LL:DDV: public forum on GMOs in the UK
-- campaigning on genetically engineered farming in the UK a public forum -- Thursday 14 August at 6pm at Friends of the Earth, 312 Smith st, Collingwood (just near Johnson st, #86 tram from the city) Jessica Hampson has just returned to Australia after living in the UK for the past five years. She will speak on her experiences in the anti-GE movement over that time. In 1998 the situation was similar to Australia, with many people unaware that GE was present in their food. A massive programme of farm scale trials was about to take off. In the next 2-3 years consumer opposition to GE was so strong that all the major food retailers went GE free, and sourced animal products from animals not fed on GE. Large protests took place at trial sites, and many were damaged in secret. Jessica will also show a short video is a series of clips from summer of 2002, including a bicycle tour of Devon by activists, ending in the dumping of GM crops at the government department responsible for GM pollution in the UK. All welcome - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au . -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:URL: Please make a submission on radioactive waste
[apologies for cross-postings] dear friends, SUBMISSIONS INTO THE NSW PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY INTO THE TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF NUCLEAR WASTE CLOSE IN 3 DAYS TIME!! If you haven't already done so, Friends of the Earth urges you to go to http://www.reactnow.org and either use the guide to write your own submissions or print out the proforma and send it off by July 31st (this thursday). This inquiry is an important opportunity to let the NSW government know about community concerns about the Federal Government plan for the transport and storage of nuclear waste. BETTER ACTIVE TODAY- THAN RADIOACTIVE TOMORROW Loretta O'Brien Nuclear FreeWays Coordinator Friends of the Earth ph 039419 8700 mob 0418 178 053 [EMAIL PROTECTED] More information at: http://www.foe.org.au/nuclear - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au .. -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:DDV: International Financial Institutions campaigner
We are very excited to have Friends of the Earth International's Campaign Coordinator for IFIs, Janneke Bruil, in town and giving a short info session next week. Friday 25th July, 6pm-8pm FoE bookshop, 312 Smith St , Collingwood IFIs are International Financial Institutions like the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank and Export Credit Agencies (including our very own EFIC - Export, Finance and Insurance Corporation.) They continue to be involved in promoting fossil fuel dependent technologies to developing countries - in the process not only locking them into fossil fuel dependency, but often concurrently increasing their debt levels. Janneke is based in Amsterdam and has recently been doing field work in Papua New Guinea. She will speak broadly about IFIs and their involvement in fossil fuels and climate change worldwide. She will be joined by Lee Tan from the Asia Pacific Unit at the Australian Conservation Foundation, who will be giving a regional focus. For further information, contact Cathryn Kriewaldt at FoE: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Details on Janneke's work can be found at: http://www.foei.org/ifi/index.html - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:DDV: public forum with ANURADHA MITTAL
Apologies for cross postings. Please send out through your networks, elists or ebulletins. All welcome. Thanks. a public forum: ** GLOBALISING HUNGER? Food, trade and neoliberalism ** International guest ANURADHA MITTAL, co-director of the California-based 'peoples' think tank FOOD FIRST, tackles world trade and the root causes of world hunger. Thursday March 27, 6-8pm Seminar Rooms 1 and 2 Storey Hall, 344 Swanston Street, City Wheel chair accessible Food First (www.foodfirst.org) highlights root causes and value-based solutions to hunger and poverty, establishing food as a fundamental human right. Anuradha Mittal's articles on food and trade have been published in numerous national and international newspapers and journals, bringing together the links between debt, aid, cash crops, genetic engineering and neoliberalism to explain world hunger and poverty. She was born in India and is currently based in the United States. Presented by the Globalism Institute (www.rmit.edu.au/globalism) and the Friends of the Earth Trade Campaign (www.foe.org.au). RSVP if possible, by calling Friends of the Earth on 9419 8700 or emailing [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- Friends of the Earth's trade campaign is run by a collective of people using creative and catchy public education and direct action to oppose corporate globalisation. To get involved come to a meeting (fortnightly on Monday evenings), or contact FoE on 9419 8700. - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation ----- Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au .. -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
LL:PR: New WTO 'product' - GATS washes away democracy
Friends of the Earth Melbourne Media Release New WTO 'Product': GATS Washing Away Democracy action: Victorian State Parliament Steps when: 12.30pm Sunday 22nd September photo opportunity On the steps of the Victorian State Parliament, Friends of the Earth trade activists will launch the WTO's new product: Corporate Strength GATS. Dressed as the faceless bureaucrats from the WTO, and assisted by the colourful GATS dancing boxes, the activists will 'scrub away democracy'. Sunday's action is a lead up to the massive 'S11' type protests expected in Sydney when the World Trade Organisation (WTO) meets from November 14-15. Sundays action also coincides with Friends of the Earth Australia's postcard campaign to raise awareness of WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). FoE Spokesperson Domenica Settle, outlined the importance of the campaign." GATS will have crucial implications for the daily lives and living environment of people all over the world. The provision of water, public health and education are just a few of the essential public services threatened by GATS." "GATS is very similar to the ill-fated Multilateral Agreement on Investment (MAI), which was defeated by global community opposition in 1998. Like the MAI, GATS is being negotiated secretly by national governments, and is largely irreversible. Further, big business who are lobbying for GATS will be the prime beneficiaries." Sarah Kenny, FoE Spokesperson, went on, "The MAI taught us that people won't put up with government's negotiating away their rights and that of the environment, for the benefit of big business." To contact a FoE spokesperson regarding the protest on Sunday, call: Domenica Settle: 0421 874 838 Sarah Kenny : 0438 599 192 - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au --=_12820404==_-- .. -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: Protest GATS in cheesy old suits
