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Briefings

07 Mar, 2007 — A BETTER PLAN: AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW OF THE LAND USE PLANNING SYSTEM
A Friends of the Earth critique of the Treasury commissioned Barker Report into Land Use Planning. The briefing describes the problems with Kate Barker's proposals and offers alternatives based on a vision of a fair and sustainable planning system.

07 Dec, 2005 — A BURNING ISSUE: WHY FRIENDS OF THE EARTH OPPOSES THE NEWHAVEN INCINERATOR
Reasons for Friends of the Earth's opposition to the building of the Newhaven incinerator

15 Feb, 2005 — A GUIDE TO LOCAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES
A guide to how and when local authorities write the documents which go to make up local development frameworks.

23 Nov, 2004 — ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
Introduction to the Coalition for access to justice for the environment.

23 Nov, 2004 — ACCESS TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE: MAKING IT AFFORDABLE
Discusses the need to rebalance the risks and costs of ensuring environmental justice away from those who are suffering the impacts of environmental damage.

06 Nov, 2002 — ADVENTITIOUS PRESENCE OF GMOS IN SEED - EU PROPOSALS

28 Nov, 2006 — AFTER STERN: TOWARDS A CLIMATE CHANGE BUDGET
This briefing (launched at the Pre-Budget Report) outlines the opportunities for the Chancellor to make progress on cutting carbon emissions by using taxation and government spending policies. It sets out specific measures that can, and should, be included in the Budget.

29 Oct, 2007 — AGROFUELS: FUELLING OR FOOLING EUROPE?
Friends of the Earth Europe's position on biofuels/agrofuels.

22 Feb, 2005 — AIRPORT MASTER PLANS
A briefing showing how Airport Master Plans affect the new English planning system

18 Oct, 2004 — AIRPORT MASTER PLANS
This briefing describes the risks and potential pitfalls for local authorities when presented with Airport Master Plans

20 Feb, 2002 — AMEC AND THE YUSUFELI DAM
This briefing note gives an introduction to the Yusufeli dam which AMEC is planning to build in Turkey.

16 Nov, 2004 — ANAEROBIC DIGESTION
Anaerobic Digestion new technology briefing

29 Jul, 2004 — ANOTHER DEAD-END ROAD?
Why Friends of the Earth is opposed to the Government proposals for the M6 Expressway

16 May, 2002 — ARGYMHELLIAD I DDEUOLI'R A40 SAN CL*R-HWLFFORDD

19 Jun, 2001 — ASIA PULP AND PAPER
This briefing examines the destructive practices of Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) and the Indonesian pulp and paper industry.

19 Jun, 2007 — ASSEMBLY BRIEFING NO 1 - THE CLIMATE CHANGE BILL
An Assembly briefing aimed at persuading MLAs to agree to opt-in to the Climate Change Bill.

22 Sep, 2008 — AUTOCLAVING
This briefing explains what autoclaving waste involves, and what are the benefits and disadvantages - and uncertainties - of the process.

09 May, 2005 — AVIATION AND THE ECONOMY
Aviation is the fastest growing contributor to climate change. The industry claims that the economic impacts of implementing the necessary measures to address this growth outweigh the eceological benefits. This briefing analyses these claims and shows the flaws in the aviation industry's arguments.

20 Mar, 2006 — BACKGROUND BRIEFING ON MOTIONS TO CONFERENCE
This document explains in details the Motions process, whereby local groups can present campaign and organisational ideas to Conference; if they are passed then they become Resolutions for the Board of Friends of the Earth Ltd. to integrate within Friends of the Earth’s policy and strategy as appropriate.

18 Oct, 2001 — BALFOUR BEATTY'S RESPONSE TO ORDINARY RESOLUTION 15 - ON THE WORLD COMMISSION ON DAMS
This document is Balfour Beatty's reponse to a shareholder resolution put forward by Friends of the Earth at Balfour Beatty's 2001 AGM. 42.8% of investors chose not to vote with the management against the resolution at the AGM.

14 Feb, 2005 — BARCLAYS AND THE FINANCING OF THE NARMADA DAMS
In 2004 Barclays bank helped 'advise' on the project finance for the Omkareshwar dam project on the Narmada River in Central India. The Narmada Dam project is one of the most controversial dam projects in the world which involves the building of over 30 major dams. In December 2003 Barclays also gave money to the Indian company building the dam the National Hydropower Power Corporation (NHPC). This project is in breach of the banks own green project finance principles the Equator Principles, including critically the absence of an independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIAs) and the violation of Indian federal and state laws.

27 Oct, 2004 — BARCLAYS AND THE OMKARESHWAR DAM
Barclays bank are planning to finance a new dam project on the Narmada River in Central India. It will displace over 50,000 small farmers and submerge up to 5,800 hectares of one of Central India's last intact natural forests. This project is in breach of the banks own green project finance principles the Equator Principles, including critically the absence of an independent Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), which under the Environment Protection Act isa legal requirement for large dams

13 Jan, 2006 — BARCLAYS, HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE TRANSTHAI-MALAYSIA GAS PIPELINE
Currently under construction, the trans Thai-Malaysia gas pipeline threatens delicate ecosystems that support the livelihood of the local fishermen as well as their way of life. This briefing describes some of the ways Barclays has broken its own rules and has infringed its own human rights policies to fund the project.

30 Aug, 2006 — BARKER REVIEW OF LAND USE PLANNING: ANALYSIS OF THE INTERIM REPORT
The Kate Barker review of land use planning in England will have a dramatic impact on the way we shape the future of our communities. Despite the radical restructuring of planning which began in 2005, her interim report heralds the beginning of a further major program of reform and deregulation. But the analysis in the report is based on a flawed understanding of the purpose of planning and lacks both a rigorous evidence base and a coherent analytical approach. Consequently, its key ideas threaten changes to planning which would damage the UK’s economy, environment and democratic process.

15 Oct, 2002 — BEGINNERS GUIDE TO LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN ENGLAND

22 Aug, 2004 — BEXHILL TO HASTINGS LINK ROAD - REGENERATION ISSUES
Research paper by Urban & Regional Policy into regeneration claims about Bexhill to Hastings Link Road proposal

22 Oct, 2009 — BRIEFING: HOW TO CUT CARBON AND HOW TO PAY FOR IT
This briefing summarises the report How to cut carbon and how to pay' that features research by Professor Tony Travers of LSE and Mark Watts of ARUP. It explains how you can use the report to further your local Get Serious About CO2 campaign.

05 Jun, 2006 — BROKEN PROMISES
This briefing outlines how Shell's non-compliance with the OECD Guidelines harms people and the environment, and why voluntary self regulation is not enough to protect them from the activities of companies like Shell.

15 Nov, 2005 — BURNING WASTE IN CEMENT AND LIME KILNS
This briefing outlines some of the changes introduced by the revision of the Solid Fuels Protocol (in February 2005) and offers guidance on the consultation process for local campaigners who are concerned that industrial operators will be applying to burn hazardous wastes in their local area.

16 Jan, 2006 — CALLING THE SHOTS: HOW SUPERMARKETS GET THEIR WAY IN PLANNING DECISIONS
This study examines a wide variety of ongoing planning disputes from around the UK that relate to supermarket development. The results shine a light on the tactics used by the supermarkets to drive their ever-increasing expansion – and particularly on those used by the market leader, Tesco.

28 Aug, 2001 — THE CASE FOR THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGGREGATES LEVY IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Quarry industry lobbyists have argued that the introduction of the aggregates levy in Northern Ireland will give operators in the Republic an unfair advantage and that jobs would migrate over the border. Explains how the levy could help in the creation of thousands of jobs and regenerate struggling rural economies.

18 Jun, 2002 — CHALLENGING CORPORATIONS: A GUIDE TO FOE'S CORPORATES CAMPAIGN
A Guide to FOE's Corporates Campaign

19 Nov, 2002 — CHANGING TRAINS IN THE NORTH
. Rail services in the North of England are unlikely to see any improvement under the Government's current plans for the new Northern franchise.

10 Jun, 2005 — CHECKING OUT THE ENVIRONMENT? ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF SUPERMARKETS
This briefing provides an outline of the environmental impacts of supermarkets at the local, national and global scale.

23 Mar, 2001 — CHEMICAL LAWS - TOWARDS A SAFER FUTURE
Whether we like it or not, we are all exposed to man-made chemicals in our homes all the time. Many of these substances are known to be building up inside our bodies (a process known as bioaccumulation) and new research is revealing that some of these chemicals could be putting our health at risk.

