earthfirst – Page 96 – Earth First!

London Critical Mass kettled and arrested

27.7.12

Coinciding with the Olympics opening ceremony, people are tweeting that over 100 cyclists are being put on coaches and arrested, after being kettled and some CS/pepper sprayed for cycling in Olympic-only lanes and breaking an imposed Section 12 forbidding going north of the river. Cops ensured David Beckham could get through at one point by punching cyclists.

Video (during). Video (arrested onto buses after). 2 reports below, and pre-CM 'why I'm going' (& this link to updated report):

More than 100 cyclists were arrested by police close to the Olympic Stadium on the opening night of the Games.

There were scuffles between police and cyclists on the outskirts of the Olympic Park, at about 22:30 BST.

People taking part in a monthly mass bike ride held in London said they were "kettled" near the stadium.

The Metropolitan Police said they had made arrests for Public Order offences but have not responded to the kettling claim.

The force said two groups had been detained – the first on Bow Flyover and the other in Warton Road, Stratford.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard said: "A number of people in breach of regulations imposed on a monthly cycling event have been arrested."

In a statement, the force said the conditions on the cycle ride had been put in place "to prevent serious disruption to the community and the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games".

Kerry-Anne Mendoza, 31, who describes herself as a campaigner and writer, said: "We were cycling down the Bow Road [in Stratford] and the police directed us down a cul-de-sac.

"Then they kettled us in there. There is a line of police cars and vans behind that."

She added: "They have not communicated with us or told us why we are being held here or when they will let us out."

The regular Critical Mass ride is a pro-cycling event.

Joel Benjamin, who has been on a number of Critical Mass bike rides previously, said there were 400-500 cyclists who met on the south side of Waterloo Bridge.

"Usually there is a light police presence," he said. "Today there were far more police than I've seen before."

'Celebration of cycling'

He said police used a sound system to tell cyclists there were restrictions placed on the ride but not what it meant.

"Basically, they didn't want us to go north of the river. The police had put a roadblock stopping all traffic going north."

He said police took a "heavy-handed stance".

"I saw several cases of the police being aggressive and physical, dragging people off their bikes to the ground.

"I didn't see any arrests, but my friend, a solicitor was arrested.

"I left at about 8.30pm and managed to not get arrested, but I think around 100 people have been arrested.

"I guess there were people there who are against the Olympics, but Critical Mass is really a celebration of cycling, there was no need to get so heavy handed. "

The Met Police said a number of the arrested cyclists had been removed from the area near the Olympic Park.

The arrested cyclists have been detained under Section 12 of the Public Order Act.

———————–

The Olympics has started and it seems cycling has become a criminal offence, worthy of police brutality – I hope the Olympic cyclists are okay tomorrow.

Hang on a minute: this is the same Olympics that politicians have been trying to brand as the greenest Olympics ever? Also, they did say how this would encourage people to get fit and into sport, didn’t they?

Critical mass met as it does on a monthly basis to cycle as a swarm, for community reclaiming of streets in London. It met near Waterloo Bridge, at the Southbank Centre. From regulars’ accounts, as it is not a “protest”, this is normally free from police suppression and it follows the whims of the mass, with no clear direction ending its route on the Royal Mall.

On this gathering, the police were there on mass too: an authoritarian mass. They announced that under a section 12 no cyclists were allowed to cross the rivers and go to any of North London. Like others there, this was where I live, and haven’t I been bombarded with Olympics posters encouraging me to get on my bike.

The over a thousand people assembled, did not move for a while. Then we set off first trying to cross Waterloo Bridge. The police blocked this route.I moved with the mass and we had similar problems at Blackfriars, our way blocked by a police line, which was also blocking the traffic. Then we headed to try Southwark Bridge, again this was blocked.

Incidentally, it was noticed amongst the crowd that David Beckham was stuck the other side of the roadblock in a dark SUV heading south. His presence stirred ripples of excitement, although the focus was more about how to head over the river.

As passersby started to pay a bit more attention, to take pictures and look at him, the police reacted. Or in my interpretation, unlawfully overreacted a little like the imposition of the Section 12. I saw cyclists thrown off their bikes, hit and manhandled for standing still. If the police had not blocked the road, this would not have happened. I reported this, moments later, to a senior officer; explaining that one of the officers had committed assault – he was not interested.

