Aviation and Roads – Page 26

All Manchester city centre Flight Centres & Hummer dealership targetted

For people interested in something a little more direct than the big climate demo in London tomorrow…

Tonight, all Flight Centre branches in Manchester city centre have been superglued closed, in time for Saturday trading and to coincide with the climate march in London tomorrow. They were pasted with notices saying: “Closed – we want your kids to have a planet”

For people interested in something a little more direct than the big climate demo in London tomorrow…

The UK’s only Hummer dealership, Bauer Millett, was also locked shut with a D-lock.

Stickers have also started appearing all over Manchester with “The Tide is Rising” and a blue line…see earlier post about a banner drop, http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/17886

Earth First!

Women Climate Activists Blockade the Department for Transport

7.12.2007
Women have this morning blockaded the Department for Transport preventing staff from getting to work and carrying out their policies which are catapulting us towards dangerous run-away climate change. This action comes in response to the Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly confirming the government’s intentions to build a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow and co-incides with the opening of their first ‘consultation’ exhibition.

This protest is part of a growing direct action movement against climate change inspired by the Camp for Climate Action (1). On Wednesday over 30 climate activists including the columnist George Monbiot invaded and occupied Britain’s biggest ever open-cast coal mine at Ffos-y-fran in South Wales. On 28th November, protesters from climate action group Plane Stupid disrupted the proceedings of the Transport Select Committee who were hearing evidence from BAA boss, Steven Nelson and Aviation Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick in protest at the Heathrow expansion plans. This weekend thousands of people will march on the streets of London to protest about climate change. This protest is a call to all to stand up and take action against the governments and corporations who are fueling climate chaos.

Why the DfT?

Transport is the fastest growing source of climate change gases in the UK, now accounting for 26% of emissions (2). In a time when we desperately need to reduce emissions, the DfT plans to build more roads and more airports encouraging us to drive and fly more. The DfT was targetted during the Camp for Climate Action in August, and women have returned today to re-emphasise the role of our government in dangerous transport expansion plans. Groups will continue to return to the DfT until the government reviews its policies.

Why women?

Women have acted today in solidarity with the residents of Sipson, especially the women who continue to campaign to protect their homes, despite bullying and pressure from BAA, and the women all over the world who fight everyday to survive in the face of increasing climate chaos.

NO 3rd runway at Heathrow

Aviation is already the fastest growing source of UK carbon dioxide emissions (3), and these emissions are released high in the atmosphere meaning we feel their effects immediately. Heathrow is already the busiest airport in the world. Building a third runway will lead to even more flights and more pollution. Oxford University recently concluded that it will be impossible to meet the government’s own target for a 60 per cent carbon reduction by 2050 without curbing aviation growth (4)

NO M1 Widening

The DfT is building a £5 billion 115 mile long expansion of the M1 with an increase of 186,092 tonnes of CO2 every year (5). Is this taking climate change seriously? We call for a scrapping of the current and proposed schemes up and down the length of the M1.

NO green wash

We call for a reduction in transport, and reject dangerous green wash such as ‘biofuels’ and carbon offsetting. We cannot continue with relentless growth on a finite planet. We all need to reduce consumption, and our carbon emissions. (6)

Jane Wilson, on the protest says, “The government does not like to admit it , but we cannot sustain our current levels of consumption or the growth economy and stop climate change. Its time to stop tinkering at the edges and wake up to the reality of the threat & take serious and drastic action. We have to create a society that is less dependent on energy, and that is more locally self-sufficient.”

Notes for Editors:

1 The Camp for Climate Action 2007 (www.climatecamp.org.uk) was a large protest and educational event at Heathrow this year, highlighting the link between the aviation industry and climate change.

2 The Campaign for Better Transport (www.bettertransport.org.uk)

3 Campaign for Better Transport

4 Campaign for Better Transport

5 Biofuelwatch (www.biofuelwatch.org.uk)

==========================
Update and outcome

In the end: Having shut the DFT for over two hours, eight women who were locked or glued to the doors of the DFT were arrested, held all day in Belgravia Police Station and then released on bail.

They are all charged with offences under SOCPA (serious organised crime and police act). At least one more was summoned to appear under SOCPA, although not arrested.

Total amount of women involved was around twenty. They’re all ace and of course this is only the beginning of women pitching in to stop climate chaos on their own terms.

—

One of these women, having been released on bail for SOCPA, was rearrested at the Dec 8 March in London, for being in the SOCPA zone!!

She was held until Monday 10th when the court saw her and threw out the bail-breach on the grounds that she should never had had such bail conditions.

Another example of the MET endearing themselves to us then.

