Affordable, sustainable way of life needed

The Europe-wide ‘earthquake’ election results represents a wake-up call to the business-minded politicians in government currently supposed to be representing the people.

The message to them is: “It’s not the economy, stupid — it’s an affordable, healthy and sustainable way of life, stupid!”

This aim requires balanced development of social, environmental and economic aspects. It cannot be done purely from top-down — government needs to support bottom-up development of resilience in local communities — eco-tourism, local food, local renewable energy initiatives, insulation retro-fitting, local transport, agri-forestry, community gardens and woodlands, community care, etc.

This will have an automatic knock-on effect on national, and ultimately Europe-wide, sustainable development and growth. Consultation, cooperation and collaboration are the key strategies to focus on.

Wake up governments and get your act together before chaos takes over.

Bob Wilson

CELT (Centre for Environmental Living & Training)

Tuamgraney

Co Clare