I eventually crossed a bridge, as many others did, and made my way towards Stratford; following a procession of riot vans. In Stratford, these vans were lined the streets, with officers kettling a group of cyclists who had done better exercising their rights to free movement.

When I arrived the police had kettled around one hundred cyclists, also I heard there were other kettles elsewhere and further arrests and assaults by police officers. These cyclists were taken away by the bus load, handcuffed with an officer per person. I overheard a senior policeman remark that they were going to various police stations, and their bike tagged and taken to a depot.

———————–

Why I'm going to the Critical Mass this friday

Here's my reason why; back in 2005, we found out the news that London was going to host the Olympic games, lots of people in the media make comments about how much of a shit hole Stratford is, but truth is, its not really that shit, it's just an easy target for the developers, there's no one to defend it. Anyway since 2005 the amount of redevelopment with yuppy flats and Tescos popping up all over the town is out of control, the locals have been pushed to once side. I'm mates with a local Tory campaign, funny cause he's a tory, and all his constituents hate the Olympics, and he agrees. I'm assuming that after the Olympics like the Millenium Dome and Iraq, the top politicians will admit it was a bit of sham. Everywhere I go I hear people moaning about the Olympics, and then when I turn on the TV, I see nothing but smiling faces. Even my parents who are miserable, Daily Mail types want to see the VIP lanes blocked. We got taxis drivers moaning, dairy farmers out on strike, now its times for the opposite end of the spectrum to join in with the critical mass. When I heard about the critical mass, I thought it was time to give 'them' a hernia with stress. 130 quid fine for cycling in the VIP lane? that's an insult to the normal people who are stuck in London. Anyway over the years I've was part of the Summit Hopping movement, but no-one in London has realised all the Olympics is another political summit, and it should of been treated as such, with massive direct action, banner drops, etc etc. Anyway if your coming to the mass on friday, expect the police, GCHQ and they're other resources to really treat us like shit. On saturday a facebook event was blocked with in one-hour of its creation, I hope the girl who made the event doesn't use her own ip address. GCHQ are definitely going to watch this one. Probably a massive Copenhagen kettle on one of the bridges, or southbank, so keep your wits about you, ride a blue barclays bike, and ditch it if shit gets heavy lets not forget, the psycos of our Armed Forces are in London in numbers, and they can't tell the difference between an Afghan wedding and terrorist camp. Keep telling your mates, and invite them along. See you in the streets.

sabotage to save Khimki forest, Russia

reported by activists in Russia:

"Russia. Khimki forest (north of Moscow). Construction vehicles torched, tree-cutter assaulted, his arm broken.

reported by activists in Russia:

"Russia. Khimki forest (north of Moscow). Construction vehicles torched, tree-cutter assaulted, his arm broken.

Unknown activists have torched several construction vehicles and assaulted tree-cutter at the new toll highway construction site in Khimki forest. These news appeared in joint declaration, published by state enterprise “Avtodor” and “North-Eastern concession” (subsidiary of Vinci). The accidents happened on nights of 19.07 and 21.07.
“Avtodor” representatives stated that an assault on tree-cutters took place on 19.07: one of the workers tried to prevent eco-activists from entering the construction site. In the following fight his arm broke.
On the night of 21.07 special construction vehicles were torched: several brand new harvesters and hydraulic excavator were completely destroyed by fire. Material damage is estimated to be over $ 2 000 000.
Earlier the same companies filed a complaint about unknown people opening fire on construction vehicles (supposedly from “Saiga”, a civil 12-mm carbine) and torching workers sheds with molotovs.
Eco-activists present at the site of eco-camp near the construction failed to provide police with evidence or ideas about the nature of perpetrators."

reported on From Russia With Love:

"On the night of 20-21 july, after having received news of new tree-cutting activity in Khimki forest, we decided to visit the workers. We aimed for 2 trucks and excavator parked on the clear cut. They were completely destroyed.

Our solidarity goes out to eco-activists who broke the arm of private guard who was guarding the clear cut (this piece we learned from news).

Enough of pseudo-legalism!

Do like us, do better than us.
– Autonomous autonoms

video footage of the action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P51k3CrtF20&feature=youtu.be"

Aristocrat landlord’s garden opencasted!

