Woodland Trust pledges to end use of plastic tree guards
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-57746692
This planet is dying and we are all acting too slowly. Thoughts, debates & suggestions on how we can act FAST and attempt to save the planet. No business posts or posts unrelated to saving the planet will be accepted and posters will be removed from the loop.
Open Loop 646
Woodland Trust pledges to end use of plastic tree guards
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-wiltshire-57746692
This isn't global warming anymore. It's global scorching.
Our world is hotter now than any time in recorded history, unleashing a firestorm of heatwaves, megadroughts, and acidifying seas. We are shattering the temple of life, with a million species on the edge of extinction.
Within 50 years, 1.5 billion people could be forced to flee temperatures as hot as the Sahara desert -- already 20 million are forced to run every year.
It's one of the greatest upheavals of life on earth, and it's caused by a global rise of just 1°C. We're on track for 3°C. Just imagine the hostile and desolate planet our children will inherit.
But here's the most important bit: We CAN still turn this around -- we may be the last generation who can. The next five months are critical.
World leaders will hold two major UN summits, where momentous decisions on the climate and extinction crisis must be made. It could change everything -- or nothing. It means we only have 150 days to shake our leaders into action, radically grow our team to overpower the fossil fuel army, supercharge massive marches, and get the world behind our courageous plan to save nature.
Earth can't wait anymore. This is one of the most important times to be alive on this fragile planet, because it all hangs in the balance. We have to give it everything we've got, and just a small weekly donation from each of us will make an almighty difference. If you've ever thought of donating, do it now and let's fight for the future of our world:
I'LL DONATE £1 WEEKLY
I'LL DONATE £2 WEEKLY
I'LL DONATE £3 WEEKLY
OTHER AMOUNT
The UN Biodiversity Summit will happen in October, and aims to end the extinction crisis with bold new protections for nature. And then just a few weeks later, the global Climate Summit: our best chance to secure new commitments to avoid a climate catastrophe.
It will not be easy, but there is reason to hope.
Almost all the world's biggest economies have now pledged to end carbon pollution by 2050 -- and the pandemic has shown that bold, systemic changes can happen far quicker than anyone dreamed. Humanity is learning that everything on our beautiful planet is intimately connected.
But this is an emergency and pledges aren't enough. We need real, decisive action -- and that will take absolutely everything we've got over the next 5 months. Here's the plan:
We'll massively scale up our team of media and policy experts, researchers, and organisers to pressure governments to sign a bold new deal to save nature;
We'll bring brave indigenous leaders to the summits, ensuring their urgent call to protect life-giving ecosystems is heard loud and clear;
We'll publish bombshell reports and shine a glaring media spotlight on the shady lobbying tactics of the fossil fuel giants; and
We'll help organise historic marches, ensuring our leaders know the world is watching.
The threats we face are no longer just serious; they are a matter of survival. Earth can't wait anymore: it needs a powerful voice as leaders decide the future. A tiny regular donation will make an incredible difference to what we can do together -- chip in now so we can be deafening:
I'LL DONATE £1 WEEKLY
I'LL DONATE £2 WEEKLY
I'LL DONATE £3 WEEKLY
OTHER AMOUNT
In the battle to save our world, there is no certainty; only opportunity. And together, our years of marching, protesting, and advocacy have helped create the golden opportunities ahead. Together, we are changing the world -- and I am now more hopeful than I've been in a very long time. And hope is power. The power to rise and fight and charge like never before. Because it's clear that when we come together, all 66 million of us, our movement is capable of the most extraordinary things. This moment demands nothing less.
With fierce hope and determination, always,
Mike, Chris, Marigona, Martyna, Diego, Sofia, Alis, Mouhamad, Bert and the whole team at Avaaz
PS. This might be your first donation to our movement ever. But what a first donation! Did you know that Avaaz relies entirely on small donations from members like you? That's why we're fully independent, nimble and effective. Join the over 1 million people who've donated to make Avaaz a real force for good in the world.
More information:
Canada is a warning: more and more of the world will soon be too hot for humans (the Guardian)
Leaked UN draft report warns of accelerating climate devastation (Aljazeera)
Murders of Indigenous Campaigners (Edited)
This post is depressing- sorry about that but please sign and share. Link works for me.
https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/100_indigenous_land_rights_mtpc1/?
Progress on recycling batteries
This sounds to me like good news.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210629120726.htm
Traffic-light system of ‘eco-scores’ to be piloted on British food labels
UK government and major brands back bid to help consumers assess environmental impact of products
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/jun/27/traffic-light-system-of-eco-scores-to-be-piloted-on-british-food-labels
Grants available for electric and --- Solid Fuel --- heated homes.
