Government minded to approve Bathside Bay port development
23 Dec, 2005 14Kb
This week (Wednesday 21 December) the Government issued a letter stating that it is ?minded to approve? a controversial application for a massive new port at Bathside Bay at Harwich, Essex, which would destroy internationally important wildlife areas and lower the quality of life for local residents. Friends of the Earth is convinced that the timing of the announcement, which has been expected for months, is a deliberate attempt by the Department for Transport to bury bad news before Christmas. The proposal was the subject of a five month long public inquiry in 2004.

EU Commission Allows GM Contamination of Organic Farming
22 Dec, 2005 15Kb
The European Commission has authorised genetic contamination in organic agriculture, clearly putting the biotech industry before organic farmers and consumers. In a draft Regulation on Organic Production, adopted by the Commission yesterday, products containing up to 0.9% GMOs (genetically modified organisms) can be labelled as organic. This is a step backwards compared to existing EU legislation. Independent legal advice obtained by Friends of the Earth and other NGOs concludes that the Organic Regulation currently in force does not allow an organic product to contain GMOs or GM derivatives in any quantity.

New EU Waste Directive Encourages Incineration
21 Dec, 2005 22Kb
New draft waste proposals, published by the European Commission today, will result in more household rubbish going up in smoke and less being recycled, Friends of the Earth said today. The new draft ?Waste Framework Directive? sets the agenda for waste policy in the EU & UK. Friends of the Earth is urging the European Commission to give more priority to recycling, composting and waste minimisation.

Making some green resolutions for 2006? Try our climate change top tips
20 Dec, 2005 20Kb
If you're planning to start the New Year by making a few resolutions and you want some ideas on how to green your lifestyle and save money too, try Friends of the Earth's ten top tips on climate change. 1. Save energy and save on bills by swapping your ordinary light bulbs for energy saving ones. Some use a quarter of the energy and can last up to 12 times longer. If all inefficient light bulbs in the UK were replaced with new super-efficient LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs, it would save almost as much energy as a nuclear power station produces.

Face-saving deal in Hong Kong bad news for people and environment
19 Dec, 2005 15Kb
As the World Trade Organisation (WTO)"s Ministerial meeting came to an end today, Friends of the Earth declared that the WTO and the global trade system remained in crisis. The WTO"s agreement contains proposals that will further threaten the global environment and the livelihoods of the world?s poorest people.

Shell accused of contempt of court over continued illegal gas flaring
16 Dec, 2005 25Kb
Contempt of court proceedings were today (16 December 2005) started against Shell Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for failing to comply with a court order, issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria on 14 November 2005, to stop flaring gas with immediate effect in Iwherekan community, Delta state. The court found gas flaring to be a ?gross violation? of the rights to life and dignity.

Asda Joins Roundtable on Palm Oil
16 Dec, 2005 18Kb
Friends of the Earth welcomed the announcement today that Asda, the UK?s second biggest supermarket, has agreed to take action to source more sustainable palm oil by joining the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. The Roundtable is an association of business and NGO representatives seeking to promote sustainable palm oil.

Friends of the Earth charity screening at Prince Charles Cinema
15 Dec, 2005 18Kb
Friends of the Earth will be taking charge of the projection box at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square on Saturday 7 January 2006 1:00pm, with a charity screening of Fly Away Home, a green movie with family appeal. Keep you eyes peeled for the flyer that doubles up as a goose: it has a special offer. Standard tickets are &?163;4.00 - to book early go to www.princecharlescinema.com or call 0870 811 2559.

RARE GRAY WHALES THREATENED BY OIL AND GAS PROJECT
14 Dec, 2005 22Kb
An oil and gas project, which will be part-funded by UK tax-payers, and which threatens the feeding grounds of the last 100 Western Gray Whales, looks set to proceed following the controversial approval today of an environmental impact assessment. Friends of the Earth has greeted today?s news with dismay.

WTO GM TRADE WAR - HAS EUROPE LOST THE CASE?
14 Dec, 2005 40Kb
The Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organisation refused to confirm rumours that Europe has lost the transatlantic trade dispute on genetically modified (GM) foods. Friends of the Earth Europe Trade campaigner Alexandra Wandel said: ?The World Trade Organisation should have the guts to tell European consumers that free trade rules come before their safety and that they will be forced to eat genetically modified foods whether they want to or not."

WTO talks threaten livelihoods, but fisheries may escape the net
13 Dec, 2005 19Kb
On the day trade ministers from 149 nations meet in Hong Kong to press on with lowering trade barriers through the World Trade Organisation (WTO), support for a plan to increase pressure on beleaguered fish stocks is waning. Friends of the Earth is warning that talks cannot succeed in reducing global poverty without putting management of environmental resources at the top of the agenda.

RICHARD SANDBROOK
13 Dec, 2005 12Kb
It was with great sadness that Friends of the Earth has learnt about the death of its former director Richard Sandbrook.

WTO GAMBLING WITH LIVELIHOODS AND ENVIRONMENT
12 Dec, 2005 30Kb
On the eve of the World Trade Organisation?s (WTO) 6th Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong, environment and anti-poverty campaigners have delivered a statement to Prime Minister Tony Blair, demanding the Government reject any deal that continues to allow big businesses to compound poverty and environmental degradation. Friends of the Earth?s Trade spokesperson Eve Mitchell said: ?The WTO is taking the world in the wrong direction. It threatens to increase poverty by accelerating the degradation of the natural world that we all rely on. The World Resources Institute, United Nations and World Bank all agree that tackling poverty should begin with natural resources. The UK and EU have got to do better than repeat to us that they will ?bolt on? the environment after a trade deal is done ? it simply doesn?t work like that.?

HISTORIC AGREEMENT STRENGTHENS GLOBAL RESOLVE ON CLIMATE CHANGE
12 Dec, 2005 21Kb
Government leaders have reached a historic agreement on future action to tackle climate change. Friends of the Earth International Vice Chair Tony Juniper said: ?This is an historic agreement which will strengthen global resolve with legally-binding targets to take action to tackle climate change under the Kyoto Protocol, despite Russia?s attempt to wreck the deal. It has sent a clear signal that the future lies in cleaner and more sustainable technologies and is good news for people everywhere

Environmental and social damage from free trade exposed in new report
08 Dec, 2005 23Kb
The danger that current WTO trade negotiations pose to people and their environment is exposed in a new report ?The Tyranny of Free Trade?, published today (8 December 2005) by Friends of the Earth International. It comes on the same day as 750,000 votes for trade justice are to be delivered to Tony Blair ahead of the 13-18 December World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong. The report presents a series of case studies from the Seychelles to Indonesia exposing the environmental and social impacts of current free trade policies in including damage to forests, fisheries, food, minerals, water and biodiversity.

BROWN FACES LEGAL CHALLENGE AFTER SCRAPPING OFR
08 Dec, 2005 19Kb
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, may face a judicial review over his highly controversial decision - announced at the CBI conference last week - to scrap plans to make publicly-listed companies report annually on social and environmental issues that affect their business.

Minister Must Rescue Montreal Climate Talks
07 Dec, 2005 20Kb
Ministers arriving in Montreal for the UN Climate Talks must push ahead for international action and not allow the US administration to hold the world hostage, Friends of the Earth urged today (Wednesday 7th December). The world?s biggest polluter has refused to enter in to dialogue on future action on tackling climate change at the talks and has walked away from efforts by other countries to bring it on board.

BUDGET LACKS CLIMATE CHANGE URGENCY...AGAIN
05 Dec, 2005 18Kb
Friends of the Earth has criticised the Chancellor today for failing to take the urgent action needed to tackle climate change and stimulate a low carbon economy in his pre-Budget statement.

GOVERNMENT HOUSING FREE-FOR-ALL SLAMMED
05 Dec, 2005 20Kb
The Government?s new housing plans will have a disastrous impact on the environment, Friends of the Earth warned today.

Recycling rules must block rogue operators
05 Dec, 2005 21Kb
In response to the disturbing allegations due to be made in the BBC?s ?Real Story? documentary tonight, Friends of the Earth is calling for tougher enforcement of waste laws to ensure that rogue operators are prosecuted. The environmental group has long campaigned for high recycling rates, but the recycling must be genuine. The documentary, ?How Green is Your Wheelie?, investigates the shipping of rubbish to Indonesia which was supposed to be waste paper but was in fact unsorted waste. This case comes on top of recent investigations by the Environment Agency which found mixed rubbish in containers for export that were labelled as containing waste paper.

UK Must Show Stronger Leadership in Climate Talks
05 Dec, 2005 16Kb
The UK Presidency of the European Union is putting the future of the Montreal climate talks at risk, Friends of the Earth warned today, as negotiations moved into the crucial second week. Friends of the Earth said that the EU?s insistence on opening the door to a non-target based approach to tackling climate change is undermining international consensus on the need for urgent action.

New climate campaign partnership between The Co-operative Bank and Friends of the Earth
05 Dec, 2005 34Kb
The Co-operative Bank and Friends of the Earth today announced that they will be working in partnership throughout 2006 on a joint climate change campaign. The Bank has a long history of campaigning on issues relating to its Ethical Policy, and has joined forces with Friends of the Earth to launch its new campaign ?Combating Climate Change?. The Bank and Friends of the Earth will work together on a range of new projects, communications and awareness raising activities. The Bank is also backing Friends of the Earth?s climate campaign ?The Big Ask?, calling for a new law so that the Government reduces carbon dioxide emissions by three per cent every year.

Brown breaks promises over green taxes
04 Dec, 2005 18Kb
Brown breaks promises over green taxes.

LONDON CLIMATE CHANGE MARCH
02 Dec, 2005 18Kb
A climate change march and rally is taking place in London this Saturday (3 December 2005) to coincide with demonstrations in 32 countries worldwide, as part of an international effort to raise the profile of climate change during the critical UN talks in Montreal, Canada. The march is organised by the Campaign against Climate Change and by many of the UK"s leading social, environmental and political groups, including Friends of the Earth. It will go past Downing Street, where a letter will be handed in, demanding that the British government reaffirm its commitment to an international climate treaty with legally binding targets on emission reductions.

CLIMATE CHANGE MUST BE AT THE HEART OF BUDGET STATEMENT
02 Dec, 2005 17Kb
Measures to tackle climate change must be at the heart of Gordon Brown?s pre-Budget statement on the 5th December, Friends of the Earth said today. Taking steps to cut emissions would be good for the economy and good for the environment

Climate Talks- Slow Start but Real Progress Can Still Be Made
01 Dec, 2005 23Kb
As the UN Climate Change Talks in Montreal reach the half way point, Friends of the Earth International urged developed countries, particularly the EU and the Canadian Presidency, to take a stronger lead in pushing for real progress in the days to come.

FINANCE SECTOR PROFITING FROM POVERTY, ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE AND HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, SAY UK CHARITIES
01 Dec, 2005 32Kb
Ten leading UK charities today publish a report that exposes the damaging impacts of the European finance sector on the environment, human rights and development. This report has been compiled in response to the UK government?s failure to exercise leadership to ensure that the finance sector does not continue to undermine global policy objectives in areas ranging from climate change to corruption to the Millennium Development Goals. The publication of the report coincides with a major European conference opening in London today hosted by the UK Presidency of the EU, "Investing in the Future: a European conference on CSR and the finance sector?.

Mosaic Spells Out Message to Climate Talks
30 Nov, 2005 17Kb
A 160ft (50m)- long mosaic will be unveiled outside the UN Climate Conference at 1.15pm today (Wednesday 30th November), spelling out a key message to delegates inside the conference centre. The mosaic, made up of more than 3,000 tiles with messages about climate change painted by people around the world, will urge delegations to take international action to tackle climate change as delegates make the first crucial decision of the conference.

UK NEEDS A CLEAN SAFE, ENERGY POLICY
29 Nov, 2005 15Kb
Following today?s announcement of a Government Energy Review, Friends of the Earth director, Tony Juniper, said: ?The solution to climate change and energy security will be found in the development of clean and safe energy sources, including renewable power, energy efficiency and the cleaner use of fossil fuels. We are confident that the review announced today, if conducted fairly, will reach this conclusion too. But we are deeply worried that the Prime Minister has fallen for the nuclear spin, and has already made up his mind.

MPs QUESTION BUSINESS LOBBY'S INFLUENCE ON ENVIRONMENT POLICY
29 Nov, 2005 19Kb
MPs will question whether business lobby groups are a barrier to environmental policy making, at a seminar in the House of Commons today (Tuesday 29th November) organised by Friends of the Earth and hosted by the Conservative MP and Chair of the Environment Audit Committee, Peter Ainsworth

ENERGY REVIEW MUST PAVE WAY FOR CLEAN AND SAFE ENERGY
29 Nov, 2005 42Kb
The Government?s Energy Review, to be announced later today (Tuesday), must pave the way for clean, safe alternatives to meet Britain?s energy needs, rather than rubber stamp a new generation of nuclear power stations, Friends of the Earth said today. The environmental campaign group said that a comprehensive programme to reduce electricity waste, increase renewable energy-use and use fossil fuels more efficiently can ensure that the UK meets its targets for cutting greenhouse gases while maintaining fuel security

Brown's big green failure
28 Nov, 2005 17Kb
Friends of the Earth today expressed shock at the Chancellor?s announcement at CBI annual conference, that the Government will abandon its only policy measure to date requiring more environmentally responsible corporate behaviour. The decision to abandon the Operating and Financial Review (OFR), which contained modest measures to promote more responsible green behaviour from companies, is a clear signal that the Chancellor is willing to allow communities and the environment to suffer at the hands of British companies. The move appears calculated to enable the Chancellor to trumpet ?pro-business? credentials.

