British mounted police officers on standby in central Reading.
It's interesting how horses are often used to intimidate, in riot control.
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Alternative Taxis
British mounted police officers on standby in central Reading.
It's interesting how horses are often used to intimidate, in riot control.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Moving Planet
Moving Planet is a day to put our demands for climate action into motion — marching, biking, skating — calling for the world to go beyond fossil fuels. At over 2000 events in 175+ countries, we're letting leaders know that a movement is rising to move our planet forward to a clean energy future.
So here's what happened in London:
In Haggerston Park, Hackney, volunteers helped shape London's biggest ever bike.
Lots of people gathered to make up a gigantic aerial art image of a bicycle.
Even dogs on a bike took part in the event to move the planet beyond fossil fuels.
The big bike shows how transport is a key part of this and that our wheels can turn and get us to places without using fossil fuels.
Emma Biermann, European Campaigner 350, coordinating London's Biggest Bike aerial photo.
I was there to take photos on the ground, but here's what it looked like from above.
Taking part in this we showed that cycling is not only a useful way of getting around, but it is healthy, cheap and also very popular. While showing our love for bikes, we are also sharing a message with our leaders that bikes are part of the solution for a cleaner, safer future, and so we can all make steps to move beyond fossil fuels.
So here's what happened in London:
In Haggerston Park, Hackney, volunteers helped shape London's biggest ever bike.
Lots of people gathered to make up a gigantic aerial art image of a bicycle.
Even dogs on a bike took part in the event to move the planet beyond fossil fuels.
The big bike shows how transport is a key part of this and that our wheels can turn and get us to places without using fossil fuels.
Emma Biermann, European Campaigner 350, coordinating London's Biggest Bike aerial photo.
I was there to take photos on the ground, but here's what it looked like from above.
Taking part in this we showed that cycling is not only a useful way of getting around, but it is healthy, cheap and also very popular. While showing our love for bikes, we are also sharing a message with our leaders that bikes are part of the solution for a cleaner, safer future, and so we can all make steps to move beyond fossil fuels.
Sunday, 18 September 2011
Camp Frack
16-18 September 2011
Near Hesketh Bank village, near Southport, Lancashire
Camp Frack mobilised over 100 climate activists and local residents against plans by Cuadrilla Resources to drill for shale gas in Lancashire, UK.
"Camp Frack", named after "fracking" - the process of pumping vast quantities of water underground and fracturing rocks with chemicals to release shale gas -, set up outside the Lancashire village of Hesketh Bank, close to a drilling rig that Cuadrilla Resources is using to drill up to 3.5km deep.
Local people and green activists have argued that the "fracking" process is inherently risky. In the US, where shale gas is being hailed by industry as a potential substitute for oil, fears have been raised about the effect of the chemicals used, explosions, links with seismic activity and allegations of illness. A Cornell University study also concluded that greenhouse gas emissions from shale gas are higher than those for coal, writes John Vidal in a Guardian article on Camp Frack.
On the Saturday some of the activists took part in a anti-fracking demo in Preston.
‘We need to be finding alternatives to fossil fuels, not trying to exploit new ones,’ says Phil Thornhill, national coordinator of the Campaign against Climate Change and organiser of Camp Frack. ‘We need to attack the issue of hydraulic fracking on every level by working with and educating local people and addressing the problem nationally.’
On the Sunday, local residents and climate activists took to the streets in a protest march close to the Cuadrilla site.
There are serious concerns about the toxic chemicals injected into the shale formations during the fracking process, because they can lead to contamination of underground sources of drinking water. In the US, oil and gas companies used over 2,500 hydraulic fracturing products containing 750 chemicals and components, some extremely toxic and carcinogenic, including lead and benzene.
Familiarise yourself and others with the home truths of commercial fracking by watching Josh Fox's Gasland, a Sundance Award Winning and Oscar-nominated documentary which helps raise awareness about the negative impact of natural gas drilling on public health and the environment.
Near Hesketh Bank village, near Southport, Lancashire
Camp Frack mobilised over 100 climate activists and local residents against plans by Cuadrilla Resources to drill for shale gas in Lancashire, UK.
"Camp Frack", named after "fracking" - the process of pumping vast quantities of water underground and fracturing rocks with chemicals to release shale gas -, set up outside the Lancashire village of Hesketh Bank, close to a drilling rig that Cuadrilla Resources is using to drill up to 3.5km deep.
Local people and green activists have argued that the "fracking" process is inherently risky. In the US, where shale gas is being hailed by industry as a potential substitute for oil, fears have been raised about the effect of the chemicals used, explosions, links with seismic activity and allegations of illness. A Cornell University study also concluded that greenhouse gas emissions from shale gas are higher than those for coal, writes John Vidal in a Guardian article on Camp Frack.
