Independent.ie

 

EU leaders reached a deal to cut climate emissions in the bloc by 55% within a decade compared to 1990 levels after all-night talks to resolve how the change could be fairly implemented. The 2030 target is a key part of the EU’s aim to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, and comes as the bloc signed off on a €1.85 trillion budget and stimulus package tied to green investments and digitalisation projects. “That’s a historic development,” said Taoiseach Micheál Martin as he emerged on Friday from the marathon debate with fellow EU leaders devoted to getting the climate agreement over the line.

Video Competition

 

Poster Competition

 

 

Only 3.2 million of the estimated 10 million lightbulbs sold in 2019 were recycled, according to Waste, Electrical and Electronic Equipment Ireland. That leaves up to 6.8 million bulbs which could have been sent to landfill via household rubbish bins. This creates a severe health and environmental hazard as many bulbs are fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps, which can contain traces of mercury and other very harmful chemicals.

Hydrogen powered buses in Dublin.

The first hydrogen-powered bus is going to be introduced in Ireland and will be the first of it's kind in Irish public transport, it is going under trials, it is apart of the HMI (Hydrogen Mobility Ireland) initiative which focuses on the role of Hydrogen power in the transport industry in Ireland. Hopefully this goes well and can turn over a leaf for carbon emissions in the transport sector and all of Ireland.

What is Solar Energy ?

 Solar energy is radiant light and heat from the Sun that is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.

Solar Energy Fact

•  Solar energy isn't as new as you think it is

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• Believe it or not, solar energy was actually discovered  around 200 years ago by Alexandre Edmond Becquerel in 1839. He discovered  the ability to create electrical currents using a conductor and the sun’s rays.

wind power

 

Wind Power

 

 

New Committee formation

 

Refocus on energy

 

 

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/masks-and-gloves-add-to-litter-woes-as-cities-lose-clean-status-1020452.html?utm_source=iosapp&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=sharebutton

https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/masks-and-gloves-add-to-litter-woes-as-cities-lose-clean-status-1020452.html?utm_source=iosapp&utm_medium=share&utm_campaign=sharebutton

Climate Action Week

 

https://www.comhairlenanog.ie/

 https://www.comhairlenanog.ie/

image sourced from Happy Earth Day Illustration - Download Free Vectors, Clipart Graphics & Vector Art

How COVID-19 Is Affecting Our Environment

Wuhan’s air pollution is replaced by breathable skies
Photo Credit: Nasa 
The epicenter of the corona virus was also a major industrial hub, with a hazardous level of air pollution. But the lock-down in China’s Hubei province has unintentionally brought emissions under control. According to China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the air quality improved by 21.5 per cent in February.

Single-use masks clutter Hong Kong’s scenic locations

Photo Credit: Shutterstock
 in China, a shortage sprang up quick, with citizens resorting to using fruit rinds, mesh bags and even brassieres to protect their face. Hong Kong's seven million-plus residents have been using single-use surgical face masks, but not disposing them properly. As a result, they have started to litter forests, nature trails and beaches. Masks have washed up on the sands of the Soko islands, an uninhabited group south of the city. Hong Kong's residents lead a fast-paced life, with most waste going to landfill instead of being recycled. Since the rot is deep, the masks are showing up in large enough numbers to even affect marine life (choking, strangling) or amplify the spread of germs from asymptomatic carriers.

With a decline in tourists, Venice's canals clear up

Photo Credit: Marco Capovilla/Venezia Pulita

 After Italy went under lock-down, the reduced tourism appeared to have improved water quality along the canals. Locals marveled at the clarity, and at being able to see fish swimming about. The Venice mayor's office, however, said it was a false alarm. The lack of boats meant the waters were simply undisturbed, allowing sediments to settle at the bottom of the canals. A spokesman confirmed that air quality, instead, has been better, due to restricted boat traffic and resident movement. 

original source: For Better or Worse, COVID-19 is Changing Our Environment - Outlook Traveller

 

How to help out the Bees!!!

After my previous post, your probably thinking "How can I help the bees?". Well I'm here to help !

I have prepared a flower guide to help feed and attract our little friends !

Here are 8 Perennial flowers, which are ideal since they are low maintenance and grow every year so you don't have to re regrow them.

#1. Cardoon 

Bloom: All year long

#2. Black Eyed Susans

Bloom: Summer and Autumn 

#3. Snowdrops

Bloom: Late Winter and Early Spring

#4. Sunflowers

Bloom: Summer and Early Autumn

#5. Marigolds

Bloom: Late Spring and Autumn

#6. Poppies

Bloom: Spring

#7. Geraniums

Bloom: Spring, Early Summer, and Autumn

#8. Lavender

Bloom: Summer

Images were sourced from:

#1: https://insteading.com/

#2: https://www.shutterstock.com/

#3: https://www.gardendesign.com/

#4: https://www.almanac.com/

#5: https://www.gardendesign.com/

#6: https://www.gardenersworld.com/

#7: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/

#8: https://www.gardendesign.com/

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