UN Climate Talks Start in Montreal
28 Nov, 2005 13Kb
Crucial talks on future action to tackle climate change begin in Montreal, Canada, today (Monday 28th November) as the urgent need for action becomes more apparent. Friends of the Earth urged negotiators to remember that people?s lives and livelihoods are at stake.

UN CLIMATE TALKS START IN MONTREAL
25 Nov, 2005 18Kb
Crucial talks on future action to tackle climate change begin in Montreal, Canada, today (Monday 28th November) as the urgent need for action becomes more apparent. Friends of the Earth urged negotiators to remember that people?s lives and livelihoods are at stake. The United Nations Climate Change Conference is set to be the largest inter-governmental climate conference since the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 with some 8,000?10,000 participants expected to attend. Crucially the agenda will look at the next phase of the Kyoto Protocol ? with the current commitment phase coming to an end in 2012.

House of Lords Seminar on Oil and Nigeria
23 Nov, 2005 22Kb
Press release issued for Platform

EU FORCED TO CONSIDER UK BID TO INCREASE CLIMATE POLLUTION
23 Nov, 2005 18Kb
The UK Government has won a legal bid ?1? to force the EU to consider an increase in the amount of climate-changing pollution that UK companies can emit under the EU EmissionsTrading Scheme. Friends of the Earth has criticised the UK Government for bringing the legal challenge saying that the UK is already falling well short of its targets for cutting carbon dioxide.

BLAIR MUST NOT BACK NEW NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
21 Nov, 2005 15Kb
Friends of the Earth has reacted angrily to reports that ?Britain will start building new civil nuclear power stations under plans backed by Tony Blair?, before a Government energy review has even begun.

EU Hazardous Chemicals Vote Leaves Huge Gaps on Safety
17 Nov, 2005 13Kb
Environmental, women?s, health and consumer organisations recognised the important step taken by Parliament today towards replacing hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives but regretted that MEPs exempted thousands of chemicals from the need to provide any health and safety information.

Montreal Will Test Blair on Climate Change
17 Nov, 2005 20Kb
The Montreal Climate Talks will be the crucial test of Tony Blair?s commitment to tackling climate change, Friends of the Earth said today, as speculation grows around the UK Government?s line. Representatives from 190 countries will attend the UN Climate Conference in Montreal from 28 November 2005 for crucial talks on the future development of the Kyoto Protocol.

Forests and People Under Threat from Trade Talks
16 Nov, 2005 25Kb
The livelihoods of millions of the world?s poorest people are at risk from new trade rules, a report from Friends of the Earth reveals today (Wednesday 16th November). The new research, launched in Parliament, comes as Britain?s Prime Minister Tony Blair pushed for even faster trade liberalisation ahead of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial in Hong Kong.

Dreaming of a 'green' Christmas? Try Friends of the Earth's twenty top tips
15 Nov, 2005 27Kb
Are you dreaming of a ?green? Christmas? Well, even if you?re not, you can enjoy the festive season by taking inspiration from our ideas for presents, parties and decorations which won?t cost the earth.

DRAFT CLIMATE STRATEGY LEAKED
14 Nov, 2005 18Kb
Reacting to the leak of the Government?s draft new climate change programme in today?s Guardian, Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper said: ?A fundamental review of all Government policies is desperately needed if the UK is to meet its targets for cutting carbon dioxide. But today?s leaked document suggests that the Government is only prepared to tinker at the margins. This is the same approach used for its last climate strategy which is woefully off course."

COURT CASE RESULT - OIL COMPANIES ORDERED TO STOP GAS FLARING IN NIGERIA
14 Nov, 2005 36Kb
In a historic judgment today, the Federal High Court of Nigeria has ordered companies to stop gas flaring in the Niger Delta, as it violates guaranteed constitutional rights to life and dignity. In a case brought against the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (Shell), Justice C. V. Nwokorie ruled in Benin City that the damaging and wasteful practice of flaring by all the major companies, including ExxonMobil, ChevronTexaco, TotalFinaElf and Agip, as well as Shell, in joint ventures with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, cannot lawfully continue and must stop.

Trade Talks at a Standstill: Good News for Environment
11 Nov, 2005 17Kb
As the World Trade Organisation General Council meets in Geneva today (Friday 11th November), Friends of the Earth International applauded developing countries? apparent success in resisting European and US pressure to open their markets.

Tesco Comes Bottom of the Class for Apple Sourcing
11 Nov, 2005 25Kb
A new survey released today (Friday 11th November) shows that Britain?s biggest supermarket is failing British apple growers by importing the vast majority of its apples at the height of the UK apple season. The survey, carried out by Friends of the Earth, found that Tesco was the worst of the supermarkets for UK sourcing, despite proclaiming their commitment to English fruit growing.

Government and Industry Must Do More on Greener Cars
10 Nov, 2005 24Kb
On the day (Thurs 10 Nov) the UK Government hosts a major international conference on greener cars as part of its presidency of the G8 and the EU, Friends of the Earth has called on ministers to cut road tax on fuel-efficient cars and to do more to encourage manufacturers to produce and promote new models of greener cars.

Ten Years On: Shell Still Not Welcome in Nigeria
10 Nov, 2005 23Kb
Shell?s operations in Nigeria are still harming communities and environment, 10 years on from the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa, according to a report published today by Friends of the Earth in Nigeria. In London, Friends of the Earth will be among the individuals and organisations marking the anniversary as part of Remember Saro-Wiwa.

Chemicals Industry Wrecking EU Chemicals Legislation
10 Nov, 2005 20Kb
The European chemical industry has been progressively weakening the European Chemicals Reform (REACH), contrary to its publicly voiced support for the legislative proposal according to a report released today (Thursday 10th November) by Friends of the Earth Europe.

YOUNG PEOPLE TAKE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
08 Nov, 2005 24Kb
Sixty per cent of young people, aged 8-14, are concerned that the world will suffer the effects of climate change when they are adults and more than seventy per cent of them already take action at home or school to save energy, a new survey reveals today. The results are published as part of Friends of the Earth?s activity week for schools ?Shout about climate change?, which runs from 7-11 November 2005. Climate change is again high on the international agenda, as world leaders prepare for talks in Montreal, Canada at the end of November 2005. This will be their first meeting since the Kyoto Protocol became law in February 2005.

Demand for Energy Not Sustainable, IEA Warns
07 Nov, 2005 17Kb
New figures, published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) today (Monday 7th November), show that global emissions of carbon dioxide look set to rise by 52 per cent by 2030 because of growing energy demand. Friends of the Earth said the figures showed the urgent need for international action to tackle climate change by switching to low carbon energy supplies.

CLIMATE THREAT TO HOUSE INSURANCE
05 Nov, 2005 19Kb
Climate change could cause the number of people at high risk from flooding to rise from 1.5 million to 3.5 million, and some homes and businesses could be uninsurable to flood risk in the future, a new report warns today. Friends of the Earth says that the report by MORE THAN, the direct arm of insurer Royal & Sun Alliance, shows the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gases.

Company Law Reform Fails People and the Environmen
03 Nov, 2005 22Kb
Friends of the Earth today (Thursday 3rd November) accused the Government of putting the interests of big business before those of individuals or the wider environment, with the publication of the draft Company Law Reform Bill. Tabled yesterday in the House of Lords, the Bill represents the biggest shake-up of company law in 150 years. Amongst its provisions, the Bill includes the first ever statutory statement of the legal obligations placed on company directors (referred to as directors? duties).

MPs Take Evidence on Supermarket Impacts on the High Street
03 Nov, 2005 22Kb
Tesco will today (Thursday 3rd November) give evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Small Shops, following warnings that the supermarket giant?s rapid expansion is bad for British business, bad for consumers and bad for the environment. Friends of the Earth is calling on the All Party Group to press for changes in planning policy and for the UK Competition Commission to stop the Tesco takeover.

PM Downplays Clear Targets and Frameworks for Tackling Climate Change
01 Nov, 2005 19Kb
Friends of the Earth tonight attacked the Prime Minister?s questioning of clear targets and frameworks following the meeting of G8 energy and environment ministers in London today (Tuesday 1st November). The Prime Minister, speaking after the meeting, said talk of specific frameworks and targets made people ?very nervous and very worried"' and went on ?People fear some external force is going to impose some internal target on you which is going to restrict your economic growth.?

World Bank Failing to Meet Renewable Targets
01 Nov, 2005 21Kb
Report published by Friends of the Earth US

Call for G8 Action on Energy Efficiency
01 Nov, 2005 25Kb
The UK Government must ensure that G8 countries reach international agreement on reducing the growing demand for energy said Friends of the Earth, as G8 energy ministers meet in London today (Tuesday 1st November). The environmental campaign group wants the UK Government to push the G8 to provide financial, technical and policy assistance to developing countries to help them reduce growth in energy demand through energy efficiency policies.

Green Cars workshop
31 Oct, 2005 187Kb
A presentation on green cars for workshop at Transport and Climate Change training day on Saturday 22nd October 2005.

Aviation Workshop - Planning System
31 Oct, 2005 46Kb
A presentation on the Airport Master Plan process for Aviation workshop at Transport and Climate Training Day on Saturday 22nd October 2005.

Aviation Workshop - Airport Growth
31 Oct, 2005 437Kb
A presentation by Simon Bowens for Aviation workshop at Transport and Climate Training Day in Birmingham on Saturday 22nd October 2005.

Transport Campaign Plans and Priorities
31 Oct, 2005 1.016Mb
A presentation about Friends of the Earth's campaign strategy for Transport and Climate Training Day in Birmingham on Saturday 22nd October 2005.

Transport and Climate Change overview
31 Oct, 2005 204Kb
A presentation by Tony Bosworth on the impacts of transport on climate change for the Transport and Climate Change training day in Birmingham on Saturday 22nd October 2005

Big Ask presentation
31 Oct, 2005 363Kb
A presentation on Friends of the Earth's Big Ask campaign by Martyn Williams at the Transport and Climate training day on Saturday 22nd October 2005

Climate Science presentation notes
31 Oct, 2005 63Kb
Notes to accompany the presentation by Roger Higman at the Transport and Climate training day in Birmingham on Saturday 22nd October 2005

Climate Science presentation
31 Oct, 2005 955Kb
Presentation by Roger Higman for Transport and Climate training day in Birmingham on Saturday 22nd October 2005.

Response to Tony Blair's climate change article in the Observer
01 Jan, 2005 19Kb
The Observer this week carries and article from British Prime Minister Tony Blair on climate change. Friends of the Earth welcomes the Prime Minister"s continuing efforts to elevate climate change on the political agenda, but is very concerned that words are still not matched by sufficient action to deal with the threat. In reaction to the article Friends of the Earth's Executive Director, Tony Juniper, said: "Tony Blair is genuinely concerned by the threat posed by climate change and he has done well in putting the issue in the public eye. And now the public is quite rightly asking what is being done. The answer, however, is precious little.

Orang-utans Go Ape in Tesco
29 Oct, 2005 18Kb
Two life-size orang-utans will go shopping in Tesco today (Saturday 29th October 2005) to highlight how the UK supermarket is threatening the survival of their species. The action will be just one of 90 protests against Tesco around the country to raise awareness of the plight of the orang-utan. The apes are at risk because rainforests in South East Asia are being destroyed to make way for palm oil plantations, with palm oil now found in one in ten supermarket products in the UK.

EAST OF ENGLAND'S CONTRIBUTION TO GLOBAL WARMING SET TO SOAR
28 Oct, 2005 31Kb
Region?s masterplan needs target to cut climate change emissions Greenhouse gas emissions will soar across the East of England unless the Regional Assembly amends its plan to promote large scale and rapid growth, Friends of the Earth East of England warned today. The warning comes as the Examination in Public of the East of England Plan opens in Ely today (Tuesday, 1 November).

OFT to Reconsider Supermarket Dominance of the High Street
28 Oct, 2005 19Kb
PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES

Shell Profits from Climate Change
27 Oct, 2005 17Kb
Friends of the Earth today slammed oil giant Shell?s record profit increase, saying that people and the environment were paying the price. The company reported an increase in profits of 68 per cent on the same period last year ? exceeding the record profits reported by rival oil giant BP earlier this week.

PRINCE CHARLES CLIMATE CALL SHOWS HE IS MAN OF THE PEOPLE
27 Oct, 2005 18Kb
Commenting on Prince Charles? interview with the BBC Friends of the Earth Director Tony Juniper said: ?Prince Charles is right in saying that not enough is being done about climate change and is reflecting the opinion of the majority of the British public. Carbon Dioxide emissions have risen since Labour came to power and a poll by Friends of the Earth this summer showed 73% of people believe the Government is not doing enough to tackle climate change.? ?Friends of the Earth?s climate campaign The Big Ask includes a call for the Government to bring in the Climate Change Bill which would oblige the UK Government to commit to year on year reductions to deal with climate change.?

