were asked to select a simple task from 2015. which is the fundamental objective of conventional change. In order for people in both developed and a list and pledge to do that selected task for the private enterprises. Furthermore, social enterprises • For Earth Day 2015 (Wednesday, 22 April developing countries to live fulfilled lives, there week, then select another task for the following have close connections with the communities in week, and so on for each week of Lent. 2015), fourteen posters, one for each Station is need to reduce over-consumption wherever it which they are based and are often controlled by Different lists were prepared for the younger of the Cross, and containing relevant (climate occurs and, in essence, to live more sustainably. local residents. and older children. The lists also contained a change related) quotations by a variety of well- Failure to do so will lead to increased pressure gentle reminder, to those who could afford it, to known philosophers were mounted on the walls being exerted on ecosystems and may ultimately Social Enterprises and Renewable Energy put a little money in the Trócaire box that week. of the church, and remained there throughout result in large swathes of the earth becoming the summer months. 3 The arguments for promoting renewable energy • We worked with residents of Wedgewood uninhabitable. social enterprises (also referred to as ‘community Estate in a clean-up of the area surrounding the • BEG was involved in supporting Balally Parish local Scout Den and in preparing the ground for in hosting a conference in Balally Pastoral In his encyclical letter, Laudato Si’: On Care for energy’) include: planting. Centre (18–19 September 2015) on Pope Our Common Home, Pope Francis documents the Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’: On Care for relationship between environmental degradation • Social enterprises can play an important role • On an ongoing basis, we collect used batteries Our Common Home. and global inequality.4 He speaks of the in increasing public acceptance of renewable and used stamps in the church porch. The 8 requirement to replace the culture of consumption energy, particularly wind energy, because the batteries are delivered to the Laura Lynn 9 with a more humane and ecological model benefits to communities are visible. Danish Foundation and the used stamps to a local research has found that people who have shares school. Both batteries and stamps are used for Notes of economic development which meets all of humanity’s essential needs. in wind turbines owned by social enterprises fundraising. 1. Pope John Paul II, ‘Peace with God the Creator, Peace are more positively disposed to the construction with all of Creation’, Message for the Celebration of World • We have been represented on Three Rock Day of Peace, 1 January 1990. (http://www.vatican.va/ This article asserts that social enterprise can play of additional turbines than those who have not Churches’ Environment Group (TRCEG) and holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/peace/documents/ an important role in addressing many aspects of the invested. have participated in its activities over the years. hf_jp-ii_mes_19891208_xxiii-world-day-for-peace_en.html) 2. Dermot A. Lane, ‘Discerning the Holy Spirit in the Life environmental crisis. The particular focus of the • Social enterprises can also play an active role in In summer 2008, our church was the venue for of Creation’, Doctrine and Life, Vol. 62, No. 2, February article is the contribution which social enterprise educating the public about renewable energy10 2012. The article is the text of Fr Lane’s sermon at an a dislay of posters created by children from can make towards combating climate change and the importance of adhering to more seven local primary schools who participated ecumenical service organised by Eco-Congregation Ireland in the Church of the Ascension, Balally Parish, 1 December through the development of renewable energy sustainable lifestyles where households have a in the TRCEG-organised ‘Make a Poster’ 2011, in the context of the UN Climate Change Conference, projects. lower carbon footprint. initiative, the theme of which was ‘Cherishing Durban, South Africa. Creation’. Two ecumenical Eco Services were • Social enterprises provide ordinary citizens Definition and Focus of Social Enterprise held in Balally Church under the auspices of with the opportunity to develop renewable TRCEG and more recently some meetings of ‘Social enterprise’ has been defined in many energy projects. Research into public attitudes the group were held in our new Pastoral Centre. different ways. However, a widely accepted towards renewable energy projects in the definition is that a social enterprise is an UK indicates that people would welcome the opportunity to have greater involvement in Practical Parish Arrangements independent, autonomous organisation that engages in economic activity to realise a social objective.5 renewable energy development. However, it • Use of paper is kept to a minimum in the also reveals that people are conscious that in