:: act :: create :: resist :: celebrate :: antagonise :: Friends of the Earth Trade Collective Protest Gats: It's washing away democracy Action: Street Theatre - Wear cheesy old suits, as if we are the faceless bureaucrats from the WTO, and come and wash, scrub and clean away democracy on the steps of State Parliament and in front of the Melbourne Town Hall. The action will have a product launch theme, with stickers, information sheets and postcards to give away, banners, plus a couple of very special dancing GATS boxes! What to Wear: In addition to the old suits and wide ties, wear your gumboots, kitchen gloves, and bring buckets, mops, and scrubbery things. When: Sunday 22 September Time: 12 Midday Sharp Where: Meet at the corner of Spring St and Treasury Place, alongside the old Treasury Building. Additional Information: Creative workshop on Sunday 15 September from 1 pm to 5 pm to make banners and costumes. Place of workshop to be confirmed. It's a global movement. Get Involved. - The Friends of the Earth Trade Collective organises campaigns to fight the exploitation of the environmental and social commons, targeting governments, corporate rule and organisations like the World Trade Organisation, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. The Trade Collective is currently campaigning over the WTO's General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS). GATS is an agreement currently being negotiated by governments around the globe. It aims to increase multinationals' ability to buy into services and remove 'barriers to trade' such as environmental regulations and workers' rights. GATS could see the privatisation of public services like health, education and water provision. Friends of the Earth is a grassroots activist based organisation. The Trade Collective meets fortnightly on Mondays at 6:30 pm at FoE, 312 Smith St Collingwood. Ring FoE to find out when the next meeting will be on 9419 8700 and visit www.foe.org.au for more information on the Trade Campaign. :: act :: create :: resist :: celebrate :: antagonise :: - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation ----- Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Sub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: The WTO GATS agreement - a FoE briefing
GATS could force the privatisation of education and health and dramatically increase the power of corporations. Friends of the Earth presents: A BRIEFING SESSION WITH TED MURPHY of the National Tertiary Education Union For people who know about GATS and for people who want to know about GATS 7pm Wednesday June 19 FoE Bookshop 312 Smith St Collingwood Ph. 9419 8700 www.foe.org.au [EMAIL PROTECTED] - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:REM: another world is possible forum
, Robinson Trafilaf and Marisol Salinas. Flemington Community Centre, 25 Mt Alexander rd, Flemington $10. Latin American food and drinks available. The night is in solidarity and support for a Latin American delegation visiting Australia in June 2002. Organised by Indigenous Peoples' Support Group, Australia Latin American Cultural and Indigenous Association, Chilean Popular and Indigenous Network. More info: 9481 2273. -- Sunday 24th March Palm Sunday Rally This years rally will focus on justice for asylum seekers. Sunday 24 March from 1.30pm. Meet at the Town Hall, Swanston st and walk to the Treasury Gardens for music and stalls. Details at: http://www.justiceforrefugees.org= or call 9662 3511 -- Sunday 24th March Friends of the Earth Fundraiser for Chain Reaction magazine Fibrotown, Dan Luscombe (Black Eyed Susans), Brett Poliness (Silver ray), Lucie Thorne The Empress Hotel, 8.30 pm, $5 - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: Forum: Climate, Australia and the Pacific 14th March
Climate change: Australia's policy and its regional implications FoE presents a climate justice forum. Featuring: Dr Jon Barnett, Lecturer, Dept of Anthropology, Geography & Environmental Sciences, Melbourne University; Nic Maclellan, Journalist & researcher specialising in South Pacific issues; Tristy Fairfield, FoE Australia spokesperson Thursday 14 March, 6.30pm in the FoE bookshop 312 Smith st, Collingwood. Ph 9419 8700 Donation: $5. Finger food provided, drinks available - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation ----- Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:REM: update on Another world is possible, 23/3/02
: strategic thinking and vision development unity with difference: how different political groupings and tendencies can work together effectively contemporary perspectives: lessons from recent mobilisations around the world historical perspectives: lessons from earlier struggles and movements Monday 25 March @ 6.00pm RMIT University, City Campus $10.00 FULL / $4.00 CONCESSION Further information from: Gillian Davy, Community Advocacy Unit, 9925 2910 Cam Walker, Friends of the Earth, 9419 8700 - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: Melbourne social forum update
invited and encouraged to attend. It is being promoted in such a way as to be inviting to a wide range of groups. Our aim is to move beyond the usual confines of "left activism" and to engage a widerange of organisations and individuals who are interested in the issues. Who "owns" the forum: This draft proposal is being circulated by Friends of the Earth. A vatiety of other groups have expressed interest and this will be formalised at our next planning meeting (Feb 19). We welcome your involvement and endorsement. The only way for this event to be a success is for a cross section of groups to take on 'ownership'. Apart from the initial proposal and date, nothing else has been determined; please feel free to come on board with your ideas. There will be a planning meeting on February 19 at 6pm at trades hall. You can also register interest via this email address and we will keep you informed of future planning meetings. Venue is yet to be determined. Your help with advertising, organising, suggestions for the plenaries and other key note speakers would all be welcomed. For details on planning meetings, contact Cam Walker at FoE 9419 8700. - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:URL: immigration, population & environment
