Climate March and Cancun special

Marching about global warming? In this weather?

YES!

After last year’s debacle in Copenhagen, it was always going to be a challenge to get public attention on this year’s COP16  talks in Cancun, but the early snowfalls aren’t helping!  UK media attention is focused on the current disruption caused by snow rather than the future impacts of climate change. Unfortunately snow in early winter in the UK doesn’t alter the evidence showing climate change is happening. NASA found average global temperatures over January to July 2010 were the warmest ever recorded.

In fact it looks like the snow and wintry weather is actually be caused by a warming Arctic. This was predicted as long ago as June, this year. See
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/06/100611093710.htm

See further http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101117114028.htm

And check out this video: http://hot-topic.co.nz/the-climate-show-3-cancun-and-cooling/ (from 6:51)

The UN climate negotiations are happening NOW, and we need you to come along and join us tomorrow (Saturday ). Tell the Government they must push for a fair deal at Cancun. By marching, we can show solidarity with countries in the frontline of climate change who are desperately trying to get rich nations like the UK to accept their responsibilities.

On their behalf we can demand a magnified sense of urgency, and of ambition, from the government here at home  This is an opportunity to make a stand for a radical and visionary target of a “Zero Carbon Britain” by 2030 – and for the ‘million climate jobs’ we will need to bring about this revolutionary decarbonisation of the economy. We have positive answers - not only to the greatest threat humanity faces, but also to the economic crisis.

The weather forecast at the moment shows Saturday may be a bit milder and sunnier than recent days but we want to show we will keep marching for climate justice whatever the weather ! Wrap up warm  (don’t forget your thick socks) and come along by 12 noon to take part in our giant 1,000 people  ‘aerial’ photo in Hyde Park. – which is going to look stunning in the snow !

Bring a friend too. Tell them just how warm and fuzzy they’ll feel afterwards, sitting in the pub (or wherever) knowing they’ve done their bit!  You can relax in good company afterwards at  the official afterparty at the The Enterprise Pub in Holborn.

Full details  (see also www.campaigncc.org):

March on Parliament for a Zero Carbon Britain and a Million Climate Jobs

Saturday December 4th

Part of a Global Day of Action on climate (www.globalclimatecampaign.org) on the Saturday midway through the UN Climate Talks in Cancún, Mexico.

Timetable:

10.30 am Protest Bike ride assembles at Lincoln's Inn Fields - to join the main protest at Hyde Park later. See here for route map and more information.

11.00 am Climate Service at the Church of the Annunciation, Bryanston Street organised by Christian Ecology,  see here.

12..00 noon Assemble on North Carriageway Drive (near Speakers Corner), Hyde Park

12.00 - 1.00 pm  Help us with a giant aerial 1,000 people photo spelling out a message for zero carbon by 2030.  Arrive at the Climate demo prompt at 12.00 noon  or a little earlier, and that will be really helpful for us in putting together our giant 1,000 person photo spelling out  2030(with one giant zero) for 'Zero Carbon by 2030'. Be part of the message - join with others to make a permanent photo-statement, and get the best out of the days climate action.  We have just one hour - 12.00 noon to 1.00 pm - to get the photo sorted so if enough people arrive early enough it will help us a lot. And you can make sure of your place in the photo!

Zero Carbon March to Parliament
via Park Lane, Hyde Park Corner, Piccadilly, Picadilly Circus, Lower Regent Street, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square, Abingdon Street (opposite Parliament)

2.30 pm: Climate Emergency Rally opposite Parliament.. Speakers to include  Caroline Lucas MP (leader, Green Party), Michael Meacher MP (Labour), John McDonnell MP (Labour), Maria Souviron (Bolivian ambassador), Andy Atkins (Director, Friends of the Earth), Paul Allen (Centre for Alternative Technology, zerocarbon Britain2030 report), Tony Kearns (Communication Workers Union), Ben Brangwyn (co-founder Transition Towns), John Stewart (chair, AirportWatch), Sophie Allain, (Ratcliffe 20,Climate Camp), Marylla Hart (Biofuelwatch)...

Tea, coffee, soup etc. will be served by the Brixton Tea Party.

5.00 pm: Afterparty at The Enterprise Pub, Red Lion Street, Holborn. See here for more details.

Online actions

Check http://www.foe.co.uk/get_involved/climate_change.html for the latest online actions related to the Cancun talks, including emailing the Japanese Prime Minister to tell him not to scrap Kyoto.

Climate change in the news - COP16 special

Talks suffer early setback after Japan refuses to extend Kyoto protocol. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/01/cancun-climate-change-summit-japan-kyoto

The lead negotiator for Pakistan, Farrukh Iqbal Khan, gives a good introduction to COP16
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2010/dec/01/cancun-climate-change-summit-trust

Pablo Solon (Bolivian ambassador to the UN) launches a scathing attack on what  “low expectations” really means and the United States’ carbon emissions
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/nov/30/cancun-climate-talks-pablo-salon

Chinagets put in the spotlight by Deborah Seligsohn from the World Resources Institute:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/01/cancun-climate-change-summit-china

A special report by the Independent on Sunday has case studies of people that are experiencing climate change first-hand
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/voices-from-the-frontline-of-global-warming-2145793.html

19th November 2010

In this newsletter…

• National Climate March 2010 – just two weeks to go until the year’s biggest climate change demo - find out all about it and what you can do to help.
• Report and videos from the Zero Carbon by 2030 public meeting
• A background briefing on the Cancún climate talks which begin later this month
• Two online actions you can take part in – one to Chris Huhne and one to President Obama
• News from the UK and around the world

National Climate March 2010

March on Parliament for a Zero Carbon Britain

Saturday December 4th – 12 noon, Hyde Park
 
The failure of the international Talks in Copenhagen doesn't mean the threat of catastrophic Climate Change has got any less grave or less urgent. Don't let them think last year's big climate demo was just a 'one-off wonder'.  Tell them we need urgent action NOW and take to government a message and vision for a Zero Carbon Britain that won’t just stop with this demo but that we can build on afterwards!

And remember building a Zero Carbon Britain means Climate Jobs Now: we have a positive vision not only for addressing the global threat of climate catastrophe but also for the economic crisis.

Timetable for the day

10.30 am Protest Bike Ride assembles at Lincoln's Inn Fields.

11 am Climate Service

12 noon  Assemble on North Carriage Drive (just west of Speaker's Corner), Hyde Park (Marble Arch tube)

12-1 pm Mass photo spelling out the message for Zero Carbon by 2030 

Then...

Zero Carbon March to Parliament

2.30 pm Climate Emergency Rally on Whitehall. Speakers to include Caroline Lucas MP (leader, Green Party), John McDonnell MP (Labour), Michael Meacher MP (Labour), Paul Allen (pioneer, Zero Carbon Britain project), Maria Souviron (Bolivian ambassador), Deborah Doane (Director, World Development Movement), Andy Atkins (Director, Friends of the Earth) and Ben Brangwyn (co-founder Transition Towns).

5.00 pm Afterparty!

 

HOW YOU CAN HELP…

Help us make placards

From 5pm to 10pm, this coming Wednesday 24th November at the PCS building on 160 Falcon Road, Clapham, SW11 2LN. (Just round the corner from Clapham Junction station) Map here. Contact number on the day is 0790 331 6331.

We need stewards!

If you're planning on coming on December 4th, why not join us as a volunteer steward and help make the event run smoothly. We rely on our stewards to make the day a successful one for everybody, and those who have helped in the past have enjoyed being part of the team (the after-party in the pub is optional but recommended!)  No previous experience necessary.  If you think you can help, or want to know more, e-mail stewards@campaigncc.org There is a stewards briefing meeting at 6:30pm on Monday 29th November at a venue to be announced (check www.campaigncc.org/node/433 for the venue and for more information).

Last-minute flyering

Could you hand out a few flyers or put up posters at your local community centre/student union/church/workplace/charity shop/farmers' market/meeting...?  Contact us at info@campaigncc.org or call us on 020 7833 9311 and we'll supply you with materials. We have A6, A5, A4 and A3 fliers and posters. If you'd like to help but not sure how, drop us a line and we'll let you know what you can do over the next couple of weeks. We're especially looking for people to join our postering group, so get in touch if you're interested.

Letter writing

Write a letter to your local paper, student newspaper, union newsletter, etc. mentioning the demo and the need for bold, ambitious targets on climate change at the Cancún climate change.

Social networking

Don’t forget to tell your friends as well – forward this email or invite them to the march or bike ride through Facebook.

For more information check out www.campaigncc.org
 

Cancún – background and issues

This helpful summary from Reuters Africa highlights the low expectations for Cancún, in contrast to last year at Copenhagen, and the barriers that must be overcome

Climate financing for poorer nations will be a key issue at the talks – the IIED reports that rich nations are failing to keep their Copenhagen promises.