26 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 27 order for communities to become involved in a process called anaerobic digestion. Another is • She/he gets the assistance of a few other Furthermore, the democratic structure of these there is need for appropriate structures and the Cloughjordan Ecovillage whose heating system residents; district heating systems means that members, 11 supports to facilitate this. is fuelled by wood chips. • They find a small number of farmers living in who are also consumers, have an input into the • Social enterprise can contribute to EU Member close proximity willing to erect turbines on governance and operation of schemes. States attaining their EU renewable energy The barriers Irish communities encounter in their farms; developing renewable energy social enterprises as David Connolly, Associate Professor, Aalborg targets. • They gain community support for the initiative compared to their counterparts in other European University, Denmark has co-ordinated an EU study • Social enterprise energy development is an at a series of public meetings; countries is exemplified in the process for gaining which developed a heating strategy for Europe for effective mechanism for creating employment connection to the national electricity grid in Ireland • They join DV and it provides advice on legal the year 2050. During this study, his research team and for rural regeneration.12 as compared to Denmark. A renewable energy issues and assists with the formation of the created the first ever pan-European heat atlas to • The provision of energy through social social enterprise in Denmark can be connected to social enterprise. identify where district heating is feasible in Europe. enterprises reduces the risks to communities of the national electricity grid within one week of The results for Ireland indicate that approximately disruption of energy supply due to geo-political submitting an application;16 in Ireland, the process one-third of the heat demand in this country is in 13 factors. can sometimes take years to complete.17 areas where overall demand is sufficiently high • The provision of household heating through to allow for the development of district heating.22 social enterprise communal heating schemes How It Might be Done It has been estimated that if district heating were results in participating households being less at Ireland can learn a great deal from other countries to be fully pursued in Ireland, this would save risk of experiencing fuel poverty. about how communities can, through social approximately €400–€500 million per year on the enterprise development that is supported by country’s fossil fuel import bill. Barriers to Establishing Renewable Energy national policies, embrace renewable energy Social Enterprises and in doing so fortify their local economies and Germany At a seminar organised by the Society for Co- Research in the UK has identified a number of strengthen community self-reliance. operative Studies in Ireland in 2014, Andreas Wieg, issues which can act as significant barriers to Director of the Executive Staff Department at the the establishment of renewable energy social Denmark Wind Farm vs Power Station? iStock Photo © stevotin German Cooperative and Raiffeisen Confederation, enterprises. These include: A high proportion of Denmark’s wind power capacity is owned by ‘local partnerships’ and spoke about the role and development of energy co-operatives in Germany. The number of such co- • Securing expertise in setting up an appropriate guilds (legal restrictions on ownership structures In addition to the generation of wind power, social operatives has increased dramatically since 2008: in legal structure and testing feasibility; acquiring in Denmark mean that joint ownership of wind enterprise groups in Denmark play a central role turbines takes the form of a general partnership/full in the operation of district heating systems in areas that year, there were just 67 but by 2013 there were expertise in renewable energy technology. 19 18 ). outside the country’s major cities. Denmark’s 717, with over 200,000 members. • Securing appropriate finance, particularly for liability company rather than of a ‘co-operative’ In 2002, these groups owned 5,600 wind turbines, Heat Supply Act of 1979 obliged local authorities large-scale renewable energy projects. 20 the output of which represented 23% of Denmark’s to formulate heating plans. This stimulated A number of drivers have contributed to this • Difficulties in getting connected to the national wind capacity in that year, and equated to 14% of major investment in heating networks, and local growth. These include legislation and public policy electricity grid. the nation’s electricity consumption. authorities were mandated to require consumers which set in place incentives such as a feed-in tariff • Lack of state incentives to promote small-scale to connect to new district heating systems. As a guaranteed for 20 years and an obligation on grid renewable energy production. A key factor in the growth of these local counterbalance to consumers being compelled to owners to purchase energy from renewable energy switch to district heating systems, social enterprises producers.23 Furthermore, the growth of community • A failure on the part of local authorities partnerships was the formation of the Danish in the form of consumer co-operatives were formed energy in Germany has taken place against a to promote community renewable energy Association of Wind Power Guilds (DV), a to manage these schemes, thus ensuring consumer background of a long tradition of co-operative projects and their reluctance to grant planning non-profit, independent association of local enterprise.24 permission for such projects.14 wind farm groups. DV has played an important control. Since the co-operatives are not-for-profit role in advocating for a benign environment operations, heating costs are kept to a minimum: for the growth of the social enterprise sector in prices are set on an annual basis and are calculated The German experience has highlighted some Irish communities endeavouring to establish wind energy production and is responsible for to cover costs only. Any surplus that accrues is re- specific factors which contribute to the creation of a renewable energy social enterprises encounter representing the sector’s interests in interactions invested in improving the district heating system or successful energy co-operative: similar barriers to those outlined above. The result with local authorities, utilities and wind-turbine in reducing prices. is that, so far, a relatively low number of