17 Feb, 2000 — CLEANER CARS AND FUELS
. This briefing looks at the benefits alternative fuels may provide for vehicle emissions in the future.

09 Mar, 2007 — CLEANER CARS AND GREENER HOMES
The Government's Stern review of the economics of climate change made it clear that if left unchecked, the economy will be just as much of a casualty of climate change as the environment.

At the Budget 2007, the Chancellor has the opportunity to change this and to create a socially progressive package of tax rises on polluting activities to fund tax breaks and spending on environmentally beneficial activities. This will benefit the climate, meet social objectives, save businesses money and create jobs.

This briefing sets out two areas where Friends of the Earth are calling for specific measures in Budget 2007. The two areas are where the Chancellor has fallen particularly short in the past and where action is expected.

04 Jan, 2006 — CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLANNING WALES (IN WELSH)
Climate change and planning in Wales (in Welsh)

04 Jan, 2006 — CLIMATE CHANGE AND PLANNING WALES (LPAS)
The role of local development plans in reducing the emissions of new developments in Wales.

19 Oct, 2004 — CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE BUDGET
This tenth blueprint for a green Budget explains the central role of eco-tax reform and shifts in government spending in creating a dynamic economy that respects environmental limits and improves the wellbeing of all. Specifically it sets out measures the Chancellor can, and should, include in this Budget to progress towards a sustainable economy.

06 Sep, 2002 — CLIMATE CHANGE, CRISIS AND SOUTHERN AFRICA
How the effects of climate change are likely to impact on Africa - including the production of food.

02 Oct, 2000 — COME TO THE HAGUE - BUILD *THE DYKE* WITH US!

28 Nov, 2008 — COMMITTEE ON CLIMATE CHANGE ADVICE
This briefing looks at what the Committee on Climate Change advice will mean for UK climate policy, what Friends of the Earth's challenges are for the Committee, and what the implications for business and householders are.

15 Jun, 2005 — COMMUNITY STRATEGIES AND LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Under the Local Government Act 2000, all local authorities are bound to prepare Local Strategic Partnerships, more commonly known as Community Strategies. This explains how they are set up within your locality, how they are run, what they intend to achieve and how you - the campaigner - can use them to your best advanatage.

03 Dec, 2009 — COMPREHENSIVE AREA ASSESSMENTS
Using the CAA to cut carbon in your area

07 Jul, 2005 — CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY
A detailed account of the Corporate Accountability movement, including its history, and the legislation that Friends of the Earth wants to see implemented at the national, EU and International level.

25 Sep, 2006 — CORPORATE CONQUEST
Why the UK and its EU partners must stop forcing Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) upon developing countries.

22 Nov, 2002 — THE CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY COALITION
The Corporate Responsibility (CORE) Coalition formed in response to the Government?s failure to clearly set-out rules in the forthcoming Modernising Company Law Bill requiring companies to be more transparent and held accountable to a wider community of stakeholders.

01 Jun, 2006 — COULD GM FOODS CAUSE ALLERGIES?
New research has brought into question the safety of both new and previously approved GM foods. Scientists developing a genetically modified pea found that mice had allergic-type reactions when exposed to the GM protein in the pea.

12 Jan, 2010 — COUNCIL'S SIGNED UP TO AMBITIOUS CO2 TARGETS
Councils in England signed up to CO2 reductions of 40% or more by 2020, or to comparable reductions by other target dates.

21 Nov, 2002 — CYNULLIAD CENEDLAETHOL CYMRU A CHNYDAU GM
'Report on the separation distances required to ensure cross-pollination is below specified limits in non-seed crops of sugar beet, maize and oilseed rape'

02 Jul, 2009 — DELIVERING A LOCAL LOW CARBON VISION
This briefing outlines how a low carbon vision can be delivered locally: What action councils must take, how it could be funded, and what national measures and framework in needed to make the level of local action required possible. It serves as a useful introduction the Get Serious About CO2 campaign.

03 May, 2006 — DIRTY TRUTHS: INCINERATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE
This briefing summarises the climate impacts of energy from waste and residual waste treatment

25 May, 2001 — DO WE REALLY KNOW WHAT PESTICIDES ARE IN OUR FOOD?
A review of the testing procedures used to assess the amounts of pesticide residues in food.

26 Jul, 2006 — DRIVING UP CO2 EMISSIONS FROM TRANSPORT
A report by transport experts, Steer Davies Gleave, on how carbon dioxide emissions are likely to grow under current Government transport policy.

22 Oct, 2008 — DUCKING THE CARBON CHALLENGE
A critique of Government proposals to change the draft South West Regional Spatial Strategy.

16 May, 2002 — EARTH SUMMIT - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
To help you cut through the jargon, campaigners have produced this briefing outlining what the Earth Summit is in plain language.

16 May, 2002 — EARTH SUMMIT - FROM RIO TO JOHANNESBURG
Friends of the Earth works on a range of issues that will be discussed at the Earth Summit in August 2002. Looks at the progress (or lack of) since the last in Rio in 1992.

10 Nov, 2009 — EATING THE PLANET?
Eating the Planet? How we can feed the world without trashing it

10 Nov, 2009 — EATING THE PLANET?
Eating the Planet? How we can feed the world without trashing it

09 Oct, 2002 — ECONOMIC IMPACT OF GM
The Government and the biotech industry are promoting GM crops on the economic benefits they will supposedly bring. However, after several years of growing them in the US, the evidence of the economic benefits is far from clear.

11 Mar, 2008 — ECOTOWNS - SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION OR TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE?
Ecotowns are being proposed by the Government as a means of tackling cliamte change. But will they work? This briefing analyses the potential benefits and drawbacks of the plan and calls for more involvement in the planning process for local communities.

28 Jan, 2010 — ENERGY NPS EVIDENCE
Friends of the Earth's evidence to the Energy National Policy Statement proposal

21 Apr, 2006 — ENGLAND'S WASTE STRATEGY
This briefing outlines the policies Friends of the Earth wants the Government to include in the new England waste strategy. It can be used as a guide to responding to the current consultation.

03 Dec, 2009 — ENGLAND’S POWER SHIFT: LOCAL CONTROL RULES OKAY!
This third briefing explores the Government’s proposals on Strengthening local democracy which is open for consultation until 2 October 2009 and which Ministers claim is “the biggest transfer of power to elected councillors for a generation.” For more information please contact either your Regional Campaigns Coordinator

03 Dec, 2009 — ENGLAND’S POWER SHIFT: MEET YOUR NEW LORDS AND MASTERS
This second briefing sets out the Government‟s Prosperous Places plans including the role for new regional and local bodies possessing new economic duties to lead your region and local area toward being sustainable low carbon economies. For more information please contact either your Regional Campaigns Coordinator

03 Dec, 2009 — ENGLAND’S POWER SHIFT: SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH?
This first briefing explains how economic priorities have shaped the Government's reforms of regional and local government dealt with in detail in briefings 2 and 3. For more information please contact either your Regional Campaigns Coordinator.

01 Oct, 2009 — ENSURING THE CLIMATE CHANGE ACT DELIVERS
There are five critical issues that must still be addressed to ensure the Climate Change Act delivers the scale and speed of emissions cuts needed in the UK, and to ensure we benefit from the advantages of moving swiftly to a low carbon economy. This briefing outlines the issues and explains what MPs can do to resolve them.

02 Jun, 2005 — ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE - RIGHTS AND MEANS TO A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL
This briefing brings together the evidence on environmental justice in the UK,and is the first attempt to provide a synthesis of the various factors involved.

23 Mar, 2001 — EU CHEMICAL TESTING ON ANIMALS
This short briefing shows how to regulate the chemical industry without the need for more animal testing.

10 Dec, 2008 — EU CLIMATE AND ENERGY PACKAGE – THE FINAL DAYS
Friends of the Earth briefing on the final days of EU climate and energy package.

30 Sep, 2002 — THE EU COMMISSION PROPOSAL ON THE THRESHOLDS FOR ADVENTITIOUS PRESENCE OF APPROVED GMOS IN SEEDS - SUMMARY
the eu commission proposal on the thresholds for adventitious presence of approved gmos in seeds - summary

04 Sep, 2001 — EUROPEAN LEAGUE TABLE OF IMPORTS OF ILLEGAL TROPICAL TIMBER
The UK is the worst importer of illegally sourced timber in the EU.

14 Jan, 2010 — EXTRA TIPS ON LOBBYING
Extra help on lobbying from the 2009 Get Serious About CO2 action guide.

13 Jan, 2010 — EXTRA TIPS ON RESEARCH AND PLANNING
Extra help on planning and research from the 2009 Get Serious About CO2 action guide.