Dear friends Attached is a recent letter regarding the current debate on immigration and population. The aim had been to get a cross section of environmental groups engaging in this debate from a human rights and international perspective. We have recently established a project on environment and population. It is on the FoE Australia website: http://www.foe.org.au/ and seeks to address issues of: - population and immigration - consumption - ecological debt - immigration and racism. We believe that there is a danger that 'concern for the environment' will be used as an excuse to oppose further immigration to Australia (including asylum seekers currently in detention camps). There has, of course, already been some use of this argument. It has been used widely in Western Europe and North America. We feel that there is an onus on the environment movement to engage in this debate in such a way that directly opposes this type of argument. We hope that this project will help in some small way in putting attention on the key factors in environmental deterioration (consumption levels, including greenhouse gases, resource extraction levels and land use patterns) and away from a simplistic 'population growth is bad' position. We would welcome feedback, further articles and links for the website. Wishing you the best with your campaigns, Best wishes Cam Walker Friends of the Earth Australia Green groups sign-on letter on asylum seekers and population Letter to the editor 11 February 2002 The current debate about asylum seekers has served to polarise Australian society. It has also renewed debate about what may constitute a long term sustainable human population for Australia. Concern for the environment has often been used as an argument to limit or even reduce immigration, and some within the environment movement have argued for lower population levels in order to decrease environmental impacts. The following organisations recognise that land use patterns, and resource extraction, production and consumption (including greenhouse gas emissions) are the most significant drivers of environmental deterioration in Australia. Therefore, to argue that immigrants are a potential source of environmental degradation is simply a form of scapegoating, which deflects attention from the real problems - whether social or environmental - facing our society. Further to this, we understand that Australia, as a nation, is part of a globalised world, with corresponding responsibilities. The current management regimes for asylum seekers are no less than shameful, and impact directly on Australia's international reputation. We call on the federal government to immediately end its policy of mandatory detention of asylum seekers, and to move to community-based systems for hosting asylum seekers. Yours sincerely Cam Walker, National Liaison Officer, Friends of the Earth Australia On behalf of: Matt Skellern, National Environment Officer, National Union of Students Kirsten Blair and Mark Wakeham, Coordinators, Environment Centre of the Northern Territory Geoff Evans, Director, Mineral Policy Institute, NSW Chris Chaplin, Immigration Spokesperson, Victorian Greens Gavan McFadzean, campaigns co-ordinator, the Wilderness Society Victoria Ruth Rosenhek, Rainforest Information Centre, NSW Dr Martin Mulligan, general editor of Ecopolitics: Thought and Action journal Jacob Grech, Secretary, Earthworker, the union-green caucus, Vic Carmel Flint, North East Forest Alliance, NSW Pamela Curr, Victorian Greens Scott Alderson & Tom Widdup, Red Hot Green Black Daniel Beaver, Forest Activist Network NSW Harry van Moorst, Western Region Environment Centre, Vic - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au . -- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: WTO meeting in 1 month - time to get active!
The World Trade Organisation will be meeting in Doha, Qatar, on November 9-13. So the Friends of the Earth Trade Campaign's having a meeting to talk about what we're going to do - information, demos, wacky costumes, direct action...? If you're interested, come along - we only need you for a month!The meeting will be pretty short, very interactive and provide you with the information and resources to get more involved in stopping the WTO and ensuring real global justice. Tuesday October 16, 6:30pm at Friends of the Earth, 312 Smith Street Collingwood. For more info call FoE on 9419 8700. In November, the world's richest governments are aiming to expand the WTO and push ahead with the GATS negotiations. The beneficiaries will be multinational corporations while the losers will be communities and the environment, particularly those that at the margins - women in sweatshops, indigenous peoples and workers in the South. The tragedy of September 11 has the potential to spur a rethink of corporate globalisation. Unfortunately the world's most powerful governments are using the tragedy to push ahead with liberalisation through the WTO. More free trade will have one effect - increased power to corporations and increased inequality in a world where the richest countries have 72 times more wealth than the poorest. There is an alternative - and it starts with stopping the WTO. A safe world is a fair world. Say no to the wto and no to expanding it's agenda. - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: BLOCK-AID - Somerton Street Party
**PLEASE CIRCULATE** BLOCK-AID Somerton Street Party Free street party Friday, October 5th, 2001 Midday onwards End of O'Hern's Toad, Somerton, near the Dunlop Factory Bike: catch a train to Upfield Station 15 minute bike ride Timetables on website www.climatejustice.melb.net Car: Straight down Sydney Road/ then Hume Hwy, turn right at O'Herns' Road more info www.transplant.org - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation ----- Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:AA: kiss da climate
**PLEASE CIRCULATE** Save the Climate Stop Somerton Week 2 Day 4 Respect da climate! You iz needed at Somerton, to stop da wack gas pipe. The blockade of the proposed Somerton Power Station is starting to hot up (pun intended), with many excavators and other machinery stopped for extended periods over the past few days. So far we have managed to slow the work on the pipeline down, but things are now critical. The trench has almost reached the grasslands area. It is of paramount importance that we stop them here, as once they get into this area their scope for environmental damage increases, and they'll have a clear run to the gas station. As the 15th October approaches (the proponent's cut-off date to have the pipeline completed), the pressure upon the construction company to build, build,build increases requiring extra vigilance on our part. To have a chance at halting this environmentally disastrous project, we need numbers on the ground. Any amount of time that you can spend at Somerton is like a kiss to the climate. Pucker up, bring your loved ones, and join the climate campaign. Bring frisbees, guitars and other fun things=85if you have skills such as facilitation or non-violent direct action, perhaps you could take a workshop. Somerton is only fifteen minutes by bike from Upfield train station. The Upfield line goes straight through Brunswick - if you don't have a bike give us a call the night before you're arriving and we'll arrange a pick-up from the