Working towards a sufficiency-based approach to the extraction and use of resources
Feasta is working with partner organisations to identify and address the economic dynamics that are encouraging the current rush to mineral prospecting and mining, both in Ireland and elsewhere.
While it is clear that everyone on the planet needs access to a certain amount of energy and resources in order to live a decent and dignified life, we believe it is dangerously erroneous to assume that overall energy and resource use must (and can) therefore remain at its present high level, or indeed increase.
Rather than planning for a massive expansion in minerals mining in order to achieve decarbonisation, we advocate a sufficiency-focussed approach which focuses on ensuring that our energy and resource needs can be met within planetary boundaries, while supporting the rights of communities to say no to mining.
Feasta member Emma Karran is a representative of the Environmental Pillar on the Advisory Group on Irish State policy on mineral prospecting and mining, while Feidhlim Harty is a Pillar representative in the Waste Advisory Group.
Sign up (for free) to stay informed about Feasta's research into the vital changes that are needed in our global energy, food, monetary and taxation systems in order to respond to the environmental emergency that humanity is facing.