Online Actions

Email Chris Huhne asking him to ensure the UK plays its part on climate finance for developing countries in Cancún.

Tell President Obama to become a world leader for the global climate movement at the Cancún climate talks.

Climate change in the news - UK

UK government says EU biofuels policy is counter-productive and needs to be rethought. www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/biofuel-plan-will-cause-rise-in-carbon-emissions-2129773.html

Millions of homeowners living near the sea or rivers may face a new tax to pay for flood defences. www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/minister-plans-to-hit-homes-with-flood-tax-2133555.html

Climate change in the news - International

At the close of the latest G20 meeting in Seoul, leaders reiterated their commitment to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and deliver a deal at Cancún. www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/1897887/g20-vows-spare-effort-Cancún-climate-talks

Business leaders from around 250 companies issued a renewed call for politicians to deliver "an ambitious, robust and equitable global deal on climate change" www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/1898297/global-business-leaders-issue-Cancún-rallying

US elections cause power shift in Congress towards climate deniers. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/nov/03/obama-green-agenda-crushed-midterm

New rules from the Environmental Protection Agency attempt to use the Clean Air Act to curb greenhouse gas emissions. www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/1895645/epa-sparks-fresh-row-release-greenhouse-gas-guidance

In California, voters rejected Proposition 23, aiming to block the state’s climate change legislation, but Proposition 26, requiring a two-thirds majority for new taxes, is passed and may threaten environmental legislation. www.nytimes.com/gwire/2010/11/03/03greenwire-califs-little-noticed-prop-26-squeaks-through-59912.html

Spain identifies green jobs as the answer to soaring unemployment. www.businessgreen.com/bg/news/1895650/spain-backs-green-growth-combat-soaring-unemployment

4th October 2010

In this newsletter:

• Zero Carbon by 2030 public meeting in London
• 2010’s National Climate March
• The Big Climate Connection nationwide
• Report from the National Agrofuels Demonstration and preceding public meeting (plus audio!)
• Online actions on biomass and oil investment
• National and international climate change news including the latest on US climate change legislation plans and UK shipping emissions figures

Upcoming events

National Climate March 2010 The year’s biggest climate change demonstration is on Saturday 4th December, to co-incide with the UN climate talks in Cancún, Mexico and part of a Global Day of Action (see www.globalclimatecampaign.org for details). Challenge the government to take the action we need to meet the climate threat. The provisional plan is to assemble at Speakers Corner, Hyde Park at 12noon for a Zero Carbon March to Parliament Square where a Climate Emergency Rally takes place at 2:00pm. Details are yet to be finalised so keep an eye on future e-mails. Fliers are available to download and print online at www.campaigncc.org/leaflets or if you want some posted for you to distribute, e-mail the office at info@campaigncc.org with your name, address, and approximately how many fliers you want. We also have A4 and A3 posters.

The Big Climate Connection – in your local area

If you’re feeling active after the October 30th public meeting (or simply can’t make the meeting and are itching to do something) then Stop Climate Chaos are organising a mass lobby of MPs in constituencies on the 5th and 6th of November, before the new UK Energy Bill and the Cancun climate talks in December. You can find out out how to join your local lobby - or arrange one - here: www.stopclimatechaos.org/the-big-connection
MPs expect to meet their constituents and find out their concerns. Make sure that climate change is top of their agenda.

Demo reports

Online actions

Forth Energy have proposed a 100MW biomass power station in Dundee. The carbon stored in the trees that would be burnt would take decades or even centuries to grow back. Again, this plant would be given subsidies through the ROC scheme. E-mail the Scottish government to object: www.biofuelwatch.org.uk/forthsep2010.php

Greenpeace are trying to clean up pension funds. E-mail the chief executive of Legal & General to put pressure on him to stop investing in oil companies: e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.campaign.id=7720

Climate change in the news

UK

Climate change secretary Chris Huhne is fighting to defend the Department of Energy and Climate Change against cuts that could leave it unable to stand alone as a viable entity. www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2010/sep/21/chris-huhne-fights-treasury-attacks

The Government has reneged on pre-election promises to tackle illegally logged timber imports and reward green energy 'pioneers. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/20/coalition-timber-renewables

Chevron to begin deepwater drilling off UK coast. Greenpeace plans to take legal action against the government. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/oct/01/chevron-deep-water-drilling

New research finds UK shipping emissions to be six times higher than previously calculated. www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2270308/uk-shipping-emissions-six-times

The UK has suffered a second fall in renewable energy production this year, due to lower than expected wind speeds and rainfall. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/30/uk-renewable-energy-production-drops

Half of those surveyed supported a tax on products with a particularly high carbon footprint. www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2270615/half-shoppers-favour-taxing

International

Obama sets out plans for climate change legislation next year, but may not have the majority needed to pass it. www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2270791/senators-rally-behind-obama

All bar one of the Republican party's 48 mid-term election candidates are sceptical about climate change. www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/sep/14/republican-hopefuls-deny-global-warming

California's governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has attacked the oil companies bankrolling a campaign to suspend the state’s landmark law on carbon cuts. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/30/prop-23-battle-heats-up

Receding glaciers in Ecuador could leave some of the world's poorest people without water. www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/poverty-matters/2010/sep/22/ecuador-water-climate-change-vidal

A Friends of the Earth report finds at least 500,000 new jobs would be created in Europe if countries recycled 70% of their waste (already achieved by Flanders in Belgium). www.foeeurope.org/press/2010/Sep14_half_million_new_jobs_could_be_created_by_recycling_more.html

11th September 2010

In this newsletter:

• Photo-op, demo and public meeting on agrofuels in London
• National Agrofuels demonstration in Dorset
• Zero Carbon by 2030: Action for the Climate Emergency - big public meeting in London
• Report from the End Domestic Flights Now! Demo
• New CCC T-shirts!
• E-mail actions for agrofuels, renewable heat and climate justice
• News from the UK and around the world, including the latest on Scottish wind power, land-grabs for biofuels in Africa and the Australian election

Upcoming events

Zero Carbon by 2030: Action for the Climate Emergency Saturday 30th October at Friends House, Euston Road, London 1.00 pm to 7.00 pm Climate Forum 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm Climate Concert Zero Carbon by 2030. We need to reach this goal and we can reach this goal. But to get there we will need a radical programme of climate action for the UK – a positive vision with real solutions. Join us in challenging the new government to take the kind of action we really need to address the Climate Emergency. Speakers to include John McDonnell MP (Lab, Hayes and Harlington), Caroline Lucas MP (leader Green Party, Brighton Pavillion), Maria Souviron (Bolivian Ambassador), Alexis Rowell (‘Cutting the Carbon’, Camden CAN), Andrew Simms (New Economics Foundation), George Marshall (founder, COIN), Vicki Hird (FoE Real Food Campaign), John Stewart (HACAN, AirportWatch), Stephen Murphy (‘Zero Carbon Britain’ Team), Chris Baugh (Asst Gen Sec PCS - Public and Commercial Services Union) – and more to be announced.

Campaign actions

The fate of Bristol’s planned biofuel power station (see previous newsletter) is now in the hands of the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles. E-mail him to ask him take into account the nature of the fuel used in new power stations biofuelwatch.org.uk/w4bjul2010.php

Friends of the Earth are asking people to email their MPs to stop a Renewable Heat Incentive paying people to generate renewable heat from being cut. www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/renewable_heat_24964.html Heat accounts for 47 per cent of the UK's CO2 emissions

The Global Visual Petition Project is collecting petitions from all over the world to put on a map to show the world’s leaders that climate change is a global issue. Put yourself on the map at www.itsonehumanity.org/GVPP

Climate change in the news

UK

The government's chief environmental scientist admits UK emissions have actually risen, rather than fallen, because of the carbon in imported goods
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/sep/03/uk-greenhouse-gas-emissions-bob-watson

Climate Camp activists took part in a range of actions aimed against the Royal Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh climatecamp.org.uk/press/2010/08/23/rbs-operations-closed-for-the-day-as-activists-target-sites-around-edinburgh

Europe's largest onshore wind farm, which is situated in East Renfrewshire, is to be expanded from 140 to 215 turbines
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-11215774

Nine climate activists who occupied the tarmac at Aberdeen airport have each been fined between £300 and £700 after being convicted of breach of the peace
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/25/plane-stupid-activists-fined

International

In Australia, Labor forms a minority government with the Greens controlling the balance of power in the Senate, which they will need to use to push for action on climate change
www.businessgreen.com/business-green/analysis/2269349/australia-greens-win-battle-war

A new World Bank report says biofuel targets in the US and EU are fuelling a ‘land grab’ in Africa
www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2269441/world-bank-biofuel-mandates

Bjørn Lomborg, the 'Sceptical environmentalist' calls for investment in tackling climate change.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/30/bjorn-lomborg-climate-change-u-turn
 
 

18th August 2010

In this newsletter:

• End Domestic Flights Now!  Saturday 4th September Demonstration latest and report from public meeting
• National Agrofuels Demo Saturday 25th September– plus the latest from Bristol and upcoming public meeting
• ‘Zero Carbon by 2030 –  Action for the Climate Emergency’, Saturday 30th October
• National Climate March 2010, Saturday 4th December
• 6km Swimming Challenge for CCC
• Not just predictions – How climate change is affecting the world around us, now!
• Is dirty coal making a comeback in the UK? – take action online on this and other issues
• Climate change in the news, including the latest on the UN talks

Upcoming events

National Agrofuels Demo – Portland, Dorset
Saturday 25th September

Time to really put this issue on the map! The CCC are joining forces with Biofuelwatch, Food not Fuel and NOPE (No Palm Oil Energy) to create a National Day of Action on Agrofuels. We will be protesting at the site of W4B’s proposed new agrofuel burning power station at Portland in Dorset, with a march followed by a rally and rounding off with an evening of workshops and entertainment.