18.07.2012 Earlier today activists from Take Back the Land! visited Lord Home’s mansion in the Douglas Valley and opencasted his garden, hoping to bring the issues closer to home for him.

18.07.2012 Earlier today activists from Take Back the Land! visited Lord Home’s mansion in the Douglas Valley and opencasted his garden, hoping to bring the issues closer to home for him. Lord Home owns Mainshill and all of Glentaggart East which is currently being occupied by an action camp. Of course only some of the things that impact communities so much would have been felt because of this opencast, such as seeing a big mess. He won’t have to put up with the health impacts from dust and diesel fumes, the danger on the roads, the noise, contempt from South Lanarkshire Council – the list goes on.

COAL ACTION SCOTLAND MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE USE 18th July

Lord Home’s garden opencasted by anti-coal activists

At 10:30 this morning 20 environmental and social justice protesters entered the grounds of Lord Home’s stately home at Castlemains in the Douglas Valley and began digging up his front garden. The protest brought home to Lord Home how much of an eye sore an open cast next to your residence is. A banner held up in front of his home which read “Community Health not Lord Home’s Wealth!” Police attended the scene but no arrests were made.

Rob Hearne, one of the activists digging up the Lord’s garden said: “Lord Home is making millions off opencast coal mining in the Douglas Valley. He owns land currently being mined at Mainshill, and owns the entire Glentaggart East site, next on the list to be mined. There is no community consent for opencast in this area, with 70% of people in Douglas opposing Mainshill and over 650 letters of objection sent to the council against it. Yet because of his aristocratic and hereditary privilege, he can do what he wants and walk all over the wishes of the community. We’re digging up his garden to bring the issues closer to home.”

Local resident David Grey said: “The Lord owns everything around here and makes loads of money but gives virtually nothing back to the community. He gets millions but we get cancers, asthma and respiratory diseases. He is essentially a parasite, sucking the wealth out of the area and consolidating it into his private estate.”

Clare Reed, another of the diggers at Castlemains, added: “Lord Home doesn’t even live in the valley despite his massive house and huge land ownership. He lives in London, sits in the House of Lords and is Chairperson of Coutts Bank. He is totally complicit in the destruction caused by opencast mining in the valley and all the health impacts inflicted on communities, but suffers none of the impacts himself. In fact, he makes a killing – we estimate he’ll make up to £7 million off Glentaggart East alone.”

Today’s protest follows Monday’s blockade of Broken Cross Open Cast Coal Site and Saturday’s invasion of Mainshill Open Cast Coal Site where 45 activists stopped work on the site for the day. These actions are part of a week-long action camp and occupation of Scottish Coal’s intended new mine in the area, Glentaggart East. The camp called “Take Back the Land!” has attracted activists from across Scotland, the UK and Europe to take direct action against the blight of opencast coal mining.

Coal Action Scotland
contact@coalactionscotland.org.uk
http://takebacktheland.org.uk/

Broken Cross Open Cast Site blockaded – police act as Scottish Coal security

This morning Broken Cross opencast site in the Douglas Valley was blockaded for an hour and a half before Scottish Coal workers lifted three people in heavy concrete lock-ons out of the road, all overseen by Inspector Whip (photographed) of Strathclyde Police. This isn’t the first time that Inspector Whip has hurt people by lifting them out of the road. He’s reckless and deliberately put people’s safety at risk, all to protect the profits of Scottish Coal.

COAL ACTION SCOTLAND MEDIA RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE USE 16th July 2012

Activists disrupt coal haulage and police take unacceptable risks of injury at Lanarkshire mine

At 6:00 this morning a group of 20 environmental and social justice activists blockaded the only entrance to Scottish Coal’s Broken Cross Open Cast Coal Site [1] in the Douglas Valley. This prevented all access to the site by coal lorries for one and a half hours before police ordered workers to dangerously carry activists out of the road. Concrete “lock-on tubes” were used to prevent three activists from being removed.

In an act of extreme recklessness, Inspector Whip of Strathclyde Police ordered Scottish Coal employees to drag protesters out of the access road, while they were still attached to their lock-on tubes, each weighing around 50kg. One of those moved was injured in this incident. The three have been arrested and are currently being held in custody.