CLIMATE ACTION NEWS SHEET 74, DECEMBER 2007

CONTENTS:
———————————————-
UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS:
———————————————-

1) RISING TIDE ANNOUNCES FOSSIL FOOLS DAY – 1.4.08
2) NATIONAL CLIMATE MARCH, BRISTOL CYCLE CIRCUS, GLOBAL DOA – 8.12.07

CONTENTS:
———————————————-
UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS:
———————————————-

1) RISING TIDE ANNOUNCES FOSSIL FOOLS DAY – 1.4.08
2) NATIONAL CLIMATE MARCH, BRISTOL CYCLE CIRCUS, GLOBAL DOA – 8.12.07
3) RECLAIM THE PLANET PARTY – BATH, 1.12.07
4) THE WORST EU LOBBYING AWARDS – BRUSSELS, 4.12.07
5) CLIMATE CAMPER’S TRIAL – UXBRIDGE, 8/9.1.07
6) CLIMATE CAMP NATIONAL GATHERING – LEEDS, 26-27.1.08
7) GREENHOUSE BRITAIN EXHIBITION – WINTER 07-08
8) POPULAR EDUCATION GATHERING – HEBDEN BRIDGE, 18-20.1.08
9) LOW IMPACT COURSES – BUCKS, JANUARY 2008
10) WOODHEAD TUNNEL ACTION IDEAS? – 8.12.07
11) PROTECT TASMANIA’S FORESTS – JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2008
12) CONTACT VEDANTA – EMAIL ACTION
———————————————-

RECENT HAPPENINGS:
———————————————-
1) BUY NOTHING DAY RAT RACE – NORWICH, 24.11.07
2) LRT PROTESTORS INVADE ETS SUMMIT – 21.11.07
3) COAL TRAIN BLOCKADE – AUSTRALIA, 19.11.07
4) PLANE STUPID DISRUPT BAA PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE – 28.11.07
5) ACTIVISTS SHUT DOWN COAL POWER PLANT – AUSTRALIA, 15.11.07
6) TOTAL OUT OF BURMA – NATIONWIDE, 24.11.07
7) DOVER CLIMATE ACTION – 4.11.07
8) SOLIDARITY AGAINST SHELL – UK, NOVEMBER 07
9) LEGAL BLOW TO BP OVER TEXAS CITY BLAST – 21.11.07
10) PERMACULTURE UPDATE – NOVEMBER 07
11) CLIMATE JUSTICE TRIBUNAL REPORT – COLOMBIA, 29.10.07

———————————————-

UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS:
———————————————-

1) RT ANNOUNCES FOSSIL FOOLS DAY – 1.4.08
FOSSIL FOOLS DAY, April 1st 2008
Roll up, roll up! The climate circus is in town. Climate change threatens our very survival, but the fools at the head of the fossil fuel empire continue to plunder the earth, with governments the willing court jesters at their side. They would have us believe that we can escape climate change with techno-fixes, market mechanisms and offset schemes – all technocratic acrobatics that distract us from the truth: the only real solution to climate change is to keep fossil fuels in the ground.

Find a local fossil fool – the coal-mining clown, the offset contortionist, the aviator tripping on the high wire, the supermarket food mile freak show, the oily strong man, or any other fool that deserves your attention – and join with thousands around the world in taking one step closer to dismantling the fossil fuel industry.

www.fossilfoolsday.org.uk /
www.risingtide.org.uk <http://www.campaigncc.org

The Shell’s Wild Lie exhibition will feature at the London demo after-party at the Synergy Centre:
www.thesynergycentre.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=59&Itemid=109,
http://www.artnotoil.org.uk//content/view/41/2/

This will be one of many global climate demonstrations taking place on the 8th. There are actions planned in 80 countries.
http://www.globalclimatecampaign.org

One of the events planned in the UK is a cycle-relay of messages from Transition Towns and Climate Friendly Villages in Cornwall to Parliament.
http://www.transitionfalmouth.org.uk/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=29

Bristol Rising Tide are having a Cycle Circus – Join a colourful critical mass of people and peddlers of all shapes and sizes and let our cycling circus upstage and reveal Bristol’s climate criminals. Meet: College
Green, 1pm.
http://risingtide.org.uk/bristol

3) RECLAIM THE PLANET PARTY – BATH, 1.12.07

Bath Activist Network are having a demo/party highlighting radical alternatives to environmental destruction.