renewable manufacturers. • A good organisational structure; energy social enterprises have been established in One analysis of the policy concluded that 94% of • The involvement of local people (as this Ireland. Wind energy social enterprises in Denmark the heat sold by Danish district heating systems reinforces the mutual benefit); was cheaper to customers than alternative heating developed from informal interactions amongst • Support for, and from, the local economy, In 2011, there were only 30 renewable energy systems fuelled by oil or natural gas.21 This analysis residents. The process for establishing wind farms including engagement with a range of different social enterprises at either operational or planning has also concluded that the fact that the heating 15 has generally entailed the following steps: interests and stakeholders; stage in Ireland. One of these is the Camphill schemes are provided by social enterprises ensures Community in Ballytobin, County Kilkenny, which • Recognition that social justice is also a goal • A local person has the idea of establishing a that a breakdown of the system is not as financially generates all of the heating requirements of the of this energy process – as there is a focus on wind farm; onerous for households as would be the breakdown community’s buildings from waste organic matter of an individual, household-owned, heating system. members’ needs;

28 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 29 • Ensuring stability and relatively low risk for the primary responsibility for reducing Ireland’s movement, trade unions, philanthropic bodies and 15. Comhar and Trinity College Dublin, Community Renewable Energy in Ireland: Status, Barriers and Potential Options, members and potential members. dependence on fossil fuels. religious groups can play a role in the design of Policy Paper, Dublin, November 2011. (Comhar/TCDhttp:// By the end of 2012, German citizens through these new models and in providing necessary seed files.nesc.ie/comhar_archive/Comhar%20Papers/Comhar_ For the necessary change to come about, the Irish capital. Paper_11_2011.pdf) renewable energy co-operatives owned an 16. Erik Christiansen, Chairman of Middelgrundens wind impressive 40% of total German renewable energy State will need to place a greater value than it has energy co-operative made this point at a seminar in Dublin capacity.25 heretofore on the additional impacts that renewable With regard to research, third-level institutions hosted by the Society for Co-operative Studies in Ireland in energy social enterprises can generate compared should undertake rigorous action-based research 2014. 17. This point was made in a submission by number of NGOs Scotland to conventional private enterprises. The White on social enterprise and sustainability, including (including Feasta, Comharchumann Fuinneamh Oileáin Paper on Energy due to be published before the renewable energy. This research would provide Árainn, and Tipperary Energy Agency) in relation to the The Scottish Government has set a target of Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland. end of 2015 will indicate the role the State sees the bedrock for lobbying the State for policies meeting 30% of the country’s overall energy 18. Mark Bolinger, Community Wind Power Ownership demand from renewable sources by 2020 and social enterprises performing in reducing Ireland’s and supports that are essential for enhancing the Schemes in Europe and their Relevance to the United dependence of fossil fuels.28 vibrancy of renewable energy social enterprises. States, Berkeley, CA: Lawrence Berkeley National ensuring that, by then, ‘100% electricity demand Laboratory, 2001. equivalent’ will be met from renewables. In the 19. A district heating system works like a domestic central achievement of this goal, it sees an important The State should prepare a strategy for developing If the above recommendations were to be heating system only on a larger scale. Water is heated a vibrant renewable energy social enterprise sector; implemented then social enterprises in Ireland using a boiler located in a central heating plant. The heat role for social enterprise energy projects: it has is distributed to the customer via an underground network announced that it intends to achieve 500 megawatts this should include: would be in a position to emulate what has occurred of insulated pipes. The water in the network is continuously in Denmark and Germany where social enterprises circulating and therefore heating is always available to the of community and locally-owned renewable energy householder. 26 • A national target for the level of energy output by 2020. Implicit in this approach is recognition have been central to the transition away from fossil 20. The Heat Supply Act of 1979 stipulated there would be that community-owned renewable energy can to be generated by social enterprises. fuel dependence. municipal heat supply planning in each municipality, a new natural gas infrastructure, a substantial increase in provide a range of benefits beyond securing a • A policy framework to mandate local district heating, and that district heating should move from source of energy. authorities to draft robust energy plans that Notes fossil fuel boilers to combined heat and power plants and would place social enterprise at the centre renewable energy. 1. Tim Jackson, Prosperity Without Growth: Economics for a 21. Anna Chittum and Poul Alberg Østergaard, ‘How Danish Towards achieving its aim of having community of Ireland’s transformation to a low carbon Finite Planet, Abingdon, Oxon: Earthscan, 2011. Communal Heat Planning Empowers Municipalities and groups play a significant role in achieving the society. 2. Friends of the Earth Europe, Global 2000 and Sustainable Benefits Individual Consumers,’ Energy Policy, 74(11), Europe Research Institute (SERI), Overconsumption? 