Biomass Taskforce ignores business, farmers and green groups
25 Oct, 2005 24Kb
Today, Friends of the Earth, businesses, farmers and trade associations, disputed claims by the Biomass Task Force that a long?term incentive for renewable heat is ?unworkable? and called on the government not to close the door on the idea of a renewable heat obligation.

LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES MUST SET TARGETS FOR CUTTING CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS
21 Oct, 2005 24Kb
Local authorities and regional assemblies must set targets for cutting their area?s contribution to global warming and ensure that their policies help them achieve this, Friends of the Earth said today. The environmental campaign group said that the Government must also bring in a law to make it legally responsible for cutting carbon dioxide emissions by three per cent every year. The call comes as the Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs, published new figures estimating carbon dioxide emissions from each region in England and local authority area in the UK.

ENERGY SAVING LABELS MAY BE BANNED
20 Oct, 2005 20Kb
Consumers may lose the chance to be eco-friendly, if plans to ban energy efficiency labels on appliances such as washing machines, fridges and irons are successful, warns Friends of the Earth as Energy Saving Week approaches (24-28 October 2005). A proposal to outlaw energy efficiency labelling is up for discussion at the World Trade Organisation (WTO)s ongoing negotiations. More than 200 similar free trade measures have been put forward and if successful, could deny consumers access to green information on a huge range of products.

GOVERNMENT LEGAL CHALLENGE TO ALLOW UK TO POLLUTE MORE UNDER EU CLIMATE SCHEME
18 Oct, 2005 14Kb
The UK Government?s commitment to tackling climate change took a further blow today after it started a legal challenge to allow UK companies to pollute more under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. Friends of the Earth said that if successful, this would knock the UK Government?s climate strategy even further off coure.

SUPPORT FOR CONSENSUS ON CLIMATE ACTION GATHERS SPEED
13 Oct, 2005 16Kb
A coalition of leading UK organisations has today welcomed an initiative by the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives to establish a cross-party consensus for action on climate change. The groups are calling on the Government to join the initiative.

PEAT-CUTTING TO CONTINUE ON TOP WILDLIFE SITE DESPITE �17 MILLION GOVERNMENT DEAL
07 Oct, 2005 14Kb
Commercial peat extraction is set to continue on one of the countrys top wildlife sites, despite assurances that peat-cutting would cease in 2004 following a £17 million Government deal, Friends of the Earth has learnt. The news comes as Environment Minister Eliot Morley visits the site, Hatfield Moor Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Protection Area (SPA) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), near Doncaster, to celebrate the success of the deal.

Little Book of Green Ideas Sows Seeds for Big Change
07 Oct, 2005 20Kb
A new little book, published this month, is sowing the seeds of change with big ideas for individuals to make a real difference to the environment. As more and more people face up to the impact of climate change and want to do their bit, the Little Green Book of Big Green Ideas provides a starting point for green action in your daily life

BUSINESS READY TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE?
05 Oct, 2005 15Kb
Friends of the Earth has welcomed today?s acknowledgement from business leaders of the ?significant? role that businesses must play in tackling climate change. But the environmental campaign group called on the CBI to back new legislation to make the Government legally responsible for tackling climate change

AUSTRIAN GM CROP BAN OVER-RULED
05 Oct, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth is calling for an urgent review of European Law after the European Court of Justice (ECJ) today ruled against the region of Upper Austria which had introduced a law effectively banning genetically modified crops.

Most Polluting Power Stations Revealed
03 Oct, 2005 27Kb
Based on Friends of the Earth Scotland release

Why Nuclear Power is Not the Answer
28 Sep, 2005 19Kb
Following the Prime Minister?s announcement at the Labour Party Conference that nuclear power must be considered as a way of tackling climate change, Friends of the Earth spelt out why it is not the solution.

CONCERN OVER LONG-TERM IMPACT OF GM CROPS - NEW UK STUDY
28 Sep, 2005 16Kb
A follow-up study to the UK Government?s GM crop trials has found that growing GM oil seed rape crops has negative impacts on farmland biodiversity in future years. The findings are yet another blow to the biotech industry.

Blair's Weak Words on Climate Change Leave Kyoto High and Dry
27 Sep, 2005 17Kb
The Prime Minister?s speech to the Labour Party Conference raised further concerns about his commitment to the Kyoto Protocol and international action to tackle climate change, Friends of the Earth said today. The environmental campaign group said the speech showed Blair had lost direction on the international stage and at home, where emissions are on the rise.

EU PLAN TO TACKLE AVIATION EMISSIONS UNVEILED
27 Sep, 2005 19Kb
Plans by the European Commission to include aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme have been given a cautious welcome by Friends of the Earth. But the environmental campaign group said that the Commission?s ?Statement of Intent?, aimed at tackling climate-changing emissions from the aviation industry, doesn?t go far enough and lacks urgency.

BLAIR U-TURN ON CLIMATE CHANGE
26 Sep, 2005 25Kb
Friends of the Earth has challenged Tony Blair to clarify his position on climate change at the start of the Labour Party Conference, following comments made by the Prime Minister at a conference in New York.

WILL RITA FORCE BUSH TO ACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE?
23 Sep, 2005 17Kb
The ferocity of hurricanes Katrina and Rita must force President Bush to face up to the threat of climate change, Friends of the Earth said today. The call follows recent research showing that hurricanes have become more powerful in proportion to increasing sea surface temperatures. Scientists say that climate change is a likely cause.

One in Ten Supermarket Products Linked to Orang-utan Extinction
23 Sep, 2005 27Kb
UK company demand for palm oil, a vegetable oil found in one in ten products on supermarket shelves, is driving the orang-utan towards extinction, new research reveals. The ?Oil for Ape Scandal?, published today by Friends of the Earth and the world?s leading orang-utan conservation groups, concludes that without urgent intervention the palm oil trade could cause the extinction of Asia?s only great ape within 12 years.

Where can I recycle computers in my area?
07 Jun, 2003
Where can I recycle computers in my area? WasteWatch have an excellent factsheet on their website for finding computer recyclers and refurfishers, go to: http://www.wasteonline.org.uk/

Do certificates and other claims from timber companies prove that their wood is from a sustainable source?
04 Jun, 2003
Are claims that timber is "not from an endangered species and is under strict regulations by the Government concerned", adequate reassurance of sustainability?

I've heard a lot about British farmers getting a poor deal from supermarkets - is this true? How can I do more to support local farmers?
03 Jun, 2003
I've heard a lot about British farmers getting a poor deal from supermarkets - is this true? How can I do more to support local farmers?

There are no farmers' markets near my home so I'm stuck with local supermarkets - what can I do?
02 Jun, 2003
There are no farmers' markets near my home so I'm stuck with local supermarkets - what can I do?

There are plans to cut down a local tree. How can I stop this?
29 Jun, 2003
A tree is being cut down. Can I stop it?

Contact the Arboricultural Advisory service for a useful fact sheet called Trees in Dispute. This is available from the Arboriculture Advisory and Information Service, Alice Holt Lodge, Wrecclesham, GU10  4LH (Tel: 01420 22022).

(see our intranet FAQ, 11.11.09)

Your Friends of the Earth local group might be able to help. Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) can make it an offence to cut down a tree (read more about TPOs). The Arboricultural Advisory service sells a fact sheet called Trees in Dispute. The Tree Council and The Woodland Trust also provide helpful information about protecting trees.

(see our website FAQ, 11.11.09)

Are new airports and runways really necessary?
25 Jun, 2003
Are new airports and runways really necessary?

Is it better for the environment to buy non-local organic food or locally produced food that isn't necessarily organic?
20 Jun, 2003
Which is better - to buy non-local organic food or locally produced food that isn't necessarily organic?

How can I find out about local air pollution?
19 Jun, 2003
The best source for information on what emissions are being given off by which premises in your area is the Environment Agency:
http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/maps/

I have found this site to be a little tricky (not wholly intuitive). However, the Environment Agency also has regional offices that are very helpful. The number that puts you through to your nearest is - 08708 506 506.

If you are concerned about particular polluters in your area then we do have further information that may be of use. Also local Friends of the Earth groups are good sources of information. Volunteers work through local groups to run campaigns of many sorts. Over the years groups have been responsible for forcing even the biggest companies to clean up their act. You can find details of your nearest group at:
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/local_groups_and_campaigns/

How can I install renewable energy in my house?
14 Jun, 2003
How do I install a renewable energy system?

What are the most important things I can do to help reduce my household's climate emissions?
13 Jun, 2003
We pay a small extra sum per unit for green energy through our electricity company's green tariff scheme. Will this encourage them to recognise the demand for renewables? Or am I just paying for somthing they should be doing anyway, at their own expense?

Can I do up my house in an environmentally responsible way?
12 Jun, 2003
Can I do up my house in an environmentally responsible way?

We hear so much about food, supermarkets, GM these days - where do I start looking for the right information ?
11 Jun, 2003
We hear so much about food, supermarkets, GM these days - where do I start looking for the right information ?

How can I be sure that fairly-traded claims by supermarkets will benefit the Dominican banana growers?
09 Jun, 2003 0Kb
Is it possible to find out the details behind fairly traded claims by supermarkets to reassure oneself that the Dominican banana growers are being treated fairly?

Which are the most environmentally friendly, unbleached disposable nappies or washable nappies ?
07 Jun, 2003
Are unbleached disposable nappies more environmentally friendly than re-usable washable ones?

Is congestion charging the way to tackle London's traffic crisis?
04 Jun, 2003
Is congestion charging the way to tackle London's traffic crisis?

Where can I buy recycled goods?
03 Jun, 2003
Where can I buy recycled goods?

Is buying an area of rainforest a good way to protect it?
02 Jun, 2003 0Kb
Is buying an area of rainforest a good way to protect it?

If I need to buy a new car, should I buy one that runs on petrol or diesel?
01 Jun, 2003
There are pros and cons to each type of fuel and certainly no clear answer between diesel (with higher emissions of toxic pollutants though reduced CO2 emissions).

GOVERNMENT MUST ACT ON AVIATION
21 Sep, 2005 15Kb
Friends of the Earth has attacked Environment Minister Elliott Morley for claiming that there is no evidence that a tax on aviation would work. Mr Morley?s comments followed publication of a report today from the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change research, which says that all householders, motorists and businesses will have to reduce their carbon dioxide pollution to zero, if the growing aviation industry is to be incorporated into Government climate change targets.

TESCO PROFITS JUST NOT CRICKET
19 Sep, 2005 24Kb
Competition authorities must take action now to protect consumers and farmers by stopping Tesco?s uncontrolled expansion, Friends of the Earth said today, as quarterly results for the supermarket giant are predicted to reveal more profits and greater market share for the company. Tesco now makes more profit in less than five minutes than the average UK farm makes in a year.

UN SUMMIT FAILS WORLD - NO ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
16 Sep, 2005 20Kb
The United Nations (UN) Summit, which ends today in New York, has been criticised by Friends of the Earth for failing to agree any firm action on climate change. The final outcome document of the Summit does not recognise the immense challenge to stabilise the world?s climate, and the threat that climate change poses upon reaching the UN Millennium Development Goals by 2015. The Summit text being put forward today reveals that no progress has been made on climate change. Circulation of previous drafts demonstrates that the outcome document has been significantly weakened through the negotiation process.

N-PLANT GETS STAY OF EXECUTION
15 Sep, 2005 13Kb
British Energy is to extend the life of Dungeness B nuclear power station by ten years until 2018, it was announced today. Friends of the Earth said that ?squeezing a few more years out of Dungeness B does not take away from the fact that there is no long term future for nuclear power. It is uneconomic, unsafe and deeply unpopular."

COURT VICTORY ON SEWAGE HOTSPOTS
14 Sep, 2005 10Kb
Environmentalists claimed a victory at the High Court in Belfast today as a Judge gave leave for a Judicial Review of a Government policy that results in tonnes of raw and poorly treated sewage being dumped in Northern Ireland?s seas, rivers and lakes. Friends of the Earth argued that the policy of allowing new housing developments to connect to the public sewer where sewage treatment is inadequate or non-existent, known as sewage 'hotspots', is unlawful

Recycling up, but councils need new powers to do more
14 Sep, 2005 23Kb
Friends of the Earth is today calling on the Government to give councils new powers to charge householders according to the amount of waste they produce, as new English recycling figures are released ?1?. Householders would pay this ?variable rate? in place of the existing charge in their council tax, so good recyclers would save money and homes which generate excessive waste would pay more than they do at present. Variable charging is common in countries with high rates of recycling.

Brown Ignores Need to Cut Energy Demand
13 Sep, 2005 19Kb
Rather than calling for increased oil production, Gordon Brown should be doing more to boost energy efficiency and reduce demand for oil to fight climate change, Friends of the Earth said today. Commenting on the Chancellor?s speech to the Trades Union Congress, the environmental campaign group said more must be done to switch the economy away from oil.