Coach transport from London and possibly other places are currently being finalised, if you’re interested then e-mail endagrofuels@campaigncc.org or fill in the online form at www.campaigncc.org/agrofuelsdemo2010 and we’ll get back to you as soon as tickets are available.



Agrofuels Public Meeting and London Demo at DECC, Wednesday 15th September.

There will be an action demanding an end to subsides for agrofuels outside DECC (Department of Energy and Climate Change), 5.00-6.30 pm followed by a Public Meeting at 7.00pm: “Agrofuels: how we can stop this false solution undermining the fight against climate change”.  Andrew Butler will be coming up from Portland to tell us about the local NOPE (“No Palm Oil Energy”) campaign. Plus other speakers on the wider issues and strategy for success... More details in future e-mails.

 

Agrofuels – news from Bristol planning appeal

On Tuesday 10th August, Bristol City Council began hearing a planning inquiry over W4B’s plans to build a palm-oil fired power station in Avonmouth. Originally it was rejected on the grounds that the proposed fuel was unsustainable, but now the planning inspector has decided that the sustainability (or lack of) of the fuel is not relevant to the inquiry, rendering environmentalists’ arguments useless. Read the full account (plus see photos from the demo) here:

www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2010/08/457118.html

But there is still a chance to stop W4B at the Portland demo!


‘Zero Carbon by 2030 –  Action for the Climate Emergency’,
Saturday 30th October



Friends House, Euston Road, London

1.00pm to 7.00pm  Climate Forum,  7.00pm  to 9.00pm  Climate Concert

With John McDonnell MP (Lab, Hayes and Harlington), Caroline Lucas MP (leader Green Party, Brighton Pavillion), Maria Souviron (Bolivian Ambassador), Alexis Rowell (‘Cutting the Carbon’, Camden CAN),  Ben Brangwyn  (co-founder Tranistion Towns), Andrew Simms (New Economics Foundation), George Marshall (founder, COIN), Vicki Hird ( FoE Real Food Campaign), John Stewart (HACAN, Airport Watch), Stephen Murphy ‘Zero Carbon Britain’ Team  –  and more to be announced.

Zero Carbon by 2030. We need to reach this goal and we can reach this goal. But to get there we will need a radical programme of climate action for the UK – a positive vision with real solutions.  Join us in challenging the new government to take the kind of action we really need to address the Climate Emergency.

Sessions:  

Oh Gosh! Oh Help! Oh no!   The Climate Emergency: what the science is telling us.

Yes, we can!   Zero Carbon Britain, rapid decarbonisation of the economy, Green Energy Revolution.

Yes we must!   Climate Justice, avoiding false solutions, stopping the expansion of the high-emissions aviation industry, reducing speeds and emissions of private transport, stopping  the UK’s contribution to deforestation, ending agrofuel use…

Win-Win  One million Climate jobs! A Green New Deal.

The evening continues with  Climate Concert Music and entertainment.

Updated info www.campaigncc.org/node/409   This event will set the agenda for the…



National Climate March 2010, Saturday 4th December

The year’s biggest climate change demonstration takes place on Saturday 4th December, as part of a Global Day of Action with demonstrations around the world (see www.globalclimatecampaign.org). Put the date in your diary now and keep an eye on your inbox for more information nearer the time.


Tadhg White’s 6km swim to the Isle of Wight

Placing his body on the line - Tadhg White will be swimming to raise at £1,000 for the Campaign against Climate Change on September 9th! Six kilometers from Gosport to the Isle of Wight - hopefully in under two hours. He and two friends are raising money for their respective charitable organisations - be sure to support his challenge (and ours) by donating via:

uk.virginmoneygiving.com/BestivalSwim

Tadhg, we'll be cheering for you! THANK YOU from CCC!

If you have any crazy ideas to raise funds for CCC please contact funding@campaigncc.org

Tadhg has written the following piece outlining how recent disasters around the world highlight the urgent need to tackle climate change.


How climate change is affecting the world around us, now!

There’s been lots in the news on the effect climate change is having on the world around us. We thought we’d bring just a few examples of these together to highlight the need for urgent action to prevent climate change so future generations can enjoy the resources of the planet as we do today.

A recent report by The Census of Marine Life, a 10 year study to attempt to chart the full diversity of marine life by over 360 scientists around the world, has found that human activity is having a damaging effect on the health of the ocean life. The report found that poor management of fisheries, over-harvesting, pollution and the increased threat of climate change have in most regions around the world led to fish, crustaceans and crab stocks to be 5-10% of what they once were. One study recently published has found a long-term decline in phytoplankton of 40% which may be linked to warming waters (see news section below). As the base of the entire ocean food chain, this is deeply worrying. Acidification because of increased atmospheric CO₂ can also disrupt vital microscopic organisms, while ocean warming can reduce nutrient availability in the oceans as warmer layers at the top mix less with lower layers.

Other recent UK centric reports produced by DEFRA and the Marine Climate Change Impacts Partnerships released this year, have shown UK sea levels are rising and surface temperatures are increasing as a result of climate change. The surface temperature of UK waters has risen by .5 to 1C since 1870 meaning cold water fish such as cod are in becoming sparse and the numbers of warm water fish like red mullet and seabass are on the increase. We need to get control over the human impact on climate change or face the possibility of mass extinction across the oceans.

WWF Russia has claimed climate change and hot weather are the causes of rampant fire around Moscow. Abnormal weather patterns that occur around the tropical Pacific Ocean and effect the rest of the World have lead to very hot weather in western Russia but cooler than average weather in neighbouring Siberia. Jeff Knight, a climate scientist with the UK Met office partly attributed the fires to the effect of increased greenhouse gas concentrations, while Alexei Kohorn head of climate and energy programme at WWF said of the increased likelihood of similar fires in years to come “This tendency wont stop in the coming 40 years or so, until the greenhouse gas emissions are reduced”

The torrential rains in Pakistan have been caused by the same abnormal weather patterns causing the fires in Moscow. The UN has called the floods in Pakistan the greatest humanitarian crisis in recent history with nearly 14million people affected, 1600 dead, millions with homes destroyed or damaged and without adequate food or water. Recent flooding in China has killed more than 1,100 people this year and caused billions of dollars in damage across 28 provinces and regions. Dr Peter Scott, a climate scientist with the UK Met Office explains that there is “clear evidence” of an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events because of climate change. Jean-Pascal van Ypersele, VP of IPCC has said of the abnormal weather patterns “These are events which reproduce and intensify in a climate disturbed by greenhouse gas pollution”. Professor Andrew Watson, a climatologist of University of East Anglia believes these events are “fairly consistent with the IPCC reports and what 99 per cent of the scientists believe to be happening”.


