CLIMATE change is now a bigger threat to the global economy than terrorism, the renowned ecologist Duncan Stewart told a packed conference in Tallaght last week.
Speaking at the SMILE Exchange event for businesses at Tallaght Stadium, Duncan warned that Ireland needed to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and learn to upcycle.
“We are stealing from our children’s future by our unsustainable actions today,
? Duncan stated.
“And resource efficiency can save businesses money,
? he added.
Run as part of South Dublin County Council’s Eco Week with the Environmental Protection Agency and the South County Enterprise Board, SMILE Resource Exchange is a free eco-friendly upcycling service network.
Addressing the meeting, Duncan warned businesses that unless we start to reduce greenhouse gases and carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels, we are looking at climate changes at an alarming rate.
SMILE Resource Exchanges create jobs and help all types of businesses to identify opportunities for upcycling and re-using materials to save money and reduce waste going to landfill.
“There is such a dire shortage of landfill in Ireland that most of our landfill is now being shipped to China, India or parts of the UK and Europe,
? he pointed out.
“As a result, it is becoming very costly for us all to throw out food and waste into the bin.
“We need practical solutions like deposit on return policies on drinks. Similarly we need deposit returns on batteries.
“In the Pacific Ocean, there is an island of waste bigger than the size of Texas forming. Over one million birds die every year, choking on plastic in the sea.
“It’s time to wake up before it’s too late.
?