FUEL TAX: GOVERNMENT MUST TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
12 Sep, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth is urging the Chancellor to say that the Government is serious about delivering promises on climate change and therefore must refuse to give in to fuel protesters demands for cuts in fuel duty.

CALL FOR TOUGHER ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IN RESPONSE TO DEFRA REVIEW
09 Sep, 2005 17Kb
Responding to DEFRA?s announcement of a major review into how measures to protect the environment are enforced, Friends of the Earth?s Director Tony Juniper said: ?We welcome this review but for it to be successful there will need to be real changes in the way the law is enforced. There will also need to be a considerable increase in the capacity of enforcement agencies like the Environment Agency to be able to bring environmental criminals to book.

New African Pipeline Will Not Help Communities
09 Sep, 2005 16Kb
Concerned citizens from West Africa met in Accra today just two weeks after the construction of the West African Gas Pipeline began off the Ghanaian coast. Participants warned that the pipeline project risks prolonging the disastrous conflict going on in the oil and gas-rich Niger delta in Nigeria.

GOVERNMENT MUST NOT CAVE IN TO FUEL PROTESTS
07 Sep, 2005 24Kb
The Government must stand up to the threat of new fuel tax protests and refuse to cut fuel duty if it is serious about tackling climate change, Friends of the Earth said today. The environmental campaign group said that despite recent rises in oil prices, the cost of motoring is still cheaper in real terms than it was in 1997 when Labour came to power, and also cheaper than it was 30 years ago.

GREEN CARS COULD SAVE DRIVERS MORE CASH THAN FUEL CUTS
07 Sep, 2005 32Kb
Drivers could save hundreds of pounds a year in fuel bills by choosing a greener car, according to figures released today by Friends of the Earth. The environmental campaign group has calculated that motorists could save more money by choosing a more fuel efficient car than they would from a 10p cut in fuel duty (if petrol reaches &?163;1 a litre). It is urging the Chancellor to resist calls to cut fuel duty and to do more to encourage motorists to drive fuel efficient vehicles.

EU Deal With China Promises Progress on Tackling Climate Change
05 Sep, 2005 19Kb
Friends of the Earth today (Monday 5th) welcomed the announcement of a new EU and China Partnership on Climate Change. The deal, announced at the bilateral summit in Beijing, China, includes concrete targets on the development and deployment of clean energy technology, and a commitment to the objectives and framework of the Kyoto Protocol.

Emissions Breach Kyoto Target
05 Sep, 2005 26Kb
The UK Government looks set to breach its target under the Kyoto Protocol as new government figures reveal that carbon dioxide emissions have continued to rise in the first six months of this year. Analysis of the data by Friends of the Earth shows that carbon dioxide emissions rose by 2.5 per cent in the first half of this year.

KATRINA - ANOTHER GLOBAL WARNING FOR BUSH
01 Sep, 2005 16Kb
Hurricane Katrina should be a wake up call for President Bush on the need for urgent US action to tackle climate change, Friends of the Earth said today. The hurricane is one of the worst natural disasters America has ever faced and is a stark reminder of what scientists expect to happen as a result of human induced climate change.

Huge New Climate Coalition Launched
01 Sep, 2005 22Kb
Stop Climate Chaos release

Pascal Lamy Must Tackle Unfair Trade System
31 Aug, 2005 22Kb
The new Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Pascal Lamy, is being urged to push for radical change in the international trading system because of its damaging impacts on the poor and the environment. The former EU Trade Commissioner, who previously called the WTO ?medieval?, takes over as Director General today (Thursday, 1 September) as tension builds ahead of the WTO Ministerial which takes place in Hong Kong this December.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION APPROVES GM RAPE
31 Aug, 2005 25Kb
The European Commission today approved the import of Monsanto?s genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape, making it available for food and animal feed across the EU. The decision came despite the UK, along with the majority of Member States, failing to support the application, and a loophole that could lead to illegal seed spills into the environment. Friends of the Earth condemned the decision and is calling on the Government to impose a national ban on the oilseed rape.

British Retailers Call for Tough Stand on GM Soya
26 Aug, 2005 25Kb
issued in alliance with various farming and consumer groups

UK Government Makes "Clear Cut" decision on Timber
11 Aug, 2005 24Kb
Joint press release with Greenpeace

TAXPAYERS FACE HUGE BILL AS NUCLEAR COSTS INCREASE
11 Aug, 2005 14Kb
Further evidence that building new nuclear power stations would be an expensive mistake emerged today when it was revealed that decommissioning Britain's nuclear power stations will cost billions of pounds more than was estimated originally.

Permafrost Melt Heightens Climate Change Fears
11 Aug, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth today (Thursday 11th) said reports that the world?s largest frozen peat bog is melting, potentially releasing billions of tonnes of the global warming gas methane into the atmosphere, showed the urgent need for international action to tackle climate change.

COMMISSION OPENS DOOR TO IMPORT OF CONTROVERSIAL GM MAIZE
08 Aug, 2005 15Kb
The European Commission today approved the import of a controversial genetically modified (GM) maize, MON863 for use as animal feed ?1?. Friends of the Earth has condemned the decision, which once again ignores Member States? concerns over safety.

GM MAIZE COULD BE GROWN IN BRITAIN
08 Aug, 2005 22Kb
A new GM row has broken out today after it was revealed that GM crops could be grown in the British countryside without neighbouring farmers, the public or even the UK Government knowing anything about it.

Rio Tinto's Madagascar Mine to Go Ahead
03 Aug, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth said it was extremely disappointed by Rio Tinto?s decision, announced today (Wednesday), to go ahead with an titanium dioxide mine on the island of Madagascar. Campaigners objected to the mine which will damage the unique biodiversity of the island and do little to benefit local people.

Airport expansion is bad for the economy, new research shows
03 Aug, 2005 24Kb
The boom in flights from the UK?s regional airports is coming at a hefty cost to the economy, with some regions losing around five times more revenue than they gain from aviation, according to new research published today by Friends of the Earth using data from the Office of National Statistics. UK air travellers are spending £15 billion more abroad per year more than visitors arriving in the UK, contradicting claims that airport expansion is good for the economy.

OFT Fails to Regulate on Supermarket Abuses
03 Aug, 2005 20Kb
Breaking the Armlock Alliance

Outlook 2005 Invitation
03 Aug, 2005 254Kb
Invitation to attend Outlook, the East Midlands Conference on Climate Change.

Figures Show UK Emissions Rising
02 Aug, 2005 17Kb
New figures show that UK carbon dioxide emissions are set to rise again this year, despite the Government?s commitment to taking action to tackle climate change. Government figures show that UK emissions of carbon dioxide for the first five months of this year are almost two per cent higher than last year. If the trend continues, the UK?s contribution to climate change for 2005 could be the worst since 1992.

Further recycling targets needed, as Government figures released
01 Aug, 2005 23Kb
Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to set further recycling targets for local authorities as a matter of urgency, in light of figures released by DEFRA today. Local authorities have met the 17 per cent recycling target for 2003/04, but environmental campaigners warn that unless tough new statutory targets are set, there is a clear danger that the government will fail to reach high levels of recycling. Furthermore, they may not meet their own targets to recycle 30 per cent of household waste by 2010 and 33 per cent by 2015

Trade Talks: No Deal Better Than A Bad Deal
29 Jul, 2005 13Kb
Friends of the Earth International today said that Governments must adopt a new approach toward international trade policies following the failure of talks which ended today at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva.

Energy Companies Join Greens in Call on Government
29 Jul, 2005 18Kb
Joint press release with Greenpeace

Shell Profits at the Expense of the Environment
28 Jul, 2005 17Kb
Friends of the Earth attacked the oil giant Shell which today announced half-year profits of £5.84 billion, saying the profits came at the expense of people and the environment. The environmental group also repeated calls for a windfall tax on oil companies which have shown record profits this year as a result of the high price of oil.

ASBOS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME MUST BE SUPPORTED BY COMPANY LAW
28 Jul, 2005 14Kb
Commenting on today?s (Thurs 28 July) Environment Agency report that calls for mores ASBOs to be issued to businesses that damage the environment Friends of the Earth?s Corporate Accountability spokesperson, Craig Bennett said: ?We welcome the Environment Agency?s proposal. ASBOs would be a good way of highlighting a company?s anti social behavior but it is essential that companies that commit environmental crimes are also prosecuted in the courts and given strong deterrents. This report highlights the fact that far too many UK companies are damaging the environment and treat low fines as a legitimate business expense. ?

New Asia-Pacific Deal Will Not Tackle Climate Change
27 Jul, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth queried the value of a new pact on climate, expected to be launched tomorrow (Thurs), which it said will effectively mean business as usual and on-going climate change. The deal between the US, Australia, China, India and South Korea, to be known as the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate, will look to develop technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions rather than having specific targets.

Welcome Call for Smart Growth in South East
27 Jul, 2005 17Kb
Friends of the Earth welcomed calls today from the Commission on Sustainable Development in the South East that development in the region must focus on ?smart growth?. The Commission called for an end to the traditional focus on maximising economic growth, arguing that growth must only be of the type that improves people?s quality of life and protects the environment.

Geneva Trade Talks Threaten Environment
27 Jul, 2005 20Kb
Friends of the Earth today (Wednesday 27th July) called for a halt to negotiations currently taking place at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva. The talks aim to free up trade in natural resources ?1? which Friends of the Earth says poses a serious threat to the environment. Campaigners believe the talks will threaten the lives and livelihoods of thousands of people in the developing world who depend on the natural environment for their survival.

WINDFALL TAX ON OIL COMPANIES CALLED FOR TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
26 Jul, 2005 17Kb
A windfall tax on oil company profits to help address climate change has been called for by Friends of the Earth in response to today?s announcement of record first-half profits for BP of $10.47 billion US dollars (£6b). The environmental organisation says a windfall tax would allow the Chancellor to increase investment in renewable technologies and wants Gordon Brown to give renewables a massive boost in the pre-budget this autumn. The call is part of Friends of the Earth?s climate change campaign, ?The Big Ask? ? www.thebigask.com. Friends of the Earth?s Economics spokesman Simon Bullock said: ?A windfall tax on oil companies? profits could be invested in renewable technology and would show the Government to be leading the way in addressing climate change. Moving the focus of our economy from oil to renewables could see the UK as a world centre for innovation.? ?The UK?s economy needs to switch to different fuels to help prevent a climate catastrophe. A windfall tax can help kick start that transition by making it cheaper and easier for households and businesses to use renewable technologies.? Friends of the Earth is also calling on the Government to stop investing tax-payers money in oil corporations' new projects which fuel climate change.

New Set Back for GM Crops
26 Jul, 2005 19Kb
The German biotech giant Bayer has withdrawn its applications to grow genetically modified (GM) oilseed rape in the EU, Friends of the Earth revealed today. The move comes as public calls for GM-free zones spread across Europe and follows a series of research findings which have uncovered environmental damage resulting from the GM crop being grown.

Government Study Finds UK's First GM 'Superweed'
25 Jul, 2005 21Kb
New government research, revealed today, reports on the discovery of the first genetically modified (GM) superweed in the UK - the result of GM oilseed rape cross-breeding with a common weed in the farm scale trials. The revelation raises serious concerns about the impact of growing GM oilseed rape in the UK ? and comes less than a month after the UK tried to persuade other European countries to lift their own bans on growing GM oilseed rape.

BACKING FOR WINDSOR CASTLE HYDROELECTRIC SCHEME
25 Jul, 2005 14Kb
Friends of the Earth has backed plans for a hydroelectric scheme on the River Thames which would power around a third of Windsor Castle. The £1 million, 200 kilowatt plan has been given the green light.

New Tyne Crossing Decision Bad News for Environment
22 Jul, 2005 14Kb
Comment on yesterday?s decision by the Government to give the go-ahead for the New Tyne Crossing, which will mean a second road tunnel under the River Tyne.

GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW STONEHENGE ROAD TUNNEL
20 Jul, 2005 19Kb
The Government is to review plans to put the A303 in a 2.1 km bored tunnel as it passes Stonehenge because of spiraling costs, it has been announced today. Friends of the Earth, who had opposed the tunneling proposal, now fears that the Government may come forward with a cheaper proposal even more damaging to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The CBI: big claims, little evidence says Friends of the Earth
20 Jul, 2005 27Kb
MPs will today (Weds 20 July) be told that the CBI routinely exaggerates the costs of environmental regulation, ignores the benefits and falsely presents its anti-regulatory position as if it has consensus support across the business community. A report by Friends of the Earth, launched today in Westminster, says the Government?s failure to develop and support progressive regulatory frameworks to tackle environmental issues, such as climate change, is a direct result of lobbying by the CBI. Examples include CBI lobbying on the EU?s Emissions Trading Scheme leading to the Government caving in and increasing the UK?s greenhouse gas allocation by 20 million tonnes per year - despite pledges by the Prime Minister concerning the importance of tackling climate change.

