UK faces criminal charges of 'conspiracy to build coal power plants'

Campaigners from around the world have condemned the UK govornments plan for new coal power plants. Reaching a global deal on climate change, they say, is nearly impossible if developed nations cant move away from the most polluting form of energy know to man.

Campaigners in 40 countries say UK's proposed new coal power plants will undercut emission deals.

A report in The Guardian argues that a global protest against UK plans to build new coal power plants has been launched by campaigners from more than 40 developing countries accusing the government of being a 'climate criminal'. They have written an open letter to Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband that follows repeated warnings from UK groups that the decisions to approve new coal power plants and the expansion of Heathrow airport would damage the nation's position in international negotiations when it tries to persuade other countries to cut global-warming emissions, says the report. The groups oppose the current plans to build coal plants with no equipment for carbon capture and storage, and existing proposals for a 'demonstration' of the technology are inadequate, said the World Development Movement, the UK-based poverty campaigning charity which coordinated the letter.

After giving Heathrow the go ahead (and no i for one have no plans to accept that!) this govornment is desperately low on credibility on climate change. Will they blow it all by allowing eon to build kingsnorth?

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

New Report: Building the Climate Movement

The Change Agency have just completed and published the results of two year research project: Building the Climate Movement Online (PDF). 200 activists were surveyed and they've just put the report up on their website. This report is a first of its kind, a really useful tool for climate activists.


Building the climate movement | Action research project

Climate change is high on the agenda for most environmental and social justice non-government organisations in Australia. Increasing community awareness and political traction present important opportunities to campaign for impact. What kind of social movement will be necessary to bring about a climate-conscious society and avoid dangerous climate change? How will this movement be built and sustained? What will it take?

Objectives
Our team initiated this action research project in 2006 to:

strengthen the Australian climate movement draw lessons and insights from climate change organising since the 1980s facilitate dialogue, reflection and relationship building
bridge the gaps between grassroots and NGO activists, between environmentalists and other citizens concerned about climate change, and between the rebels, reformers, citizens and change agents in this crucial people's movement.

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Climate Camp Goes Viral

I couldn't find anywhere on the web that listed all 8 fabled climate camps that are being planned around the world this year. After a bit of searching i found links to seven of them. Events in the UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand and three in the US.

All this started three years ago with the camp for climate action at Drax power station in the UK. It may be the start of a movement, it needs to be.

Check the labels out for more on the camp for climate action aka the climate camp.

[UPDATE: i have just found another camp in the US (Montana) which dosent make any reference to the UK actions but involves some groups that where involved in the first UK camp]

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Climate Change and The Student Movement: UK Conference 6/7th June in Brighton

On friday the 6th and saturday the 7th of June a large climate change conference specifically for students is being held in Brighton. This could be a very important moment for UK student engagement in climate change. Judging by the groups and people involved it is going to be a very big deal. Registration is available now on the website, open until 31st of May.

Speakers will include George Marshall of COIN, Caroline Lucas MEP and speakers from Greenpeace, People and Planet and many others. The idea is to build an agenda for campaigning during o8/09. Now is the time to get things moving in a big way.

• Main conference ticket fri/sat - £8 - Includes all listed workshops, keynotes and Fri crash pad accommodation. Book online now @ http://www.studentmovement.co.uk/
• Extra option: Award Winning Coin Speaker Training on Sunday at the massively reduced price of £8 for the day or book the whole weekend for just £14 (limited places)

Fri/Saturday Timetable Includes:

The state we're in: science from the front line. (Caroline Lucas MEP)
Overcoming climate denial (George Marshall)

