European Commission plans to sacrifice forests for biofuels
Deforestation for palm plantations in Indonesia (Photo credit: Reuters)
Brussels, February 3 - A leaked document from the European Commission reveals plans to allow the controversial use of palm oil as a biofuel by redefining palm plantations as 'forests'. The expansion of palm plantations is a major cause of tropical rainforest destruction.
The draft Commission guidance for EU countries also states that cutting down a rainforest and planting a palm plantation would be possible under EU laws aimed at stopping 'unsustainable' biofuels. Read more...
Climate justice hopes dashed in Copenhagen
Friends of the Earth is calling for climate justice in Copenhagen
Copenhagen, December 18, 2009 - Commenting on the failure of rich country governments to secure a strong and fair UN agreement to tackle climate change in Copenhagen, Magda Stoczkiewicz, director of Friends of the Earth Europe said:
“Politicians cannot call this ’outcome’ a success when in fact nothing meaningful has been agreed. Negotiations must now become even more intense to reach a just and effective climate agreement." Read more...
Five thousand people flood Copenhagen for climate justice
Activists from around the world join the 'flood for climate justice' in Copenhagen (Film credit: Bas Ruyters/FoEI)
Copenhagen, December 12 - More than five thousand people from around the world have joined Friends of the Earth International's 'Flood for climate justice' this morning in Copenhagen to demand climate justice and an end to offsetting carbon emissions.
The spectacular, blue-coloured crowd flooded through the streets of Copenhagen with a clear message to decision makers that offsetting carbon emissions is unfair, and does not lead to cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Read more...
New study shows 40% emissions cuts possible in Europe
Fair solutions are financially and technically achievable, but political
will is still required
Brussels, December 1 – One week ahead of crucial climate change
talks in Copenhagen, a new study released today by Stockholm Environment Institute in partnership with Friends of the Earth Europe proves for the first time that Europe could double its greenhouse gas emission reduction target for 2020.
The research shows how
Europe can cut domestic emissions by 40% in 2020, and by 90% in 2050,
compared to 1990 levels. This is the minimum scale and speed of
reductions science says is likely to be needed from rich countries to
avert a climate catastrophe and would enable the European Union to live
up to its historical responsibility for causing climate change. Read more...
For the financial year 2008, Friends of the Earth Europe gratefully acknowledges funding from:
EU Commission DG Environment, EU DG Employment and Social Affairs, EU DG Development, German Ministry of Environment - UBA, Dutch Ministry of Environment - VROM, James M Goldsmith Foundation, Sigrid Rausing Trust, European Climate Foundation, Oak Foundation, Isvara Foundation, Heinrich Boll Foundation, Humanitarian Group Social Development, OxfamNovib, Trocaire, Friends of the Earth International and Friends of the Earth Europe's member groups.