13 Jan, 2010 — EXTRA TIPS ON STREET CAMPAIGNING
Extra help on street campainging from 2009 Get Serious About CO2 action guide.

10 Oct, 2000 — FARMERS' MARKETS: ACTIONS NEEDED BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES

19 Aug, 2002 — FINANCE INITIATIVES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Private finance has always been associated with ?profit driven? development with little regard for the social and environmental consequences. Since the Earth Summit in Rio there have been a number of initiatives to encourage financial institutions to finance sustainable development. Unfortunately there has been little progress on translating the good intentions of these initiatives into significant action on financing sustainable development.

09 Aug, 2002 — FRIENDS OF THE EARTH'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PRE-BUDGET STATEMENT 2001
This briefing outlines the opportunities for the Chancellor to make progress in using eco-tax reform and shifts in government spending to create a sustainable economy and sets out specific measures that can, and should, be included in the Budget.

23 Oct, 2007 — FOOD AND CLIMATE CHANGE
It is becoming increasingly clear that the food system has a major impact on climate change. This briefing outlines the key areas of the food system that have an impact on climate change and briefly discusses their underlying causes.

10 Sep, 2007 — FOOD WASTE COLLECTIONS
Food waste mostly ends up rotting in landfill and releasing climate change gases. We should be separating this waste for composting or anaerobic digestion (AD), which produces renewable energy. This briefing describes how we can stop our food waste damaging the climate and instead use it to create renewable energy.

19 Apr, 2001 — FOOT AND MOUTH CRISIS
April 2001

27 Apr, 2005 — FRIENDS OF THE EARTH AND DIRECT ACTION
Written by Charles Secrett, then Director of Friends of the Earth personal view on why protest and action is essential but violence is not an answer.

06 Feb, 2008 — FUELLING OR FOOLING EUROPE
Friends of the Earth's position on the use of plant based fuels in transport

24 Apr, 2001 — FUNDING MUNICIPAL WASTE

12 Nov, 2002 — GATS GOTTA GO
This briefing gives essential background information about GATS and suggests more ways individuals and groups can help halt this latest push in the WTO's expansion.

19 Nov, 2002 — GATS PRIMER - UNDERSTANDING THE WTO GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES
This primer looks at GATS and how it relates to social and environmental concerns. The issues and obligations that make up GATS and the possible implications of GATS on local communities and the environment are discussed.

18 May, 2006 — GENETICALLY MODIFIED ANIMAL FEED
This briefing looks into the little known problem of GM animal feed production. Although widespread consumer concerns have forced major supermarkets and food manufacturers to eliminate GM ingredients from human foods, GM crops continue to be fed to farm animals on a large scale.

20 Jul, 2001 — GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS AND FOOD
, updated January 2003 A comprehensive introduction to the GM debate: - What is GM? - Concerns about GM crops and food - GM crops and food in the UK - Government failures - Feeding the world - Alternatives

10 Dec, 2002 — GENETICALLY MODIFIED CROPS ARD DISCUSSION 13 NOVEMBER 2002
This briefing constitutes an update on the issues we raised before the last ARD meeting and a commentary on the paper (ARD 15-029p2) put before the meeting on 13 November.

15 May, 2001 — GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD AND CROPS: OUR RIGHT TO A LOCAL REFERENDUM
How to use existing legislation to call a local referendum and how this can help local campaigns against GM foods and crops.

12 Jan, 2010 — GET SERIOUS ABOUT CO2 MODEL MOTION
This motion if for your council to pass - it commits them to the Get Serious About CO2 campaign demands.

14 Jan, 2010 — GET SERIOUS FAQS
Frequentely asked questions on the Get Serious About CO2 campaign.

29 Sep, 2009 — GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT GREEN ENERGY
This briefing outlines how councils can get serious about local low carbon and renewable energy.

21 Sep, 2009 — GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT LOCAL TRANSPORT
This briefing outlines how councils can get serious about local transport, cutting CO2, reducing traffic and creating a better life for all.

07 Aug, 2006 — GM COEXISTENCE CONSULTATION FOR ENGLAND - MP BRIEFING
This is a briefing for MPs on the public consultation on GM and non-GM crop ‘coexistence’ for England . The Government is seeking views on what practical measures are needed to allow GM crops to be grown alongside conventional and organic crops, and who should pay if economic damage occurs as a result of GM contamination.

18 Oct, 2002 — GM CROPS AND FOOD SECURITY
Many people, not least those who live in countries where hunger persists, believe that a technological fix will at best address the symptoms of hunger and malnutrition, but not the causes. Many fear that corporate control over the food chain through patents and the ownership of seeds may even exacerbate the problem.

24 Oct, 2002 — GM FOOD SAFETY
The safety of GM foods remains in serious doubt. Genetic engineering is a difficult and fairly haphazard procedure, and the use of substantial equivalence in safety testing of the finished product is inadequate to prove that they are safe.

26 Sep, 2002 — GM FREE WELSH ENVIRONMENT
A review of Friends of the Earth Cymru's successful campaign for the Welsh Assembly to adopt a policy restricting the planting of genetically modified (GM) crops in Wales. The briefing gives a chronology of Friends of the Earth Cymru's GM campaign from 1999 - 2002 and makes recommendations for future Assembly policy.

31 May, 2005 — GM-FREE AREAS - YOUR RIGHT TO DECIDE
A guide to the GM-free areas petition, which calls for local decision-making on GM crops, aimed at local authorities and politicians.

21 Jan, 2003 — GM-FREE BRITAIN: STICKY QUESTIONS
Farmers have been conducting selective breeding for years. How are GM crops any different?

10 Dec, 2002 — GMO DELIBERATE RELEASE REGULATIONS FOR DISCUSSION BY ARD COMMITTEE ON 30TH OCTOBER 2002
This briefing is a response to the paper submitted to the Assembly Agriculture & Rural Development Committee for 30 October 2002. It only covers those issues which we consider to be most significant. The fact that we do not cover all issues in the paper should not be interpreted as an acceptance of those issues which remain outstanding.

17 Jun, 2005 — GOOD NEIGHBOURS? COMMUNITY IMPACTS OF SUPERMARKETS
This briefing looks at the economic and social effects of the competitive policies of large supermarket chains, and the subsequent impacts on local communities in the UK.

15 May, 2001 — GREEN CROSS CODE

15 Jun, 2009 — GREEN NEW DEAL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND
A solution to the triple crunch of recession, unstable fuel prices and climate change.

17 Jun, 2009 — GREEN NEW DEAL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND - HOUSING PACKAGE
Creating jobs, cutting fuel bills and reducing emissions in the housing sector.

07 Feb, 2001 — HASTINGS BYPASSES: A DESTRUCTIVE DIVERSION
. The proposed Hastings bypasses would damage three top wildlife sites and it's doubtful they would solve local transport problems.

01 Feb, 2008 — HEATHROW EXPANSION – ITS TRUE COSTS
The Government argues in its Heathrow consultation that economic benefits are the main reason for expanding Heathrow airport. It says “Our work shows that a third runway at Heathrow would bring in net economic benefits of around £5 billion", and argues that "in the view of the significant potential economic benefits, there is a strong case for introducing further capacity at Heathrow".

The consultation presents this economic case as a given. However, this economic case is flimsy in the extreme. This briefing presents five main arguments why it should not be accepted.

24 Apr, 2001 — HIGHLIGHTS OF WASTE STRATEGY 2000

12 Feb, 2008 — HOOFPRINTS: LIVESTOCK AND ITS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
This briefing sets out the background for Friends of the Earth’s new campaign on the impacts of the Livestock sector.

19 Mar, 2007 — HOW GREEN WAS GORDON?
In this briefing, Friends of the Earth looks at the environmental record of Gordon Brown’s budgets over the period 1997 to 2007.

27 Oct, 2006 — HOW LOCAL GROUPS CAN HELP TO DEVELOP THE NEXT FIVE YEAR PLAN (2008-2013)
A briefing to explain to Friends of the Earth local groups the ways that they can contribute to the development of Friends of the Earth's Strategic Plan - the Five Year Plan (2008-2013).

14 Jan, 2010 — HOW TO CAMPAIGN ON LOCAL TRANSPORT PLANS
How to campaign on Local Transport plans, and how they relate to the Get Serious About CO2 campaign.

22 Oct, 2009 — HOW TO CUT CARBON AND HOW TO PAY FOR IT
How to cut carbon and how to pay for it details two pieces of research. The first, by Professor Tony Travers of LSE, shows how councils can fund action to cut CO2, while the second, by Mark Watts of ARUP, details 12 case studies of best practice and how they were funded.