Are we not aiming to phrase out solid fuel? IMO this is not money well spend.
Leaflet came through door a few days ago.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-06-10/the-disappearing-dead-sea-sinkhole-science-en-gedi/100123858
Sky News has launched the first daily prime time news show dedicated to climate change. The Daily Climate Show is broadcast at 6.30pm and 9.30pm Monday to Friday on Sky News
According to the programme “renewable energy” is now the cheapest to run. Not so long ago it used to be oil.
Bee-friendly urban wildflower meadows prove a hit with German city dwellers
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/20/bee-friendly-urban-wildflower-meadows-prove-a-hit-with-german-city-dwellers
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2021/jun/20/head-of-independent-sage-to-launch-international-climate-change-group
Thousandth dormouse brought back to the wild
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-57499125
Interesting article on rewilding - has anyone visited Knepp?
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jun/16/half-the-trees-in-two-new-english-woodlands-planted-by-jays-study-finds?
Climate change --- A must watch
with Ade Adepitan --- likeable chap.
It is not happening in the future for some countries it is already real.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000v4fb
The environmental impact of our devices
Having just regretfully had to buy a new laptop after its predecessor failed in under ten years, I'm horrified to learn from this report that manufacturers expect these to be replaced after only about four years. See https://therestartproject.org/consumption/hidden-impact-devices/
The CO2 equivalent cost of producing any brand new device massively exceeds the further CO2e generated during its lifetime so, the less often we replace our devices, the less the CO2e 'cost' of them. Keeping them going is therefore critical but manufacturers deliberately don't make devices repairable.
That simply must change; the faster, the better. So the Restart Project is using their research as the evidential basis for petitioning the UK government to legislate for effective repairability - along similar lines to the existing European Right to Repair campaign. There's a link at the end of this report; do please follow that to sign the petition and share it with your contacts.
Israel is now the first country in the world to ban the sale of fur for frivolous fashion. This victory comes after last week's news of Estonia banning fur farming.
BBC News: Fears of environmental disaster as oil-laden ship sinks off Sri Lanka
Fears of environmental disaster as oil-laden ship sinks off Sri Lanka
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-57327300
End mowing of road verges to create huge wildlife habitat, says UK study
Managing verges for nature would create combined area the size of London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh for wildflowers
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/26/end-mowing-of-road-verges-to-create-huge-wildlife-habitat-says-uk-study
Britain has promised net zero – but it’s on track to achieve absolutely nothing
"... our economic model depends on us buying junk we don’t need with money we don’t have." How true.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/may/26/britain-net-zero-targets-environmental-issues
Sombre truths behind bright green lies
https://winteroak.org.uk/2021/05/17/sombre-truths-behind-bright-green-lies/
Richest nations agree to end support for coal production overseas
G7 countries reaffirm commitment to limit global heating to 1.5C after nearly two days of wrangling
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/21/richest-nations-agree-to-end-support-for-coal-production-overseas
'Shocking': Hazardous waste in fertiliser linked to catastrophic loss of dairy herd
The case reported sounds like fraud.
The article also states the UK imports sewage sludge for fertiliser from other countries. Don't we have enough of our own that already causes problems in terms of microplastics and chemical/heavy metal residues? Are there sufficient controls?
https://www.endsreport.com/article/1716786/shocking-hazardous-waste-fertiliser-linked-catastrophic-loss-dairy-herd
I have posted this for information rather than appealing for money.
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/stop-the-wensum-link
‘I’m seen as the fool’: the farmers putting trees back into the UK’s fields
Amid all the doom and gloom, a glimmer of hope.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/16/im-seen-as-the-fool-the-farmers-putting-trees-back-into-the-uks-fields?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
Wildcats and beavers could return to English countryside en-masse
https://inews.co.uk/news/wildcats-and-beavers-could-return-to-english-countryside-en-masse-in-government-push-to-revive-nature-1005894
Trying to stop the UK exporting plastic waste
No matter how hard we try to recycle as individuals, apparently some 90% of the UK's enormous bulk of plastic waste still isn't being recycled but is dumped onto other countries for disposal.
