A chara, – The broad manoeuvres and declarations of Cop26 might have the impact of dislocating the individual from a practical response to the environmental crisis; the macro over the micro.
In such circumstances, local government and representatives have an opportunity to show leadership on local changes. One small change might be to reassess the need for glaring permanent public lighting along our byroads, river walks as well as motorways. What if we were to dim lights after midnight, or reduce the number of lights after a certain time? Do roundabouts and piers need to be fully lit at 4am?
Piercing white permanent street lights, from evening right through to morning, have an impact on birds, insects, bats and all others, the building blocks of our shared environment. While safety of all road users is vital, with the right leadership a middle ground can be achieved.
Part of the response to the profound environmental and biodiversity crisis is through legislation, the other is through common sense and cop on.
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Is mise,
CORMAC Ó CULÁIN,
Spiddal, Co Galway.