station. Save the Climate come to Somerton - only eighteen working days to go!! WHERE: End of O'Herns Road (off Hume Hwy), Somerton - across from the Dunlop Tyre Factory (Melways 180 E6) WHEN: 6.30am (come anytime though, if you can't make it early) OR go to Upfield Train Station to be shuttled to the site (contact numbers below) OR catch the 532 Bus from the train station (timetables on the website below) Visit the website www.climatejustice.melb.net CONTACTS Michelle Braunstein 0402 208 164 Alan Hoban 0407 324 743 Tristy Fairfield0400 220 704 Brad Gill 0400 805 201 - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation ----- Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:PR: Media Alert-Police Move in on Climate Protesters
Media Alert 28/09/01 Police Move in on Climate Protesters Police have moved in to shift protesters opposing construction of the Somerton gas-fired power generator and pipeline, making way for the fragile eco-system of the Merri Creek to be destroyed over the remainder of the day and the weekend. Victorian Trades Hall Council site has green bans on the entire project, although the tactics of the contractors undertaking the projects has made them difficult to uphold, according Building Industry Group convenor Brian Boyd. "Pumps have been moved down to the creek and excavators are ripping up a trench towards it now," said Friends of the Earth campaigner Brad Gill, who was moved off the site after preventing the destruction since early this morning. A ruling by Federal Environment Minister, Senator Robert Hill states that 'construction of the pipeline in the vicinity of Merri Creek will not take place in the period 15 October to 31 January - this timing is dictated by the need to avoid the peak spawning period for the Southern Bell Frog.' Campaigners are determined to prevent construction until this time, after which the project will be unviable. "It's been a tough morning for the campaigners here," said Friends of the Earth spokesperson Michelle Braunstein, "but it is vital that this generator does not proceed. The UN's own body of scientists have said that cuts in CO2 of 60-80% are required now to avoid catastrophic climate change. The community has said that enough is enough and taken matters into their own hands to counteract the government's complacency and laziness. The support ofTrades Hall Council shows that this is not a fringe issue, but an urgent need to restructure our energy systems and conserve energy rather than letting private companies run amok as they are now." Updates from the site: Michelle Braunstein, Friends of the Earth 0402 208 164 Brad Gill, Friends of the Earth 0400 805 281 Further comment: Tristy Fairfield, Friends of the Earth 0411 220 704 Brian Boyd, Trades Hall Council 0418 587 461 - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au --=_42693810==_-- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: He died with a felafel fundraiser and Starbucks
HE DIED WITH A FELAFEL IN HIS HAND Showing as a Friends of the Earth Fundraiser, Thursday 30 August *** "an unruly and unwashed celluloid tribute to the grizzly alternative reality that is the modern share-house" * 7:20pm at Cinema Nova, 380 Lygon Street Carlton, food and drink available afterwards, $10/$12, tickets available from the FoE Bookshop. STARBUCKS MISCHIEF Friends of the Earth has been running a Starbucks campaign for a month or two, and it's time we started getting creative. Giant puppets, marches of people holding coffee cups down Brunswick Street, Starbucks monsters eating Melbourne... Tuesday 28th, 6:30pm at the Empress Hotel, Nicholson Street, North Fitzroy. - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation ----- Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:INFO: Please send brief on upcoming events
Hey folks If you have a social/environmental event/action/rally/fundraiser that you would like included in the FoE melbourne what's on section please email to FoE. DeadlineThursday night. Only events after the 10th of August will appropriate Start the Subject line: NEWSLETTER EVENT: Email address: [EMAIL PROTECTED] What to include: Title of event Date / Time Location very brief blurb about event shorter events will be given preference cheers - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation ----- Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:PR: climate negotiations: no justice
MEDIA RELEASE Tuesday 24/07/01 Thinking Ahead: Moving To Equal Per Capita Emission Rights While welcoming the breakthrough in the international climate negotiations yesterday, Friends of the Earth (Australia) expressed disappointment that the progress of some Annex B countries was being impeded by Australia. 'International negotiators should be thinking beyond the Kyoto commitment period about moving to equal per capita emission rights,' said Friends of the Earth Climate Justice spokesperson Allan Nam. 'Instead they are wasting years establishing rules that ensure the short-term economic interests of a few industries in Australia are placed before the interests of the rest of humanity. Simultaneously they have resisted giving generous financial contributions to help poorer countries adapt to climate change, while some industrialised nations have made significant commitments in this regard.' Australia has one of the highest levels of per capita greenhouse gas emissions in the world, with each Australian emitting ten times the greenhouse gas pollution of Chinese or Indian citizens. Despite this, the Australian government continues to cite 'developing country participation' as an issue impeding its acceptance of the Kyoto Protocol. Theories such as 'Contraction and Convergence' propose methods of reducing per capita emissions in developed countries (Annex B) while those in developing countries (non-Annex B) are able to increase their per capita emissions in order to develop economically and achieve a fair standard of living. Eventually per capita emissions will 'converge' at a per capita level. 'Issues of equity and fairness have been considered secondary throughout this whole process, yet climate change is going to be the biggest social justice issue ever, as well as the most critical environmental issue', Nam continued. 'It is time to think ahead to a world where everyone has equal rights to the earth's atmosphere. More information/ comment: Allan Nam, Friends of the Earth Climate Justice spokesperson 0407 324 743 --- Further details on the Bonn negotiations can be found at: http://www.foei.org http://www.foe.org.au --- ----- help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:INFO: Australia wide action on Kyoto
