The 16 forests designated as the People's Millennium Forests are now open to visitors with tree planting completed and signage, car-parks, picnic areas and walkways in place.
Find your millennium tree
With almost 1,500 acres of native Irish woodland in total (1,420 acres of which has been planted with new trees) and an investment of €6.35 million, this may well turn out to be the most ambitious project undertaken to mark the start of the new millennium. The species planted are Irish oak (50 per cent), ash (20 per cent), birch (10 per cent), alder (9 per cent), Scots pine (7 per cent) and hazel (4 per cent). Every household on the electoral register was issued with a certificate linked to a tree. However, those keen to seek out the forest in which their tree is planted, should remember that walking through the new plantations is not advisable. For a complete list of the forests, see www.millenniumforests.com
Energy matters
How soon should Ireland begin making a switch to a renewable-energy powered economy? "Now," says petroleum geologist Colin Campbell, "because oil will soon become expensive and scarce." "Immediately," says global strategist Dan Plesch, "no country should risk having its transport system dependent on fuel supplies from highly unstable parts of the world such as the Caspian Basin and the Middle East". "There's no rush," says James Frowd of Shell Oil. Each of the above commentators will present their case at a conference entitled "Ireland's Transition to Renewable Energy", at the Tipperary Institute, Thurles, Co Tipperary, from October 31st to November 2nd. Other hot topics to be discussed by an impressive panel of more than 20 speakers include the implications of a switch to renewable energy on the economy and building a sustainable electricity power system. The conference is organised by Feasta, the foundation for the economics of sustainability. Cost: €250. Booking: 0402- 38529. See www.feasta.org
Eco architecture
The Ecolonia project outside Rotterdam, the Netherlands, was conceived as an experimental residential development to demonstrate sustainable urban planning and sustainable architecture. Dublin-based eco-architect Brian O'Brien who recently visited the project, will speak about it at a talk on eco-communities on Wednesday at 7.30 p.m. in Carmichael House, North Brunswick Street, Dublin. Admission €6/€4. Tel: 01-4912499 for details.
Global warming crop warning
Global warming could increase rice, soybean and wheat production but the greater plant growth could damage the nutritional value of the crops, according to research in the US. "Crops have higher yields when more carbon dioxide [a heat-trapping greenhouse gas linked to car exhausts and fossil fuels] is available. But the nutritional quality declines because while the plants produce more seeds with higher levels of carbon dioxide, the seeds themselves contain less nitrogen," says Peter Curtis, a professor of evolution, ecology and organismal biology at Ohio State University. Nitrogen is important for building protein in humans and animals.