Ecology
“We stand at a critical moment in Earth’s history” (The Earth Charter). Global warming is perhaps the most serious and urgent threat facing humanity. Yet we remain stubbornly slow to change personal, social and economic behaviours, which contribute to the rise in the Earth’s temperature.
The current model of economic development is simply unsustainable. A rise in the Earth’s temperature by 2 degrees Celsius will see rising sea levels, extinction of up to 40% of the world’s species, and extreme weather patterns leading to economic depression. Ireland looks set to miss its Kyoto target for emissions for 2010.
What we are doing
Presentation sisters and colleagues work to raise awareness, change behaviour and influence policy on sustainable living. The following are examples of our work:
- Involvement with the Mountmellick Environment Group and its direct engagement with local communities, local authorities and other agencies.
- Our ‘Sustainable Living Programme’ and its engagement with over 1,000 participants.
- Support, collaboration and encouragement through our networks for the ‘Green Schools’.
- Networking and collaborating with the ‘Nano Nagle Heritage, Spirituality and Ecology Centre’ with its organic farm, its programmes and its use of state of the art sustainable design practices and materials.
- Membership of a number of environmental and sustainable organisations such as ‘Stop Climate Chaos Coalition’ and participation in and the support for their campaigns.
- Membership of the International Presentation Association which has NGO status on the Economic and Social Council at the United Nations and which engages in networking and advocacy on international issues related to poverty and the environment.