Take action

The coalition government is to open the door to new coal-fired power stations, stepping back from a policy that Cameron personally championed in opposition. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/15/coal-fired-power-stations-coalition
You can email your MP asking them to support limits to emissions from power stations www.38degrees.org.uk/page/speakout/power-plant-standards

Meanwhile, a huge new coal-fired power station is being planned at Hunterston on the west coast of Scotland. Email the Scottish Government telling them to step back from dirty coal. campaigns.wwf.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=14&ea.campaign.id=6877

The Stop Climate Chaos Coalition is organising a mass lobby of MPs on climate change on 5th and 6th November. Everyone is welcome to join, and they are looking for people to sign up as coordinators in every constituency www.stopclimatechaos.org/the-big-connection

Oil lobbyists are trying to weaken a law which would keep tar sands oil out of Europe. You can email transport minister Theresa Villiers asking her to take action here: e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=18&ea.campaign.id=7306

What do our newly elected MPs believe about climate change? The Guardian is trying to find out and is asking for your help in getting MPs to reply to three questions. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/aug/11/global-warming-mp-survey

Ask your MP to support a new law to set a minimum energy efficiency standard for private rented homes. www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/warm_homes_24633.html

 

Climate change resources

'Beyond the Tipping Point?' is a provocative documentary film about attitudes to climate change. It is a free resource for groups to provoke discussion and open up debate. beyondthetippingpoint.com/



Climate change in the news - UK

The government has committed just £43m of £230m previously promisede to subsidise electric cars www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/28/electric-car-grant-scheme

DECC's new 'pathways' calculator lays out strategies for the UK to hit its target of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050 www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/jul/27/decc-carbon-calculator

Insurers warns some areas of Britain will become uninsurable with house insurance premiums rising dramatically as climate change increases flood risk www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/jul/28/house-insurance-premiums-flooding


Climate change in the news - International

UN climate talks in Bonn end with a stand-off between rich and poor countries. There is one last preparatory meeting, in Tianjin, China, in October, to draft a negotiating text before the summit in Cancun, Mexico. www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2267867/china-offers-chance-saloon

Pledges from developed countries, including the EU, have been criticised for including too many loopholes in the form of offsets. www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=18511&channel=0&title=Loopholes+criticised+by+climate+talks+observers++

China has launched an emission-cutting factory closure programme, with over 2,000 inefficient factories told they will have to shut down by the end of next month. www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2268133/china-launches-emission-cutting

Scientists from two leading climate research centres publish 'best evidence yet' of rising long-term global temperatures www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/28/global-temperatures-2010-record

A 40% decline in phytoplankton, the microscopic plants which are the base of the ocean's food chain, has been blamed on warming seas. www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/the-dead-sea-global-warming-blamed-for-40-per-cent-decline-in-the-oceans-phytoplankton-2038074.html

New analysis shows that global government support for fossil fuels is about 10 times that for renewable energy. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/03/fossil-fuel-subsidies-renewables

Scientists warn Congress that a 2 degree rise in global temperatures could lead to the loss of the Greenland ice sheet and a 7m sea level rise. www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2267988/heat-waves-retreating-icesheets

The US Chamber of Commerce has been split, with a breakaway group calling for stronger action on climate change. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/aug/04/clean-energy-coalition-chamber-commerce

July 27th 2010

Upcoming events

End Domestic Flights! 

On 4th September the Campaign against Climate Change is holding demonstrations in Manchester and London with partners AirportWatch, Plane Stupid and Newham Fight the Flights. The morning begins with a demo outside London City Airport, following which demonstrators can take a train to Manchester to join with the campaigners calling for a stop to the proposed expansion of Manchester Airport. A party for activists follows the demo.

Timetable:

11.00 am  Demonstration outside City Airport, London (take the DLR at Bank to get to the ‘London City Airport’ stop on the Woolwich line)

12.30 pm  “Train-not-plane” party board the big red (open top double decker) ‘End Domestic Flights’ bus which takes the message through the streets of London to Euston station.

1.40 pm  "Train-not-plane" brigade boards the Manchester train at Euston.

3.49 pm  “Train-not-plane” party arrives at  Manchester Piccadilly station

4.30 pm  Demonstration at Manchester Airport . More info info[at]stopmanchesterairport.org.uk

Evening  - Party, party, party for aviation activists at Hasty Lane near Manchester airport - in a street threatened by airport expansion. Accommodation will be organised for those staying overnight.

Join us on the special  "Train-not plane" carriage on the 1.40pm train!  Take the big red bus from the City Airport demo to Euston station and then join our special “train-not-plane” carriage on the 1.40 train to Manchester. A fiver will get you to Manchester Airport taking our special carriage – first come first served for available seats. To book a ticket click here.

But remember, you need to get back from Manchester!  The sooner you book the cheaper the return to London!  You can return from Manchester Saturday night or party in Manchester and return Sunday morning.  Return to London by train is £11.50 if booked well enough in advance, or around £5.50 on Megabus.  The last trains back from Manchester to London on Saturday leave Manchester Piccadilly at 19.37 and 20.35.

Any queries?  E-mail enddomesticflights@campaigncc.org

But before then…

‘Why We Should End Domestic Flights Now: aviation in the era of climate emergency’

Public Meeting on August 11th at SOAS, room G2
(School of Oriental and African Studies), Thornhaugh Street, off Russell Square. Map here.

Speakers will include John Stewart, Chair of AirportWatch, Dan Glass from Plane Stupid, Anne Marie Griffin, chair of Fight the Flights, and Campaign against Climate Change’s National Co-ordinator Phil Thornhill lead the discussion on ‘Why We Should End Domestic Flights Now: aviation in the era of climate emergency’. We’re looking for your input on how we can campaign to force the Government to take action on domestic flights. Stick 11th August in your diary now. See more here.

National Demonstration against Agrofuels

Saturday 25th September

Stop subsidising Agrofuels and deforestation

At the site of the proposed new palm-oil burning, agrofuel power station at Portland in Dorset.

Transport will be organised from London and possibly other places. If you are interested in joining the coach from London (to Portland for the day) please contact stopagrofuels@campaigncc.org

Provisional Timetable:

9.00 am: Bus leaves London for Portland

1.00 pm: Assemble for march

2.00 - 3.00 pm: Rally outside port gates (site of proposed plant)

3.00 pm:  Workshops and entertainment in local hall

8.00 pm: Bus sets off back to London.                                  

Camping/crash space will be available overnight.

The demonstration will be organised together with Biofuelwatch, Food not Fuel and a very strong local group, down in Dorset - NOPE (No Palm Oil Energy) see nope.org.uk

Agrofuels – take action

In February this year, Bristol City Council rejected an application for a palm oil power station. An appeal against the decision will be heard at a public enquiry.  However, the Planning Inspectorate has so far ruled that the wider impacts of biofuels are not relevant.  Ask the Secretary of State to step in and allow the climate change impact to be considered. www.biofuelwatch.org.uk/w4bjul2010.php

If you are in Bristol, there will be a demonstration outside the enquiry meeting on 10 August – and don’t forget the national demonstration in Dorset on 25 September (transport from London).  For more about these and other actions to help stop a rash of UK power stations running on palm oil and other environmentally destructive fuels see here: www.campaigncc.org/biofuels

Action for the Climate Emergency

Public meeting, Friends House, London
Saturday October 30th 2010

Speakers now including John McDonnell MP (Labour), Caroline Lucas MP (leader, Green Party), Andrew Simms (New Economics Foundation), Maria Souviron (the Bolivian ambassador), Alexis Rowell (Camden CAN) – and many more to be announced in further newsletters.

Event report

Analysis

Domestic flights

In order for the UK to make the cuts the threat of global warming demand, major steps are required to reduce the amount of carbon the UK emits. UK Government has targeted 30% cuts by 2020, currently pushing other European countries to commit to this target. Even more ambitious targets are necessary to reduce the risk of climate change, but what is really lacking is not targets but practical policies to achieve short-term cuts.

Flying is by far the most inefficient (in carbon emission terms) mode of transport, particularly for short-haul flights, because the energy required to take off and land is proportionately greater. Flying is twice as energy consuming as road travel, and depending on the type of train taken up to 5 times more inefficient than rail travel. The emitting of carbon at altitude by planes is thought to be between 1.9 to 2.7 times more damaging to the environment than at ground level.

The UK has a good rail and road transport network and so there is little need for domestic flights. The most popular domestic route out of Heathrow is to Manchester, which is only a couple of hours away by train. Trains are currently overpriced, but if government subsidies were removed from aviation and road expansion schemes and invested in rail, this trend could be reversed. With investment to improve the rail and coach network and a reduction in the cost of rail travel, banning domestic flights is an easy win removing 2.2 Mt CO₂straight away from the UK’s emissions. WWF has said Government officials alone cutting out UK domestic flights would reduce carbon emissions by 59,000 tonnes annually.

There is support for banning domestic flights from the major government parties. The current Transport Secretary Philip Hammond in a recent FT interview has said “Domestic flying in the UK will become in time a thing of the past”. Previous Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said in June 2009 "I would like to see domestic and short-haul flights largely replaced by high-speed rail”. The Liberal Democrat’s Campaign promise of Per Plane Tax rather than Per Person Tax on the aviation industry was a step to reduce domestic flights by making other forms of domestic travel more competitive.

There is support from all the political parties to find alternatives to domestic flights but the action is not coming soon enough. We need your support to put pressure on the Government to Ban Domestic Flights now!

Coalition’s ‘green’ claims undermined by budget cuts

The government’s budget cuts have been announced, dealing a blow to hopes that the transition to a low-carbon economy might be prioritised. The Department of Energy and Climate Change reveals £34m cuts to low-carbon technology programme. The cuts include:

• £6.1 million from “programme budgets within DECC”;
• £4.7 million from “cancelling the final funding rounds of the Bio-Energy Capital Grants Scheme and the Bio-Energy Infrastructure Scheme”;
• £3 million from the Offshore Wind Capital Grants Scheme;
• £2.9 million from the Central Government Low Carbon Technology Programme by cutting.
• funding for development of deep geothermal energy generation halved from £2 million to £1 million;
• the Energy Saving Trust technology trials will be closed, cutting £700,000 from the £3 million pound programme; and
• The Carbon Trust will receive a £12.6 million cut to this year’s grant for low carbon technology and business support funding;
• Plans announced under the last government to use around £1 billion from asset sales for early-stage equity investment in green energy projects have been scrapped
• The Foreign Office’s budget for climate diplomacy which helps other countries to cut carbon and promotes the UK’s green industry has also been cut by £3 million.