1. Biofuels (Biofuel watch) -
2. Ethical Consumption: The Solution to What? -
3. The Trouble With Offsetting (Carbon Trade Watch) -
4. The Nuclear Option (Greenpeace) -
5. Corporate Social Responsibility and its green limits (corporate watch) -
6. Zero Carbon Britain: an alternative energy strategy (Zero Carbon Britain) -
7. Contraction and Convergence: a global solution? (GCI) -
8. Political Systems: Capitalism, Socialism or Anarchy? -
9. Eco-nomics? (New Economics Foundation) -
10. Running Effective Meetings and Negotiations -
11. How to use the Media (New Internationalist) -
12. Planning Your Campaign (People and Planet)-
13. Non-Violent Direct Action (Seeds for Change) -
14. What Role Does The N.U.S have in fighting Climate Change? -
15. Campaigning Success: Food and Flights in Universities (Food 4 US and Eco-Uni) -
16. The Importance of Universities in the Climate Campaign and what you can do about it - Students: Working with Workers (Workers Climate Action)-

WHERE NEXT?: BUILDING THE STUDENT CLIMATE MOVEMENT (special guest speaker TBC)

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Minutes of April 23rd Global Climate Campaign Conference Call

Global Climate Campaign conference call 23rd of April

On the call:

1. Fiona Dear Campaign against Climate Change (UK)
   
2. John Ackers Campaign against Climate Change (UK)
   
3. Diana Vogtel Campaign against Climate Change (UK)
   
4. Ben Margolis GCAP (Global Call against Poverty) (UK)
   
5. Dylan Penner Act for the Earth (Canada)
   
6. Felix Nieto Globalizate (Spain)
   
7. Will Bates 350.org (US)
   
8. Christina Hering Klima Allianz (Germany)
   
9. Mareike Britten Greenpeace International
   
10. Susann Scherbarth FOE Europe
    

• Reports from countries around the world on prospects for the Global Day of Action 2008 and other campaigning activities:
  
  Felix reports from Spain: on 20th April over 40 organisations including Greenpeace Spain and FOE Spain organised a rally through Madrid. There was a turnout of 3000, which was smaller than expected due to bad rain, but at the protest they started leafleting for the GDA demonstration, which will be on 29th November as 6th December is a bank holiday. Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth Spain will also be involved in the Spanish GDA protest this year.
  
  Dylan reports from Canada: they are starting a tour on biotechnology and biofuels, and are also planning a climate camp this summer at Parliament Hill. This event can be used to spread the word about the next GDA mobilisation. There is one obstacle in Canada for the next GDA as the 6th of December is the Day against violence against women (remembering a massacre 20 years ago). However, Act for the Earth is trying to make as many links as possible to women’s groups and the gender aspect of climate change to turn this obstacle into an advantage. As an aftermath of the protests last year 6 people who got arrested will face trial this May. Act for the Earth will try to use these trials as an opportunity to put the national climate policies “on trial”. Another focus for Canadian organisations will be the G8 that will be back in Canada in 2010.
  
  Will reports from the US: in the US a team of campaigners (including former campaigners from Step it Up) are concentrating on a campaign called 350 to push the international community to adopt CO2 emissions reduction targets that will keep CO2 gases under 350ppm. The webpage will be ready end of May/beginning of June. The idea is to organise days of action around the number and to find people supporting this campaign in their countries.
  
  Mareike reports from Greenpeace International: For the build up to the Poznan talks GI are organising a boat tour with the first ship having already left from New Zealand to reach Poland later in the year passing China, India and Spain. In Poland itself Greenpeace will organise a climate camp next to an open coalmine. For the Poznan talks the Solar Generation Network (the global youth network of Greenpeace) is planning to get involved with actions.
  
  Susann reports from FOE Europe: FOE Europe supports the GDA 2008. They are focusing more on the talks in Copenhagen in 2009 rather than the Poznan talks. However, FOE youth groups will organise a meeting in Poland with about 50 delegates from around Europe and collecting messages from all around the world to display at the Poznan talks. Other FOE groups will get involved in actions in their own countries and it is also planned to use the ESF in Sweden for promotion.
  
  Christina reports from Germany: the Klima Allianz will organise local actions all around Germany for the GDA and they will also mobilise people from the eastern part of Germany to go to Poznan. Beforehand there will be two big demonstrations at coal plants on September the 13th.
  