**PLEASE CIRCULATE COLOURFUL PROTESTS AUSTRALIA-WIDE CALL ON GOVERNMENT: "COMMIT TO KYOTO!" While the official Australian delegation obstructs progress on the Kyoto Protocol, environmental and social justice groups will hold a variety of actions and street theatre events around the country this Sunday, July 22nd to call attention to Australia's dismal performance. From the Climate Ark and flotilla in Melbourne to the "Other Umbrella Group" meeting in Adelaide, the message will be the same: Australia should commit to a fair and equitable Kyoto Protocol. A recent survey showed that 80% of Australians want the Kyoto Protocol ratified without the United States if necessary, the Australian government has ignored their wishes, instead giving in to powerful lobby groups in the fossil-fuel industry. Meanwhile, the impacts of climate change are one of the biggest threats facing our nearest neighbours in the South Pacific and other vulnerable non-industrialised countries around the world. Adelaide: "Other Umbrella Group" meeting. Unlike their planet-destroying counterparts this Umbrella Group know nuclear power is no solution to global warming. Victoria Park, Adelaide 12pm. Contact: Bruce Thompson, Friends of the Earth, 0417 318 368 Roman Orzanski, Friends of the Earth, 08 8211 6460 Brisbane: Get dressed for the wet. Climate campaigners will cruise the streets in floaties, flippers and wetsuits handing out information on the effects of climate change. Australia will be one of the countries worst affected by climate change yet as a nation we still refuse to take the issue seriously. King George Square, Brisbane, 11am Contact: Andree Stark, Friends of the Earth, 0414 745 475 Melbourne: Climate Ark and flotilla will sail through the streets of St Kilda to the Climate Court, where a judge and jury will hear cases of crimes against the climate. O'Donnell Gardens, St Kilda, 12pm. Contact: Tristy Fairfield, Friends of the Earth, 0411 220 704 Sydney: Kirribilli House gets a sandbagging to highlight the Prime Minister's role in obstructing international negotiations. Kirribilli, 11am. Contact: Kerry Nettle, The Greens, 0402 436 006 Shane Rattenbury, Greenpeace, 0412 485 975 Further details: www.foe.org.au - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: climate action this sunday
CALL TO ACTION SAVE THE CLIMATE TREATY JULY 22, 2001 Without immediate action to halt global warming, tens of millions of people will be displaced by rising sea-levels and extreme weather events. Already, more people are displaced due to environmental catastrophes than by war. CLIMATE CHANGE IS THE MOST SERIOUS THREAT FACING THE WORLD AND HUMANITY TODAY. In March, 2001, the United States, the richest country in the world, declared that committing to the Kyoto Protocol* was not in their economic interests. The Australian government says the Kyoto Protocol is dead without the United States; THEY'RE WRONG. 80% of Australians want the Kyoto Protocol ratified WITHOUT THE UNITED STATES IF NECESSARY. The Australian environment minister, Senator Robert Hill and his negotiating team will attend the next round of climate talks in Bonn, Germany (July 16th-27th) but they have no intention of participating constructively unless they think the US will re-join the process. AUSTRALIA SHOULD JOIN PROGRESSIVE COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD AND COMMIT TO BRINGING THE KYOTO PROTOCOL INTO FORCE IN 2002. Melbourne action: SUNDAY JULY 22nd IS THE DAY TO TAKE ACTION TO SAVE THE CLIMATE TREATY BUILD A BOAT, WEAR FLOATIES, PAINT AN INNER-TUBE, SAIL THROUGH THE STREETS Meet at 11am outside the Palais Theatre, near Luna Park, St Kilda SHOW THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT THAT WE DEMAND ACTION NOW. THE SEASON OF CLIMATE ACTION HAS JUST BEGUN *The Kyoto Protocol sets legally biding targets for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Greenhouse gases cause climate change. The reductions are an average of 5%. The United Nations' own body of scientists say cuts of 60-80% are needed to stabilise the climate at a safe level. If you can join, help, assist or co-ordinate an action in your city or town, please call or email Friends of the Earth's climate collective: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 03 9419 8700, 0411 220 704. - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation ----- Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:PR: Mobil spill
Fuel to the Fire: Mobil Spill highlights need for International Day of Action "The local significance of the International day of Action against ExxonMobil this Wednesday (July 11th) has been highlighted by the spillage of 4,000 litres of fuel into the Yarra River today" says Friends of the Earth spokesperson Tristy Fairfield. On July 11th thousands of protesters around the world will target ExxonMobil service stations and headquarters in more than fifteen countries. The International Day of Action has been called primarily to highlight ExxonMobil's role in the US government's withdrawal from the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement which aims to create legally binding targets for countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. "The United States' position has caused outrage in the international community," Fairfield said, "but people need to be aware of the role of multi-national corporations play in lobbying governments and the influence they exert through electoral funding. In that respect, ExxonMobil are the worst of the big multi-national oil companies." "The Yarra spill is not an isolated incident but just one event in a series of ongoing abuses of environmental and human rights worldwide" said Greens lead Senate Candidate Scott Kinnear. "ExxonMobil have not only been active in undermining the Kyoto Protocol. They have been sued for on-going human rights abuses in North Aceh, Indonesia, they are lobbying the US government to open up the Arctic Refuge for oil drilling and exploration and have ignored the opposition of indigenous people to the Chad-Cameroon pipeline." "The Greens will join environmental and human rights activists on July 11th to show ExxonMobil that local and international communities demand respect. Consumers need to know ExxonMobil's atrocious record locally and internationally." For more information: Tristy Fairfield Climate Change spokesperson, Friends of the Earth 0411 220 704 Scott Kinnear, Lead Senate Candidate, The Greens 0419 881 729 www.pressurepoint.org www.stopesso.com www.foe.org.au ----- help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: nuke power won't stop global warming - info night
Friends of the Earth, Melbourne winter info night Nuclear power wont stop global warming The nuclear industry most recent reinvention is to claim that nuclear power is greenhouse friendly. Bruce Thompson (FoE National Nuke Campaigner) and Hamish Downer (FoE Melbourne) will argue the case that nuclear power is neither green nor friendly and explain how the expansion of the nuclear industry internationally will have direct impact on Australia Wednesday 20th June 6.30-7.30pm (Light supper and warm fire provided) upstairs- use side entrance Friends of the Earth 312 Smith St Collingwood ph Loretta 9419 8700 for more info - help keep FoE active - give a tax-free donation - Friends of the Earth Melbourne (Australia) PO Box 222 Fitzroy 3065 312 Smith St Collingwood Phone: (03) 9419 8700 Fax: (03) 9416 2081 (International: tel. +61 (3) 9419 8700; fax +61 (3) 9416 2081) www.melbourne.foe.org.au -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: activist workshops: consensus