M6 EXPRESSWAY: 98% AGAINST
19 Jul, 2005 20Kb
Friends of the Earth responded with amazement to the Government?s claim that there was no consensus about its plans for the M6 Expressway, despite almost 98% of responses to its consultation expressing opposition to the plans. The proposed M6 Expressway would be a privately-run motorway parallel to the M6 between Birmingham and Manchester.

Government to hand planning system over to the private sector
18 Jul, 2005 23Kb
Government ?to hand planning system over to the private sector? Commenting on the Government?s consultation paper, The Planning for Housing Provision, launched today, Friends of the Earth?s Planning Advisor, Hugh Ellis, said: ?These plans mark the end of any attempt by the Government to deliver socially and environmentally responsible housing and totally ignore the need for sustainable economic development across the whole of the UK. "The Government is intent on dismantling the democratic planning system and handing it over to the private sector in the mistaken belief that it has all the answers and that over-developing the south and east is the only way to grow the UK's economy . If people are ignored in vital decisions about the future of their own communities, then I?m sure we?ll see widespread protest.?

GOVERNMENT REVEALS HUGE IMPACT OF FOOD MILES
15 Jul, 2005 18Kb
Urgent action needed to reduce impacts says Friends of the Earth Food transport is having a major impact on the environment, a new Government report admits today. The report has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth, which is urging the Government to take urgent action to tackle the problem. The report, by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ?DEFRA?, estimates that transporting food to and around the UK produced 19 million tonnes of carbon dioxide in 2002 of which 10 million tones were emitted in the UK ? 1.8 per cent of total UK carbon dioxide emissions. The report says that the overall social and environmental cost of food transport is £9 billion with impacts on road congestion, accidents, climate change, noise and air pollution.

UNESCO: NO DECISION ON EVEREST, BUT INVESTIGATION INTO CLIMATE THREAT TO SITES
13 Jul, 2005 24Kb
Durban, SA: An expert working group will be set up to look at the threat that climate change poses to World Heritage sites across the world and develop a response strategy to deal with it, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC) agreed in Durban, South Africa today. But UNESCO did not make any decision on whether to put the Everest (Sagarmatha) National Park and two other sites on the UN danger list.

UK NEEDS NEW CLIMATE CHANGE LAW, SAYS COALITION
13 Jul, 2005 24Kb
Coalition press release

HILLARY BACKS CALL TO DANGER LIST EVEREST
11 Jul, 2005 26Kb
Sir Edmund Hillary has joined environmental campaigners and lawyers in urging the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, who are meeting in Durban, South Africa this week, to place Mount Everest on the UN endangered list because of the impacts of climate change. The 21 nation committee ? including the UK - will discuss the proposal on Tuesday afternoon (12 July).

G8 SUMMIT AGREES MORE TALK, NO ACTION
08 Jul, 2005 16Kb
The final statement on climate change, issued at the Group of Eight Summit this afternoon, shows that leaders are still divided and have made no real progress in the fight against climate change.

Developing Countries Leave Bush High and Dry on Climate Change
07 Jul, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth International today congratulated the leaders of five big developing countries for urging the G8 nations to follow the Kyoto Protocol as the way forward for taking action on climate change. The statement came as the final G8 agreement was delayed. In their statement, the leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa, known as G5, state that climate change ?has, and for the foreseeable future will continue to have a profound impact on the development prospects of our societies?.

LONDON HAS OLYMPIC CHANCE TO MAKE 'ECO GAMES'
06 Jul, 2005 18Kb
Welcoming today?s announcement that London will host the 2012 Olympics Friends of the Earth?s London Campaigns Co-ordinator, Jenny Bates, said: ?Friends of the Earth congratulates the London 2012 bid team on their success. The hard work begins now to make the London Olympic Games the 'Eco Games' and to ensure they leave a sustainable legacy for East London. Friends of the Earth will be tracking developments to check that progressive standards are set and adhered to for all aspects of the games. They must become a beacon for 21st century thinking and practice - stimulating innovation and bringing new best practice to benefit the whole country. Friends of the Earth will also be working to help ensure that local concerns are met and that a legacy is left that will improve the quality of life for the people of East London.?

GREEN GROUPS URGE G8 LEADERS TO IGNORE BUSH NOT CLIMATE
06 Jul, 2005 23Kb
As the G8 summit gets underway in Scotland, environment and development groups are urging Prime Minister Tony Blair and other world leaders to stand up to President Bush and agree a clear way forward for climate protection.

'CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY NEEDS REVIEWING' SAY PEERS
06 Jul, 2005 13Kb
Commenting on today?s report by the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee, Friends of the Earth?s director, Tony Juniper said: "It is clear that unless we take action to combat climate change the world faces an economic and environmental disaster. The impacts are already being felt. The 2003 European heat wave is estimated to have killed 26,000 people and cost US$13.5 billion, and across the globe extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, glaciers are melting and sea levels are rising. "Casting doubt on the need to set emissions reduction targets and suggesting that more should be done to play up the benefits of global warming is confused and extremely irresponsible. Urgent international measures are needed to cut carbon emissions before it is too late."

BUSH REJECTS ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
04 Jul, 2005 13Kb
President Bush?s pledge to put US interests ahead of significant action to tackle climate change has been greeted with anger by Friends of the Earth International. The environmental campaign group is urging the remaining G8 leaders to isolate the US administration at the G8 talks this week.

MAKE CLIMATE CHANGE HISTORY
02 Jul, 2005 27Kb
Unless urgent action is taken to combat climate change at next week?s G8 summit, the consequences for Africa and the world?s poorest nations could be dire, Friends of the Earth International warned today. The call comes as people gather for Live 8 and the Make Poverty History rally in Edinburgh.

TEACHERS TAKE THE LEAD ON CLIMATE CHANGE
30 Jun, 2005 18Kb
Over a thousand teachers and youth workers have signed up for a new free resource pack on climate change, published this month by Friends of the Earth, as climate change tops the political agenda in the run up to the G8 summit at Gleneagles, Scotland from 6-8 July 2005.

G8 SUMMIT MEDIA BRIEFING
28 Jun, 2005 39Kb
Climate change will be at the top of the agenda when leaders of the G8 nations meet at Gleneagles in Scotland later this summer (6-8 July). This briefing gives background to G8 and climate change, and Friends of the Earth's demands and G8 events that we are involved with.

Shell Faces Community Rebellion at AGM
28 Jun, 2005 24Kb
Communities living next door to the oil giant Shell will be at the company?s annual general meetings (AGM) in London and the Hague today (Tuesday 28th June) to protest at Shell?s record of human rights abuses and environmental damage around the world. The protest comes 10 years after the execution of the Nigerian writer Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight others who had all campaigned against Shell?s polluting operations in the Niger Delta.

EU Ministers vote to keep GM food bans
24 Jun, 2005 16Kb
Environment Ministers from across Europe voted today to allow five countries to maintain bans on genetically modified (GM) crops and foods. Friends of the Earth welcomed today?s vote but criticized the UK Government for once again siding with the GM industry, and voting to have the bans overturned.

Tesco Taking Over High Street
24 Jun, 2005 22Kb
Tesco?s growing market share is bad for British business, bad for consumers, bad for the environment and must be checked, Friends of the Earth said today (Friday 24th June), as shareholders attend the supermarket giant?s annual general meeting. Friends of the Earth is calling for an immediate investigation into Tesco?s monopoly position and a moratorium on mergers in the retail sector.

APPLIANCES ON STANDBY FUEL CLIMATE CHANGE
23 Jun, 2005 19Kb
One million tonnes of greenhouse gases are pumped into the atmosphere every year by appliances left on standby in the UK, the Government has admitted. The energy used is equivalent to powering around 600,000 homes every year, and is a significant contribution to UK emissions of climate changing gases. Friends of the Earth is calling for the urgent introduction of tough new rules to prevent appliances being left on standby as part of the battle to combat global warming.

Supermarket Takeover Must Be Stopped, MPs Told
23 Jun, 2005 27Kb
Britain?s supermarkets are damaging British business, are bad for consumers and bad for the environment, MPs will be told today (Thursday 23rd June) at a Friends of the Earth briefing, hosted by Andrew George MP. The warning comes on the eve of the supermarket giant Tesco?s AGM and follows record profits for the company.

DISMAY AS EU GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS RISE
21 Jun, 2005 15Kb
International efforts to combat global warming took a further blow today after the European Commission revealed that Europe is failing to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The revelation will increase pressure on Tony Blair who has pledged to lead international efforts to tackle the problem.

URGENT GOVERNMENT ACTION STILL NEEDED ON AVIATION IMPACTS
20 Jun, 2005 14Kb
Plans by Britain?s aviation industry to reduce the environmental impact of flying have been welcomed by Friends of the Earth, but the environmental campaign group warned additional urgent Government action to tackle the massive growth in flights is needed if the Prime Minister is serious about tackling climate change.

Communities Sue Shell to Stop Nigerian Gas Flaring
20 Jun, 2005 42Kb
Joint press release with the Climate Justice Programme

AFRICA PAYS PRICE FOR G8 CLIMATE BLIND SPOT
20 Jun, 2005 25Kb
Africa: Up in Smoke? makes it clear that Tony Blair?s efforts to alleviate poverty in Africa will ultimately fail unless urgent action is taken to halt dangerous climate change. The report says that G8 nations have failed to 'join-the-dots' between climate change and Africa. Unless addressed, this could condemn generations in the world?s poorest nations. The G8 summit can choose to act now, or see human development gains go up in smoke, the coalition warns.

JUDGES REJECT PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK QUARRY
17 Jun, 2005 13Kb
Friends of the Earth has welcomed today?s judgement by the Court of Appeal rejecting plans to reopen quarries in the Peak District National Park. The environmental pressure group was one of many organisations that opposed the plans

G8 Summit: Anger At New Leaked Document
16 Jun, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth today reacted with anger at the content of a fresh leak of the draft communique on climate change for next month's G8 Summit which has deleted proposals to fund research and worryingly even calls into question scientists' warnings that global climate change is already under way. The document entitled 'Gleneagles Plan of Action', dated 14 June, has been watered down from a previous draft which itself had no specific targets or timetables for action. The latest draft also backs the use of so-called "zero-carbon" nuclear power.

PUBLIC 'GAGGED' AS STANSTED'S IMPACTS ARE IGNORED IN EAST OF ENGLAND BLUEPRINT
16 Jun, 2005 19Kb
People of the East of England will be prevented from discussing the climate change effects of expansion of Stansted airport when hearings are held into the East of England Plan - the region?s blueprint for development. Friends of the Earth has greeted the news with dismay. The revelation came at the first preliminary meeting, when Alan Richardson, the inspector who will chair the hearings, which start in September, revealed that the growth of Stansted airport, which will fuel climate change and the region?s contribution to rising greenhouse gases, will not have a bearing on the outcome of the hearings into the Plan. Friends of the Earth?s East of England Campaigns Coordinator, Mary Edwards, said: ?Stansted airport affects a growing number of people across the East of England region. Not content with rising air and noise pollution, road traffic and development pressures, growth at Stansted is fuelling climate change which will profoundly affect people in this region and around the world. Why are people being gagged from discussing the way Stansted?s growth will add to climate change? You cannot sensibly discuss the region?s responsible and sustainable development without looking at Stansted.? ?These hearings will be one of the few chances people have to debate the future of their region. This ruling threatens to turn the hearings into a farce especially when Mr. Blair?s Government claims to take climate change seriously. Either it wants to cut greenhouse gas emissions or it wants to promote cheap weekend flights to Rome. It cannot have it both ways.?

CALL FOR RADICAL CHANGE TO WASTE POLICY
14 Jun, 2005 23Kb
A coalition of environmental groups has today published a 15 point plan for a radical transformation to England?s waste policy. Publication of the plan coincides with a conference this week (14th-17th June), where the Government will reveal the results of its stakeholder consultation on the current review of its national waste strategy.

CARBON CAPTURE SUPPORTED - BUT MORE NEEDED ON EMISSIONS CUTS
14 Jun, 2005 17Kb
Government plans to help tackle climate change by capturing carbon dioxide emissions from power stations and storing it under the sea, have been given a cautious welcome by Friends of the Earth. The environmental campaign group said that urgent action is needed to cut greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, and called on the Government to support a new law making it legally responsible for annual cuts in UK emissions.

Sainsbury's Targeted in Week of GM Protest
10 Jun, 2005 22Kb
Advance notice issued by Genetic Engineering Network and the Fair Price for GM free Milk Coalition

SECRET N-WASTE DUMP SITES REVEALED
10 Jun, 2005 28Kb
The names of 537 locations throughout Britain, once identified as potential sites for disposing of the UK's radioactive waste have been published today (Friday 10 June). After 15 years of secrecy, the highly sensitive list has been made public for the very first time by the nuclear waste agency, Nirex. The list was forced into the public domain as a result of the Freedom of Information Act.