On the Saturday some of the activists took part in a anti-fracking demo in Preston.
‘We need to be finding alternatives to fossil fuels, not trying to exploit new ones,’ says Phil Thornhill, national coordinator of the Campaign against Climate Change and organiser of Camp Frack. ‘We need to attack the issue of hydraulic fracking on every level by working with and educating local people and addressing the problem nationally.’
On the Sunday, local residents and climate activists took to the streets in a protest march close to the Cuadrilla site.
There are serious concerns about the toxic chemicals injected into the shale formations during the fracking process, because they can lead to contamination of underground sources of drinking water. In the US, oil and gas companies used over 2,500 hydraulic fracturing products containing 750 chemicals and components, some extremely toxic and carcinogenic, including lead and benzene.
Familiarise yourself and others with the home truths of commercial fracking by watching Josh Fox's Gasland, a Sundance Award Winning and Oscar-nominated documentary which helps raise awareness about the negative impact of natural gas drilling on public health and the environment.
Sunday, 11 September 2011
FoE Conference
Over the weekend, 9 - 11 September, I joined Friends of the Earth supporters at the 40th Anniversary Conference, in Nottingham.
There were several highlights worth mentioning. From the fabulous line-up on Friday night of FoE ex-directors in conversations with Andy Atkins (current Executive Director), to Kate Pickett (renowned author of The Spirit Level - definitely a must-read! see review) rounding off Conference with a thoughtful analysis of inequalities in society and the problems that stem from this.
In between there were seminars from a wide range of speakers, training sessions, workshops, discussions, stalls, awards, some funky dancing, and lots of networking and laughing.
Andy Atkins joined Tony Juniper, Charles Secrett, Tom Burke and Jonathon Porritt, former Directors of Friends of the Earth, who offered their opinions and analysis of the current campaigning context and shared anecdotes illustrating the past. Chaired by Elaine Gilligan.
It was fantastic to meet Nnimmo Bassey, Chair of Friends of the Earth International, Coordinator of Environment Rights Action Nigeria and one of 'Time' magazine's environmental heroes 2009.
At one of the seminars that I attended - 'Natural choice - putting a price on biodiversity?' -, Britain's eco-warrior Tony Juniper and several other speakers explored new ideas on biodiversity protection and how to convert public passion for nature into action to halt biodiversity loss.
One of the funniest moments at Conference - probably second after 'Mafia', the game - was the Vegetable Awards Ceremony. A few green fingered activists participated in the Green Fair and won prizes in these categories of the vegetable growing competition: Weirdest shape | Loveliest vegetable | Biggest vegetable (now that I think of it, I'm not even sure which category the chilli above won, words were eclipsed by laughter :-) ).
Young Friends of the Earth were obviously present at Conference, with our yellow Push Europe banner, promoting the 1 Penny UK campaign (aka 1 Cent campaign in other European countries). Want to find out how to make a difference with a single Penny? Then transfer it to the climate change ministry account, demanding ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets :-)
[in the photo above : Jonny Worthington, graphic designer :-) ]
There were several highlights worth mentioning. From the fabulous line-up on Friday night of FoE ex-directors in conversations with Andy Atkins (current Executive Director), to Kate Pickett (renowned author of The Spirit Level - definitely a must-read! see review) rounding off Conference with a thoughtful analysis of inequalities in society and the problems that stem from this.
In between there were seminars from a wide range of speakers, training sessions, workshops, discussions, stalls, awards, some funky dancing, and lots of networking and laughing.
Andy Atkins joined Tony Juniper, Charles Secrett, Tom Burke and Jonathon Porritt, former Directors of Friends of the Earth, who offered their opinions and analysis of the current campaigning context and shared anecdotes illustrating the past. Chaired by Elaine Gilligan.
It was fantastic to meet Nnimmo Bassey, Chair of Friends of the Earth International, Coordinator of Environment Rights Action Nigeria and one of 'Time' magazine's environmental heroes 2009.
At one of the seminars that I attended - 'Natural choice - putting a price on biodiversity?' -, Britain's eco-warrior Tony Juniper and several other speakers explored new ideas on biodiversity protection and how to convert public passion for nature into action to halt biodiversity loss.
One of the funniest moments at Conference - probably second after 'Mafia', the game - was the Vegetable Awards Ceremony. A few green fingered activists participated in the Green Fair and won prizes in these categories of the vegetable growing competition: Weirdest shape | Loveliest vegetable | Biggest vegetable (now that I think of it, I'm not even sure which category the chilli above won, words were eclipsed by laughter :-) ).