Time to beef up your activist skills! Pt'Chang and Friends of the Earth are holding three workshops over the next few weeks, on making meetings effective and enjoyable, or closer to it. $4/$6, 1-4pm, at Friends of the Earth, 312 Smith St, Collingwood. Sat 9 June: Consensus decision-making for small groups A practical workshop on quick, effective methods of making decisions that builds group trust and respect. Designed for activists working in small collectives, working groups and action groups. Sat 16 June: Facilitation skills Facilitators perform a crucial function in helping groups to function well and make the best possible decisions. This workshop will teach and improve facilitation skills for small collectives and groups. Sat 23 June: Building safe and effective groups Creating safe, sustainable and empowering groups that work well. Building group cohesion and trust, dealing with conflict and power dynamics in healthy ways, and preventing burnout within the group. For more info or to book (limited places!), call Domenica at Friends of the Earth, 9419 8700. -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: get on the bus- stop jabiluka
RIO TINTO Annual General Meeting Sydney - Darling Harbour 27th April Friends of the Earth are coordinating a bus to Sydney for the AGM... please join us and tell Rio, we want more than just talk - we want Jabiluka returned to the National Park under control of traditional owners. The bus will leave Melbourne - Spencer Street at approximately 7pm on Thursday 26th April to arrive in Sydney Friday morning for the meeting. We will be joining unions, indigenous representatives as well other Sydney activists for a large visual protest outside the AGM. People with shares or proxy votes will be able to attend the meeting. The bus will return to Melbourne overnight Friday 26th April departing Sydney approx 11pm and arriving Melb Saturday morning. There is a benefit concert Stop The Reactor in Sydney Friday night which people will be welcome to attend. We have booked a 40 seater bus, cost approx $60. (call us if in financial difficulty) For More information: Contact Loretta O'Brien 0418 178 053 or Bruce Thompson 0417 318 368 or Friends of the Earth 9419 8700 -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:REM: Global Action Conference this Saturday
PLEASE CIRCULATE TO ALL RELEVANT LISTS - Global Action Conference - thinking globally, acting locally A day of discussion and debate about the new movement against global capital. Sat 31st March Union House, Melbourne Uni $5 concession/ $10 full, registration at the door Organised by Friends of the Earth, Victorian Greens, Democratic Socialist Party, International Socialist Organisation We can make a difference! Despite widespread opposition to 'free trade', the federal government continues to push for new trade negotiations. The IMF has also called for another wave of neo-liberal "restructuring" in Australia. This will mean stripping awards to further shift industrial relations in favour of employers, another round of aggressive cut backs to welfare and public expenditure, and further cuts to the taxation 'burden' on business! It has even been suggested that Australia may be challenged under the WTO for its provision of free and subsidised health care. All of this is, and will, have dramatic impacts on our communities and the natural environment. Reportedly, meetings between Howard and Costello and IMF officials identified the fact that it will be difficult to push the neo-liberal agenda further because most people in this country value "social cohesion" and won't react to kindly to further attacks on social and environmental values. The success of community opposition to these attacks on natural ecosystems and our living and working conditions will rely on effective alliances and collaboration between divergent sectors of society. It is IMF style policies worldwide which are causing a growing opposition to neo-liberalism internationally, in terms of street-level protest, but also through the development of new ideas for economic and political governance, and the growth new social movements. The Global Action Conference hopes to address some of the challenges facing the emerging radical opposition to global capital. It has ben called in a spirit of hope and collaboration. We welcome your participation. -- Agenda Opening 9.30pm 10am Main Panel: WTO, WEF, IMF & World Bank. Fix or nix? Looking at the role of these international financial institutions and what should be done about them. Speakers confirmed so far: Speaker Jubilee 2000 David Glanz, s11 media spokesperson, Socialist Worker Pat Ranald, AFTNET 11.30 - 12.45 Workshops A: see below 2pm Main panel M1: Can we move beyond summit hopping? With the M1 protests it is the activists taking the initiative and taking the movement forward, but where next for the new anti-corporate Movement? Speakers confirmed so far Cam Walker, Friends of the Earth Max Lane, Chairperson, Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET), Democratic Socialist Party Jen Couch Victoria University academic 3.15 - 4.30 Workshops B see below 4:30pm Final panel Alternatives to globalisation: Remaking society, left & green visions. Looking at the alternatives that we can pose to the neoliberal globalisation currently impacting on today's world. Speakers: Tristy Fairfield, Friends of the Earth Sarah Peart, M1 media spokesperson, Democratic Socialist Party Jess Whyte, Socialist Worker Chris Chaplin, Victorian Greens Workshop A - 11.30-12.45 1. Cancel third world debt This workshop will take up one of the key demands of the anti-corporate movement and explain the impact this debt has on underdeveloped countries. 2. Taking on the corporate parties Views on what alternatives to the Liberal-Labor consensus from the Greens and the newly formed Socialist Alliance in Australia. Also looking at the Nader campaign in the recent US elections. 3. Resistance to the neoliberal agenda in Asia South east Asia has been the scene of some of the strongest resistance to neoliberal globalisation. Speakers will look at the struggles unfolding in Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia. 4. Globalisation; myths and realities What is really behind the myths of globalisation? This workshop will discuss what globalisation really means for people and the environment. 5. No borders - free the refugees While the elite continue to push for capital to be able to flow freely throughout the world, refugees are being denied access to Australia. Speakers will look at the treatment of refugees in Australia and where to take the movement to free the refugees. 6. Combatting the nuclear cycle At the peak of the campaign against the Jabiluka mine, 78% of Australia's population said they were against it. How can we continue to build the movement to oppose nuclear energy. Workshops B 3.15 - 4.30 1. Women fighting against corporate globalisation Looking at the role of women in the new anti-corporate movement and some of the campaigns they are leading. 2. Environment under fire: looking at the resistance against governments and transnational corporations (TNCs). Speakers will also take up some of the ke