Meet at Abbey Courtyard at 11.30 am, then moving through Bath saying hello to some of our favourite planet trashers, playing music, sharing food, playing games and making mischief!
http://www.myspace.com/bathactivistnetwork

4) THE WORST EU LOBBYING AWARDS – BRUSSELS, 4.12.07

The annual award for deceptive, manipulative and unethical lobbying. This year there is a special Greenwash Prize. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Brussels on 4th December.
http://www.worstlobby.eu <http://www.climatecamp.org.uk/nextmeeting.php

7) GREENHOUSE BRITAIN EXHIBITION – WINTER 07-08

This exhibition addresses the environmental, political and economic challenges of rising sea levels caused by climate change. The central feature will be a multimedia video projection onto a giant relief model of mainland Britain, where the rising waters are seen to redraw the coastline.
http://greenhousebritain.greenmuseum.org/tour/

8) POPULAR EDUCATION GATHERING – HEBDEN BRIDGE, 18-20.1.08

Come and learn techniques and be inspired by popular education, share new skills and talk about how we can expand radical education networks in UK and beyond.
http://www.trapese.org/

9) LOW IMPACT COURSES – BUCKS, JANUARY 2008

Low impact smallholding / How to make biodiesel / Heating with wood / Pruning & care of old fruit trees. For more details, see:
http://www.lowimpact.org/
<http://nomottrambypass.blogspot.com/2007/11/say-goodbye-to-woodhead.html
<http://www.huon.org/

12) CONTACT VEDANTA – EMAIL ACTION

Solidarity would be hugely appreciated as India’s Supreme Court looks like it is going to rule in favour of British mining corporation Vedanta to be able to mine the Niyamigiri Hills in Orissa. This could lead to the death
of thousands of people and will set a precedent for the mining of all of India’s forests.

25,000 farmers are to form a human chain around one of the worlds largest dams in protest against this development.

Feel like contacting Vedanta to tell them how you feel?

By email; investorrelations@vedantaresources.com

By post; Vedanta Resources plc
16 Berkeley Street
London W1J 8DZ

http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/6348

———————————————-

RECENT HAPPENINGS:
———————————————-

1) BUY NOTHING DAY RAT RACE – NORWICH, 24.11.07

Norwich Rising Tide marked Buy Nothing Day with a rat race. Activists created a mobile rat race that stopped off at the city’s busiest malls and high streets.
People in rat costumes scurried hither and thither through a maze built from placards reading; Work Harder, Earn More Money, Buy More Things, Keep Going… Meanwhile Fat Cats advised that happiness was just around the corner if the rats would only keep shopping!
A thousand leaflets were handed out and many passers-by expressed their support.
http://risingtide.org.uk/node/237
https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/11/386382.html

For reports of Buy Nothing Day in Leeds, London, Edinburgh and Manchester see;
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/17851

2) LRT PROTESTORS INVADE ETS SUMMIT – 21.11.07

On November 21st London Rising Tide interrupted delegates at the Aviation Emissions Trading Summit, held at Selfridges Hotel, central London. Free shares for pre-Emissions Trading Scheme atmosphere were given out to each
delegate at the conference.
<http://www.londonrisingtide.org.uk/node/399

3) COAL TRAIN BLOCKADE – AUSTRALIA, 19.11.07

Rising Tide activists blockaded a coal train on its way into the world’s biggest coal export port, at Kooragang Island in Newcastle Harbour. No trains are able to enter Kooragang Coal Terminal because of the blockade.
“When faced with an overwhelming problem and a Government unwilling or unable to take action to solve the problem, it is the duty of all citizens to take action on the community’s behalf…There is no way Australia can continue passing the buck on climate change. We are the biggest per capita emitter of greenhouse gases and the biggest coal exporter in the world.”
(spokesperson for Rising Tide, Georgina Woods)
http://www.risingtide.org.au/coaltrainblockade

4) PLANE STUPID DISRUPT BAA PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE – 28.11.07

Climate activists opposed to plans for a third runway at Heathrow disrupted a Parliamentary inquiry going on inside the House of Commons. Protesters from climate action group, Plane Stupid, disrupted the proceedings of the Transport Select Committee who were hearing evidence from BAA boss, Steven Nelson and Aviation Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick.
The team of protesters, wearing t-shirts emblazoned with No Third Runway, handed out copies of the Tyndall Centre climate change report about the impacts of flying on global warming.
http://www.planestupid.com/?q=content/plane-stupid-disrupt-parliamentary-committee-future-baa

5) ACTIVISTS SHUT DOWN COAL POWER PLANT – AUSTRALIA, 15.11.07

Greenpeace activists occupied the Munmorah coal-fired power station today. A Greenpeace activist pushed the button to stop the conveyor belt. Now it’s time to push the emergency switch on all coal power plants.
http://www.greenpeace.org/australia/news-and-events/news/Climate-change/coal-kills-shut-down
<http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/17852

Also on the 13th November, campaigners blockaded a Total garage on Oxford Road, Manchester. http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/17820

7) DOVER CLIMATE ACTION – 4.11.07

In the early hours of a Sunday morning, climate activists made a bold statement about global warming with a banner drop from a four-storey building.
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/6352

8) SOLIDARITY AGAINST SHELL – UK, NOVEMBER 07

While the company continues to flare gas in Nigeria claiming lack of funds, people are taking action…