There has been particular anger at the announcement that the Sustainable Development Commission will be axed. Costing £3 million a year, the commission’s last report showed that measures so far to save energy and water and reduce waste have cut the state's annual bills by £60m to £70m, while hundreds of millions of pounds could be saved if its recommendations are followed. The government has been accused of seeking to end independent and critical scrutiny from the SDC of its claims to be ‘green’.

In the words of Johann Hari “David Cameron hugged the huskies in opposition. But as soon as he got into government, he walked them into the Downing Street garden, and shot them in the head.”
 

Take action

Friends of the Earth is asking people to email the Secretary of State for Local Government to save a pilot project to help councils cut carbon from being axed. www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/press_for_change/local_carbon_frameworks_24034.html

They also want people to email the Secretary of State for the Environment asking her to cut spending and carbon emissions by axing waste incineration projects www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/biodiversity/press_for_change/incineration_24662.html

The Bus Service Operators Grant, the only direct national funding for buses, is also under threat.  The Campaign for Better Transport warns of ‘Beeching-style cuts’.  www.bettertransport.org.uk/take_action/protect-buses

Climate change in the news

UK

The Committee on Climate Change’s latest reports states that without financial support, low carbon technologies will never reach market and the UK will be left behind by China.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/19/uk-invest-low-carbon-technology

The Institute For Fiscal Studies has calculated that the proportion of tax revenue raised by green taxes is likely to fall - breaking a Conservative election pledge.
bit.ly/btxl5y

As figures for councils’ carbon footprints are published, the government announced that councils will now be able to sell back green energy to the National Grid.
www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2010/jul/08/carbon-emissions-local-authority

Animal feed imported from South America to the UK is causing the destruction of tropical rainforests, a Friends of the Earth study reveals.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/21/uk-south-america-soy-rainforest-emissions
(You can support the FoE campaign here: www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/biodiversity/press_for_change/back_sustainable_livestock_bill_24522.html)

A campaign success for Greenpeace as HSBC has sold its shares in Sinar Mas, an Indonesian company involved in illegal deforestation
www.guardian.co.uk/sustainable-business/hsbc-sinar-mas-greenpeace-protest

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has refused to rule out a train ticket price hike of up to 10%.
www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5iEY6iKKZFBA7E7JRFEGuvlpqIbTA

International

The US Senate will not pass a full climate bill in its current session, a major blow to prospects of achieving a new global deal on climate change through the UN talks.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-10739800

Record-breaking global temperatures continue with last month the hottest June recorded worldwide, and 2010 on course to be warmest year since records began.
www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/jul/16/june-2010-warmest-recorded

ExxonMobil gave $1.5M to climate denial groups last year, breaking pledge to stop such funding
climateprogress.org/2010/07/20/exxonmobil-funds-global-warming-deniers/

The UK, France and Germany have called on other EU member states to support EU 30%emissions cuts target

9th July

Welcome to the CCC newsletter.  It's a long one this time - as you can see, there are some major events coming up.  Hope to see you soon at one of these! 

Best wishes,

The CCC team

UPCOMING EVENTS

Action for the Climate Emergency

Public Meeting in Friends House,  Saturday 30th October

Friends House, Euston Road, London, 2.00pm to 9.00pm

Speakers to include John McDonnell MP,  Maria Souviron the Bolivian ambassador, Alexis Rowell – and many more to be announced.  We will be presenting a radical programme of climate action for the UK – join us in challenging the new government to take the kind of action we really need to address the Climate Emergency.

The CCC would not be able to organise events like this if it were not for your support, please become a member of CCC or donate what you can here: www.campaigncc.org/donate

WHAT THE 2010 EMERGENCY BUDGET DOES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

A review by Tadhg White

Many feel Chris Huhne’s appointment to role of Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change in the new coalition Government was a good thing for the future of climate change in the UK, but what does last month’s emergency budget do for climate change in these tough economic times?

The disappointing outcome is that the Government will not spend any ‘real’ money investing in green infrastructure, no public funding for green energy plants and no public funding initiatives such as domestic housing insulation. The Government instead plans to create a number of initiatives to encourage private investment in green industries, and change or bring in new tax regimes to shift businesses to a greener way of doing things.

• The current Climate Change Levy (where businesses are taxed extra for using carbon in-efficient energy sources) is to be reformed in the autumn, some think to be replaced with a carbon tax although no plans are forthcoming.
• The likely set up of a Green Investment Bank to help support growth in green business by providing access to secure fair priced private sector financing, creating an environment reducing the risks for business looking to invest in the green sector, and helping smaller green businesses get off the ground. The GIB is not in effect yet, likely to be set up following the Spending Review conclusion in the autumn.
• A Green Deal for households to help fund home insulation projects, paid back over time from savings made from cheaper fuel bills as a result of better insulated houses

A full list of these and other actions the Government is taking is available here

www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/news/Budget_June10/Budget_June10.aspx

A report by the Green Investment Bank Commission (incidentally, paid for by the Chancellor!) has shown the UK needs £550billion investment over the next decade to meet its emission reduction targets of between 26% and 32% by 2020. Right now, this paltry budget does not look like a good start.

CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE NEWS

UK

The most in-depth review of the “climategate” e-mails yet once again yields the result that the honesty of the scientists involved are not in doubt.

www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/07/climategate-review-clears-scientists-dishonesty

Read the full text of the review here: www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/07/findings-muir-russell-review

The Committee on Climate Change's second annual report calls for a "step change" in climate change policy. www.theccc.org.uk/reports/progress-reports/2nd-progress-report

Renewables’ share of energy mix in the UK has fallen by nearly 7%. bit.ly/ajaM8l

Chris Huhne, Energy and Climate Change Secretary, has given his first major speech on the new government's green policy priorities, in full here: www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2265384/chris-huhne-economist-uk-energy

Ealing London Borough Council's rejection of a proposed agrofuel (biofuel) power station in Southall has been upheld by the Secretary of State on appeal. www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2010/07/455013.html

Uncertainty over Government climate change plans is likely to delay low-carbon investment. blog.businessgreen.com/2010/07/could-2010-prov.html

International

G8 and G20 meetings made no progress on climate change, including a previous commitment to end $500 billion+ fossil fuel subsidies. ht.ly/24q5V

The European Parliament has voted to end illegal timber imports to the EU. bit.ly/bANvL5

Similarly, the two-day meeting of the Major Economies Forum on climate change ended with little progress. www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2265944/progress-remains-elusive-rome

Tens of thousands linked hands in US protest against offshore drilling and for clean energy. sierraclub.typepad.com/scrapbook/2010/06/hands-across-the-sand.html (nice photos!)

Scientists who are 'sceptical' on human-caused climate change have far less expertise and prominence in climate research compared with scientists who are convinced, according to a new study. www.physorg.com/news196700474.html

The IPCC is vindicated yet again, by a Dutch independent review. www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2266014/vindicated-scientists-warn

Europe could be using Saharan solar power by 2015 www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jun/27/solar-power-sahara-europe-alok-jha

US climate scientists have received shocking hate emails and death threats. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/jul/05/hate-mail-climategate

June 25th

National Demonstration against Agrofuels

Saturday 25th September

At the site of the proposed new palm-oil burning, agrofuel power station at Portland in Dorset.

Transport will be organised from London and possibly other places. If you are interested in joining the coach from London (to Portland for the day) please contact stopagrofuels@campaigncc.org

The application for an agrofuel power station in Portland was approved in January (after the initial rejection was overturned on appeal by the company making the proposal, W4B). The power station will burn palm oil and increase by one third the volume of palm oil currently being imported to this country for energy usage. See more here.

Make a stand against the madness of agrofuel use, wholesale destruction of the rainforest and spiralling emissions!

Put the date in your diary now! More details to be announced soon.

Sheffield Million Climate Jobs Campaign Launch

Tuesday 29th June 7.30pm in Sheffield

At St Matthew’s Hall, Carver Street S1. Organised by Sheffield Campaign against Climate Change Trade Union Group.

The new government promises huge cuts in jobs and services but we need a massive investment in climate jobs to avert the threat of catastrophic climate change – and at the same time targeted spending can lift us out of the present recession.

This is one of several meetings planned around the country on “A Million Climate Jobs” - info on upcoming meetings will follow in further newsletters.