  Diana reports from Australia: the organisers of the Walks against Warming (climate demonstrations all over Australia that saw over 100.000 people out in the streets at the last two events) have reported that they will join in on the GDA this year (last year the Walks against Warming happened two weeks before their national elections to push climate change up the election agenda and get rid of a climate unfriendly government –successfully!) and will start preparations for this event soon. At the moment they are getting their thinking caps on for how to make the Walks against Warming even bigger and more appealing this year.
  
  Fiona reports back from the UK: the three main campaign issues for groups in the UK are at the moment (1) Biofuels (CCC has just organised a public protest against the introduction of the RTFO -Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation - in the UK – working together with BiofuelWatch), (2) Aviation (together with Greenpeace UK, Hacan, NOTRAG and the 2M group CCC is organising a big rally against the plans for a third runaway at Heathrow Airport on 31st May) and (3) the building of new coal fired power plants (there is a proposal pending to build the first new coal plant in the UK for 30 years in Kingsnorth, Kent) For the GDA 2008 there are plans to bring all three of these issues together in a huge rally in London..
  
  Ben reports from GCAP: the Global Call against Poverty (GCAP) just recently started to work on climate change (they have focused more on development and poverty issues in the past) and make the connection between these two issues. They sent a small team to Bali and are now figuring out how to get involved and build alliances.
  
  Report back from Warsaw and Brussels meeting:
  
  Diana reports back from the Brussels meeting: on the 8th of March representatives from European groups from Belgium, France, Denmark, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and Italy as well as representatives from Greenpeace International, FOE Europe and the European Green Party met to discuss their plans for the GDA 2008 and plans for the Copenhagen talks. It has been decided to meet again in Copenhagen this year in September before the ESF to discuss how the GDA can be expanded in Europe and the mobilisation in 2008 can build up to the next GDA in 2009 to ensure a huge mobilisation at the critical Copenhagen talks.
  Information about the upcoming meeting in Copenhagen will be distributed around the Global Climate e-mail list.
  
  The meeting in Warsaw initiated by Greenpeace Poland and CCC saw lots of energy coming from the Polish groups that attended the meeting to mobilise for this year’s GDA. The idea of a big rally followed by a concert was raised and the Polish climate alliance will follow up on that idea. The Polish groups will meet soon, both in Poznan and Warsaw, to build a steering group and discuss further details.
  Information about the mobilisation process in Poland will be distributed around the Global Climate e-mail list.
  
  Global Climate Campaign meetings in the build-up to the GDA 2008:
  Copenhagen meeting – see report back from the Brussels meeting above
  
  Events we can use to promote the GDA 2008:

• Global Greens meeting (1st-4th May): Fiona from CCC will attend and give a workshop about the Global Climate Campaign in cooperation with GCC colleagues from Nepal
• Mini COP in Bonn (2nd-13th June): Christina and Mareike will be there; Greenpeace and FOE will have actions there.
• G8 (5th-9th July): someone from CCC will probably attend, GCAP will be there and Greenpeace and FOE have local offices there that could be contacted to find out what Greenpeace Japan and FOE Japan are planning around climate and the G8

Major Emitters meeting (in July):

Mini COP Ghana (in August): Ghana National CSO Youth Coalition just launched – Dylan will send out more information on the Global Campaign e-mail list

ESF (17th-21st September): Global Climate Campaign meeting in Copenhagen shortly before the ESF. CCC will organise workshops there and are looking for other organisations to work together to push the climate issue at the ESF

GCC newsletter and collation of reports, photos, videos from GDA 2008:

One idea at the Brussels meeting was to start a platform for exchanging news and ideas from different climate campaigns in Europe and around the world – Diana offered to start by using the news section of the Global Climate campaign webpage to put up news bits etc. and to develop this into a regular short e-mail update later in the year (depending on time capacity in the CCC office). So all climate campaigns are invited to send their recent updates, news etc… to info@globalclimatecampaign.org and Diana will put the info up on the GCC webpage. John mentioned that the GCC webpage gets 400-500 hits per day during the year and 4000-5000 hits per day in the run up for the GDA in November/December.