06 Dec, 2006 — HOW TO RESPOND TO THE WASTE FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE CONSULTATION
The UK Government has recently launched a consultation on the revision of the main piece of EU legislation on waste, the Waste Framework Directive. This briefing is a guide to responding to the consultation, which closes on 5th January 2007.

22 Nov, 2005 — HOW TO...OPPOSE A SUPERMARKET PLANNING APPLICATION
Though the devastating impacts of out-of-town supermarkets on communities and local businesses are well known, more than half of new retail space is still being built out of town and the supermarkets continue to expand at a massive rate. Tesco alone plans to open 111 new stores in 2005/6, and could in the future capture as much as 40 percent of the food retail market. In-town and edge-of-town supermarkets are now also starting to dominate our high streets. But local campaigners are not giving up – in fact all over the country, communities are showing that by building alliances with other local groups, good communications and working with decision-makers in their area, it is possible to oppose and stop bad developments. This briefing will guide you and your local group in opposing supermarket applications in your local area. It provides a step-by-step guide to making your way through the English planning system, leading you to the evidence that will help you win.

29 Oct, 2007 — HOW UK GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR GM UNDERMINES SUSTAINABLE FARMING POLICIES: EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This briefing summary examines how UK Government support for GM undermines sustainable farming policies.

29 Oct, 2007 — HOW UK GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR GM UNDERMINES SUSTAINABLE FARMING POLICIES
This briefing examines how UK Government support for GM undermines sustainable farming policies.

25 Jul, 2006 — IMMIGRATION, POPULATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT
This briefing aims to answer some common questions about the relationship between immigration, population and the environment, and to set out Friends of the Earth's views.

28 Jul, 2005 — IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE NORTH EAST
Paper outlines the impacts of climate change to the North East

22 Jul, 2005 — IMPLEMENTING THE BARKER REPORT
The Government has announced a consultation on proposals that will implement the Barker Report on housing supply. This will lead to changes to the national planning guidance through a new Planning Policy Statement on Housing in the autumn. The changes will put price at the heart of decision making. This will radically alter the way we plan for housing and will have a series of major social and environmental impacts.

25 May, 2007 — IMPLICATIONS OF PROPOSALS SO FAR
This document intends to help local groups feedback on the second phase of consultation on Friends of the Earth's draft strategic plan.

20 Feb, 2002 — IMPORT OF ILLEGAL TROPICAL TIMBER TO THE UK
This briefing makes an assessment of the approximate amount of illegal tropical timber entering the UK.

13 Feb, 2009 — INCINERATION AND HEALTH ISSUES
This briefing is aimed at helping campaigners ensure that health issues are fully considered in any assessment of incineration.

05 Dec, 2002 — INCINERATOR INQUIRIES
This briefing is a review of three recent public inquiries and a judicial hearing all considering planning permission for municipal waste incinerators.

07 Jun, 2007 — INCLUDING AVIATION IN THE EUETS - A JOINT NGO POSITION
A joint position paper with other environmental campaign groups on the inclusion of aviation into the European Union Emissions Trading System.

13 Jan, 2010 — INTRODUCING GET SERIOUS ABOUT CO2
Friends of the Earth’s Get Serious About CO2 campaign is calling for all councils to do their bit to tackle climate change. This is an introduction to the campaign.

12 Jan, 2010 — JOB CREATION FROM LOCAL ACTION ON CLIMATE
A briefing on Independent research commissioned by Friends of the Earth shows that at least 70,000 jobs could be created across England and Wales if councils slash climate-changing emissions locally.

16 Sep, 2005 — KEEP POVERTY HISTORY: "FREE" TRADE AND NAMA V SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
This briefing explains how current “solutions” to the problems of trade and poverty are short term at best. It sets out what Friends of the Earth believes needs to happen instead, and what elected representatives can do to help.

01 Jun, 2005 — KEEPING EUROPE GM-FREE
This briefing for campaigners explains the new GM free areas petition and how to campaign on it locally. The Europe-wide politicians' petition is calling for the democratic right for local authorities to decide whether GM crops can be grown in their areas or not.

10 Sep, 2007 — LANDFILL ALLOWANCE TRADING SCHEME - HOW LATS WORKS AND HOW TO MEET THE TARGETS WITHOUT INCINERATION
Councils must meet targets for reducing the amount of biodegradable waste they send to landfill or they face big fines under the Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS). This briefing explains how LATS works and the best way for councils to meet these targets, both financially and environmentally.

18 Mar, 2005 — LEGAL OPINION IN THE MATTER OF CO-EXISTENCE, TRACEABILITY AND LABELLING OF GMOS
New legal opinion criticising the European Commission and UK Government's approach on GM crop co-existence with other crops as "fundamentally flawed"

01 Sep, 2009 — LG TOUR ON CHANGE 2009 - ANDYS WRITE UP
Summary write up of Andy's tour of local groups during summer 2009, when he talked with them about changes in Friends of the Earth in 2009.

08 Oct, 2002 — LIABILITY AND GM CROPS
Currently there is no legislation to require biotech companies to pay compensation or clear up any damage caused by their crops. If GM food and crops are as safe as the industry says they are, why won't it accept liability for any damage caused?

14 Oct, 2004 — LIKE A BAD PENNY ...
Why Friends of the Earth oppose the Hastings-Bexhill Link Road

03 Jul, 2006 — LISTEN UP! COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE PLANNING SYSTEM
There is a powerful case for involving the public in local planning decisions. Participation can empower communities, encourage active citizenship and deliver better informed decisions that contribute to sustainable development and environmental justice. The problem, as some of the case studies in this report show, is the increasing gulf between the pledges of government and the experience of communities on the ground. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the positive contribution that local community voices can play in the planning process.

14 Jan, 2010 — LOCAL CAMPAIGN SUCCESSES
Case studies looking at local group successes on the Get Serious About CO2 campaign and how they did it.

18 Dec, 2009 — LOCAL CARBON BUDGETS
Friends of the Earth’s Get Serious About CO2 campaign is calling for all councils to do their bit to tackle climate change. Friends of the Earth believes local carbon budgets would be an effective mechanism for councils to support local carbon reduction and provide a secure framework for low-carbon investment and innovation.This briefing summarises how Friends of the Earth believes local carbon budgets should be designed and implemented.

15 Dec, 2005 — LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS AND YOUR COMMUNITY
Across the country, local councils are drafting new planning documents as required by recent national Government legislation. The new plans – known as Local Development Frameworks (LDFs) – will shape the way communities develop over years to come. Friends of the Earth believes that LDFs have the potential to play a vital role in promoting vibrant, diversified and localised retail development. But this will only happen if Local Authorities bring in policies that support their local economy, rather than encouraging the dominance of multiple retailers, car-based shopping, community destruction and environmental pollution.

03 Apr, 2007 — LOCAL GROUPS BRIEFING - RESPONDING TO THE GOVERNMENT'S CLIMATE CHANGE BILL
Key points on the Government's Climate Change Bill

07 Aug, 2009 — LONG WASTE CONTRACTS... 10 KEY QUESTIONS
This briefing poses 10 key questions to ask if your council is considering signing up to a long waste contract...and looks at some key risks.

12 Feb, 2007 — MAKING A STRONG CASE AGAINST NEW SUPERMARKETS
This guide is designed to help those using the development control planning system to object to planning applications for supermarket and other retail developments. The briefing outlines some of the useful arguments that you can make against supermarket applications. It also summarises some recent decisions that have gone against supermarkets, and the ways in which communities have influenced those decisions.

03 Oct, 2002 — MAXIMISING RECYCLING RATES - TACKLING RESIDUALS
This briefing outlines the key findings from research conducted for the Community Recycling Network on how we can maximise recycling rates from household waste and how we can best deal with the residuals, as we move towards zero waste in this sector.

08 Apr, 2004 — MECHANICAL BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT (MBT)
In the past, almost all residual municipal waste in the UK - the waste left after recycling and composting - has been landfilled untreated. The European Landfill Directive now means we must reduce the biodegradable fraction of waste we send to landfill. Until recently, the only alternative to landfill which has been considered is mass-burn incineration. Friends of the Earth has long opposed incineration of residual waste because it destroys natural resources; it undermines recycling by demanding a steady stream of waste; it adds to climate change; and it causes pollution from air emissions and toxic ash. A number of other options for dealing with residual waste are now becoming more significant, one of these is Mechanical Biological Treatment. This briefing explains what this process is, and what the potential benefits and disadvantages are. It also outlines the main companies involved in developing this technology in the UK.