Environmental Abuses Must Be Covered By New Company Law
10 Jun, 2005 17Kb
Thousands of people have contacted the Government to call for progressive environmental and social rules in Company Law, following a public consultation on draft proposals, which ends today (Friday 10th June). The Government?s Company Law Reform Bill, is due to be debated in the current Parliamentary session, but Friends of the Earth believes the Government must go further if it to address corporate abuse of the environment and human rights

ROAD-CHARGING MUST CUT TRAFFIC AND POLLUTION
09 Jun, 2005 42Kb
Road-pricing does have a role to play in tackling congestion on the nation?s roads, but it must be part of a strategy to reduce road-traffic, cut transport?s contribution to climate change and to encourage motorists to drive more fuel-efficient vehicles, Friends of the Earth said today.

Environment Agency Calls for Tough Action on Climate Change
09 Jun, 2005 17Kb
Increasing traffic levels, the rapid growth in flights and high dependence on fossil fuels for generating electricity mean the Government is failing to make progress on climate change according to the latest assessment from the Environment Agency, published today (Thursday 9th June). Friends of the Earth welcomed the report which it said illustrated the urgent need for Government action to tackle climate change.

SCIENCE ACADEMIES URGE PROMPT ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
07 Jun, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth has welcomed today?s statement by the national science academies from G8 countries, Brazil, China and India calling for prompt action on climate change. But the environmental campaign group expressed disappointment that it doesn?t contain any targets or a time-table for urgent action.

FUTURE GENERATIONS WILL PAY THE PRICE IF ANTI-WIND LOBBY SUCCEED
09 Jun, 2005 25Kb
Local campaigners from South Lakeland Friends of the Earth are scheduled to give evidence to the inquiry on Tuesday 7 June 2005 in support of the proposed Whinash wind farm, emphasising the suitability of the site and the urgent need for renewable energy to meet UK climate change targets.

INQUIRY OPENS INTO CONTROVERSIAL NEW THAMES ROAD BRIDGE
06 Jun, 2005 20Kb
A Public Inquiry into controversial plans to build a new 6-lane road bridge across the Thames opens in Charlton today (Tuesday 7 June. Friends of the Earth opposes the Thames Gateway road bridge because: ? It would lead to an increase in traffic and congestion in the surrounding area; ? It would add to breaches of European and Government air quality standards, which will affect peoples health particularly children and elderly people; ? It would cause noise disturbance to the extent that, according to WHO guidelines, people may need to sleep with their windows closed; ? Morning rush hour flows through the Blackwall tunnel would ?remain more or less unchanged?, according to Transport for London

Illegal GM Maize Found in Japanese Imports
02 Jun, 2005 16Kb
Unapproved genetically modified (GM) maize, originating from the United States, has been found in shipments arriving in Japan, according to reports. The contamination incident comes as key United Nations negotiations in Montreal, Canada, reach a crucial point in agreeing regulations for a safe trade in GM foods and crops.

Growth in Flights Will Wreck Climate Change Targets
01 Jun, 2005 30Kb
New research published today (Wednesday 1st June) by Friends of the Earth, carried out by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, shows that unless the Government takes action to reduce the growth in aviation emissions the industry?s emissions will wipe out all the savings that other sectors of the economy could make. The research shows that UK reduction targets will be almost impossible to meet if aviation emissions continue to grow at the rate predicted by the Tyndall Centre. Friends of the Earth is campaigning for a law to cut carbon emissions by three per cent every year, to ensure that targets are met.

U-TURN ON CAP REFORM WILL STOP FARMERS FROM GOING GREEN
31 May, 2005 20Kb
A coalition of organisations is describing the Luxemburg presidency?s proposal, which recommends cutting rural funds by one-fifth, as outrageous. The groups (Friends of the Earth Europe, BirdLife International, International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements, Eurogroup for Animal Welfare, European Environmental Bureau) are calling on EU decision makers not only to safeguard, but also to increase rural development funds when they meet in June. The coalition wants the presidency?s proposal, which would effectively reverse the 2003 reform of EU's common agricultural policy, to be rejected by the Council.

New Report Shows Risk of GM Contamination
30 May, 2005 16Kb
Tougher measures are needed to prevent contamination of conventional food by genetically modified organisms (GMO), a new report from Friends of the Earth International concludes today. The report was distributed by campaigners in decontamination suits in Montreal at the start of key international negotiations on the trade in genetically modified crops.

LEAKED G8 DOCUMENT EXPOSES LACK OF COMMITMENT TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE
27 May, 2005 25Kb
Fears that the G8 summit in Gleneagles this July will lack the political will to tackle global warming increased today, following the publication of a document purporting to be a draft G8 communiqu? on climate change. Friends of the Earth International said that the leaked document is far too weak, ineffective and lacks urgency

International Talks Must Demand Stricter GM Controls
27 May, 2005 17Kb
Key international negotiations on the trade in genetically modified crops (GMOs) start on Monday 30th May in Montreal, Canada. The talks come just days after the European Union impounded a shipment of illegal GM maize originating from the United States. A ?decontamination team? from Friends of the Earth International, the world?s largest grassroots environmental network, will welcome the delegates on Monday.

New Campaign for Climate Change Law - 73% Say Government Not Doing Enough
25 May, 2005 26Kb
The Big Ask Campaign launch

How To : Tackle climate change
24 May, 2005 (PDF†) 63Kb
At the centre of Friends of the Earth’s The Big Ask climate change campaign is a new Climate Change Bill. The bill would force governments to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 3 per cent a year, every year, until 2050. This guide explains more about the Bill, and what you can do locally to help get it made law.

GOVERNMENT RISKS PROSECUTION AS LONDON POLLUTION BREAKS EUROPEAN LAW
23 May, 2005 22Kb
Air pollution levels in London are breaking European law, Friends of the Earth revealed today. The Government could face prosecution by the European Commission as levels of fine particles at a monitoring site on Marylebone Road exceeded European standards for the 36th day this year. Under EU law, from 2005 onwards, particle levels should not exceed standards on more than 35 days a year. Computer modeling suggests that the EU law is probably also being broken across the West End.

Carbon Dioxide Emissions Rise Again
19 May, 2005 16Kb
Carbon dioxide emissions rose again in 2003 according to the latest figures published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) today. Greenhouse gas emissions rose by 1.6 per cent on the previous year, primarily due to increased emissions from coal-fired power stations the figures reveal. Friends of the Earth Director Tony Juniper said the Government must have the courage to take tough decisions on climate change.

Bristol Airport Presented with Bill for Climate Change
19 May, 2005 21Kb
Environmental campaigners will present managers at Bristol International Airport (BIA) with a ?bill? for the environmental cost of aviation today (Thursday 19th May). The ?bill? which is being presented by Friends of the Earth groups in the South West of England, warns the airport management that by increasing flights they will be increasing their contribution to climate change.

QUEEN'S SPEECH IGNORES CLIMATE CHANGE
17 May, 2005 16Kb
Today?s Queen's Speech has been condemned by Friends of the Earth for ignoring climate change completely. The Queen's Speech - one of the biggest ever with 50 Bills and draft Bills announced - includes no measures to restrict the emission of climate changing gases. This is despite Tony Blair describing climate change "the world's greatest environmental challenge" and "so far reaching in its impact and irreversible in its destructive power, that it alters radically human existence", and claiming it is a "top priority". Friends of the Earth Director Tony Juniper said "It is time for action not words on climate change. We need a legal framework for year on year cuts in carbon dioxide emissions, and every year we delay makes it harder and harder to make the cuts on time. There are many specific legal changes needed to tackle climate change - changing energy markets, making houses more efficient, improving alternatives to car use and ensuring companies do their bit to stop climate change. The fact that not one of these is included in the Queen's Speech shows that that, despite all the talk, Labour will continue to ignore climate change and we could see further rises in emission in the next 4 years - just as we have since Labour came to power.?

COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY FAILS TO SEE BIG PICTURE ON LANDSCAPE
16 May, 2005 24Kb
Friends of the Earth is calling on the Countryside Agency to drop its opposition to the proposed wind farm at Whinash in Cumbria and promote sustainable development. The Countryside Agency is scheduled to give evidence to the public inquiry on Tuesday 17 May 2005 about the landscape and visual impact of the proposed wind farm.

Speakers in London to Call for End to Abuse of UK Development Aid
16 May, 2005 27Kb
Campaigners from Ghana, Nigeria, Georgia and Guatemala arrive in London this week to call on the UK Government to stop funding oil, gas and mining projects through development aid. The visit comes ahead of the crucial G8 meeting in July, when leaders will discuss issues of poverty and climate change.

Death of Hugh Montefiore
13 May, 2005 13Kb
Tribute from Tony Juniper to former trustee Right Reverend Hugh Montefiore who died today.

US Government Says Wealth More Important than Climate Change
13 May, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth today (Friday 13th) attacked the United States Government?s reprehensible approach to the G8 discussions on climate change, as revealed in a radio interview earlier today. Harlon Watson, the US?s Chief Climate Negotiator, told the BBC?s Today Programme that the US administration was still not convinced of the need to move forward so quickly, that they believed there was still uncertainty over the science, and that they believed it would risk not only their economy but the world economy as well

Climate Change: Governments Talk But Don't Act
13 May, 2005 19Kb
A major United Nations seminar on climate change has been heavily criticised by Friends of the Earth International today for failing to discuss the critical issue of how climate change should be tackled. Instead, the conference, which is being held in Bonn, Germany on 16-17 May 2005, will be packed with 60 presentations on climate protection policies.

NUCLEAR POWER IS NOT THE SOLUTION TO CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGE
08 May, 2005 21Kb
Building new nuclear power plants would be "unsafe, uneconomic, unpopular and largely irrelevant" to the problem of climate change, Friends of the Earth said today. The warning follows news of a leaked briefing from the new Department of Productivity, Energy and Industry for incoming Secretary of State Alan Johnson. The briefing from senior civil servants reportedly makes a strong case for a quick decision on whether or not to support the building of a series of new nuclear power stations in the UK.

GOVERNMENT MUST STAND UP TO FUEL PROTESTS
29 Apr, 2005 21Kb
The Government must stand firm against the threat of fuel protests, Friends of the Earth said today. The environmental group said that the cost of motoring had fallen under Labour.

RAC ROAD-WIDENING CALL SLAMMED
29 Apr, 2005 17Kb
Calls by the RAC for widespread-road widening to tackle the UK's traffic problems have been slammed by Friends of the Earth.

Business Manifestos: Regulation Needed to Protect Environment
28 Apr, 2005 18Kb
Both Labour and Conservatives are failing to face up to the threat to society and the environment by promoting a de-regulatory agenda in the election, Friends of the Earth said today (Thursday), as Labour launched its Business Manifesto.

British American Tobacco Report Shows Truth Behind Greenwash
28 Apr, 2005 27Kb
Shareholders attending British American Tobacco?s AGM in London on Thursday (28th April) will be asked whether they can trust the company, following the publication of a new report highlighting how the world?s second largest tobacco company hides the damage it causes to health, development and the environment behind a mask of ?corporate social responsibility?. The report, ?BAT in its Own Words?, published by Christian Aid, Friends of the Earth and Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) uses internal BAT memos, emails and letters to question whether shareholders should trust what the company says.

GOVERNMENT'S GREEN RECORD - THE REAL RUDDY FACTS
27 Apr, 2005 14Kb
The Government?s environmental record is nothing to shout about, Friends of the Earth said today following calls by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott for campaigners to look at the ?ruddy facts? of the Government?s environmental record. His comments came after an action yesterday by Greenpeace who placed solar panels on Mr Prescott?s house.

ROBIN HOOD TO ROB RESIDENTS OF PEACE AND QUIET
27 Apr, 2005 23Kb
Friends of the Earth warned today that the new Robin Hood Airport, near Doncaster which opens on Thursday 28 April 2005, will add to carbon dioxide emissions from the region and blight the lives of local communities because of aircraft noise and traffic congestion. The predicted expansion of air travel across the UK will make it impossible for the government to meet its own carbon dioxide reduction targets to tackle climate change.?

ELECTION CAMPAIGN IGNORES WORLD'S BIGGEST THREAT: CLIMATE CHANGE
21 Apr, 2005 24Kb
Friends of the Earth has attacked the Labour and Conservative parties for practically ignoring climate change during the general election campaign so far, despite recent acknowledgments by both Tony Blair and Michael Howard that the issue is one of the biggest threats we face. Both have previously promised leadership to tackle it. Friends of the Earth also highlighted how the Liberal Democrats own specific policy choices have recently undermined their broader commitments on climate change. Today is Earth Day and Friends of the Earth is marking it by urging the parties to do more to raise the issue of global warming. Climate change will be at the top of the agenda when the UK chairs the G8 meeting in Gleneagles later this year. But it has been deliberately sidelined by the two main parties during the domestic election campaign. This is despite the fact that the UK is not on course to meet its carbon dioxide reduction targets ? 20 per cent reduction in 1990 levels by 2010, and a target agreed on by Labour and the Conservatives. Urgent action will be needed in the coming months by whoever wins the election to get the UK back on track, and demonstrate international leadership on this crucial issue.