Action for the Climate Emergency

Public Meeting in Friends House, Euston Road, London on Saturday 30th October, 2.00 pm to 9.00 pm

What do we need to do to address the Climate Emergency – how can we make Zero carbon Britain a reality, and how fast?

The meeting will address:

Climate Science – just how fast is the climate crisis unravelling, whats the latest evidence?
What do we need to do - Emissions cuts targets – 10% in one year, Zero carbon by 2030?
Green Energy Revolution, the path to zero carbon
A Million Climate Jobs, Just transtion
Aviation – ending domestic flights and a progressive agenda on this iconic issue
Agrofuels, the fight against counter-productive ‘false solutions’ and maintaining ecosystems
Climate justice, the UK’s role and responsibilities in the global struggle for effective action and climate justice

We will aim to build an effective challenge to the status quo (and the government) on climate change and take this to the demonstration on 4th December marking the Cancun Talks in December.

Hands Across the Sand

This Saturday 26th June, handsacrossthesand.com is hosting Day of Action to say no to off-shore drilling and yes to renewable energy. In London, there will be an event held in St James Park, meeting on the only bridge in the park (called 'The Blue Bridge'). Nearest tube station: St James Park. Meet at 11am, join hands at 12pm. A walk will take place afterwards in the local area between the Houses of Parliament and BP headquarters. There are other events taking place across the world, to find your nearest event go to handsacrossthesand.com/international.php

ONLINE ACTION

Biofuel power stations in Yorkshire and Lancashire

Rocpower are planning to build at least six biofuel power stations in Yorkshire and Lancashire, with a total generating capacity of 60MW. Rocpower's total fuel consumption across the six planned sites is likely to be at least 150,000 tonnes per year. Write a letter of objection to Leeds City Council
www.biofuelwatch.org.uk/leedsjun2010.php

CLAIRE JAMES ON CLIMATE POLITICS

Bonn Climate Negotiations

The recent UN climate talks in in Bonn have at least moved on from the fiasco at Copenhagen. However, the draft text that emerged at the end of the talks is still seriously flawed. Developing nations in the Group of 77 and China described it as 'unbalanced'. The text calls for global emission reductions of 50-85% by 2050 (without expressing a base year), and emission reductions by developed countries of 25-40% by 2020 and 80-95% by 2050 from 1990 levels.

The text is largely based on the Copenhagen Accord, with its focus on voluntary pledges. It does not refer to any requirement for developed countries to list their emissions pledges within a legally binding compliance mechanism like the Kyoto Protocol. So far, individual pledges from rich countries pledges to cut emissions have been nowhere near enough to avoid catastrophic climate change. It delays the peaking year for global emissions (i.e. from 2015 to 2020), while requiring developing countries to peak their emissions in 2020. This would force them to move rapidly away from fossil fuels in just a few years. References to equity and burden sharing have been removed from the section on the shared vision for future climate action.

Meanwhile, the text is still too ambitious for the the US, which said some elements were 'unacceptable'. The US has so far only pledged to cut its emissions 17% by 2020 on 2005 emission levels. A poll of delegates' expectations, conducted by the WWF, found that most expected no agreement to be reached before December 2011 in South Africa at the earliest.

Further analysis

www.foe.co.uk/news/bonn_climate_24236.html

Media reaction

tcktcktck.org/stories/campaign-stories/bonn-climate-talks-according-media

G8/G20 in Toronto

The Canadian Prime Minister has finally agreed to put climate change on the agenda for G8 and G20 meetings this week, after pressure from world leaders and civil society. www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/tories-put-climate-change-on-g8-agenda-after-pressure-from-world-leaders/article1603818/

But news has emerged that heads of state are poised to water down a commitment to phase out fossil fuel subsidies.

tcktcktck.org/stories/fresh-air-center-bonn/economic-summit-poised-weaken-moves-against-fossil-fuel-subsidies

CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE NEWS

Science

27th May 2010

Climate Emergency Vigil Report

The Campaign against Climate Change’s Overnight Vigil took place on 15th May outside the Houses of Parliament, to highlight the need for the new Government to put Climate Change at the top of its agenda. A busy Saturday night in Central London came to a standstill as hundreds of climate activists lit up the streets in a candle light procession from St Martin-in-the-Fields church where a Christian Ecology Link service had taken place, down Whitehall. Following the procession, shortly after midnight crowds gathered at Old Palace Yard to hear speeches from John McDonnell, MP for Hayes and Harlington whose constituency defeated the 3rd Runway at Heathrow, Chris Farrow from UKYCC and other speakers from the Tar Sands Campaign, The Spartans, Operation Noah, Biofuelwatch and more. Really good video here, and photo galleries here and here

Public Meeting: report back on the Cochabamba climate conference

Campaign against Climate Change/Climate Camp – 10th June

From 19th-22nd April 2010 the "World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth”, was held in Cochabamba, Bolivia. A gathering of 35,000 delegates from 140 countries drew up solutions preventing climate change following the poor result of Copenhagen 2009 with the ‘Copenhagen Accord’. The outcome of the Peoples Climate Conference was to create a People’s Accord, the summary of 17 separate working groups from the Conference outlining the commitment required by the global community to prevent dangerous levels of carbon in the world’s atmosphere.

Next London Meeting – Tuesday 15th June

All welcome to the next London meeting on 15th June at 6:45pm in Housmans Bookshop (under the CCC office) at 5 Caledonian Road, N1 9DX. CCC really values everyone’s contribution to the campaign, please come along and help make the difference!

London launch of the Climate9 campaign - Thursday June 3rd

Climate defense is not an offense! Thursday June 3rd, 6.30-8.30pm The Khalili Lecture Theatre, SOAS University, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG. The evening will feature top civil rights and climate justice advocates and lawyers, speakers from the Climate9 Defence Committee, details of the case from the lawyers, discussion on direct action and using the courts to call for real justice and a chance to meet the activists. See www.climate9.com for more details.

E-mail action

Please object to W4B's appeal against rejection of their palm oil power station planning application in Avonmouth, Bristol: www.biofuelwatch.org.uk/w4bmay2010.php
 

Climate change in the news – UK

The new Conservative-Lib Dem coalition has pledged to cut central government emissions by 10% in the next 12 months (1% of all UK emissions)
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/12/coalition-cut-emissions-10-10

Discussion of the pledge here:
blog.businessgreen.com/2010/05/has-cameron-bit.html

The Queen's speech had little detail on climate change measures.
www.businessgreen.com/business-green/comment/2263652/queen-speech-poses-green

Budget cuts have been confirmed at DECC, Defra, Carbon Trust and the Energy Saving Trust
www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2263557/green-services-firing-line

A new report calculates that an ambitious offshore renewables building programme and the creation of a North Sea super grid could make the UK a net energy exporter.
www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2263302/uk-offshore-renewables-sector

BAA has dropped plans for expansion at Heathrow and Stansted, but there are still plans to expand nearly 30 other airports across the UK.

Bristol airport expansion has been given the go-ahead
airportwatch.org.uk/news/detail.php?art_id=4111&art_AIRPORTWATCH=Y but

Carlisle airport expansion was rejected.
www.cumberlandnews.co.uk/farmer-wins-appeal-to-stop-carlisle-airport-revamp-1.709697?referrerPath=home

Meanwhile, Plane Stupid activists protested against expansion at Manchester airport
planestupid.com/blogs/2010/05/25/manchester-plane-stupid-occupy-manchester-airport
 

Climate change in the news - International

Costa Rican diplomat Christiana Figueres has been appointed Executive Secretary of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat.
blog.businessgreen.com/2010/05/is-figueres-the.html

India has published its first full greenhouse gas emissions report in more than a decade. It is now the world's fifth biggest emitter after China, the US, Europe and Russia.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/25/india-carbon-emissions

De Boer confirms plan to integrate Copenhagen Accord as part of the UN climate text in the run-up to the crucial Bonn climate meeting
www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2263678/boer-confirms-plan-incorporate

Amid arguments over offshore drilling, key Republican Senator Graham refuses to restore his support for the US Climate Bill
www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2263630/senator-graham-snubs-kerry

A report by Sandbag finds that the EU carbon trading scheme is failing to cut pollution.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/26/eu-carbon-trading-pollution

The EU is considering adopting an unconditional target of 30% emissions cuts by 2020.
www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/thereporters/richardblack/2010/05/europe_debates_climate_ambitio.html

A new Friends of the Earth report reveals a rush by Shell and other oil companies to set up tar sands operations in Russia, Congo and even Madagascar.
www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/may/17/tar-sands-extraction-friends-earth
 

Climate change in the news - Science

Africa's lake Tanganyika has heated up sharply over the past 90 years and is now warmer than at any time for at least 1,500 years.
www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE64F1W620100516

A new study reveals a significant rise in the temperature of the top layer of the oceans. www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/manmade-climate-change-blamed-for-significant-rise-in-ocean-temperature-1977669.html

POST-ELECTION CLIMATE EMERGENCY VIGIL

Overnight, Saturday to Sunday 15th-16th May, outside Parliament

Candlelit Procession down Whitehall - assemble 11.00pm outside St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square.

