The discovery of oil over a century ago has been likened to nothing less than winning an energy jackpot of unprecedented proportions. However, with the steady and rapid decline of this resource we are now close (or past) the critical point known as peak oil. In this context, the need to look at energy alternatives is not an idle pastime but rapidly becoming a necessity. It is in our best interests to anticipate such problems and to be proactive in creating an energy efficient and low-carbon future.
There is much we as a community can do to achieve this. We can explore energy efficient strategies for the home, farm or business. House insulation, passive design, space and water heating technologies, wind-turbines!! For example, many communities around the world have created groups that help each other to install (and sometimes even to make) such technologies as Solar Hot Water Collectors. These are some of the possibilities we want to engage with at a grassroots and community driven level.
Here, in Clonmel, there are many possibilities: Optimising the efficiency of your home, ingenuous use of green technologies, home-made technologies. Hydro Energy! Energy Descent Action Route! Wind Turbines! If these are your interests then don’t waste time. Get involved and help to make us transition to a sustainable future. Send an e-mail and voice your interest (and attend some transition events). Hope to see you there.
And hey, don’t forget that Clonmel runs a popular Advanced Certificate in Domestic Sustainable Energy (see part-time courses at www.tippinst.ie). Our local graduates and community interest in sustainable energy in general, means we are well positioned to achieve much and even to be leaders in this critically important area.
