Irish Quakers discuss sustainability
EcoQuakers Ireland conference re-imagines society sustainably
Almost one hundred people signed up for a ‘Re-imagining Society Sustainably’ online conference last month to consider how to rebuild society after the pandemic.
Three speakers at the EcoQuakers Ireland event on 18 July described their visions for a post-Covid world, emphasising the idea that imagining ideal futures was the first step to them becoming a reality. Denise Gabuzda, Ireland Yearly Meeting clerk and physics and astronomy lecturer at University College Cork, envisaged a more equal society with more renewable energy, more locally grown food, stronger communities, protection of biodiversity and a more peaceful earth. ‘As our planet heals, so will we as we appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things,’ she said.
Féidhlim Harty, from both Cork and Limerick Meetings, urged the gatherers to create a clear vision of a beautiful earth through prayer and meditation. Five actions to help, he said, were to: spend money consciously; live more simply; advocate for change; build and strengthen connections; and remain optimistic and ‘hold the vision’.
Artist and writer Oana Sariana Marian, co-founder of the Active Hope Network, spoke about the need for climate grief and imagination as we work towards a sustainable future. She also encouraged people to self-audit their spending and to educate themselves about how our society functions within the global economy.
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