08 Aug, 2005 — MIDLANDS' AVIATION MASTERPLAN RESPONSE
The aim of this report is to set the future of air transport in the East and West Midlands in a sustainable development context.

30 Jan, 1998 — MORE ISN'T ALWAYS BETTER
This briefing explains why the economic indicators society has relied upon have so misled our politicians, and how the uncritical pursuit of growth in gross domestic product has undermined quality of life. It makes the case for new indicators of progress to steer our society: a task which is possible, necessary and urgent.

17 Sep, 2007 — MORGLAWDD DROS YR HAFREN
Mae’r papur briffio hwn yn esbonio pam mae Cyfeillion y Ddaear Cymru yn dal i wrthwynebu adeiladu Morglawdd dros yr Hafren yn sgil y galwadau diweddar i ail asesu’r cynllun hwn.

07 Nov, 2008 — MP BRIEFING ON THE RENEWABLE ENERGY DIRECTIVE
Friends of the Earth briefing for MPs on the EU Renewable Energy Directive. Also endorsed by Greenpeace and RSPB.

18 Nov, 2002 — NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES AND GM CROPS: FIVE STEPS THE ASSEMBLY MUST TAKE TO KEEP WALES GM FREE

18 Sep, 2002 — NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR WALES CONSULTATION ON EUROPEAN COMMISSION PROPOSALS ON THE THRESHOLDS FOR *ADVENTITIOUS PRESENCE* OF APPROVED GMOS IN SEEDS
This is a response to the National Assembly for Wales consultation on European Commission proposals to set levels at which conventional seeds may be contaminated with GMOs. The response argues that the proposals would hamper Assembly efforts to promote organic farming in Wales and lead to unacceptable levels of GM contamination in the environment and food chain. The response calls on the Assembly to take a strong stance against the proposals.

26 Jan, 2010 — NATIONAL POLICY STATEMENTS AND NEW MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
A briefing for MPs on National Policy Statements and new major infrastructure development.

12 Oct, 2006 — NEW RESEARCH ON THE ECONOMICS OF CLIMATE CHANGE
This briefing summarises two new pieces of research. The first report - from Tufts University, USA - sets out the consequences and colossal economic costs of not tackling climate change, and the absolute urgency of taking action now if economic and environmental catastrophe is to be averted. The second report - from Ecofys UK - sets out how the UK and the EU could set a carbon budget to commit to annual reductions in emissions.

12 Oct, 2004 — NOT DEAD, BUT DYING: WTO JULY DEAL
In the weeks running up to the critical July World Trade Organisation (WTO) General Assembly (GA) meeting, commentators from far a wide declared that the Doha Development Agenda could not survive another failure to secure agreement on how to move the negotiations forward. Some went rather further and said the future of the WTO itself was in peril.

20 Apr, 2006 — NUCLEAR POWER, CLIMATE CHANGE, AND THE ENERGY REVIEW
A thorough examination of nuclear power in the UK, in the light of the current energy review, and the urgent need to tackle climate change. In particular the briefing looks at he sort of reactors that might be built in the UK and assesses the importance of a new nuclear programme for maintaining energy supplies and reducing emissions. It considers the likely cost of a new reactor programme and the impact that new reactors would have on nuclear waste and public safety. Finally, it looks at alternative ways of bridging the ‘energy gap’ and at the impact that our energy choices might have on other countries.

04 Jun, 2004 — OIL PRICES, FUEL TAX AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Recent tensions in the Middle East have led to fears about the supply of oil, and the knock on effect this will have on both prices at the petrol pump, and on the wider economy. However, it's also an opportunity to review our addiction to oil, and recognise the need to become more fuel efficient and introduce alternative fuels and technologies. This would aid economic stability, bring consumer benefits and, most of all, help the fight against global climate change (burning oil is a major source of climate-changing carbon dioxide).

07 Dec, 2009 — OUR UNSTABLE PLANET
In December 2009, the UN meeting in Copenhagen will discuss once again the possibilities for a global agreement to curb greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming and climate change. If the world’s leaders manage to reach an effective agreement we may just have chance to stop the worst impacts of climate change, but we are on the very edge of transforming our world into one never before experienced by humans. This briefing takes a look at some current observations of climate change, some of the recent science and how the future may unfold. This is not a comprehensive review, although it certainly dips into the epic work of thousands of scientists that contribute to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (the IPCC)1. It does try to bring together some important facts and forecasts to build a view of a warming world and some of the severe consequences for humanity.

10 Oct, 2000 — OUT OF THE SHADOWS - NORTHERN IRELAND'S RAILWAYS
Our vision for the future of railways

05 May, 2006 — PALM OIL, THE SURVIVAL OF THE ORANG-UTAN AND UK COMPANY LAW REFORM
This briefing explains why the failure of hundreds of UK companies to ensure that they do not buy palm oil from destructive sources is a classic example of how the voluntary approach to corporate responsibility has failed, and why the Company Law Reform Bill must be strengthened.

09 Dec, 2009 — PASS NOTES: POLITICAL PARTY BRIEFINGS ON COUNCILS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
This is an easy-to-read briefing to help you prepare for meetings with councillors from the different political parties, as part of the Get Serious About CO2 campaign.

03 Jul, 2001 — PESTICIDES IN SUPERMARKET FOOD
This briefing shows how we rated supermarkets according to their current and future policy on pesticides.

30 Aug, 2001 — PESTICIDES IN SUPERMARKET FOOD
RESPONSE FROM FRIENDS OF THE EARTHThis briefing shows how we rated supermarkets according to their current and future policy on pesticides

20 Sep, 2006 — PIE IN THE SKY
A briefing to show how the economic case for airport expansion supported by industry and the UK Government is inaccurate and misleading and how the costs outweigh the benefits.

20 Sep, 2006 — PIE IN THE SKY: A SUMMARY
Pie in the Sky shows how the Government's and industry's claims that airport expansion is good for the economy are inaccurate and misleading. The briefing shows that the costs of expansion outweigh the benefits.

07 Dec, 2007 — PLANNING BILL - MP'S BRIEFING
Friends of the Earth's response to the Planning Bill as published in November 2007. This document demonstrates the Bill's weaknesses and explains how improvements can be made to ensure democratic accountability, a duty to reduce carbon emissions, and people's right to be heard at all stages of the planning inquiry.

14 Dec, 2007 — PLANNING BILL CAMPAIGNER BRIEFING
A Campaigners guide to the Planning Bill as published in November 2007. This document demonstrates the Bill's weaknesses and explains how improvements can be made to ensure democratic accountability, a duty to reduce carbon emissions, and people's right to be heard at all stages of the planning inquiry.

19 Sep, 2008 — PLANNING BILL DISASTER COALITION BRIEFING REPORT STAGE 2008
Planning Bill Disaster Coalition Breifing for Report Stage 2008: ensuring a democratic, fair process that delivers sustainable development

02 Aug, 2008 — PLANNING FOR THE END OF DEMOCRACY
Joint Planning Law Oxford Conference paper Hugh Ellis

07 Aug, 2007 — PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Prompted by the rush to disastrous reform represented by the May 2007 Planning White Paper (PWP), this briefing demonstrates the democratic and sustainable development principles that underpin the planning system, explores a possible "new vision for planning" and explores how we could get there.

17 Mar, 2005 — PLANNING POLICY STATEMENT 1: CREATING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: A SUMMARY
A Summary of what Friends of the Earth thinks about Planning Policy Statement 1: Creating Sustainable Communities

29 Nov, 2007 — PLANNING POLICY STATEMENT: PLANNING AND CLIMATE CHANGE
A briefing outlining why Northern Ireland needs a Planning policy Statement on climate change

27 Aug, 2009 — PLANNING REFORM: MAKING THE MOST OF THE OPPORTUNITY
A guide to Northern Ireland planning reform

11 Jul, 2007 — PLANNING REFORM: MAKING THE PLANNING WHITE PAPER BETTER
This paper sets out an alternative vision in response to the Planning White Paper. It is based on the core sustainable development principles of land use planning and suggests solutions that work for people, the environment and the economy.

11 Jul, 2007 — PLANNING WHITE PAPER MP BRIEFING
This sets out Friends of the Earth's main concerns with the implications of the Planning White Paper.

13 Nov, 2007 — PLANTING PREJUDICE
This briefing summary examines how UK Government support for GM undermines sustainable farming policies.

29 Nov, 2007 — PLANTING PREJUDICE - FULL REPORT
This briefing examines how UK Government support for GM undermines sustainable farming policies.