Dylan reported from their plans in Canada to produce a YouTube video to promote the GDA 2008. They had a good experiences with this last year and he reckons that we could use also the video outside Canada and translate it into other languages. He asks for help with translation as well as video footage from the last GDA from around the world. Mareike mentions that GI is working with volunteer translators who may help with that.

AOB:

Ben points out that the 10th of December is the 60th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights and suggests building up good links to human rights groups in the run-up to the GDA 2008.

Next call:

The next conference call will be on the 21st of May at 12 noon, GMT.

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Global Climate Campaign Newsletter: Dec 6th 2008 Preperation

The Global Climate Campaign is the name of a project initiated by Campaign against Climate Change. The focus of this campaign is an International Day of Climate Action that is planned to coincide with the annual UN climate talks. One reason for it's success is the broad nature of the coallition building that has been carried out; the general message has been if you support a global and leaglly binding climate change deal then join us on this day and be part of something bigger than any of our individual efforts.

The campaign now has a well produced newsletter with some facinating contributions (PDF)

The Global Climate Campaign is a growing movement with representation in many, many countries, but perhaps not yours? If you would like to add your group to the list of those supporting the call bellow then email the campaign office via the website:

"We demand that world leaders take the urgent and resolute action that
is needed to prevent the catastrophic destabilisation of global climate, so that
the entire world can move as rapidly as possible to a stronger emissions
reductions treaty which is both equitable and effective in preventing dangerous
climate change.

We also demand that the long-industrialised countries that have
emitted most greenhouse gases up to now take most of the responsibility for the
adaptive measures that have to be taken, especially by low-emitting countries
with limited economic resources."

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Global Climate Movement: 350.org

Bill McKibben, prominant green author, and superstar activist worked with students at Middlebury to create the phenominally successful StepItUp campaign.

Now his project has gone global with 350.org; the 350 refers to 350ppm CO2e , a concentration of greenhouse gasses significantly lower than most policy wonks are talking about but a level at which we may have to stabilise concentrations to prevent run-away climate change.

The project differs from the Global Climate Campaign (GCC) in having a very specific outcome and a more significant central organisation; this greater specificity and centrality will no doubt enable certain activities and engage certain new people not already reached. The more ad hoc GCC however, worked as a de facto umbrella group and the day international day of climate action, a simple unifying element.

It will be interesting to see how these two activist elements work together to raise the profile and increase the cohesiveness of the global climate change protest movement.

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Video: Bill McKibben on Responding to Climate Change

I just found a facinating video of Bill McKibben talking at the Univesity California Santa Barbara.

"Environmentalist Bill McKibben offers a vision of what a response to the challenges of global warming might be. He argues that America needs a powerful political effort to move beyond growth as the paramount economic ideal."

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Bali Climate Change Deal Reached

At Bali a dramatic one and a half hour period seperated the world from the effective brakdown of post-Kyoto talks. Based on a reading of the US position going into the talks, and on the complex beurocracy that exists at UNFCCC meetings the result was as good as we where likely to see. Based on the somewhat more important meter of physical reality progress is appalingly slow. There is still a question in my mind over weather the UNFCCC process will deliver substantial mitigation of climate change. Perhaps a more flexible meeting of major economies, led by a post-Bush USA will reach a deal? For the time being the process moves on and although its often difficult to decide weather to laugh or cry in this case the US u-turn put a smile on my face!

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

What does the Bali mandate mean?

I`m not sure about what Bali means. I believe it leaves open the option for progress but isn't a breakthrough in itself.

Various NGO's (Non-Govornmental Organisations) came together as the Climate Action Network and this video shows their varied views on this. It's mixed but not a disaster.

The final UN press conference from the climate talks is here. The EU response to developments is here.

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Climate change protesters march through Glasgow

Yesterday was the International Day of Action on Climate Change and i was out marching in Glasgow as people all over the world pushed for urgent action to curb emissions. The march was in wet and cold conditions so we where glad to make the news (Video, Article).