Greenpeace are running a petition about this - sadly, not as a gov.uk one, but still worth our support. See https://action.greenpeace.org.uk/l/854853/2021-04-22/qv21z?source=IG&subsource=OCPOPSPEIG022X&utm_source=Instagram&utm_medium=Influencer+Share&utm_campaign=Plastic+Waste+Exports+Petition+[AL]+Lead+Gen+PE+20210422&utm_term=&fbclid=IwAR1gyWV4NeyoTDEEXuLXXifJlPxxAhrw_m7nE_f-vjxPlCx1O0hBCk1xjw4
The best way to encourage others to join in is probably by sharing this engaging and (eventually) informative video. I hope that it's been published elsewhere but the only source that I found for it was https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3935468383196646 .
Just recently I've started to use bamboo toothbrushes, Ecoboom. My son quickly goes through toothbrushes. There's toothmarks on the brush and the bristles end up flat. He must be brushing his teeth too hard. Anyway it got me thinking about how many plastic toothbrushes I've gone through so far in my lifetime. Bamboo toothbrushes is 100% biodegradable. Bristles are made of biodegrading. Zero plastic and zero pollution. Will be buying more bamboo products in the future!
Are you watching -- Martin Lewis -- extreme savers. (Edited)
Reusable Toilet Paper? What is your opinion?
https://www.thesun.co.uk/tv/14943484/martin-lewis-extreme-savers-reusable-toilet-paper/
Disposable barbecues banned in parts of Hampshire and Dorset
Move comes after campaign by New Forest national park authority in wake of fire in Wareham Forest last May
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/may/13/disposable-barbecue-banned-hampshire-dorset-countryside-new-forest-national-park-authority-campaign
Widespread fires have been started with disposable barbecues in other parts of the country. It's time for a complete ban. It won't stop stupid people starting fires where they shouldn't, discarding cigarettes or glass bottles, but it will help.
https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/581929
Microplastics revealed in the placentas of unborn babies
Health impact is unknown but scientists say particles may cause long-term damage to foetuses
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/22/microplastics-revealed-in-placentas-unborn-babies
Third of global food production at risk from climate crisis
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/14/third-of-global-food-production-at-risk-from-climate-crisis
Climate emissions shrinking the stratosphere, scientists reveal
Thinning indicates profound impact of humans and could affect satellites and GPS
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/may/12/emissions-shrinking-the-stratosphere-scientists-find
Sign the open letter: Boycott Brazil's deforestation plan
Brazil’s government is at it again. They’re introducing a new law that could let private companies take over huge swathes of the Amazon rainforest and use the land to grow agricultural products like soy. The result could be deforestation and environmental devastation on a massive scale.
UK companies are speaking out and doing the right thing - threatening to boycott Brazilian produce if their government presses ahead with these disastrous plans.
As members of the public we usually use our consumer power to call out companies for doing the wrong thing. Today, we want to celebrate you for doing the right thing - and to make sure that, if necessary, you follow through on your threat to boycott.
Signed
38 Degrees members
https://speakout.38degrees.org.uk/campaigns/open-letter-amazon-soy-brazil-may21?utm_campaign=yqgfV9XEBX&utm_content=&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=share
The unnoticed perils of laying artificial grass
Nearby tenants sensibly laid artificial grass over the scruffy concrete front yard of their house, but it's rarely a good idea to install that stuff anywhere, as this report makes alarmingly clear.
https://sustainablehackney.org.uk/profiles/blogs/fake-grass-and-fake-claims-an-expanding-environmental-disaster
Anyone else never heard of the Fairphone?
I heard a little of the last episode of 'Dare to Repair' (at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000vwqw) before dashing out yesterday and was amazed to hear that someone had already designed a much more sustainable and fully repairable smartphone.
Having repeatedly had mobile 'phone cameras fail irreparably before the 'phone itself did, the idea of being able to slot in a replacement camera etc obviously had huge appeal for me.
Has anyone (aside from the show's presenters) used one, though?
More innovative thinking.
https://www.positive.news/science/innovation/plastic-alternative-introducing-edible-packaging/
Green – or envious? The winners and losers in Britain’s climate change plan
The tougher target for carbon reduction could dramatically reshape the fortunes of several industries – for better or worse.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/apr/24/green-or-envious-the-winners-and-losers-in-britains-climate-change-plan
Animals/antibiotics (Edited)
Every year 50 billion animals are raised in gruesome factory farms -- pumped with powerful antibiotics to keep them alive and make them grow faster.
It's a horror show for the environment and animal welfare -- but a paradise for pathogens to mutate, multiply and jump to humans. Scientists predict that by 2050, 10 million people could die from superbug infections every year.
But we can help to change that.
McDonald's is the world's largest beef purchaser -- and it's deciding new antibiotics policies right now. If we push McDonald's to ban them, it could then shift the whole industry towards more sustainable farming.