03 Jul, 2001 — POLLUTION AND POVERTY - BREAKING THE LINK
Public information briefing on the links between pollution and poverty.

16 May, 2008 — POWER SHIFTS, PROMISES AND POLICY GAPS
The Government's Sub National Review proposes transferring power from Regional Assemblies to economic-growth focused Regional Development Agencies. This briefing outlines the concerns of Friends of the Earth and other NGOs that the review will result in a dominance of the economic agenda over a truly sustainable future.

26 Nov, 2002 — PRESTIGE OIL SPILL - WHO FOOTS THE BILL?
This briefing looks at who is liable for the environmental disaster that has unfolded.

22 Aug, 2008 — PRIVATE FINANCE INITIATIVE (PFI) FUNDING FOR WASTE INFRASTRUCTURE
How the PFI process is applied to big waste projects, the problems and opportunities associated with waste PFIs, and how to get involved with the process to achieve better outcomes.

16 May, 2002 — PROPOSED A40 ST CLEARS-HAVERFORDWEST DUALLING
FOE Cymru believe that for reasons of public health and fitness, road safety, and social inclusion together with energy use, greenhouse gas emission reductions, and countryside/wildlife protection, that transport policies should focus on traffic reduction. It should be remembered that the private car and lorry have been the focus of most investment for several decades.

18 Dec, 2002 — PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE NATIONAL LIST WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS AND HEARINGS PROCEDURES
The Welsh Assembly Government proposes to remove our right to a public hearing on safety issues before GM crops are commercialised. This response to their consultation document makes the case for full public involvement in the process.

09 Jan, 2003 — PUTTING JUSTICE AT THE HEART OF PLANNING
This briefing argues that the planning system in Wales is unfair because developers enjoy a right of appeal denied to local residents or other objectors. The briefing makes the case for a limited right of appeal for these "third parties" and suggests how this could be achieved without major delays in the planning system.

17 Mar, 2005 — PUTTING JUSTICE AT THE HEART OF THE PLANNING SYSTEM IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Friends of the Earth's Response to the consultation: Reforming Planning Proposals to Amend Primary Legislation in Northern Ireland

20 Mar, 2008 — QUESTION AND ANSWER ON THE PLANNING BILL
Question and Answer Briefing on the Planning Bill

14 Oct, 2005 — REASONS TO OBJECT TO WEYMOUTH RELIEF ROAD
Reasons to object to the Weymouth Relief Road

10 Sep, 2007 — RECYCLING - WHY ITS IMPORTANT AND HOW TO DO IT
Recycling saves energy, reduces raw material extraction and combats climate change. The vast majority of studies have found that recycling our rubbish is better for the environment rather than incinerating or landfilling it. This briefing explains why recycling is important and outlines the best practice which councils should implement to improve collection schemes and maximise recycling rates.

10 Sep, 2007 — RECYCLING COLLECTIONS - SOURCE SEPARATED OR COMMINGLED?
Collecting recyclable materials from households by separating them at the kerbside results results in less contamination than in mixed or ‘commingled’ systems. Cleaner materials are more valuable to reprocessors and a higher proportion of these can be recycled. This briefing outlines the environmental and financial benefits of separating materials at the kerbside.

29 Jul, 2004 — REGIONAL SPATIAL STRATEGY POLICY BRIEF
This policy brief is intended to be the spatial expression of Friends of the Earth's vision of a sustainable and environmentally just society. It provides a set of clear spatial policies which can help deliver sustainable development in the English regions. Its objective is to provide a resource for communities, campaigners and planning practitioners who want to achieve a positive future for their regions.

05 Apr, 2002 — REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY - REVERSE TRANSPORT SPENDING

24 Nov, 2004 — RETAIL DEVELOPMENT: KEY POLICIES FOR INCLUSION IN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS
Friends of the Earth believes that Local Planning Authorities, via their Local Development Frameworks (LDF), should play a positive role in promoting vibrant, diversified and localised retail development in their areas. This briefing suggests key policies on retail development for inclusion in LDFs.

13 Jun, 2001 — RIO TINTO THREATEN ABORIGINAL HOMELAND
Rio Tinto, has just bought the lease to a proposed uranium mine at Jabiluka in the Northern Territory of Australia. The uranium mine will be a nightmare with a devastating effect.

23 Mar, 2001 — RISKY CHEMICALS IN THE HOME AND HOW TO AVOID THEM
Getting good information about the thousands of chemicals used in everyday products can be difficult. Outrageously, most companies won't say what chemicals they use. Of most concern are bioaccumulative chemicals which can build up inside our bodies, persistent chemicals which are slow to break down in the environment and hormone disrupting chemicals which can interfere with our bodies' hormone systems. For more details on what these terms mean, see our fact sheet Chemicals and your health.

07 Sep, 2005 — ROAD PRICING: MAGIC WAND OR RED HERRING?
An analysis of the Government's proposals for national road user charging and its environmental implications.

28 Jan, 2010 — SE GET SERIOUS BRIEFING
The South East Get Serious Plan

04 Oct, 2002 — SEED PURITY
In order to protect the public's right to choose non-GM food, or for farmers to grow non-GM crops, it is essential that seed stocks remain free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This will become increasingly difficult to achieve if GM crops are grown widely in the UK.

13 Oct, 2006 — SHELL. WILDLIFE DESTROYER OF THE YEAR?
This briefing outlines some of the impacts that Shell is currently having on wildlife. It calls on the Natural History Museum to end Shell’s sponsorship deal; the UK Government to force Shell to clean up its act by amending the Companies Bill; and on Shell to spend money on cleaning up its pollution rather than attempting to create an impression that it is green.

12 Feb, 2008 — SHOP LOCAL FIRST: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR INDEPENDENT SHOPS
On 17 November 2007 Friends of the Earth hosted a seminar to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the independent retail sector in its move towards increased sustainability. Supermarkets may dominate the headlines with their ‘green’ initiatives but it is independent local shops that have the biggest potential to deliver sustainable food retailing. The aim of the seminar was to hear practical examples of how this is already being done, and to discuss the barriers, opportunities and policies that must be addressed to make local shops the ‘green’ retailers of the future.

27 Apr, 2007 — SHOPPING THE BULLIES
This report shows that the big supermarkets don’t need any help with their expansion plans. It reveals that supermarkets employ a range of tactics to manipulate the planning rules to their own advantage, sometimes even presenting inaccurate information to local decision makers. The report also looks at how recently recommended reforms to the planning system would play further into the hands of the big supermarkets allowing them to increase their already dominant position in the market and pushing more local shops out of business. The new surveys of local authority planning officers reveal significant concerns about the threat to our town centres should the proposed reforms go ahead. Less investment in town centres; more traffic congestion and associated pollution; poorer access for those without cars and a further decline in independent shops are some of the predicted outcomes if retail planning policy is weighed further in the supermarkets’ favour.

09 Jun, 2008 — SORTING RESIDUAL WASTE: A GUIDE FOR COUNCILS TO SAVE MONEY AND HELP THE ENVIRONMENT BY CUTTING BACK ON RESIDUAL WASTE
This briefing addresses local authority policies to reduce residual waste, including maximising recycling rates, providing effective food waste collection, using civic amenity sites to recycle DIY and other wastes and improving bulky waste collections to maximise re-use of furniture.

24 Jun, 2002 — STOP GLOBAL WARMING - WHY YOU SHOULD SAY YES TO RENEWABLE ENERGY (WELSH)
Briefing to Assembly Members outlining how Wales can develop an indigenous renewable energy industry. The briefing includes proposed targets for a range of renewable technologies.

15 Jan, 2007 — STOPPING THE WASTE
This briefing outlines why the Waste Framework Directive is important, what is happening in the review, what are the key changes that Friends of the Earth Europe and EEB are calling for, and answers some common questions.

02 Nov, 2005 — SUMMARY REPORT: MIDLANDS AVIATION MASTER PLAN
This summary sets out aviation in the East and West Midlands in a sustainable development context - something which the Government's Air Transport White Paper conspiciously failed to do.

21 Aug, 2002 — SUSTAINABILITY IN BUSINESS: PRINCIPLES FOR PROFIT
This paper outlines the problems of unsustainable development and the scale of the challenge, and then turns to the role of business in meeting that challenge.

12 Jan, 2006 — SUSTAINABLE HOUSING: MPS BRIEFING
The recent annoucement by ODPM on the Code for Sustainable Homes and PPS 3 (housing) is a major missed opportunity. We are extremely disappointed that: 1.The scope of code has been reduced from all buildings to only new domestic dwellings; 2.The code remains voluntary for all private sector housing; 3.That PPS 3 (Housing) provides only the weakest incentive to local authorities to ‘encourage’ the use of the code and then only on large strategic sites.