LL:INFO: radiothon for El Salvador
Salvadore F1o de Tecnologia Apropiada (CESTA) CESTA was founded in El Salvador in 1980 and joined FoE International in 1991. Today, CESTA has some 3,100 members spread among 27 local groups. Every three months, CESTA publishes a Spanish-language magazine called ECONCIENCIA, as well as numerous books and pamphlets on more specialised technical subjects. CESTA's core national campaigns focus on solid wastes, marine issues, and sustainable transportation. The organisation participates in the following FoEI campaigns: Climate Change, Forests, Sustainable Societies Program, and Wetlands. CESTA also has four "ecocentres" where appropriate technologies are developed and put into practice. One centre has an urban focus, another is a permaculture school where workshops are given on a permanent basis, while others focus on forest and marine issues. CESTA Apartado 3065 33 Calle Poniente 316 SAN SALVADOR EL SALVADOR Tel: 503 2 200 046/206 480 Fax: 503 2 203 313 E-mail: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (Spanish only) Web: www.tao.ca/~cesta or http://www.foei.org/members/Member_El_Salvador.htm SHORT VERSION FOR COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS, ETC: Radiothon in support of El Salvador earthquake victims Sunday, 11 February, from 9.30am 12 noon on Community Radio 3CR (855AM). To donate on the day, please call 3CR during these hours on (03) 9419 8377. Funds raised will be used by Friends of the Earth El Salvador for immediate relief efforts in a number of urban and rural communities. For further details, please contact Friends of the Earth Melbourne: 9419 8700. --- -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:INFO: briefing on WEF #1
Media Briefing from Friends of the Earth International WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM MEETS IN DAVOS Counter Summit Also Gathers In Alpine Resort to Plan Campaigns This week, world and business leaders are gathering for one of the biggest freebies on the planet, the so-called "World Economic Forum" (WEF). From January 25th to 30th 2001, the 30th WEF will take place in Davos in the Swiss Alps. The WEF was founded in 1971 by Swiss-based German entrepreneur and academic Dr Klaus Schwab. Two thousand specially invited "global leaders" - senior politicians and the Chief Executives of large companies - will attend. Some of the CEOs will also meet in secretive `Governors' Groups' to discuss their common interests. The WEF offers multinational companies an unparalleled chance to lobby decision-makers from around the world. This year in Davos, Switzerland, Friends of the Earth International (FoEI) and other campaign groups will again expose the WEF to public scrutiny. Tony Juniper of the FoEI said: "Business leaders go to Davos to set out their agenda for neo-liberal economic globalisation . Friends of the Earth is going to expose their unaccountable dealings. We will also be planning how to change the course of the global economy towards a sustainable future. The WEF fat cats might have the wealth and the ears of the powerful. But we have public sympathy and justice on our side." FoEI will be taking part in alternative discussions at Davos, to help plan the next phase of resistance to the globalisation agenda. Campaigns in which FoEI is involved have already helped stop the World Trade Organisation talks in Seattle, and destroy the international standing of biotechnology firms such as Monsanto. The Davos meeting coincides with a major meeting of Southern NGOs and campaigners, including FoE groups, in Porto Alegre, Brazil. Here discussions will be held on how developing countries can resist pressure from international financial institutions and multinational companies to impose damaging economic and social policies on their populations. The Porto Alegre meeting (the World Social Forum) will feature live web-casts, available in Davos. At the end of the Davos meeting, FoEI and other NGOs will be announcing the next steps in their globalisation campaign, and new Government and multi-national targets. Key Alternative Davos Events * Press briefing at 11am on January 25th. Venue: Dutch Asthmas Clinic, Scalettastrasse 19, Davos. A Joint NGO statement on the WEF will be issued. * Live web-casts from the open and participative World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil - attended by thousands of southern NGOs. * Expert panels and debates which challenge the agenda and assumptions of the WEF - on a range of topics from trade economics to corporate accountability. * Visual demonstrations of the failings of the WEF and globalisation, including interventions by a trio of `World-Eating Fatcats'. * The launch of new information resources to help citizens learn about the impacts of globalisation. Friends of the Earth International will be publishing `Towards Sustainable Economies - alternatives to neo-liberal economic globalisation', and launching a new Citizen's web-guide to Trade, Environment and Sustainability. Contacts: Ian Willmore (FoE Press, London) +44-20-7566 1649 Tony Juniper (FoEI, Davos) +44-771-284 3207 (mobile) Duncan McLaren (FoEI, Davos) +44-7941-920 469 (mobile) Background Information The World Economic Forum is a association of the biggest and most influential transnational corporations worldwide. At its Annual Meeting, the WEF members meet representatives of governments and international organisations in a private context. More than 90% of the WEF participants are men, a large majority of them coming from the USA and Europe. The private WEF meeting in Davos reinforces the interests of TNCs and increases their influence in international politics. It includes a series of secretive sectoral meetings of CEOs from key companies known as the `Governors' Group'. As usual, the WEF is very optimistic: "By almost any measure, the world economy has never been stronger" they say and hope that we are now entering "a period of unprecedented opportunity". The motto of the annual meeting 2001 is: "Bridging the Divides: Creating a Roadmap for the Global Future" According to the WEF, it wants to become even more "committed to improving the state of the world" (motto of the WEF). The WEF states that "the growing backlash against globalisation, and its various public manifestations threaten to derail the entire process". Participants at Davos will discuss ways to integrate civil society in devising appropriate responses to the anxiety and alienations that some aspects of globalisation are creating. Friends of the Earth is a research and advocacy organisation working on environmental issues. We support the right of citizens to peaceful and democratic protest. We do not supp