Consumer and Environmental Protection Under Threat In New Trade Talks
17 Apr, 2005 27Kb
Governments including Japan, Korea, Mexico and the United States are planning to use new World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations to dismantle a wide range of national laws protecting the environment, social well being and health, Friends of the Earth International revealed today (Sunday 17th April)

Europe Restricts US Maize Imports
15 Apr, 2005 23Kb
European member states, including the UK, today voted overwhelmingly to introduce emergency measures restricting the import of animal feeds from the United States. The new law will restrict an illegal genetically modified (GM) maize, planted by mistake in the US, from entering the EU. With no means to test reliably for the contamination, and no segregation of GM and non-GM animal feed from the US, the measures are likely to result in a de facto ban on the import of US maize-based animal feeds.

Lib Dem's put environment at heart of manifesto - but must commit to climate change targets
14 Apr, 2005 16Kb
The Liberal Democrat election manifesto has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth because of its recognition that the quality of our environment directly affects our quality of life and cannot be separated from other areas of policy. The Liberal Democrats have set out how environmental thinking needs to be reflected in all policy areas, including food and farming, transport, housing, industry, international trade and how we manage the countryside. They have also gone further than the other main parties in advocating stronger action in key policy areas, such as transport and renewable energy. Friends of the Earth was, however, disappointed that the Liberal Democrats did not include clear targets for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, even though such targets have previously been announced by party spokespeople. These include a commitment to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 per cent by 2010 compared with 1990 levels and to achieve reductions of more than 60 per cent by 2050. Tony Juniper, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth, said: "The Lib Dems have clearly tried to build environmental policies into their manifesto at every level and have produced the greenest manifesto of the major parties at Westminster. However, more specific commitments are needed on climate change so we can clearly see what level of action would be taken on this key issue. The Liberal Democrats, and all the other parties, should commit to the existing long term targets and promise the year on year reductions necessary to meet them."

Major Political Parties Deserve ASBO for Trade Policies
14 Apr, 2005 26Kb
Joint press release with War on Want and World Development Movement

WIND FARM INQUIRY TO TEST CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITMENT
13 Apr, 2005 23Kb
Campaigners from South Lakeland Friends of the Earth have submitted evidence in support of the proposed Whinash wind farm to the public inquiry, which will start on Tuesday 19 April 2005. The inquiry is expected to be pivotal for the future of wind farms in rural areas, weighing the visual impact of the turbines against the benefits of tackling climate change by producing significant amounts of renewable energy.

New Car Emission Figures Another Blow for Climate Policy
13 Apr, 2005 34Kb
Car fuel efficiency figures released by the motor industry today (Wednesday 13th April) deal another body-blow to Labour?s commitment to tackling climate change, Friends of the Earth said today. The Government was counting on a cut in transport emissions to meet its domestic target of reducing carbon dioxide emissions to 20% below 1990 levels by 2010Figures released today by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on the average carbon dioxide emissions from new cars sold in the UK in 2004, show that it is now highly unlikely that the industry will meet its promised target for making cars more fuel efficient.

LABOUR MANIFESTO: WILL GREEN PROMISES BE MET WITH ACTION?
13 Apr, 2005 14Kb
Labour?s manifesto commitment to show leadership on the environment has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth. The environmental campaign group particularly welcomed the party?s recommitment to the UK's carbon dioxide reduction targets for 2010 and 2050, but warned that urgent Government action is needed to deliver sustained year on year reductions in climate changing emissions if Labour is re-elected.

EU Moves to Restrict GM Maize Imports
13 Apr, 2005 27Kb
The UK has joined EU countries in a unanimous demand for all shipments of maize feed from the US to be certified free of an illegal genetically modified (GM) maize. The agreement, discussed late yesterday, comes three weeks after the agrochemical giant Syngenta admitted that it had mistakenly sold unapproved GM maize seeds to US farmers for four years.

Businesses Fail to Meet Aluminium Recycling Targets
12 Apr, 2005 25Kb
The UK has failed to meet its business targets for recycling packaging waste because too many cans and aluminum foil trays are finding their way to landfill, new government figures reveal. Those UK companies currently bound by packaging regulations recycle just 58.2 per cent of aluminium packaging waste and only 32 per cent of aluminium drink cans.

TESCO GROWTH MUST BE CHECKED
12 Apr, 2005 29Kb
Tesco?s unchecked growth is putting small shops and British farmers out of business, and reducing public choice of where to shop, Friends of the Earth warned today. The warning comes as the supermarket giant announced record end-of-year profits of more than £2bn and an unprecedented share of the UK retail market.

CONSERVATIVES PUBLISH GREEN MANIFESTO
11 Apr, 2005 13Kb
Friends of the Earth has welcomed Conservative policies outline in a green manifesto today. But the envvironmental group has called for these issues - especially those relating to climate change - to be made a national priority.

TORY MANIFESTO DOES LITTLE TO WOO GREEN VOTE
11 Apr, 2005 16Kb
Friends of the Earth has hit out at the Conservative party for failing to take the threat of global climate change seriously. The Tory manifesto, published today, not only does little to demonstrate Tory concerns about climate change, it has little to say on the environment at all.

TRADE JUSTICE VIGIL AIMS TO TURN EU COMMISSIONER GREEN
08 Apr, 2005 21Kb
Members of the public will be invited to turn the EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson green by joining the Wake Up to Trade Justice vigil on Friday 15th April in central London. The event is part of the first ever Global Week of Action for trade justice (10-16th April), with activities in some 70 countries around the world. Friends of the Earth will host a ?Splat Mandy? stall in Methodist Central Hall as part of the all-night London event, which is expected to attract thousands of people including stars from stage, screen and the music world.

Wolfowitz as World Bank President Causes Alarm
01 Apr, 2005 18Kb
Friends of the Earth International Today called the decision by the World Bank board of directors to accept U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz as the next World Bank president disappointing and alarming for people and the environment. The world's largest grassroots environmental federation vowed to struggle against unjust and environmentally harmful policies during his presidency.

NEW LAW WILL INCREASE INCINERATION NOT RECYCLING
01 Apr, 2005 49Kb
A new Government scheme launched April 1 aimed at improving the environment will simply increase the amount of rubbish being burnt by councils rather than encouraging recycling, according to Friends of the Earth. The new Landfill Allowance Scheme is aimed at helping the UK reduce the amount of biodegradable waste buried in landfill sites ? known to produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas and cause pollution. However Friends of the Earth argues that the scheme will simply see waste being burnt rather than buried. The organisation is calling for higher national recycling targets to be brought in, along with a tax on burning waste and the removal of current financial incentives for incineration. From today local councils that already send waste to incinerators will get additional financial benefits from the new Landfill Allowance Scheme. Friends of the Earth?s senior waste campaigner Claire Wilton said: ?We urgently need to drive waste away from landfill, but not into the arms of incinerator operators. The public wants to recycle, not burn rubbish. The Government must remove the financial incentive to incinerate rubbish and introduce higher national recycling targets.? Eight councils in England will even be permitted to landfill more in 2020 than they do today because they incinerate waste. They are: Coventry DC, Dudley MBC, Hartlepool BC, the London Borough of Lewisham, Middlesbrough BC, Stockton-on-Tees BC, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Wolverhampton MBC.

MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT
31 Mar, 2005 27Kb
United Nations goals to halve poverty and hunger by 2015 will not be met, and hunger and malnutrition will remain problem even in 2050 unless governments pay greater attention to what nature does for humanity, says a UN report published on 30 May 2005. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, prepared by 1300 scientists from 95 countries, says humans have changed the world more rapidly over the last 50 years than in any other time in history but billions of people remain in poverty and the destruction of the natural world is an increasingly significant barrier to the achievement of the UN Millennium Development Goals. Friends of the Earth has welcomed the Millennium Assessment's analysis of the problems but is concerned that the report doesn't identify who bears most responsibility for environmental damage or provide the detail on the solutions needed to combat the problem. The need for urgent and radical action therefore may be ignored by governments. Roger Higman, Friends of the Earth's Environmental Coordinator said: "The Millennium Assessment cuts to the heart of one of the greatest challenges facing humanity - that we cannot maintain high standards of living, let alone relieve poverty, if we don't look after the Earth's life support systems. Yet it hasn't gone far enough in specifying the radical solutions needed. At the end of the day, if we are to respect the limits imposed by nature, and ensure the well-being of all humanity, we must manage the global economy to produce a fairer distribution of the Earth's resources."

CLIMATE CHANGE DATA SHOWS UK GOVERNMENT COULD FAIL ON KYOTO
31 Mar, 2005 24Kb
The Government is totally failing to meet targets to tackle climate change, Friends of the Earth said today, following publication of new provisional data which shows that carbon dioxide emissions have again increased in 2004. The effect of two big consecutive increases means the UK is now dangerously close to exceeding its Kyoto target for carbon dioxide emissions and way off track in meeting its domestic target of reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by 20 per cent below1990 levels by 2010.

Shell's new Sakhalin II pipeline route still puts whales at risk
30 Mar, 2005 17Kb
Friends of the Earth today condemned Shell?s announcement that it will relocate the controversial Sakhalin II Pipeline, pointing out that the new plans will still not ensure the safety of whale populations. Shell, the lead shareholder of Sakhalin Energy managing the project, announced this morning that the pipelines linking two production platforms in the Piltun-Astokhskoye field off Sakhalin Island to the shore in the Russian Far East will be moved 20 kilometres south of the original location. However, the oil drilling platform, near a key feeding area for the critically endangered western grey whales will not be moved.

EVIDENCE OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES EXPOSED IN TURKEY
29 Mar, 2005 25Kb
A report reveals an investigation into BP?s Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline has uncovered evidence of human rights abuses, including violations of international fair trial standards in Turkey. The project is funded by British tax payers via loans from The World Bank, the Export Credit Guarantee Dept (ECGD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The evidence, published by Kurdish Human Rights Project, The Corner House, Friends of the Earth and Environmental Defense, follows a fact-finding mission to the Ardahan and Imranli regions of Turkey, along the pipeline route, which included observing the trial of a Turkish human rights defender. Environmental and human rights groups are calling on the development banks to explicitly screen projects for their potential human rights impacts.

BATHSIDE BAY - LOCALS TO VOTE ON DAMAGING PORT PROPOSALS
24 Mar, 2005 32Kb
Local people opposed to a major deep sea container port development ?1? near Harwich are being urged to vote in a special Parish Poll ?2? on the issue on Thursday 31 March. Campaigners will talk to the public explaining their opposition to the developmentat Bathside Bay, near Harwich.

EU SLAMMED OVER CLIMATE AGREEMENT
24 Mar, 2005 18Kb
EU leaders were strongly criticised today after agreeing a ?weak and ambiguous? short term target tackling climate change, and abandoning long-term targets altogether, despite support from environment ministers earlier this month.

HAS ILLEGAL GM MAIZE BEEN SOLD IN THE UK?
23 Mar, 2005 17Kb
Friends of the Earth has today written to the Food Standards Agency (FSA) demanding an urgent investigation into whether unapproved genetically modified (GM) maize has been illegally imported into the UK. Biotech giant Syngenta has admitted that it accidentally sold hundreds of tonnes of unapproved GM maize seed to US farmers over the last four years. Over 16 thousand tonnes of US maize was imported into the UK last year

Stars Come Out For Trade Justice
23 Mar, 2005 16Kb
Trade Justice Movement advance notice for the Global Week of Action vigil

EUROPEAN COMISSION TO FORCE THROUGH NEW GM FOOD
22 Mar, 2005 23Kb
Friends of the Earth attacked the European Commission today over its newly announced policy to force through genetically modified (GM) foods despite overwhelming public opposition. The environmental campaigners accused the EC of putting business interests ahead of the safety of the public and environment, describing today?s announcement as "a bad day for consumers, democracy and the environment."

OFT FAILS TO ACT ON UNFAIR SUPERMARKET PRACTICES
22 Mar, 2005 32Kb
Campaigners are urging the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) take urgent action on supermarket abuses of power. The call comes as the Office of Fair Trading publishes the results of its audit today on how the top four stores comply with the Supermarket Code of Practice. The audit revealed that supermarket practices had not changed significantly since the introduction of the Code, and that the position of suppliers has become weaker.

UK CLIMATE PROGRESS EVEN WORSE THAN EXPECTED
21 Mar, 2005 15Kb
Official figures released today show that UK efforts to tackle climate change in 2002 were a bigger disaster than expected. Provisional figures, released last year indicated that emissions of carbon dioxide - the main greenhouse gas - jumped 1.5% between 2002 and 2003. But official figures, released today, show that this was an underestimate - the real increase was 2.2% or 3.4 Million tons of carbon.

GM CROP TRIAL BLOW TO BIOTECH INDUSTRY
21 Mar, 2005 26Kb
The final results of the GM farmscale evaluations, announced today, are a severe blow to the biotech industry, Friends of the Earth said today. The results of the trials showed that growing GM winter oilseed rape led to ? Fewer important food plants for insects and birds ? An increase in grass weeds which farmers may have to tackle with more herbicides, which would further damage wildlife.

Arts Competition Launched to Commemorate Ken Saro-Wiwa
21 Mar, 2005 24Kb
Press Release for Remember Saro-Wiwa

BIOTECH FIRM REJECTS GM CROP
18 Mar, 2005 18Kb
Biotech giant, Bayer, no longer wants to grow the GM winter oil seed rape trialled in the GM farm scale evaluations in Europe, Friends of the Earth revealed today. The results of the crop trials of GM winter oil seed rape ? the final results of the farm scale evaluations ? are due to be unveiled on Monday (21 March).

