#OONAGOESWILD

Why…?

The Wild Atlantic Way is all about the power of the Atlantic and the land that the ocean forms. However, most people only ever experience it from the land. That is only half the story. Changing that perspective can open up a whole range of new possibilities and truths, expanding the way we see and interact with our world.

Which is now more important than ever as our climate change goals are not being met and were weak, to begin with, and as our seas are on target to have more plastic than fish in them in the next 30 years. We are looking at experiencing real climate disasters in the coming decades unless we can mobilize in an extraordinary way, something humans are completely capable of when the time calls. Well, the time is now, we have reached a crisis point and must mobilize the way we did for World War II if we hope to slow this monster down.

As reported by the Climate Action Network Europe, Ireland is the second to worst in the EU on taking meaningful climate change action, meeting the Paris Agreement at only 21%. Ireland is also Europe’s top producer of plastic waste, according to a 2015 census. As a relatively sparsely populated country with stunning beauty, it could seem like it might almost get away with it.

However, slowly but surely the weather is becoming more and more extreme. Ireland saw the heaviest snowfall in over 30 years followed by the hottest summer in 40 years in 2018. These same stories were told in every community visited in both Europe and the US. The point is, we can no longer ignore it.

In terms of plastic pollution, over 90% of sea birds have been found to have plastic in their stomachs, including young chicks. 100% of marine turtles, 59% of whales and 36% of seals studied were found to have consumed plastic. An estimated eight million tons of plastic enter our seas each day and this tide of plastic is anything but slowing down.

We are lucky enough to live on this spectacular planet and as the most innovative species around, it is our duty to do something about this mess we have created. Yes, the climate does naturally fluctuate, but this is a fluctuation caused by our actions. So, it must be our actions that return the planet to equilibrium.

It’s not just about Ireland. It’s about the entire world as a whole and people everywhere taking meaningful action. This paddle is about showing people how fortunate we are and hopefully inspiring them everywhere to start taking action. We still have beauty and biodiversity, but time is running out. If we take real action, and we take it now, we might just save our home for the next generation, and all generations to come.

That is what this paddle is about. It’s not about showing the devastating effects of climate change or marine pollution, there are other people out there doing a fantastic job showing us this and I highly recommend looking into the topic further. This paddle is about showing people what we have and why humanity should care for this planet. It’s about exulting in the beauty we have all around and inspiring people to take meaningful action to protect it. It’s about slowing down, fully experiencing the world in which we live and living in the world in a harmonious way, instead of a parasitic way. This is the only planet we have to call home, and it is a spectacular one. Meaningful change can take many different shapes. We all can, and must, do something, big or small, to make a difference. Our world is worth fighting for in any and every way possible!