UN wildlife summit: critical time for species, habitats and humanity18 October 2010
Rich countries must take a lead to protect wildlife and people - that's the message to ministers at the 10th meeting of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
As ministers gather in Japan it's clear our demanding lifestyles are pushing the planet beyond its limits.
This is
- wrecking habitats
- increasing climate-changing emissions
- hitting the world's poorest people hardest.
And, with hundreds of species becoming extinct every year, we've missed our targets to protect nature.
It's not only animals - we're putting our natural life-support systems at risk.
Beyond market solutions
Friends of the Earth is calling on the UN to consider fair and wide-ranging solutions.
We believe Governments need to tackle the causes of species and habitat loss - not hope markets will buy us out of trouble.
Friends of the Earth's Director of Policy & Campaigns Craig Bennett said: "We can't place a price tag on everything alive - the world must stop focusing on markets for trading nature, and find the will to deal with the root causes of the problem."
There is no planet B - it's high time for action not words
Craig Bennett, Friends of the Earth
Focus on meat and dairy
While ministers in Japan grapple with the big picture, Friends of the Earth and supporters are pushing for practical steps at home.
We've identified UK factory farms as a key driver of deforestation in South America.
Our research shows that producing animal feed and cattle for export to the UK devastated an area of Brazilian rainforest twice the size of Greater London last year.
We need a new law to get the rainforest off our plates.
Sustainable Livestock Bill
On 12 November MPs will vote on the Sustainable Livestock Bill in Parliament.
We've got lots of support for the Bill but still need more.
Please make sure your MP votes on 12 November.
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