When oil peaks: There is growing debate about the timing of peak oil - the moment when global oil production will reach its all-time maximum and begin its inevitable descent.
Oil optimists such as the International Energy Agency say it won't happen for another 25 years, but there's a growing number of oil experts, including Irish-based geologist and founder of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil & Gas, Dr Colin Campbell, who say that oil peak is imminent.
In February this year a US government-commissioned report entitled "Peaking of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation and Risk Management", which examines the likely consequences of the impending global peak, was published. Known as the Hirsch report, after its principal author Robert L Hirsch, it doesn't assess when the global peak is likely to occur, but surveys a range of forecasts, projecting a peak date anywhere from 2005 to 2037.
However, the timing of the peak is crucial if the report's findings are to be taken on board. It states: "The peaking of world oil production presents the US and the world with an unprecedented risk management problem. As peaking is approached, liquid fuel prices and price volatility will increase dramatically, and, without timely mitigation, the economic, social, and political costs will be unprecedented. Viable mitigation options exist on both the supply and demand sides, but to have substantial impact, they must be initiated more than a decade in advance of peaking."
Top tap tips
The Dublin region local authorities are offering simple tips for conserving water. The website www.taptips.ie gives ideas for home, garden and the workplace. With the capital ever-expanding, there's relentless pressure on water supplies from the Wicklow mountains and the Liffey.
The website gives a helpful breakdown of how much water you can save. For instance, by not leaving the tap on when shaving or washing your teeth you can save 6 litres of water per minute.
Eco-day out in Westmeath
An end-of-August event at Rockfield Estate, Rathaspic, Rathowen, Co Westmeath promises to be an enjoyable Sunday out before the holidays end.
Sean and Imelda Daly, who are renovating the old estate, including its original herb garden and kitchen, are hosting "the coming together of people interested in ecological and sustainable living, arts, heritage and culture." Guest speakers include Myrtle Allen of Ballymaloe House, writer Gillis McBain and herbalist Judith Hoad. On August 28th from 9am to 6pm there will be organic food stalls, activities for children and tours of the estate.
Rockfield House is signposted on the N4 Mullingar/Longford road outside Rathowen. Contact 043-76024 or e-mail imeldadaly@eircom.net
Bat night in Limavady
Bring wildlife watching into the night by learning about the bats which flit around our skies from dusk until dawn. At 7.30pm on Tuesday, August 23rd there's an illustrated talk followed by a visit to a local bat roost at the Dogleap Centre at Roe Valley Country Park in Limavady,
Co Derry. Pre-booking is essential. For further details call 028-77767532 (from NI) or 048-77767532 (from the Republic).