Put Climate Change back into politics -  take the message to whoever forms the new government that dealing with the climate crisis needs to be their top priority.

Light a candle for scientific realism and rationality against the dark, populist, tide of sceptic lies and ignorance.

Let them know straightaway that the cuts we need are emissions cuts, not jobs cuts – and we need to start the work of building a zero carbon Britain straightaway.

11.00 pm   Assemble outside St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square. Service inside the church from 11.00 pm organised by Christian Ecology Link. Contact  ruthj@phonecoop.coop, 07970 907784.
 
12.00 midnight. Candlelit Procession for the Climate down Whitehall.

12.30 - 5.00 am Overnight Vigil at Old Palace Yard, outside Parliament.. Speakers from UKYCC, the ‘Spartans, Plane Stupid, a Tar Sands group, the Green Party  etc – more details later.  'Art and Empowerment' events through the night - bring lanterns, your music, your art.

5.00 am 'Zero Carbon' Dawn

6.00 am Climate 'Vigil-istas' communal Breakfast.

We have the use of two venues that will be open all night and are within walking distance of the vigil, where vigil-goers can go to get some refreshments and rest their legs: the Lambeth Methodist Mission and St Jude's Community Centre. We also have nearby toilet facilities provided by the Salvation Army.

For map and detailed schedule see www.campaigncc.org/overnightvigil

For detailed timetable of the ‘Art and Empowerment’ schedule of activities see here.

Meanwhile there is also a vigil taking place in Derby on Saturday 15th May 2010 9.30 -10.00pm, on the steps of the council house in Derby. Come along with your candle.

Also if you’re in London you can help prepare for the Vigil...

Final vigil planning meeting and fun prop making session Wednesday 12th May at 6:30pm in the basement meeting room of Housman's Bookshop, 5 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DX.

We need lots of help for making stuff for the Vigil, including masks, lanterns, and maybe a big banner. Everyone welcome! Tea and great biscuits provided!

Also, cake and flasks of coffee donations very welcome on the night of the vigil to keep the vigil-goers going.

General Election 2010

What does Britain's first hung parliament since 1974 mean for climate policy? 

Out of the 3 main parties the Liberal Democrats have the strongest policies on climate change, but will Nick Clegg stand firm on these or trade them off for concessions on other issues? You can email Nick Clegg to insist he does not water down Lib Dem climate and energy policies in any coalition by going here.

Meanwhile Tadhg White gives a brief:

Critical Evaluation of Lib Dem and Conservative climate policies:

Both the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats have committed to the EU target of 15% carbon emission cuts by 2020, although the Liberal Democrats have gone one step further in committing to 30% cuts by 2020 (from 1990 carbon levels). The Liberal Democrats have pledged a zero carbon UK (reached with 10% of emissions offset) by 2050. Its arguable whether at the stage we are now any level of cuts can really be said to be ‘safe’ but current science suggests we need much more serious cuts on a global level and the UK Committee on Climate Change has recommended a cut of 42% by 2020 for the UK.

Whilst the Conservatives talk about new coal and gas power plants with carbon capture and storage, and the development of an Offshore Electricity Grid and Marine Energy Parks, they make little commitments to renewable energy sources and are in favour of building nuclear power plants. The Liberal Democrats would not build nuclear power plants preferring to make the UK more energy efficient and promote renewable energy sources. They have a target of 40% of the UK’s energy coming from renewables by 2020 and 100% by 2050. The Liberal Democrats suggest their green energy and green stimulus package would promote 100,000 green jobs, but this falls short of the 1 Million Climate Jobs called for by Campaign against Climate Change.

Both the Conservative and Liberal Democrats would block the third runway at Heathrow, but aside from this the Conservative transport policy has very little focus on reducing carbon emissions. The Liberal Democrats have several initiatives to improve public transport and reduce emissions including a tax on domestic flights where there are less carbon intensive alternatives, a step towards CCC’s Climate Emergency call for ban on domestic flights and part of the EDM submitted by Colin Challen signed by over 65 MPs during the last parliamentary session.

Conservative Climate Change Policy

www.conservatives.com/Policy/Where_we_stand/Climate_Change_and_Energy.aspx

Liberal Democrats Climate Change Policy

network.libdems.org.uk/manifesto2010/mini/libdem_2010_environment.pdf

Featured audio

Listen to Kevin Anderson from the Tyndall Centre take on sceptic Nigel Lawson live on BBC Radio 2. Download from www.tyndall.ac.uk/audio/kevin-anderson-debates-global-warming-nigel-lawson-jeremy-vines-show

Climate change in the news - UK

The news in the UK has been dominated by the General Election. While we still wait for the final outcome, the Green Party is celebrating the election of their first MP, Caroline Lucas. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/07/caroline-lucas-green-party-election

Climate change in the news - International

Political wrangling further obstructs the passage of Obama’s Climate Bill. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/28/climate-bill-lindsey-graham-standoff

The catastrophic spill in the Gulf of Mexico has set off a backlash against the oil industry in the US www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2262489/deepwater-horizon-oil-spill

The South African tourism minister is tipped as favourite to replace Yvo de Boer as UN climate chief. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/06/marthinus-van-schalkwyk-yvo-de-boer-un-climate-chief

255 members of the US National Academy of Sciences have written an open letter condemning the "McCarthy-like" assault on climate scientists. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/may/06/climate-science-open-letter-nas

Experts warn of soaring carbon emissions from online data storage. www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/30/cloud-computing-carbon-emissions

A new study shows that dwindling levels of sea ice are responsible for unusual levels of global warming in the Arctic.

Timetable for Overnight Vigil; 15th–16th May Outside Parliament

Campaign against Climate Change is organising a post election event to remind the new government the importance of Climate Change and the need to make it their top priority. An overnight vigil starting at 11pm on 15th May outside St Martin’s in the Fields near Trafalgar Square with a candlelit procession down Whitehall promises to attract big crowds for a night of demonstration and fun events until a ‘Zero Carbon’ dawn the following morning.

See our new viral video to promote the event: www.youtube.com/watch?v=M915AhSsQS4

Timetable of events

11.00 pm   Assemble outside St Martin's in the Fields, Trafalgar Square. Service inside the church from 11.00 pm organised by Christian Ecology Link.

12.00 midnight  Candlelit Procession for the Climate down Whitehall.

12.30 - 5.00 am Overnight Vigil at Old Palace Yard, outside Parliament. 'Art and Empowerment' events through the night:

6.00 am Climate 'Vigil-istas' communal breakfast in St Jude's Community Centre provided by the Brixton Tea Party.

A detailed schedule is here: www.campaigncc.org/artandempowerment

We now have toilet facilities confirmed! They are kindly provided by the Salvation Army in Great Peter Street, just two minutes' walk from the vigil. See our interactive vigil map for more information.

Keep checking our website for updates: www.campaigncc.org/overnightvigil

Callout for assistance: we need stewards to help the event run smoothly, if you can help then please e-mail lola@campaigncc.org

 Sceptic Meeting Review – SOAS 14th April

A full house of over 150 people turned out to the Campaign against Climate Change's sceptic meeting where speakers David Adam Environmental Correspondent from the Guardian, Ben Stewart from Greenpeace and George Marshall founder of COIN debated negative spin towards the climate change movement and how to combat it.

Ben from Greenpeace compared University of East Anglia with John Kerry to demonstrate how being right is not enough, and swift rebuttal of incorrect and negative publicity is often required to make our side of the argument the most persuasive.

David Adam from the Guardian argued that the sceptics are now limited to rogue journalists, and George from COIN entertained in getting his point on how diversity of climate change messengers is important to appeal to the wide range of individuals that make up the UK public. Phil Thornhill, CCC’s National Coordinator shared thoughts from CCC’s experience, after which interesting debate was provoked by the audience.

Interesting points were raised including how the climate change movement can learn from the battle to curb smoking, how our climate change beliefs are shared and influenced by friends and family closest to us, and how difficult is it to convey the climate change message in the most persuasive form when all the effects felt from climate change are felt nearly in their entirety on shores far away from the UK.

Full review here: www.campaigncc.org/scepticsmeeting

and more comment from around the web the CCC Sceptic Meeting: www.counterfire.org/index.php/features/139/4659

Interesting text from part of the debate on the night here: www.joabbess.com/2010/04/17/sceptic-backlash-questions-answered/

Plus... check out our brand new Climate sceptics Hall of Shame featuring all your favourite climate change sceptics!

 
Upcoming meetings

Our next London meeting is this coming Tuesday 27th April at 6:30pm in The Driver pub, 2-4 Wharfdale Road, Kings Cross, N1 9RY. Map here. Come and discuss last minute preparations for the Vigil plus more. All welcome.

