10 reasons to be cheerful from 2010

23 December 2010

Just 10 of the many things Friends of the Earth and our fantastic supporters pushed for in 2010 in pursuit of a better environment for everyone:

1. We wrote a green election manifesto

Remember the general election? We examined the environmental pledges of all the major political parties - and have since been pushing the Coalition to keep its promise to be the "greenest Government ever".

And that included ...

2. ... saving green energy from the chop
Payments to encourage people to produce their own green energy were threatened in the October spending review. We kept the heat on and helped save feed-in tariffs and the renewable heat incentive from the Chancellor's axe.

3. We persuaded councils to curb emissions
More than 30 councils have written to Energy Secretary Chris Huhne to support our call for local carbon budgets, which would set emissions caps for every area.

4. We dressed up as cows
Our black-and-white cowsuits spread the word about planet-friendly farming and inspired tens of thousands of people to join the moovement. We didn't get the law we wanted - but we did get the Government to admit action is needed to make meat and dairy production kinder to the environment.

5. We stood firm for a safe climate in Cancun
Our campaigners are just back from the climate talks in Mexico. They coped with armed police checks and stomach upsets to push for a strong and fair agreement to protect the planet. The final late-night deal is far from perfect, but it's helped get the UN process back on track.

6. We argued for green legal aid
Friends of the Earth lawyers and allies persuaded a key Government committee to recommend changing UK law. This should stop costly fees deterring individuals and community groups from challenging environmental decisions in court.

7. We emptied bins in Wales
Following campaigning by Friends of the Earth Cymru, the Welsh Assembly Government increased recycling targets to 70 per cent by 2025. We'll push for even better targets - to achieve a zero-waste nation.

8. We put down local roots
Our fabulous local groups do outstanding work. This year Portsmouth Friends of the Earth won plaudits for its edible playground project. It secured lottery money to teach school pupils and local communities how to grow their own vegetables.

9. We helped the wheels on the bus go round
After two years of campaigning, the Government agreed to pay for local green travel schemes to get people out of cars. We're working to make sure the new fund has enough cash to deliver the cycle lanes and better public transport we need to make our communities safer and cleaner.

10. We made ministers admit biofuels are bad news
Our report linking biofuels with environmental damage got national media coverage and reached tens of thousands of people. The Friends of the Earth Europe research forced the UK Government to admit its pledge to double biofuels use by 2020 is adding to worldwide carbon emissions.

Just a few seasonal snippets - there'll be plenty more in 2011.

For now, thank you for your support.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.