2014, 465–474. country’s renewable energy goals, the Scottish • A policy on public procurement that would Our Use of the World’s Natural Resources, 2009. (https:// 22. http://www.heatroadmap.eu/ Government established, in 2011, the Community enable and encourage State agencies to procure www.foeeurope.org/sites/default/files/publications/FoEE_ 23. Tanya Lalor, Co-op Power: Opportunities for Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) to renewable energy from social enterprises. Overconsumption_0909.pdf) Energy Production in Ireland, Dublin: Report of a seminar provide loan finance to communities intending 3. Ibid. hosted by the Society for Co-operative Studies in Ireland, • Proposals to streamline the bureaucratic process 4. Pope Francis, Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common 2014. to establish community-owned renewable energy associated with getting a connection to the Home, Encyclical Letter, Vatican City, 24 May 2015. (http:// 24. Ibid. w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/ projects. This scheme aims to provide loans national electricity grid. 25. David Buchan, The ‘Energiewende’: Germany’s Gamble, towards the high-risk, pre-planning consent papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html) Oxford: The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, University • Funding to resource a third sector intermediary 5. Examples of ‘social objectives’ include providing of Oxford, 2012. stages of renewable energy projects. The scheme employment or delivering a service such as elder care. body that would provide expertise to 26. http://www.communityenergyscotland.org.uk/support/cares is managed on behalf of Scottish Ministers by 6. Gerard Doyle and Tanya Lalor (eds.), Social Enterprise in 27. Community Energy Scotland (CES) is a membership-based Community Energy Scotland Ltd. A key feature communities committed to establishing Ireland – A People’s Economy?, Cork: Oak Tree Press, organisation. Members can share knowledge and connect renewable energy projects. 2012. with other member groups which are developing, or have of the loan finance is that security is not required. 7. John Pearce (with a chapter by Alan Kay), Social already developed, community energy projects. CES Another important element in the support for Enterprise in Anytown, London: Calouste Gulbenkian provides detailed, independent and ongoing support for all renewable energy social enterprise in Scotland is It is incumbent on civil society organisations, Foundation, 2003. aspects of community energy project development, from 8. Gordon Walker, Sue Hunter, Patrick Devine-Wright, Bob micro to megawatt scale. the information, advice and expertise provided including community groups and religious Evans and Helen Fay, ‘Harnessing Community Energies: 28. Department of Communications, Energy and Natural to enterprises by the NGO, Community Energy organisations, to campaign for a more enhanced Explaining and Evaluating Community-Based Localism in Resources, ‘White Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland’. 27 Renewable Energy Policy in the UK’, Global Environmental (http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/energy/en-ie/Energy-Initiatives/ Scotland. role for social enterprises in Ireland’s transition Politics, 7:2, May 2007, 64–82. Pages/White-Paper-on-Energy-Policy-in-Ireland-.aspx) to becoming less dependent on fossil fuels and 9. Ibid. 29. Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home, § 179. Conclusion also to provide leadership to their members to 10. Ibid. collectively strive to initiate renewable energy 11. J.C. Rogers, E.A. Simmons, I. Convery and A. Weatherall, Compared to Denmark and Germany, Ireland has an Gerard Doyle works with TSA social enterprises. In his encyclical letter, Laudato ‘Public Perceptions of Opportunities for Community-based under-developed renewable energy social enterprise Renewable Energy Projects’, Energy Policy, 36(11), 2008, Consultancy and has extensive Si’, Pope Francis highlighted how, in many places, 4217–4226; Patrick Devine-Wright, ‘Lower Aspects of UK sector. In different ways, the State, community and experience in social enterprise co-operatives are producing renewable energy,29 Renewable Energy Development: Exploring Public Beliefs voluntary organisations, third-level institutions and Policy Implications’, Local Environment, 10(1), 2005, development in Ireland. He is co- thus meeting the energy needs of their communities and religious bodies can and should support the 57–69. editor, along with Tanya Lalor, and at the same time demonstrating that there is an 12. J.J. Hain, G.W. Ault, S.J. Galloway, A. Cruden, and J.R. development of this sector. of a collection of essays, Social alternative to the model of economic development McDonald, ‘Additional Renewable Energy Growth through Small-scale Community Orientated Energy Policies’, Enterprise in Ireland: A People’s that currently prevails. Energy Policy, 33 (9), 2005, 1192–1212. If this support is forthcoming, then a range of Economy?, published by Oak Tree 13. Geoff O’Brien and Alex Hope, ‘Localism and Energy: economic and social benefits will accrue to Press, Cork, in 2012. New models of finance are required for social Negotiating Approaches to Embedding Resilience in households, communities and to the State itself – Energy Systems’, Energy Policy, 38(12), 2010, 7550–7558. enterprises to secure the necessary capital to benefits which will not be realised if the private 14. Gordon P. Walker, ‘What are the Barriers and Incentives for establish a renewable energy initiative. Community Community-owned Means of Energy Production and Use?’, sector is afforded, either by design or default, organisations, co-operatives, the credit union Energy Policy, 36(12):4401–4405.

30 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 Working Notes • Issue 77 • September 2015 31