Rob Hearne, one of the activists supporting the protest at the mine said: “This is not the first time that Inspector Whip and Strathclyde Police have shown such utter disregard for the safety of anti-coal activists. This kind of behaviour is totally unacceptable, where untrained workers are allowed to assault people in such a way, breaking all health and safety regulations and committing criminal offences. Strathclyde Police are acting as Scottish Coal’s private security.”

The protest was intended to stop coal from being transported from the mine to railheads and to oppose Scottish Coal’s extension to the mine as part of their “forward strategy” [2]. In particular, it aimed to stop coal HGVs from being routed through Douglas and Glespin, an issue of particular importance for local communities.

Glespin resident David Grey said: “A top traffic police officer has been quoted in the past as saying that someone will have to be killed on Lanarkshire’s roads before something is done about the haulage of coal in this area. HGVs pass right through Douglas and Glespin, past two primary schools with no level crossings, something that Scottish Coal, South Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Ministers all said would never happen. And now Inspector Whip endangers the lives of people trying to make the roads safer for local residents! It’s outrageous. Inspector Whip should be ashamed for putting the profits of coal above the safety of people in the valley.”

Today´s protest follows Saturday’s invasion of Mainshill Open Cast Coal Site [3] where 45 activists stopped work on the site for the day. This is part of a week-long action camp and occupation of Scottish Coal’s intended new mine in the area, Glentaggart East [4]. The camp called “Take Back the Land!” [5] has attracted activists from across Scotland, the UK and Europe to take direct action against the blight of opencast coal mining.

Coal Action Scotland are preparing a formal complaint to Strathclyde Police about this incident.

For interviews and comment please contact:

Roger Wilkins on 07917141720 or email contact@coalactionscotland.org.uk

Photos can be emailed upon request.

Notes to editors:

[1] Broken Cross is the larger of Scottish Coal’s two operating open cast coal mines in the Douglas Valley, South Lanarkshire, producing around 15,000 tonnes of coal a week

[2] South Lanarkshire Council approved Scottish Coal’s North (East) Extension to Broken Cross, the third such extension, despite huge community opposition to it. The extension will see the life of the mine extended until 2024, way beyond what Scottish Planning Policy considers an acceptable cumulative impact and something that local residents find totally unacceptable.

[3] Mainshill Wood was occupied by the Mainshill Solidarity Camp on 12th June 2009. It was eventually evicted on 25th January 2010 in an eviction that lasted 5 days. It involved 45 arrests and was the largest protest site eviction in the UK since Manchester Airport 11 years previously. There was huge community opposition to the mine locally, with 654 objections being lodged against the application. Despite Lord Home, the land owner, telling local residents that he’d safeguard the area from mining, he did the opposite and is now being paid by Scottish Coal for lease of the land. Since the start of coaling operations at the site in February 2010 local residents have complained of noise and dust impacts and danger on the roads as coal HGVs are routed through Douglas and Glespin.

Lord Home owns Douglas & Angus Estates. He is the son of the former prime minister Alec Home, a peer in the House of Lords and chairperson of Coutts Bank. He lives in London but has a stately home at Castlemains in the Douglas Valley.

Scottish Coal currently have two operational sites in the valley, Mainshill and Glentaggart, down from 5 in 2010.

[4] Scottish Coal have been given approval by South Lanarkshire Council despite 232 letters of objection to mine 4 million tonnes of coal from the Glentaggart East site, adjacent to the existing Glentaggart site which was in operation between 2001 and 2011. RSPB objected to the application because of the ecologically important blanket bog and protected bird breeding habitats on the 350 hectare site. The mine will be 1.5km away from two primary schools and continue the encirclement of Douglas Valley villages with opencast mines.

Glentaggart East is part of Scottish Coal’s “Forward Strategy”, unveiled in September 2011. It included 3 new opencast mine applications. One of these, Auldton Heights, was withdrawn following a substantial campaign against it. A further extension to Broken Cross, an existing site, was granted permission by the council, despite opposition from local residents.

[5] for more information about Take Back the Land! please see the following website: http://takebacktheland.org.uk/

Residents Blockade Injection Well One Week After 1,000 Gallon Fracking Waste Spill

16.7.12

[For updates check ohiofracktion.com]

16.7.12

[For updates check ohiofracktion.com]

Concerned residents blocked access to an injection well in Trumbull County this morning, protesting the failure of Ohio regulators to adequately test and monitor dumping of toxic fracking waste. At least one protestor has been arrested and at least two others have been detained.