CCC local groups update: Brent

If you are in north west London then why not get inolved with the Brent CCC group? They have a lot coming up at the moment, including a public meeting with report back from the climate change conference in Bolivia, and an Age of Stuipd film screening. See www.brentcacc.com/content/events for details.

If you're not in London then remember you can find your nearest group at www.campaigncc.org/local

Climate change in the news - UK

The issue of climate change is playing little part in the election so far www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/cif-green/2010/apr/15/environment-not-election-issue

The Greater London Authority is reviewing Newham council's decision to allow a 50% increase in flights at London City Airport.  Members of the public are invited to contribute.
www.planestupid.com/blogs/2010/04/12/gla-tell-us-why-expanding-city-airport-rubbish-idea

The anti-tar sands resolution at BP's AGM was unsuccessful, with 15% of shareholders supporting it. www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2261445/bp-shrugs-anti-tar-sands

A report from the New Economics Foundation says a third Heathrow runway would result in a £5 billion loss to the UK economy once all social and economic impacts are taken into account.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/20/heathrow-expansion-loss

European Commission draft document paves way for oil from tar sands in Europe
www.foeeurope.org/press/2010/Mar29_EC_draft_paves_way_for_tar_sands.html

Climate change in the news - International

In Bonn, developing countries held off strong attempts to adopt the US-led Copenhagen accord as the base of future negotiations.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/11/climate-change-talks-deal-treaty

At the Major Economies Forum, leading emitters agreed that there is virtually no chance of a climate change agreement being reached this year. It was suggested that emerging economies might help broker a deal.
www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2261717/major-economies-forum-calms

The World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth has welcomed  over 10,000 people from 135 countries.
pwccc.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/bolivia-capitalism-is-the-main-enemy-of-the-earth-evo-morales-tells-peoples-climate-conference/#more-1425

Research released by the European Commission confirms that Europe’s demand for biofuels is likely to contribute to climate change and harm the environment.
www.foeeurope.org/press/2010/Mar26_europes_biofuel_policy_unsustainable_research_confirms.html

The grounding of flights due to the volcano caused a reduction of at least 2.8m tonnes CO2 (as of the end of Monday)
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/19/eyjafjallajokull-volcano-climate-carbon-emissions
also grounding the myth that volcanoes emit more CO2 than humans.
www.guardian.co.uk/environment/blog/2010/apr/21/iceland-volcano-climate-sceptics

Public Meeting on the Sceptic Backlash

"A rising tide of lies, ignorance and disinformation on climate change, where is it coming from?"

This Wednesday 14th April, 6.30pm SOAS Room G2
SOAS - School of Oriental and African Studies, Thornhaugh Street, off Russell Square (Russell Square tube). Map here.



There is an increase of bad press and false reporting on Climate Change, with the Express recently publishing “Global Warming: What a Climate Con”. Campaign against Climate Change is organizing a public meeting to look at who are the skeptics, how are the organized and funded and most importantly what can we do to fight back?

Speakers include:
David Adam, Environmental Correspondent from the Guardian
Ben Stewart, Greenpeace
George Marshall, COIN - Climate Outreach and Information Network (founder)

Please come along, listen to how you can help wean out the sceptics and share your thoughts!

More information and great links include George Monbiot exposing a sceptic on YouTube!

http://www.campaigncc.org/sceptics

General Election 6th May – Put Climate Change on the Agenda

With the announcement this week that the General Election is 6th May this year, now is the time to put climate change on the agenda. Make sure politicians are answerable to you on climate change - the single most important issue facing the world today.  

5 things you can do:

1. Get your MP to sign the Climate Emergency EDM. Tell your local MP, they get your signature if you get theirs on Climate Emergency EDM!

2. Campaign Marginal Seats – Constituents in areas with marginal seats can join forces with either a group calling themselves the Spartans (details here http://itstheclimatestupid.com/) or Stop Climate Chaos Coalition ‘Ask the Climate Question’ in your local Climate hustings, details here.

3. Join or create a climate network in your area to ecourage local debate on climate forcing climate change onto your local MPs agenda. Contact info@campaigncc.org and we’ll try put your in touch with campaigners in your area.

4. Write to your local paper highlighting the need for action on climate change calling for action from your local MPs

5. Organise a group of neighbours and friends from your area to visit your local MPs at their surgeries, asking for commitment to prevention of climate change this election.

More ideas and useful links of how to put climate change on the Agenda this election here http://www.campaigncc.org/node/387

Then, after the election come to our...

Climate Emergency overnight vigil

Night of Saturday to Sunday 15th-16th May, outside Parliament



Candlelit procession down Whitehall - assemble 11.00 pm outside St Martin's in the Fields, Trafalgar Square.

Post election event to remind the new government that dealing with the climate crisis needs to be their top priority.

Light a candle for scientific realism and rationality against the dark, populist, tide of sceptic lies and ignorance.

Join others in a visible demonstration of conviction that we face a climate emergency, and determination to challenge the government in the future if it does not respond appropriately.

Updates and full schedule of events on our website:

www.campaigncc.org/overnightvigil

If you would like to contribute to the art and entertainment on the night then please contact John Hoggett at hoggett1[at]hotmail.com or 0118 9415144.

And don’t forget all our upcoming events and meetings are on our online events calendar: www.campaigncc.org/event
 
Global Day of Action on climate, 4th December 2010
 
Along with everything else that goes on, the folk at the CCC office are beavering quietly away - as ever - on our international campaign – building for the Global Day of Action during the upcoming the Mexico COP. It's scheduled for Saturday 4th December (see www.globalclimatecampaign.org), the Saturday midway through when we expect to see a big demo in Cancun itself (where the COP is being held) and also, we hope, Mexico City. E-mails are being sent out around the world, relationships with groups in numerous countries are being nurtured, strategic alliances are being worked on… but the big thing on the horizon right now is the “World People's Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth” (see http://pwccc.wordpress.com/) organised by the Bolivians in Cochabamba, on April 19th- 22nd. This will be a massive and likely very significant international meeting, galvanising and perhaps defining for some time to come, the global movement for climate justice – with the emphasis on the rights of the poor and vulnerable against the big rich polluters. CCC will be there with Phil and Marina going on behalf of the Global Climate Campaign to promote the Global Day of Action, amongst other things. All hands on deck to save Pachamama!

Climate change in the news - UK

The select committee report on leaked emails vindicates climate science. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/mar/31/climate-mails-inquiry-jones-cleared

A High Court judge has ruled that the government's case for a third runway at Heathrow must be re-examined, along with its entire aviation policy, in light of the 2008 Climate Change Act. http://www.businessgreen.com/business-green/news/2260307/judge-rules-against-heathrow

A new Science Museum exhibition is claimed to be taking a 'more neutral' approach to climate change. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article7073272.ece Shell is one of the principal sponsors.
http://www.leftfootforward.org/2010/03/science-museum-climate-sceptic-exhibition-sponsored-by-big-oil/

Britain is prepared to extend Kyoto if developing nations agree to a new, global treaty
http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/climate-change/uk-pushes-for-twintrack-deal-on-climate-change-1932729.html

Climate change in the news – International

US oil firm Koch Industries has given $73m to climate sceptic groups spreading inaccurate and misleading information. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/mar/30/us-oil-donated-millions-climate-sceptics

The race for the UN's top climate change post is heating up with calls for it to go to a candidate from a developing country. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/mar/25/developing-world-un-climate-chief

Obama plans to open up the US East Coast for oil exploration
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/drill-barack-drill-obama-to-open-up-us-east-coast-for-oil-exploration-1932758.html

Coal fuels much of internet 'data cloud', warns Greenpeace. A Facebook facility being built in Oregon will rely on a utility whose main fuel is coal, while Apple is building a data warehouse in a North Carolina region that relies mostly on coal. http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/coal-fuels-much-of-internet-data-cloud-warns-greenpeace-1931581.html
 

Climate change in the news - Science

The world's coral reefs could disintegrate by 2100 because of rising carbon dioxide in the atmosphere http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/feb/23/worlds-coral-reefs-disintegrate-2100

1. Find out who your local MP is and write and ask them to sign. Need help with a letter? Use our model one here.
2. Sign our petition here: http://www.campaigncc.org/edmpetition
3. Meet your MP face to face and ask him/her to sign. Ring the House of Commons on 020 7219 3000, get the contact details for your MP and book an appointment to meet at their surgery.
4. Use the EDM as an excuse to write to your local paper. Congratulate your MP if they signed, (see model letter here) or if they haven’t, say how great it would be if they did and mention how many MPs already have.
5. If your MP hasn’t signed you can also build support for the EDM in your community, or order postcards from info@campaigncc.org and distribute for your community to send to your MP, or organise a small demo at their surgery calling for their signature on the EDM.