UK Development Aid Fuels Climate Change and Poverty
17 Mar, 2005 22Kb
Joint release with Platform and Plan B

G8 Ministers Told Water Not Oil Must Be Priority
17 Mar, 2005 19Kb
Joint press release with People & Planet

Wolfowitz: Terrible Choice for World Bank President
16 Mar, 2005 14Kb
Friends of the Earth International today condemned President Bush?s nomination of U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz to head the World Bank, the world?s leading multilateral lending institution. The environment group called for the rejection of Wolfowitz?s candidacy as the next World Bank President

BUDGET 2005: FINE WORDS BUT LITTLE ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
16 Mar, 2005 17Kb
Gordon Brown failed to put climate change at the heart of today?s Budget, despite a strong speech yesterday warning that excluding environmental issues ?including climate change? from economic policy ?is no longer tenable?.

NEW STUDY OVERTURNS CLAIMED WILDLIFE BENEFITS OF GM CROPS
15 Mar, 2005 27Kb
A new report published today, undermines claims that a four year research project into the growing of GM crops (the BRIGHT trials) showed that they were not harmful to farmland wildlife. The report, ?An analysis of the findings of the BRIGHT trials with GM herbicide tolerant crops in relation to environmental impact?, conducted for GeneWatch UK, the Five Year Freeze and Friends of the Earth by the Initiative on Organic Research, reveals that the design of the BRIGHT trials meant that environmental impacts could not be properly investigated.

BROWN CALLS FOR ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
15 Mar, 2005 24Kb
The Chancellor today warned a roundtable of international energy and environment ministers that economic growth cannot ignore the environment. Friends of the Earth welcomed today?s speech, but warned Gordon Brown that the UK must do more to show international leadership on the issue, including meeting the Government?s own targets for cutting carbon dioxide levels. CO2 levels have not fallen since Labour came to power and the Government is not on track to meet its promise of cutting carbon dioxide by 20 per cent of 1990 levels by 2010. The environmental group challenged the Chancellor to demonstrate his commitment to tackling the problem by putting global warming at the heart of tomorrow?s Budget

TORIES LAUNCH CLIMATE CHANGE STRATEGY
14 Mar, 2005 20Kb
Friends of the Earth has welcomed today?s speech by Tim Yeo outlining the Conservative approach to tackling climate change. The environmental group welcomed the Shadow Secretary of State for Environment and Transport?s recognition of the threat from global warming and the need for the UK to develop a low carbon economy.

CLIMATE CHANGE MUST BE TACKLED IN BUDGET
11 Mar, 2005 25Kb
Friends of the Earth is calling on Gordon Brown to put climate change at the heart of next week?s Budget to demonstrate that the Government is serious about tackling an issue described by the Government?s Chief Scientific Officer as a bigger threat than terrorism. The day before the Budget the Chancellor is to give a keynote address to a roundtable of leading international energy and environment ministers.

UK FORCED TO INCREASE CUTS IN CARBON DIOXIDE
11 Mar, 2005 20Kb
The UK Government has been forced to re-introduce stronger curbs on carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector after the European Commission warned that a revised Government plan (part of the EU emissions trading scheme) was illegal.

Africa Report fails to address key problem of climate change
11 Mar, 2005 18Kb
The Commission for Africa report, published today (Friday) fails to address the key issue of tackling climate change in relation to development, Friends of the Earth said today. The group added that without such an integrated approach, development across the continent will continue to falter.

Unique Memorial Project Launched to Commemorate Ken Saro-Wiwa
08 Mar, 2005 23Kb
Advance notice from the Remember Saro-Wiwa coalition

GOVERNMENT URGED TO INCREASE RECYCLING TARGET AS LATEST FIGURES ARE REVEALED
08 Mar, 2005 21Kb
Friends of the Earth called on the Government to set itself a target to reduce half of all domestic waste by 2010 after Government figures revealed that it had met its target to recycle 17 per cent of domestic waste for 2003/4. Despite recent improvements the UK continues to languish near the foot of the European recycling league table.

GOVERNMENT'S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
07 Mar, 2005 21Kb
Friends of the Earth broadly welcomed the Government?s new sustainable development strategy, announced today. But the environmental campaign group said that the real test will be seen in specific future decisions and policies, such as this month?s budget, and whether government targets, especially those for reductions in carbon dioxide, are met.

ACTION ON FLIGHTS MISSES OPPORTUNITY ON UK CLIMATE TARGETS
07 Mar, 2005 21Kb
Friends of the Earth today welcomed government plans to take action to compensate for the environmental damage caused by flights taken by Ministers and officials, making Departments more accountable for the impacts of their travel choices. However, investment in alternative options to flying must be the first priority within any Government strategy to combat climate change and they should set tough targets for reducing the number of flights taken.

Going Green Can Save You Thousands of Pounds
07 Mar, 2005 24Kb
New publication

GOVERNMENT TO LAUNCH SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
05 Mar, 2005 43Kb
The Government will launch its new Sustainable Development Strategy on Monday 7 March. The strategy is intended to set out a joined-up government approach to the linked environmental, social and economic challenges faced by our society.

Bite back MPs citizens' objection
04 Mar, 2005 23Kb
WTO Citizens' Objection form for MPs to sign at the GM lobby of Parliament

EDM 406 form
04 Mar, 2005 74Kb
EDM 406 form for MPs to sign at the GM lobby of Parliament

GMO-free zones: Petition to the European Commission
04 Mar, 2005 33Kb
Thousands of regional and local authorities across Europe have have declared themselves GM-free zones. To make the voices of these regions and communities heard an EU-wide petition has been launched by a wide coalition of NGOs that is being signed by Regional and Local Authorities throughout Europe, demanding their democratic right to decide whether GM crops can be cultivated in their area.

GOVERNMENT TO CLOSE PLANNING LOOPHOLE ON STORE EXPANSION
03 Mar, 2005 18Kb
Government plans to tackle the uncontrolled expansion of out-or-town retail floorspace have been welcomed by Friends of the Earth. But the environmental campaign group is critical of the length of time it has taken for the Government to tackle the problem.

UK MUST BACK FRENCH AND GERMAN AID PLANS
02 Mar, 2005 20Kb
Joint press release with World Development Movement

GOVERNMENT TOLD TO CUT DIOXINS IN FOOD
16 Nov, 2001

GOVERNMENT MUST SET ANNUAL BUDGET FOR CARBON EMISSIONS
01 Mar, 2005 22Kb
The UK Government must set a strict annual budget for carbon dioxide emissions - with year on year cuts - or risk missing its targets for tacking climate change, Friends of the Earth said today. The call is part of the environmental campaign group?s submission to the Government?s review of its Climate Change Programme, which ends today.

SW MAKES STAND OVER GM THREAT
25 Feb, 2005 15Kb
The South West Regional Assembly today called on food and farming in the region to be protected from GM crops, and for strict liability on GM companies ?1?. The south west is the first region to take an official GM position, reflecting the massive opposition in the region ? from both local people and local authorities - to GM food and crops

Environmental Rights to Become Law After Delay
24 Feb, 2005 21Kb
Friends of the Earth welcomed the UK Government?s ratification of the Aarhus Convention yesterday (Wednesday 23rd February) and urged the Government to ensure that the rights set out in the Convention are now properly implemented and protected in domestic law. It gives members of the public the right to know what is happening when environmental decisions are made; the right to be involved in the decision making process; and the right to challenge any decision in the courts in a way which is fair and accessible.

Sout West to Vote on GM Position
23 Feb, 2005 17Kb
The South West could become the first region in the country to take an official position on GM crops at a key vote this Friday (25 February). The vote will take place at a full meeting of the South West Regional Assembly (SWRA). Concern over GM crops is particularly high in the region, highlighted by the scores of people traveling from the south west today (Wednesday), to join an anti-GM rally and mass lobby of Parliament with scarecrows in London.

Environmental Groups Unite Against Corporate Assault On Free Speech
23 Feb, 2005 20Kb
joint release by foei, greenpeace, sierra club, rainforest action network

SCARECROWS LOBBY PARLIAMENT FOR A GM-FREE BRITAIN
23 Feb, 2005 18Kb
Hundreds of scarecrows will descend on Westminster on Wednesday 23 February, joining people from across the country in calling for the right to choose GM-free food. Hundreds of people are expected to lobby Parliament and attend a rally where speakers will include former Environment Minister Michael Meacher MP. The event comes as the Government is considering legislation to control pollution from GM crops. A parallel event is taking place at the Welsh Assembly.

ECO-LABELS FOR CARS WILL CHANGE BUYING BEHAVIOUR - SURVEY
23 Feb, 2005 17Kb
Friends of the Earth has welcomed a new survey published today revealing that more than two thirds of motorists would be influenced by the Government?s new colour-coded labeling scheme for new cars. The labels warn potential buyers of the car?s impact on global warming. But the environmental campaign group says that increasing tax on gas-guzzlers and reducing it for fuel-efficient vehicles would encourage more people to purchase greener cars.

Edinburgh Rejects Opportunity for Congestion Charge
22 Feb, 2005 13Kb
Friends of the Earth Scotland release

US MUST CUT CARBON EMISSIONS...AS BUSH ACCEPTS NEED FOR ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE
21 Feb, 2005 16Kb
The United States must take urgent action to combat climate change, Friends of the Earth said today. The call follows President Bush?s apparent recognition of the need to tackle global warming in a speech in Brussels today.

ALLIANCE CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION TO END SUPERMARKET ABUSE
21 Feb, 2005 27Kb
From the Breaking the Armlock alliance

UK MUST SUPPORT FRENCH AND GERMAN DEVELOPMENT PLANS
17 Feb, 2005 23Kb
The UK is being urged to support French and German plans that would raise billions to reduce the impact of climate change and boost development aid for the world?s poorer nations. The call comes from Friends of the Earth as EU Finance Ministers meet in Brussels today to discuss proposals that could boost Millennium Development Goals which include combating HIV and AIDS and ensuring environmental sustainability. Friends of the Earth Economic spokesperson Simon Bullock said: ?Money is desperately needed to tackle poverty, health and climate change. The EU finance ministers should support each other?s schemes rather than fight about which is best.? The campaign group is calling on Gordon Brown to support Jacques Chirac?s proposals for a Tobin Tax, which would bring in billions every year for the Millennium Development Goals, and make developing economies less vulnerable to attack by currency speculators. He should also support Gerhard Schroeder?s proposals for an aviation tax which will also raise billions and could be spent on sustainable development, such as renewable technologies in developing countries. The tax would also slow the growth of pollution from the aviation industry, reducing climate change damage which will hit poorest countries hardest. Friends of the Earth says these measures are essential parts of a package to tackle the twin problems of poverty and climate change.

Shell Warned on Dangers to Whales of Sakhalin Project
16 Feb, 2005 26Kb
Joint release with Sakhalin Environment Watch, Pacific Environment, CEE Bankwatch

Government Publishes Emissions Trading Allocation
14 Feb, 2005 16Kb
The Government today (Monday 14th February 2005) published details of its allocation levels for the EU carbon dioxide Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) ? intended to curb the climate changing emissions from industry. Friends of the Earth criticised the Government?s resistance to implementing a tougher scheme ? and said the Government should move straight away to its back-up plan.

CAR ECO-LABELS WELCOMED - BUT TOUGHER TAXES FOR GAS-GUZZLERS STILL NEEDED
10 Feb, 2005 18Kb
A new colour-coded labeling scheme for new cars warning potential buyers of their impact on global warming, and unveiled today (Thursday), has been welcomed by Friends of the Earth. But the environmental campaign group says that increasing tax on gas-guzzlers and reducing it for fuel-efficient vehicles would be even more effective in encouraging the purchase of greener cars.

BLAIR BECOMES LONGEST SERVING LABOUR PRIME MINISTER BUT RECORD ON THE ENVIRONMENT SHOWS BROKEN PROMISES
05 Feb, 2005 29Kb
Tony Blair becomes the longest serving Labour Prime Minister in British history this weekend but celebrations are marred by criticisms that the PM has failed to deliver on his 1997 promise to put the environment at the heart of government. The campaign group Friends of the Earth has accused Mr Blair of allowing the environment to become a marginalised department in Government. Friends of the Earth has said Defra should be expanded to cover a wider portfolio to attract big political hitters by, for example, bringing together transport, environment and energy to successfully tackle climate change. Director of Friends of the Earth, Tony Juniper, said: ?Back in 1997 Tony Blair promised to put the environment at the heart of Government but this has simply not been delivered. The quality of our environment is central to our health, transport, and economy and urgently needs to be given equal standing by Government. ?Climate change and major environmental issues will never be successfully tackled if they are seen in isolation or marginalised from other issues. Tony Blair needs to rise to the challenge and recognise environmental improvements as being central to the country?s long term economic growth, heath and security .?

Shell Wins Award in Davos
26 Jan, 2005 22Kb
Public Eye Awards organised by Friends of the Earth Switzerland and the Berne Declaration