Trumbull County residents, along with supporters from Frack Free Mahoning and Ohio Fracktion, are gathering at the well site on Sodom Hutchings Road in Vienna Township, to express concerns about the contents of the 1,000 gallons of fracking wastewater that spilled along five miles of road in Fowler Township, a nearby residential area on July 7.They are demanding that Ohio’s Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) begin systematically testing out-of-state frack waste that is injected into over 170 wells throughout Ohio. One supporter has locked himself to the gate to prevent all trucks carrying fracking waste from entering the site.

According to spokesperson Mike Settles, emergency responders from Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted only a simple pH test of the spilled frack waste lining the roads of Fowler Township. As far as further testing for radiation, heavy metals, and other chemicals, Settles explained that EPA doesn’t “have the resources” to perform testing unless there is a “legitimate concern” of environmental damage. Thick, rust colored residue was still visible on the road over a week after the spill.

Liberal Township Trustee Jodi Stoyak expressed her frustration with EPA’s response in a July 12 letter to Mr. Settles, noting “many of the chemicals used in [fracking] and contained in the waste are officially classified individually as hazardous…. This, in my opinion, is a huge environmental concern.”

ODNR officials have ignored numerous written and oral requests from Ohio residents to order testing of the countless gallons of out-of-state frack waste injected underground into Ohio each year. In response to a recent public records request asking ODNR to release all testing relevant to fracking waste, ODNR Geologist Tom Tomastik provided no results taken after 1989.

Mainshill Open Cast Coal Site shut down for the day!

July 14th, 2012

At 10:00 this morning a group of 45 activists invaded Scottish Coal’s Mainshill Open Cast Coal Site near Douglas, South Lanarkshire, and occupied machinery and prevented coaling operations on the site and shut it down for the day. Machines including a “prime mover” were occupied and all work was stopped completely. This is the first action at Take Back the Land! – the action camp in the Douglas Valley will be up and running until the 18th July. Updates and photos to follow

Olkiluoto Blockade Sat 11 Aug and Nuclear Camp 6-13 Aug, 2012 in Finland!

From uranium mining to nuclear waste storage, nuclear power poses a health
risk to current and future generations alike. We refuse to be part of this
costly and dangerous experiment which mainly serves the interests of big
industry. We therefore demand a nuclear power phase-out.

On August 11, people are going to block the roads to Olkiluoto nuclear

From uranium mining to nuclear waste storage, nuclear power poses a health risk to current and future generations alike. We refuse to be part of this costly and dangerous experiment which mainly serves the interests of big industry. We therefore demand a nuclear power phase-out.

On August 11, people are going to block the roads to Olkiluoto nuclear power plant in Eurajoki. Previous years have seen people blocking the roads using banners, drumming, performances and non-violent direct action.

You can join the demonstration in any way you like, with no obligation to participate in civil disobedience. Make sure not to bring with you anything that could be classed as a weapon. No alcohol or drugs in the demonstration. Everyone is asked to refrain from any form of violence, sexism, racism and provocations.

This year the action day is preceded by an international anti-nuclear camp, held at a local farmhouse. The camp program includes practical and informative workshops, such as the current situation of Japan's nuclear disaster and introducing the movement against mining in Finland. The guest speakers, documentaries and workshops during the week will illustrate the international anti-nuclear movement and provide skills and tools for local campaigning.

There will be a special program for children, and babysitting help available. As well as yummy vegan food, sauna, crafting, live bands and sharing struggles for a nuclear free future!

Welcome!

See full program here: http://olkiluotoblockade2012.wordpress.com/english/

Sign up for the camp at olbcamp (at) riseup.net You will get driving instructions upon signing up. Ask more from the info number: + 358 40 461 9154

Recommended prices: Whole camp 7 days: 30-60 EUR Includes three meals per day, program and basic accommodation in tents/indoors

Alternatively 1 day: 5-8EUR 1 meal: 3-5EUR Children under 10 years for free.