We, and others around the world where marching to support the following call to action:

"We demand that world leaders take the urgent and resolute action that is needed to prevent the catastrophic destabilisation of global climate, so that the entire world can move as rapidly as possible to a stronger emissions reductions treaty which is both equitable and effective in preventing dangerous climate change.

We also demand that the long-industrialised countries that have emitted most greenhouse gases up to now take most of the responsibility for the adaptive measures that have to be taken, especially by low-emitting countries with limited economic resources."

Glasgow climate march was organised to coincide with the global day of action on climate change; an effort to inject some urgency into the Bali climate talks.

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Global Climate Campaign: Map of Actions for Dec 8th Protests

I just found a map for the global climate campaign's Dec 8th day of action. Many of the actions from around the world are on there, check it out and find one near you!

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Climate Camp Pitch in Parliament Square

This Saturday Dec 8th, the Climate Camp pitch at Westminster for the International Day of Action on Climate Change.

On 8th December 2007, the Climate Camp will be pitching the Climate Change message to the Nation from the grassy knoll of Parliament Square.

The 7th great public demonstration on Climate Change will wend its merry way from the seat of the British Government in Westminster to the US Embassy in Grosvenor Square, where a rally will be held, demanding that America join the winning team.

"We just want the US to play ball on Global Warming policy", said one
camper, "so we're pitching them a curve this weekend. Don't play up in Bali -
just play ball !"

To continue with the American sports metaphors, we hope to see you on the home run with us, starting at 12 o'clock noon midday at Victoria Gardens, Milbank, close to the Houses of Parliament, London, England.

Wear sports clothing adorned with appropriate slogans, carry placards with relevant team messages, and put on baseball caps - for a legally binding capping of Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

Taking part :-
Global Climate Campaign
Campaign against Climate Change
Climate Camp
u4d8 : United for December 8th

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Greenpeace Activists Shot At for Coal Power Protest!

You kind of get the impression that a deal on climate is unlikely when violent intimidation using rifles is used to guard a coal fired power plant!

Added: December 02, 2007 Security personnel from PLTU Tanjung Jati B
coal power plant in Jepara, Central Java fired five gunshots and drew knives as
activists from Greenpeace flagship, Rainbow Warrior, today climbed the coal
plant´s cooling tower and loading crane hanging banners that read "Coal Kills
Climate."

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Youth Coalition Calls For A Bali Breakthrough

Youth Coalition Calls For A Bali Breakthrough
"Our future is in your hands, show true leadership"

BALI, Indonesia - December 3 - Youth from around the world have set an example for their leaders at the Bali climate negotiations this week, reaching out and joining with hundreds of young people from across the globe at the 3rd International Conference of Youth. They were united in calling for real cooperation and strong climate leadership from their governments.

"We have met with young people from across the world," said 24-year-old Australian spokesperson Amanda McKenzie, "and we all agree – our leaders need to take much stronger action to protect our future."

"This weekend's youth conference has shown that the world's young people are willing and able to cooperate, and we urge our leaders to do the same." Youth leaders from North America, Australia, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific converged on Bali in an effort to get world leaders to cooperate in protecting their future.

In light of last month's IPCC Fourth Assessment Report, which presented a dire prediction of climate impacts, these young people – aged from 16 to 26 – have every reason to be concerned about their future.

"Young people have a critical, but underrepresented voice in building the future they must live in. World leaders should follow the lead of young people and act together to secure a livable future for their children." said Richard Graves, 25, a US youth representative.

Earlier this year, Catherine Gauthier, 18, said before the UN High level meeting on Climate Change in September, "Young people have no vested interests or historical baggage – we just want a safe future." Youth leaders hope that world leaders heed her call and work towards a mandate for a strong global climate agreement.

The 3rd International Conference of Youth was organised by the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, the Canadian Youth Climate Coalition, SustainUS, and Solar Generation.

For dispatches from the Youth Delegations, visit: www.ItsGettingHotinHere.org
For dispatches from the UN Climate Negotiations, visit Bali Buzz: www.unfcccbali.com
Check out dispatches from the youth climate movement: http://www.itsgettinghotinhere.org/
Please support the U.S. Youth Delegation to the international climate negotiations in Bali:
http://sustainus.org/donatebali

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Dec 8th Global Climate Campaign Day of Action!