12 Jul, 2002 — SUSTAINABLE REGIONS: THE ONLY CHOICE
The Government has published its plans for elected regional government in England. The white paper is called ?Your R egion, Y our C hoice : Revitalising the English Regions ? . It describes how directly elected assemblies can be created in regions where people want them . But will regions choosing elected assemblies also be choosing sustai nable development? How can the G overnment?s proposals safeguard quality of life and the environment as well as democracy? Friends of the Earth is calling for a statutory duty on sustainable development for the new elected assemblies, a right to be heard for citizens, together with full and financed involvement for social and environmental partners.

04 Oct, 2002 — T25 MAIZE
T25 maize is a GM herbicide tolerant crop, intended to be grown in the UK as fodder for cattle. In the course of Friends of the Earth's investigations into its approval, serious failings in the regulatory process and flaws in the scientific research were discovered.

03 Nov, 2005 — TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL: THE ROLE OF LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORKS IN REDUCING THE EMISSIONS OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS
How Local Authorities can tackle the climate change impact of new developments through the Local Development Frameworks.

12 Oct, 2005 — TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE ENGLISH REGIONS
Spatial planning has a major and positive contribution to make in meeting the challenge of climate change by promoting policies which: promote the highest standards of resource and energy efficiency in new development; require land-use patterns that reduce the need and the propensity to travel by car; vigorously promote small and large scale renewable energy projects; restrict development which has a major negative impact on CO2 emissions; adapt to the harmful impacts of climate change.

29 Sep, 2006 — TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH PLANNING: A DISCUSSION PAPER FOR PPS 26
This report has been produced by Friends of the Earth and the Town and Country Planning Association. It recommends the scope and detail for the Government's forthcoming Planning Policy Statement on climate change. It aims to specifically address the patchy delivery of climate change policy at present, suggesting a systematic policy approach covering both mitigation and adaptation and additionally provides best practice guidance.

24 Oct, 2005 — TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH THE BUDGET
This briefing outlines the opportunities for the Chancellor to make progress in using eco-tax reform and shifts in government spending to create a sustainable economy and sets out specific measures that can, and should, be included in the Budget.

09 May, 2007 — TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH THE PLANNING SYSTEM - LOOKING AT THE NEW PLANNING POLICY STATEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE
In 2005 Friends of the Earth began a major campaign to persuade the Government to publish a comprehensive Planning Policy Statement which set out how the planning system could reduce carbon emissions. In December 2006 the Government published a package of new measures including a draft Planning Policy Statement and the new Code for Sustainable Homes. The briefing will focus on the Planning Policy Statement - and how we can use it to deliver our vision of a low carbon society.

05 Apr, 2002 — TACKLING WASTE IN THE ENGLISH REGIONS
Regional Waste Strategies are currently being written in all the English regions. This briefing outlines how the strategies should be developed to acheive effective and sustainable waste management.

09 Dec, 2009 — TEMPLATE MP LETTER CARBON BUDGETS
Template letter to send to your MP on local carbon budgets.

19 Feb, 2009 — THE 2020 CLIMATE CHANGE TARGET
A briefing for MPs on the importance of the 2020 target for reduction of UK greenhouse gas emissions, under the Climate Change Act. We must reduce UK emissions by at least 80% by 2050, but it is the cumulative emissions released up til then, "the area under the curve", that will impact on the climate. This briefing calls for support of a 42% emissions reduction target by 2020, as recommended by the Committee on Climate Change, but with all of those emissions cuts made within the UK.

03 Feb, 2005 — THE BARKER REPORT: DESTROYING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
The Barker Report represents the most dramatic and radical change for planning, housing and regional policy since 1979. More than being a simple recommendation for additional houses, it is in fact a Pandora’s box of recommendations which would have a huge impact on our environment and lead to an urban policy driven not by social need but by market forces.

04 Jan, 2007 — THE BIG ASK AT THE LOCAL LEVEL: WHAT LOCAL AUTHORITIES AND OTHERS CAN DO ON CLIMATE CHANGE
This briefing outlines case studies of local authority action on climate change. Intended to spark ideas of how individuals could encourage their own councils to take more action on climate change.

21 Mar, 2006 — THE ENERGY REVIEW - A SHORT GUIDE
An introduction to what the 2006 Energy Review is all about, and what Friends of the Earth's headline responses are - including positive solutions for the way forward.

29 Jan, 2007 — THE ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITY DIRECTIVE CONSULTATION
The environmental liability directive offers the opportunity to implement the “polluter pays” principle in UK law. Currently the Government is consulting on proposals how to implement the directive into UK law. This briefing outlines why the Government's proposals are insufficient to protect biodiversity in the UK and it advises on how to respond to the consultation.

08 Feb, 2000 — THE FARM SCALE TRIALS
The Farm Scale Trials have been heavily criticised since their introduction in 2000 by a variety of environmental organisations, local residents, and even the Government’s GM watchdog, the Agriculture Environmental Biotechnology Commission (AEBC).

10 Oct, 2002 — THE GM REGULATORY PROCESS
Before any GM plant can be grown in teh UK, or a GM food sold on the market, there are several regulatory hurdles that it must pass through. GM legislation originates in Europe and is implemented in the UK under domestic laws.

11 Sep, 2002 — THE PESTICIDES IN OUR FOOD
An overview of the types of pesticides that are found in our food and why they are of concern.

15 Jan, 2010 — THE PLANNING ACT 2008
This briefing explains the Government's new plans to approach the approval of major infrastructure projects. Highlighting the new planning process and explaining the major roles to be taken by National Policy Statements (NPS)and the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC). Unfortunately this proves to be most undemocratic and unfair in the Government's bid to bypass cross examination and testing of evidence by witness and members of the public.

20 Nov, 2002 — THE RECYCLING BILL
Introduction to why we need a doorstep recycling bill and how it would work.

08 Nov, 2002 — THE SAFETY OF INCINERATOR ASH
This briefing is a review of an Environment Agency report, published in May 2000, following well publicised problems about the use of incinerator ash from incinerators in Edmonton, North London and Byker, Tyneside.

31 Dec, 2006 — THE SEVERN BARRAGE
This report sets out why Friends of the Earth maintains its opposition to the construction of a Severn Barrage after reviewing recent calls for a new appraisal at the scheme.

17 Sep, 2007 — THE SEVERN BARRAGE
This report sets out why Friends of the Earth maintains its opposition to the construction of a Severn Barrage after reviewing recent calls for a new appraisal at the scheme.

21 Jun, 2005 — THE TESCO TAKEOVER
Over the past 10 years Tesco has become a giant among the world's retailers. But the Tesco bonanza comes at a price for farmers, workers, town centres and the environment, as this briefing reveals.

15 Jul, 2005 — THE TESCO TAKEOVER: TESCO'S RESPONSE
In June 2005 we produced a report, The Tesco Takeover, looking at the impacts of Tesco’s expansion. Tesco produced a response to our report, which we have read with interest, but we are disappointed that they seem to have paid little serious attention to the points we make in our report, instead simply accusing us of inaccuracies. We stand by our original report and refute these claims of inaccuracies.

23 Oct, 2008 — THE UK AND THE RENEWABLE ENERGY DIRECTIVE
Friends of the Earth briefing on the EU Renewable Energy Directive.

06 Dec, 2005 — THE UNEXPECTED HURRICANE CATARINA
The human impacts of Hurricane Catarina in Brazil

22 Aug, 2006 — THE USE OF PALM OIL FOR BIOFUEL AND AS BIOMASS FOR ENERGY: FRIENDS OF THE EARTH'S POSITION
Friends of the Earth's position on the use of palm oil for biofuel and as biomass for energy.

29 Nov, 2004 — THE VOLUNTARY INITIATIVE CATCHMENT PROJECTS - ARE THEY REALLY WORKING?
The Pesticides Voluntary Initiative (VI) was set up as an alternative to a pesticide tax, and aims to minimise the environmental impacts of pesticides. One of its key projects aims to reduce herbicide pollution of water in six catchments, and the VI has claimed that “it’s working”. Friends of the Earth’s analysis of progress in these catchments shows that it is not possible to attribute changes in pollution levels to the VI; that pollution incidents are still occurring; and that the advice given to farmers in the VI projects is very difficult to follow in practice.

10 Jan, 2003 — THE WAY FORWARD ON WASTE
This is the new Friends of the Earth policy on municipal waste. It has been agreed following discussions between staff and local groups and gives our recommendations for the European Union, national government and local authorities.