Shared rides:

We also recommend to take your own car/bike/minibus to the camp and demonstration. If you need a ride or can offer one, notify us at: olkiluotoblockade (at) riseup.net

From Tampere: a minibus leaves to the camp on Monday Aug 6 at 18.00 and on Friday 10 Aug at 12:00. You can reserve seats at olkiluotoblockade (at) riseup.net

From Helsinki: The Union of Conscientious Objectors organises a bus on Friday Aug 10, starting at 11.30. from Rauhanasema, the Peace Station in Pasila. Reserve seats at toimisto (at) akl-web.fi or by calling +358 (0)40 836 27 86. More info on the bus from Helsinki: http://akl-web.fi/tapahtumat/olkiluotoblockade2012

From Turku this same bus leaves on Aug 10 at 14.00 in front of the Railway station. Reserve seats from toimisto@akl-web.fi or call +358 (0)40 836 27 86 More info: http://akl-web.fi/tapahtumat/olkiluotoblockade2012

****** SEND THIS FORWARD! ******

Take Back the Land: site taken, Glentaggart East occupied!

11/7/2012

Yesterday evening we occupied Scottish Coal’s new opencast mine site in the Douglas Valley, South Lanarkshire, for Take Back the Land! – a week of action against the destruction of opencast mining.

11/7/2012

The camp will run until the 18th July and there will be a mass action on Saturday 14th July. There’s detailed directions to the camp here http://takebacktheland.org.uk/?page_id=6 and the website here http://takebacktheland.org.uk/ has all the information you’ll need to participate. Come and get involved – take action against corporate greed, fat-cat landlords and corrupt local government!

Fracking On Trial: call out

THE TRIAL

The trial for the first fracking rig occupation in Lancashire last November kicks off next week. Starting Tuesday 10th July and scheduled to last till Friday 13th July… so four full days at Preston Magistrates Court.

THE TRIAL

If you're against fracking and want to see it stopped, it'd be great to have your support, both inside and outside the court room! If you can't make it down you can still help out by spreading the word (see below for social media details), and solidarity actions are always welcome.

Three protesters have been charged with aggravated trespass and are pleading not guilty based on 'necessity'; asserting stopping fracking is necessary in the context of run-away climate change and the damage it will cause the environment and local communities. Defendants will also be challenging the 'lawfulness' of the extractive process.

The defendants will be backed up by a number of witnesses, both 'experts' and from the local community, who will testify about the consequences of climate change and hydraulic fracturing, the damage it causes to water contamination, air pollution, severe health risks, earthquakes etc. The defence aim to totally rebuke industry claims that fracking is a harmless 'environmentally friendly' way to extract fossil fuel… and instead put the industry on trial.

THE ACTION

Protesters stormed the gas rig in Banks, Lancashire on 2nd Nov 2011, with one team climbing the derrick (drill) and a second team scaling the pipe handling system, occupying the rig and stopping work at the site for a day, decorating the slimy machinery with anti-fracking banners while they were at it.

The occupation of the rig was timed to coincide with an industry sponsored “Shale Gas Environmental Summit” in London, a farcical event where industry and government regulators meet to collaborate on greenwashing PR to cover up the damage done by the fossil fuel industry.

The rig occupation also coincided with the release of a report by Cuadrilla admitting that the hydraulic fracturing of its first well had caused several earthquakes.

Since fracking came to the UK last year there have been mobilisations of local community groups and environmental activists across the country rising up against the industry. Including another occupation of the site in December 2011 [1] and a blockade at PR Marriot Drilling in Chesterfield, where the rig was being serviced, last month. [2]

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Halting the extraction of more fossil fuels is essential at a time when the planet is warming exponentially. Compared to 100 years ago the climate is 0.75 degrees warmer and now, in 2012, the International Energy Agency warn we are on a trajectory to warm by 6 degrees Celsius in the next 100 years. [3]

For the younger generation this means the world will become largely uninhabitable in their lifetime, certainly for their kids, if emissions are not cut. The immediate period, now, is regarded as a tipping point and despite a lot of rhetoric about ‘tackling climate change’ from governments, financial institutions and industries alike, in recent years we have seen the highest emissions ever. [4]

Extracting resources on this scale to feed the industrial system is destroying the environment that our lives depend on.

As conventional oil and gas production peaks, government and industries continue to steam roll ahead developing destructive practices that will provide profitable new markets to line their pockets.

Fracking is part of a recent boom in more extreme methods of extraction, described as ‘unconventional energy sources’; Tar Sands, Mountain Top Removal, Deep Water Drilling, Coal Bed Methane, Underground Coal Gasification and Nuclear expansion.