Young Friends of the Earth were obviously present at Conference, with our yellow Push Europe banner, promoting the 1 Penny UK campaign (aka 1 Cent campaign in other European countries). Want to find out how to make a difference with a single Penny? Then transfer it to the climate change ministry account, demanding ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets :-)
[in the photo above : Jonny Worthington, graphic designer :-) ]
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Candlelit Vigil for the NHS
Today, by lighting candles, people across the country showed their concern for the future of the NHS. UNISON members in Reading and members of the local community gathered outside the Royal Berkshire Hospital to tell the local MPs they shouldn't vote for the bill that will lead to the break-up of the NHS.
People are concerned about the Government plans to sell off large chunks of the health service to the private sector, which would make it easier for people who can afford it to jump the queue - forcing the rest to wait longer for treatment.
Earlier this year a young rapper calling himself MC NxtGen has posted a caustic critique of Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's proposed NHS reforms. "Andrew Lansley, greedy! Andrew Lansley, tosser!" runs the refrain of his rap, dedicated 'highly personally' to the health minister. His video went viral!
People are concerned about the Government plans to sell off large chunks of the health service to the private sector, which would make it easier for people who can afford it to jump the queue - forcing the rest to wait longer for treatment.
Earlier this year a young rapper calling himself MC NxtGen has posted a caustic critique of Health Secretary Andrew Lansley's proposed NHS reforms. "Andrew Lansley, greedy! Andrew Lansley, tosser!" runs the refrain of his rap, dedicated 'highly personally' to the health minister. His video went viral!
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Reading Pride
The Reading Pride annual gay festival showcases diversity and encourages acceptance, aiming to develop an environment in favour of LGBT equality.
The "free-to-enter" event has been so incredibly colourful! from rainbow gates to free rainbow-swirl lollipops! ^^
...even canine companions had a rainbowy outfit.
Not just colouristically speaking, a Green has been at the centre of the RAINBOW: Rob White, Reading's first Green Councillor.
The "free-to-enter" event has been so incredibly colourful! from rainbow gates to free rainbow-swirl lollipops! ^^
...even canine companions had a rainbowy outfit.
Not just colouristically speaking, a Green has been at the centre of the RAINBOW: Rob White, Reading's first Green Councillor.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
YFoE Summer Camp
Yorkshire, 19-21 August
Young people from across the UK came together to hold the first Young Friends of the Earth summer camp.
For this gathering, tents, sleeping bags and all necessary camping equipment travelled all the way to Mytholmroyd, in Yorkshire.
The campsite was in a beautiful and very tranquil location, at Jerusalem Farm.
The aim? To push a whole continent - and we're not talking plate tectonics here.
On the last day we went for a walk up onto a lovely nature reserve...
...following a path out into open moorland with spectacular views across Ovenden Moor to Ovenden Moor wind farm.
High on the moors is Yorkshire's great wind farm - 23 turbines in total. To walk through a wind farm, among the grazing sheep, can be utterly peaceful.
The surprise for most people is the silence of the great machines (although the wind on its own more than compensates) - you'd have to stand immediately below a turbine to actually hear a sound that could be defined as 'noise' (and it depends on the ear listening!).
Some blades were lying on the ground. So they were thoroughly examined by Young FoE - both exterior...
...and interior surfaces.
And action!
As the others moved around with banners and signs spelling out different messages, I took some photos for a stop-motion video.
one climate - one planet - one future
The aim of this summer camp is to support the ‘Push Europe’ campaign for greater greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and millions of green jobs. To commit to the reductions in CO2 that scientists say are needed to keep our planet safe from dangerous climate change, Europe must cut at least 40% of emissions by 2020 without offsetting.
Time is ticking out.
Young people from across the UK came together to hold the first Young Friends of the Earth summer camp.
For this gathering, tents, sleeping bags and all necessary camping equipment travelled all the way to Mytholmroyd, in Yorkshire.
The campsite was in a beautiful and very tranquil location, at Jerusalem Farm.
The aim? To push a whole continent - and we're not talking plate tectonics here.
On the last day we went for a walk up onto a lovely nature reserve...
...following a path out into open moorland with spectacular views across Ovenden Moor to Ovenden Moor wind farm.
High on the moors is Yorkshire's great wind farm - 23 turbines in total. To walk through a wind farm, among the grazing sheep, can be utterly peaceful.
The surprise for most people is the silence of the great machines (although the wind on its own more than compensates) - you'd have to stand immediately below a turbine to actually hear a sound that could be defined as 'noise' (and it depends on the ear listening!).
Some blades were lying on the ground. So they were thoroughly examined by Young FoE - both exterior...
...and interior surfaces.
And action!
As the others moved around with banners and signs spelling out different messages, I took some photos for a stop-motion video.
one climate - one planet - one future
The aim of this summer camp is to support the ‘Push Europe’ campaign for greater greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and millions of green jobs. To commit to the reductions in CO2 that scientists say are needed to keep our planet safe from dangerous climate change, Europe must cut at least 40% of emissions by 2020 without offsetting.
Time is ticking out.
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