08 Nov, 2004 — THE WTO, GMOS AND DEMOCRACY
The US World Trade Organisation (WTO) case against the EU's precautionary approach to genetically modified food and farming (GM or GMOs) is a problem in itself, but it also highlights a number of the wider problems with the WTO and the way it functions. This briefing gives UK MPs and MEPs a brief introduction to the issues Friends of the Earth finds most pressing, including the way democratic authority is being pulled out from under elected representatives, as well as offering ways they can support solutions now.

29 Nov, 2002 — TIME FOR CHANCELLOR TO STAND AND DELIVER
This eighth blueprint for a green Budget explains the central role of eco-tax reform and shifts in government spending in creating a dynamic economy that respects environmental limits and improves the wellbeing of all. Specifically it sets out measures the Chancellor can, and should, include in this Budget to progress towards a sustainable economy.

03 Apr, 2001 — TIPS FOR A GREENER CHRISTMAS
At Christmas we often have a tendency to do things to excess from eating and drinking, to spending and creating waste. All of these things have an impact on our environment, and therefore on people at home and abroad, so it is an excellent opportunity to make changes and carry them through into 2001 as a New Year's resolution. These tips for a greener Christmas will start you off in the right direction.

31 Jul, 2001 — TOP 100 UK PENSION FUNDS - HOW ETHICAL ARE THEY?
Top 100 UK pension funds - how ethical are they?

30 Jul, 2002 — TOWARDS BINDING CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY
Briefing examining the case for an effective legally binding international framework to deliver corporate accountability.

05 Dec, 2000 — TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIES

25 Jan, 2008 — TRADING FOR GROWTH
This briefing by the Aldersgate Group looks at how the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) can best deliver the necessary cuts in carbon emissions and maximise the economic benefits that can flow from higher environmental standards.

By analysing key policy decisions such as the setting of caps, the distribution of allowances and the role of off-setting, this proposal builds on what has been achieved to date, so that the EU ETS delivers on the high objectives it has been set.

16 May, 2002 — TRAFNIDIAETH CYMRU YN YR UNFED GANRIF AR HUGAIN

16 May, 2002 — TRANSPORT 21ST CENTURY WALES
A two page briefing on the future direction of transport policy in Wales.

18 Jun, 2002 — UK DEMOCRACY PLC - HOW THE CORPORATE JUGGERNAUT IS CRUSHING OUR DEMOCRACY
There are many links and associations between politicians, the political process and corporations. This briefing details some specific links between Labour and the Conservative party and "unethical" companies.

22 May, 2003 — UP IN SMOKE...WHY FRIENDS OF THE EARTH OPPOSES INCINERATION
Incineration wastes valuable resources, pollutes and is bad for climate change. This briefing looks at these reasons in depth, at some of the financial and employment implications, and at Friends of the Earth's recommendations as to the way forward.

15 May, 2001 — US CORPORATION STILL TAKING THE PEAT
The paper also details what must be done to prevent another oil spill of this type, calling on the UK government to take a lead on shipping safety and environmental liability issues in Europe and on TotalFina to be held responsible.

02 Nov, 2007 — VIOLENT ATTACKS ON FARMERS OCCUPYING A SYNGENTA GMO FIELD TRIAL IN BRAZIL - STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FROM FRIENDS OF THE EARTH EUROPE
This is a Statement of solidarity from Friends of the Earth Europe regarding violent attacks on farmers occupying a Syngenta GMO field trial in Brazil.

07 Jul, 2005 — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NAMA
An explanation of why the World Trade Organisation's Non-Agricultural Market Access (NAMA) negotiations threaten the environment and development.

09 Dec, 2008 — WHAT'S FEEDING OUR FOOD?
This report highlights the environmental and social impacts of the intensive meat and dairy sector.

09 Dec, 2008 — WHAT'S FEEDING OUR FOOD? CYMRU
This report highlights the environmental and social impacts of the intensive meat and dairy sector.

09 Dec, 2008 — WHAT'S FEEDING OUR FOOD? SUMMARY
This report highlights the environmental and social impacts of the intensive meat and dairy sector.

17 Jan, 2008 — WHO BENEFITS FROM GM CROPS - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Despite industry boasts that they would benefit the environment, the current batch of commercial GM crops have actually increased pesticide use.

07 Feb, 2008 — WHO BENEFITS FROM GM CROPS?
Despite industry boasts that they would benefit the environment, the current batch of commercial GM crops have actually increased pesticide use.

07 Feb, 2008 — WHO BENEFITS FROM GM CROPS? QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Who benefits from GM crops? Questions and answers

02 Aug, 2005 — WHY AIRPORT EXPANSION IS BAD FOR REGIONAL ECONOMIES
There is a national tourism deficit of over £15bn. This briefing shows how the cost of this deficit to Wales, Northern ireland and the regions of England.

22 Oct, 2004 — WHY NUCLEAR POWER IS NOT AN ACHIEVABLE AND SAFE ANSWER TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Friends of the Earth has researched realistic solutions to reduce UK greenhouse gas emissions and has openly considered the view that nuclear power could tackle climate change. Friends of the Earth has modelled how the Government could meet its climate targets for 2010, in respect of electricity, and at how electricity generation could change up to 2020 . Friends of the Earth has concluded that, based on current scientific information, investment in a programme to construct new nuclear power plants is not justified and that nuclear power has several drawbacks that prevent it from being an achievable and safe answer to climate change. In summary these are: • Doubling nuclear power in the UK would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by no more than 8%. • Research, in a UK context, suggests nuclear power would produce about 50 per cent more global warming emissions than wind power . • Nuclear power does not hold any financial benefits compared with the development of renewable energy • The technology of nuclear power is intimately connected with the technology used to make nuclear weapons • Nuclear facilities are uniquely vulnerable to terrorist attack • Nuclear power produces waste which remains dangerous for tens of thousands of years • Nuclear power leads to radioactive discharges into the seas and atmosphere In 2000, the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution showed that the UK could cut its carbon dioxide emissions by 60 per cent by 2050 without recourse to nuclear power .

15 May, 2008 — WHY THE GOVERNMENTS CARBON DIET MUST INCLUDE CHOCOLATE
The UK will shortly have the world’s first climate change law but it currently excludes emissions from international aviation and shipping. This briefing explains why it is essential these emissions are included and how it can be done.

24 Nov, 2004 — WHY THE NEW PPS6 COULD DAMAGE TOWN CENTRES
The draft Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6) issued in December 2003 accompanied a commitment from Government to the regeneration of town and city centres. But the draft contained a completely contradictory policy: encouraging the provision of large format stores on the edge of town centres. Friends of the Earth produced this briefing to explain the issue to MPs and ensure ministers are made aware that this policy would directly contradict their aim to protect and regenerate town centres.

13 Jul, 2007 — WHY THE PLANNING WHITE PAPER COULD BE THE DEATH OF TOWN CENTRES
The Planning White Paper recognises the importance of vibrant town centres in creating places where people want to live. But despite its aim of “improving the effectiveness of the town centre planning policy” the Government’s proposals do the opposite. By scrapping the important ‘need test’ for out of town retail developments the Government would be removing a key policy tool used by local planning authorities both to protect existing high streets and to direct new investment into town centres. Allowing an increase in out of town retail would harm local economies; reduce consumer choice; make shopping more inaccessible to those without cars and add to transport related carbon emissions.

12 Oct, 2001 — WHY TRAVELLING BY RAIL IS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
This factsheet provides 10 key facts that demonstrate why moving people and goods by rail has less environmental impact than other modes of motorised transport. Good reason for our railways to be at the heart of an environmentally sustainable UK transport system.

24 Nov, 2008 — WHY WE SUPPORT THE GREATER MANCHESTER TRANSPORT BID
People in Greater Manchester are about to begin voting in a referendum on whether to accept proposals which would revolutionise travel in the city and set an example for other cities to follow. This briefing explains why Friends of the Earth, Campaign for Better Transport, Greenpeace and Asthma UK support the transport proposals.

08 May, 2008 — WIND POWER: 20 MYTHS BLOWN AWAY
A report tackling the myths that are blocking the development of wind power in Wales

12 Mar, 2009 — YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER CLIMATE CHANGE PLAN - FRIENDS OF THE EARTH ANALYSIS
An analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Change Plan for 2008-13.

06 Feb, 2009 — YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER RSS UPDATE SUBMISSION
A response to Government plans to increase house building numbers in Yorkshire and Humber outlining likely effects on greenhouse gas emissions.