From HillHeat (Washington, DC)

The Global Climate Campaign intends synchronised demonstrations around the world on Saturday December 8th 2007 – in as many places as possible – to call on world leaders to take urgent action on climate change.

The ‘Call to Action’ for these demonstrations and related events that will take place on December 8th 2007 is as follows :

“We demand that world leaders take the urgent and resolute action that is needed to prevent the catastrophic destabilisation of global climate, so that the entire world can move as rapidly as possible to a stronger emissions reductions treaty which is both equitable and effective in preventing dangerous climate change.

We also demand that the long-industrialised countries that have emitted most greenhouse gases up to now take most of the responsibility for the adaptive measures that have to be taken, especially by low-emitting countries with limited economic resources.”

We feel that there is an overwhelming need to create a groundswell of global opinion to push for the urgent and radical action on climate change, without which we risk a global catastrophe of unimaginable proportions.

In the UK demos are taking place in Belfast, London and Glasgow

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

UNFCCC Bali climate talks: Protests, Lobbying, Meetings Planned

The Bali Climate talks may be a historic event...many people are trying to make this so:

1. The World Business Council on Sustainable Development and International Chamber of Commerce are holding a 'Business Day' to lobby for a new climate deal.
2. The Global Climate Campaign are coordinating demonstrtions around the world to push the politicians into action.
3. Greenpeace use the Bali climate talks to highlight the global disaster that is palm oil production.
4. Groups working together on development and adaptation are getting together to educate the conference attendees on these joint challenges.
5. SustainUS send a youth delegation to Bali to make the views of the American people clear.
6. 100 Cyclists cycle from Jakartat to Nusa Dua (Bali) to highlight the ways that people can fight climate change video coverage Oxfam International.
   

[UPDATES HERE AS THEY COME]

Related:

1. Daily Newsletters + Blogs Live at the Conference.
2. The leed up to the conference: pre-conference politics, reports and events.
   

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Powershifters shut down Citi Bank!

Great news from the Powershift2007 meeting:

After an intense weekend of talking, discussing, and strategizing about the overwhelming importance of stopping coal - hundreds of youth and community members converged on a Citi bank branch in downtown DC. Taking non-violent direct action, we dumped a half-ton of coal on the doorsteps of Citi, while a delegation of coal-field residents and students went inside the offices to state our concerns over Citi’s investments to their customers and employee’s. Simultaneously, hundreds of youth began coughing violently, with a massive “die-in” surrounding the bank that shut down them down for the rest of the day.

Via itsgettinghotinhere

More on the Rainforest Action Network website

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

Man of Action: Ted Glick Fasting (DAY 22!)

A short documentary about a New Jersey activist who is on an open-ended fast to protest the lack of action by the U.S. government in addressing climate change.

Home del.icio.us Digg This!

September 28: Come Spoil Bush's Sham Climate Conference

A worthwhile event if you are based in or around washington DC. The only thing that i know about this event is that the UK arent planning to send a minister, let alone the PM. It looks like a bit of a farce. (Via Climate and Capitalism)

Sponsored by: Chesapeake Climate Action Network, U.S. Climate Emergency Council, Oil Change International, Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, and U.S. Climate Action Network.

In a clearly manipulative move, George Bush is inviting top leaders from around the world to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 27th and 28th to officially convey his "deep concern" about global warming. His proposed fix: more useless "voluntary" measures and huge subsidies for "clean coal" and nuclear energy. The event is clearly meant to undermine real international efforts now underway to achieve mandatory greenhouse gas cuts under the Kyoto process.

Protest this cynical conference on September 28th from noon-1:00 p.m. in Washington DC.

Top ministers and heads of state from around the world will be attending Bush's conference as well as a great concentration of national and international media. We need to show up and loudly proclaim our own message: George Bush doesn't speak for us! We want real climate action now!

More Information Here organised by updates on climateemergency.org

Home del.icio.us Digg This!