Extractive industries notoriously deny damaging the environment and negatively effecting humans, animals or the environment. However there is a long history of these industries causing wide-scale destruction, and also long history of cover ups.

Its time to put fracking on trial!

You can keep up to date with proceedings on Twitter @frack_off or
#frackingontrial, on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/frackoffuk or at
http://frackingontrial.org (available soon).

NOTES

[1] [http://risingtide.org.uk/node/428]

[2] [http://frack-off.org.uk/fracking-protesters-lay-siege-to-cuadrilla-drill-rig]

[3] [http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/world-on-track-for-nearly-11-degree-temperature-rise-energy-expert-says/2011/11/28/gIQAi0lM6N_story.html]

[4] [http://www.iea.org/index_info.asp?id=1959]

That’s the way to do it! Climate action camps across the Channel

CLIMATE ACTION CAMP 2012, BELGIUM, 3-8 AUG
If the climate was a bank...
... Then it would have been saved already (Hugo Chavez)

... Then I wouldn’t be getting a bonus (Jean-Luc Dehaene)

... Then the ratings agencies would have gone bust (Mario Draghi)

... Then it would need to look for a new name (Belfius!!!)

CLIMATE ACTION CAMP 2012, BELGIUM, 3-8 AUG

If the climate was a bank...

... Then it would have been saved already (Hugo Chavez) ... Then I wouldn’t be getting a bonus (Jean-Luc Dehaene) ... Then the ratings agencies would have gone bust (Mario Draghi) ... Then it would need to look for a new name (Belfius!!!) ... Then you’d read even more rubbish about it than you do today! .. Then it would be popular with businesses ... Then it wouldn’t change so quickly ... Then I would campaign just as much about it!!!

We’ve been organising climate action camps for three years. During a climate action camp activists come together to share experiences, live together peacefully and sustainably, and self-organise to make plans and carry out actions. They set up the most beautiful campsite in the Northern hemisphere and spend a week letting the air out of the tyres of the capitalist landrover... Climate action camp is a week full of action, exciting workshops, relaxation and vegan food. Every year lots of children come too. They have a great time in the kids barrio with activities to suit all ages.

The next climate camp will take place from 3rd to 8th August somewhere in Leuven

If you want to steal money, then steal a lot all at once. Then they will call you a dynamic entrepreneur or who knows, a banker... Banks can gamble with people’s savings, we know that already. But they also gamble with the climate, the planet and farmers in the south: Banks like BNP-Paribas, KBC or ING invest heavily in tar sands, the most environmentally destructive way to extract oil from the ground. A recent report revealed that these same banks are involved land-grabbing, the large scale acquisition of more and more agricultural land in the South by financial institutions. The World Bank invests climate funds in the biggest fossil fuel energy projects in the world. Lastly, banks speculate on carbon emission allowances. Banks aren’t only gambling our money away but are also playing with the planet. It’s time to take action. Now!

The exact location of the camp will be announced on the websites on the 2nd of August...

Join our Facebookevent: http://www.facebook.com/events/337275796321385/

Information & Contact:

http://www.climaxi.be http://www.climate-justice-action.be

Camp-phone? +32(0)478.07.98.58

info[at] climate-justice-action.be info[at] climaxi.be

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TWO CLIMATE ACTION CAMPS IN GERMANY - August

Just a shout out to see if you might be interesting in coming over to Germany for some climate action this summer?

There are 2 camps going on, one in the West from the 3-12th August: http://www.ausgeco2hlt.de/klimacamp/en/

and the other in the East from the 11-19th August http://www.lausitzcamp.info/international-information/english/

There's also in the West camp an ongoing Forest Occupation: http://hambachforest.blogsport.de/

Both camps are dealing with open cast mining and plans for new coal power plants. I'm more familiar with the East camp so a bit about that: The main days of action are on the 17th and 18th--coal plant blockade. We could def. use more people here! We're also still open for more workshops, especially practical ones and skill sharings, but also anything you're dealing with over there... It would be great to connect... see below for contact details.

Action: aktion@lausitzcamp.info Finances: finanzen@lausitzcamp.info Logistics: logistik@lausitzcamp.info Mobilsation: mobi@lausitzcamp.info Programme: programm@lausitzcamp.info