A High Tech Prayer

 An interview with Brendan Smith about Ireland’s environmental issues, grassroots movements and what is going to save the planet.

Brendan Smith, Photo: Tanja Goldbecher

Do you think Ireland is a polluted country?

Brendan Smith: Absolutely, without any hesitation. The problem is, up until about 30 years ago we were very much an agricultural-based economy. Ireland was famous for its green fields, mountains, lakes and bogs. We were spoiled in the sense that we took it for granted and did not have a protective attitude towards the environment.

Was there a time when nature played a bigger role in Irish society?

BS: There was an attitude of caring during the Celtic period up until about 1600 when we had tremendous respect for the environment. It was part of our psyche. In early Christianity we acknowledged trees and animals as having rights. With colonization from 1600 onwards the lands were taken from the Irish people. The woods were cleared out to make ships for the British fleet, to build their houses or to use it as a fuel. We lost touch with the soil the way we used to have respect for it.

Barna Woods, Photo: Donn Morrison

When did that state of mind change?

BS: It is only in recent times that there is an increased awareness of the damage we are actually doing to the environment. Partially, it changed because of the regulation of the European Union. When Ireland joined the European community its priority was to develop the country. There was an exploitation of the land to maximize its profit by the use of chemical fertilizers.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that Ireland is facing challenges in meeting the EU future targets for green house gases. What do you think are the biggest threats for the Irish environment?

BS: Every country in the world is affected by climate change and Ireland is obviously in the front line because of its geographical location. The increased urbanisation is a particular problem. There was a huge growth in housing but little infrastructure or waste management was developed. The exploitation of land for agricultural reasons is another problem.

What should Ireland be concentrating on?

BS: Thankfully, there is a movement back towards agriculture but I think it could be damaging if we use more chemical fertilizers to increase produce. What we should be aiming for is to increase the market for organic farming. We have tremendous advantages in that area. If you look at the rest of Europe cattle is grain fed. In Ireland it is fed from grass in the wilds.

Ireland is importing most its consumed food. Do you think the country could become self-sufficient?

Brendan Smith, Photo: Tanja Goldbecher

BS: Up until the 70s we were relying on our own area to support our food because we were a farm based economy. There is a huge movement, not only in Ireland but all across Europe, of growing food locally. It would have great benefits for the environment in terms of importing and exporting. One of the great developments we had in Ireland in the last few years is the incredible edibles program where every single school in Ireland have their own organic garden. I’m from a generation who forgot how to grow their own food. The next generation coming through the schools are teaching their parents how to grow their own food. I have great optimism in that area.

People would probably miss some of the imported goods.

BS: Bananas and oranges are part of our diet. But it is only one generation back where it was not part of it. At the moment there is a conflict; you can get cheaper fruits from abroad through a supermarket than can be grown locally. I think over time the environmental cost will be taken into account and maybe there will have to be an environmental tax put on produce from abroad.

What has changed since you started to campaign for environmental awareness?

BS: I have been a campaigner since the late 70s when I was a student union leader in Galway. At that time we were more concerned about jobs, control of industries, democracy or women’s rights. The environment was not much in the psyche of young student radicals like myself but in the last few decades there has been a movement towards the environment because we are all on the same planet.

In general, do you think environmental issues are represented very strongly in Ireland?

BS: In grassroots movements yes, on a national level no. There was the green party in the last government and they reneged on a lot of their promises. They were part of the bailout of the private banks and they lost a lot of credibility there. When there is a recession people are more concerned about their jobs than about the environment.

Is it a luxury to take care of the environment?

BS: It is for some people but not for the children. I have great faith in what is going on in the schools at the moment. When people have little money and you give them the choice between organically grown produce that is more expensive or cheaper produce from abroad a lot of people would pick the latter option no matter where it is from. But I don’t think that is going to last because whether we like it or not the world is changing thanks to the damage that has been done through mankind, thanks to climate change, thanks to green house gases. Those things will focus people’s minds.

Do social justice and environmental issues go hand in hand?

BS: Yes, the environment to me is about looking at social justice for every species. I think there has to be a symbiotic relationship between the two. It is a growing problem to look after countries in the developing world. The products and jobs that are created in their own country are often at the expense of the environment and I think that is wrong. The perfect politics for me is a combination of social justice for all and the environment.

Barna Woods, Photo: Donn Morrison

How do you campaign for environmental issues?

BS: The community garden is a good example. We grow food organically and it is also a training ground. People come in and learn how to grow indigenous produce like native Irish apples. We try to make them aware of growing food for themselves but how to look after animals and wild life.

BS: Many people perceive technology and nature as opposing each other. Do you agree with that?

I think technology will save the world. For so long technology and science damaged it. When the transport system was developed huge amounts of forest were cut down. The way I look at technology is that it can benefit the world”. Computer technology can see the changes happening in the world climate and can give you forecasts. It can also decrease the amount of pressure on transport. Technology can become the saviour of the planet and I fundamentally believe in that.

Are you worried if you look at Ireland’s future?

BS: I am very worried because of situations like the banking system which was supposed to be the cheapest bank bailout in history which has become the most expensive one. We are locked into payments that are not our fault. I still have great faith in people. I have gone through so many decades where people have come together and made a difference collectively being proactive at grassroots level. The message of environmentalism is “think globally, act locally”. So it is no use people like me talking about climate change unless you do something at a local level.

What can you do locally?

BS: For example, we are planting trees, we are growing our own vegetables and we are developing cycling and pedestrian trails that will benefit tourism. We collect rubbish in woods and bogs.

What does your ideal society look like?

BS: It would be a situation where parents are actively involved in the schools, where children would be taught arts, science, technology and respect for the environment. As a democracy we would have a lot of local control. Respect for nature and the respect for people would underpin any other subject.

Thank you very much for the interview.

Brendan Smith is the education community outreach officer for Digital Enterprise Research Institute (DERI) at NUI Galway. He has been an environmental activist since the late 70s and has noticed the changes in and around Galway. The 55 year old believes technology will be the saviour of our planet. Brendan was born in Dublin and moved to Carrick Macros in South Manahan at the age of 12. In 1985 he moved to Galway.

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