Let's make it happen! There's almost nothing McDonald's cares about more than its public image -- so if millions of us raise our voices, we could push the meat giant to slash antibiotics and help stop the next superbug pandemic. Sign now and pass this on, fast:
Tell McDonald's: Ban beef antibiotics now!
Factory farms are all about producing tons of fast, cheap meat -- but it wouldn't be possible without massive amounts of antibiotics. Already over 70% of the global supply is used on farm animals!
The result is that pathogens can become resistant to even our most powerful antibiotics. Left unchecked we could land in a world where common infections and routine operations become deadly -- because we'd be powerless in the face of superbugs.
To protect ourselves, we have to drastically cut the use of antibiotics on farms. McDonald's is considering it's policy right now, and if millions of us speak up, we could inspire the giant to lead the world.
It's worked before. After massive public pressure, McDonald's banned the use of antibiotics for its chickens in 2016, setting off a chain reaction throughout the industry. Now let's do it again! Add your voice and pass this on:
Tell McDonald's: Ban beef antibiotics now!
With fierce hope and determination,
Mike, Spyro, Anneke, Luis, and the whole team at Avaaz
Coronavirus: Industrial animal farming has caused most new infectious diseases and risks more pandemics, experts warn (The Independent)
https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/coronavirus-meat-animal-farming-pandemic-disease-wet-markets-a9505626.html
The meat we eat is a pandemic risk, too (Vox)
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2020/4/22/21228158/coronavirus-pandemic-risk-factory-farming-meat
McDonald's to curb antibiotic use in its beef supply (Reuters)
https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-mcdonalds-antibiotics/mcdonalds-to-curb-antibiotic-use-in-its-beef-supply-idUKKBN1OA299
https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/mcdonalds_93/?tfLKjlb&v=501752736&cl=18175245922&_checksum=4d70ea99bb48528057d5773b61c058f789e30aef6413d708b193a71f028e73b3
Success --- update on petition
Hi everyone!
Great news; we won the campaign!
Pete is going to be left alone by WDC and his garden can be kept completely as it is! He can now go back to his normal life helping wildlife, restoring biodiversity and creating ponds, habitat and wildlife havens!
I have seen the garden myself on a socially distanced visit and it is extroadniary, it would have been such a devestating loss of biodiversity and habitat for a lot of wildlife and a truly massive shame if it was restored to a standard garden.
So a thank you from me personally as well and for the the emails to me personally, advice, signatures and shares! It’s all made a huge difference to the campaign and it has been lovely to see everyone come together to help protect our environment and wildlife and a man who has been spent all of his life doing do!
All 46,070 of you have really made a difference here!
*And for those who have donated via gofundme, this is going to be sorted out very soon so expect an update there on the funds in regards to refunds / donations to wildlife charities etc.
Dan
Daniel Stevens started this campaign on the 38 Degrees Campaigns by You website. If there's an issue close to your heart that you'd like to start a petition on, you can start your petition here.
You are receiving this message because you signed the petition "Help stop Wealden District Council from forcing Pete to destroy his life's work."
In case you haven't seen it...
.. a video from Mark Ogertschnig. Com
https://m.facebook.com/markogertschnigb/videos/239472383832197/
National Trust destroys decades-old Bassenthwaite grassland
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cumbria-56844360
Landowners to Feel the Brunt of HS2 Incompetence Again, as CPO Extension Refused
http://stophs2.org/news/19660-landowners-feel-brunt-hs2-incompetence-again-cpo-extension-refused
Concerns about ‘Net Zero’ target (Edited)
A very interesting (and uncomfortable) read.
https://apple.news/AzFahSUbjTOm5hVQwab2Zbw
More wildlife has been spotted in our area since lockdown. So many local residents have reported sightings of badgers and deer, for instance.
This is a refreshing slant on the misery of lockdown.
Financial incentives for HS2 Contractors to cut down more trees than necessary
This is fairly long, but stick with it; it explains a lot.
http://stophs2.org/news/19612-hs2-ancient-woodlands-biomass-power-stations
Climate change: UK to speed up target to cut carbon emissions
Radical new climate change commitments will set the UK on course to cut carbon emissions by 78% by 2035, the UK government has announced. (Based on 1990 CO2 emissions.)
Does anyone think the new target will be met?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-56807520
Environment protest being criminalised around world, say experts
The original Guardian article has been taken down.
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/environment-protest-being-criminalised-around-world-say-experts/ar-BB1fOMSv