A positive systemic change can only make achieving a goal easier, right? As I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, Dublin is miles behind most European capital cities when it comes to public and active transport infrastructure.
I checked out a new podcast recently called «The Climate Alarm Clock» hosted by Darragh Wynne. At the beginning of the first episode, there was a focus on Ireland’s National Development Plan. One conversation stuck out to me. Eamon Ryan, the leader of Ireland’s Green Party, came out and stated that the price of public transport on a national level would not be reduced until more people use it. This is a statement from the leader of a political party that should be focusing on a radical change in making our country more climate friendly. Surely this is a counter-productive way of encouraging change?
Currently, a one-way train ticket from Dublin to Cork costs €26. Compare this to Austria where you can purchase a «Climate Transport» ticket that costs €3. With this ticket, you can use any form of public transport in the country to get around multiple times a day.
I find that I’m asking myself, why is there such a resistance to change in this country? Especially when now, more than ever, change is needed to solve a lot of the crises we face. Is it due to heavy lobbying from lobby groups? Is it a resource issue? If so, why is there a resource issue? Or is it just down to an old Irish mentality of «Ah sure, it’ll be grand»?
I’m halfway through my challenge now, and having support from family, friends and colleagues is encouraging. However, without adequate support from the people at the top, I wonder how long will it take for us to get to where we, as a society, really need to be?
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Darren Clarke commented on Day 15: It’s all about Systems! 4 years agoHi Aaron. I've loved reading your posts to date, including this one. This post really hit home to me though. I love your enthusiasm for change and how you've really embraced change despite some setbacks. However, I agree with your assessment. It seems that unless there is governmental and political support for radical changes in policy and infrastructure change might not happen at either the scale or pace necessary. You've already made a great link between your challenge and the systems that need to change i.e. policy, infrastructure, societal attitudes to transport. Luxembourg is another great example of a country that offers public transport entirely free to all citizens so it can be done! Don't lose hope though - as the training post from today shows, some of the greatest changes in society over the last 100 years have occurred as a result of one or a few individuals trying to change a broken system for the betterment of society and the environment e.g. Greta Thunberg, Gandhi, Rosa Parks. And you are just beginning your journey of change and influence too so there's still time. Have you ever stood up for something you believe in before? What was the outcome? Looking forward to continue reading your posts. Darren Respond
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Aaron McNiffe commented on Day 15: It’s all about Systems! 4 years agoHi Darren. Thank you, I appreciate the positive feedback. Setbacks are just part and parcel of life. The journey we're all on is a marathon, not a sprint. That's what makes it a challenge, and to me, that's the fun of it all. I love embracing change, and it's great to hear that you can see that from my posts. Change is progress, especially when that change is positive and progression is something we need. Speaking of standing up for something I believe in, I have just put up another blog post. All the best with your challenge. Aaron Respond
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