WEF update #2
Davos World Economic Forum meeting: FoEI activities, position and contact details Update #2 January 25, 2001 Dear friends, The WEF may not be meeting in Melbourne, but that's no excuse to let them get out from under the spotlight. The WEF meeting is occurring at the same time as the World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil, a civil society response to the policies advocated by the WEF. Below you will find some information about what will be happening in Davos. FoEI ACTIVITIES FoEI and its Swiss member organisation, Pro Natura, will be part of a NGO coalition called the 'Public Eye on Davos' that aims to challenge the World Economic Forum. Members of the coalition are: - the joint project of the Berne Declaration (coordination), - the South American Network "Asociacian Lationamericana de Organizaciones de Promocian" (ALOP), - Focus on the Global South, - Friends of the Earth International (and its Swiss affiliate Pro Natura), - Genetic Resources Action International (GRAIN), the Tebtebba Foundation, - the World Development Movement and the Network Women in Development Europe (WIDE). In 2001 its main activity will be the organisation of an independent, public NGO conference in Davos (25-28 January). NGO representatives from all over the world will discuss the following four main topics: global governance, corporate control, international financial relations and international trade policies. FoEI's trade/ environment/ sustainability (TES) program has been involved in organising the following panels: 1) Who's in Control? Making Global Corporations Accountable This panel will explore the case for binding regulation to make companies respect and answer to all those that they affect - especially local communities. Speakers include: -Tony Juniper, FoE International, Oronto Douglas, Environmental Rights Action / FoE Nigeria, Adam Ma'anit, Corporate Europe Observatory, Jessica Woodroffe, World Development Movement. 2) Breaking the Taboo: Debating Free Trade and Market Failure. Organised by Friends of the Earth International and the New Economics Foundation. Speakers include Ritu Kumar, Economist, Director of the Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI) Europe, (Obstacles and opportunities in the market for sustainable trade); Andrew Simms, Head of the Global Economy Programme, New Economics Foundation. (International trade and climate change - free trade s free ride on the global climate), Duncan McLaren, Head of Policy and Research, Friends of the Earth. (False assumptions and wild claims; a real world critique of the assumptions of neo-classical economics). Moderator: Alexandra Wandel, Friends of the Earth, Europe. On Saturday, a NGO WTO Strategy Meeting will be held in Davos with participation of Public Citizen, FoEI, CEO, WDM, the Berne Declaration and many others. In addition, there will be a FoE action on 29 January and a video link to Porta Alegre (World Social Forum). For further information, see www.davos2001.ch, www.weforum.org --- FoEI text for WEF meeting 1. The World Economic Forum (WEF) is a private foundation of multinationals and as such is a legitimate organisation. 2. However, FoEI believes that the companies involved in the WEF are abusing their economic power and political influence when they meet with politicians and government officials behind closed doors during the annual meeting of the WEF in Davos. FoEI believes that existing national and international controls over the activities and lobbying of such multinational companies are inadequate to protect the environment or meet the needs of societies around the world. 3. Furthermore, government and intergovernmental officials should not agree to participate in these annual, closed meetings of the WEF. Governments should develop their positions on economic issues in democratic and transparent fora in conjunction with their own parliaments, policy makers and all sectors of civil society. 4. The WEF's and governments' ideological support for neoliberal economic globalisation is preventing the development of sustainable and equitable economies. Events such as the WEF reinforce these ideological beliefs and do not offer the needed opportunities for open and participatory critique of economic globalisation. FoEI position on demonstrations at Davos. 1. FoEI supports peoples' rights to demonstrate and to express their opinions freely, including during the WEF in Davos. 2. FoEI opposes violence: not only violence at demonstrations but also the violence of multinationals against people and the environment. 3. FoEI is firmly opposed to the use of any form of violence in Davos, whether initiated by the police or by demonstrators. Contacts in Davos Tony Juniper, FoE England: ++44-771-284 32 07 (24-30 January) Miriam Behrens, Pro Natura/FoE Switzerland: ++41-792-160 206 (24-30 January) Duncan McLaren, FoE England: 44-7941-920 469 (25-30 January) Alexandra Wandel, FoE Europe:
LL:DDV: FoE films in the pub
Films. Sunday Afternoons. Pubs. Friends of the Earth is combining all three with inspiring films rolling at 2 pm every Sunday at the Rose (406 Napier St, Fitzroy). Recommended donation $3/$6, to go to the ever-lovely Friends of the Earth. Download the poster and stick it on your fridge, mate (http://melbourne.foe.org.au). Nov. 19th 'Minds and Energy', on the Jabiluka blockade camp Nov. 26th The Ben Elton comedy 'Stark' Dec. 3rd 'Global Insights III' Dec. 10th 'McLibel: Two Worlds Collide' No films on Dec. 17th and 24th Dec. 31st 'Berkeley in the '60s' -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink LL.VL
LL:DDV: Jabiluka information night
Jabiluka World Heritage or World Hazard? Spectacular Kakadu slides and campaign update Tuesday November 14th 2000 6.30-8pm Australian Volunteers International (AVI) 88 Kerr Street Fitzroy International attention turns to Australia as the World Heritage Committee meets in Cairns (November 27th =96 December 2nd 2000). The Jabiluka uranium mine is on Aboriginal land in World Heritage Listed Kakadu National Park. Mining company Rio Tinto is the new owner of this unpopular project. There has been no work at Jabiluka for over one year. Come along to this information session to find out how we can keep it that way. For more information Friends of the Earth 03 9419 8700 Australian Conservation Foundation 03 9416 1166 -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink LL.VK