On the 9th, supporters of the International struggle against Shell demonstrated outside the Shell Gas offices in Duckmanton, Nr Chesterfield with banners, noise and images of the community struggle in Ireland. They leafleted the workers at the offices and demanded an end to the ongoing violence, intimidation and bribery that the Shell project has unleashed on the local people of Mayo, NW Ireland.
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/17808

In solidarity with the people of Rossport and Nigeria, the Shell petrol station on Dalry Road, Edinburgh was blockaded for 2 hours on the 11th by 20 people including members of the Clown Army. The Comiston Shell Petrol
Station was subjected to a night-time redecoration.
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/17805
Rossport: Another Season of Resistance is an excellent indymedia update.
https://publish.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/11/386253.html

Also in the news; The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has upheld a complaint by Friends of the Earth against Shell over the oil company’s claims that it uses its waste CO2 to grow flowers.
http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/press_releases/shell_advert_is_ruled_misl_01112007.html

9) LEGAL BLOW TO BP OVER TEXAS CITY BLAST – 21.11.07

BP’s hopes of drawing a line under its problems in the US after agreeing a $380m (£184m) settlement with the authorities have been dealt a blow by a legal challenge over the fatal explosion at its Texas City refinery. An
attorney for victims of the blast, has asked a federal judge to reject the settlement, saying it is “shockingly lenient”.
http://www.artnotoil.org.uk//content/view/42/2/

10) PERMACULTURE UPDATE – NOVEMBER 07

November ebulletin from the Permaculture Association (Britain).
http://www.permaculture.org.uk/ebulletin.php

11) CLIMATE JUSTICE TRIBUNAL REPORT – COLOMBIA, 29.10.07

For a report on the grass-roots Tribunal into Climate Justice in Bogotá, see;
http://www.bristol.indymedia.org/newswire.php?story_id=26987&search_text=colombia

———-

Please send anything you’d like included in this news sheet to:
newssheet@risingtide.org.uk

To view previous editions of the Rising Tide News Sheet, visit the News Sheet Archive at http://risingtide.org.uk/newssheet

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END

Plane Stupid Disrupt Parliamentary Committee In Commons

28.11.2007
3.15pm – Climate activists opposed to plans for a third runway at Heathrow this afternoon disrupted a Parliamentary inquiry going on inside the House of Commons. Protestors from climate action group, Plane Stupid, disrupted the proceedings of the Transport Select Committee who were hearing evidence from BAA boss, Steven Nelson and Aviation Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick.

The team of protestors wore t-shirts emblazoned with “No Third Runway” interrupted the inquiry into “The future of BAA” and handed out copies of a Tyndall Centre climate change report about the impacts of flying on global warming.

Plane Stupid accuse the Government of pre-judging the decision on the Third Runway and ignoring recent scientific evidence about the impacts airport expansion would bring upon climate change.

Activist for Plane Stupid, Richard George, said:

“The Government are spinning that they want an open and thorough consultation on expanding Heathrow but they’re ignoring mass opposition and scientists’ warnings and are colluding with BAA to concrete over public debate.”

He added:

“Despite overwhelming evidence of the impact of carbon emissions from aviation – the government are deliberately ignoring concerns about climate change. The plan for a third runway flies in the face of the science and were it approved it would pollute more than the whole of Kenya!”

MORE INFORMATION/INTERVIEWS:

www.planestupid.com
press@planestupid.com

You can watch the action at:
http://www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/VideoPlayer.aspx?meetingId=488&rel=ok

Protesters invade the Aviation Emissions Trading Summit 2007

22.11.2007
For immediate release:
Protesters invade the Aviation Emissions Trading Summit 2007.

– video and photos to follow later today.

London Rising Tide today interrupted delegates at the , held at Selfridges Hotel, central London. They interrupted proceedings with an impromptu speech and presentation, of a box of atmosphere. Free shares for pre Emissions Trading Scheme atmosphere were also given out to each delegate at the conference.

Protesters from London Rising Tide were at the conference today to highlight the huge risk of accelerated climate change through flights.

This scheme will allow the industry to claim environmental credentials when in fact stopping airport expansion and reducing flights is what is required. The fact that these permits will be auctioned at a bargain price will further add to the lack of impact that this scheme will have on the aviation industry.

ETS is an easy way for the super polluting aviation industry to cover themselves with greenwash.

For further information contact
http://www.londonrisingtide.org.uk/
07708 794665

The back of the shares to the atmosphere read:
We hereby grant you the right to make great personal profit from the destruction of the human race of which you are a part and from who’s existence and misfortune you have benefited greatly.

We grant you the right to own the air that we breath and to fill it with carcinogens and green house gasses.

If our government does not subsidise you with a sufficient volume of the air in which to store your pollutants, we grant you the right to buy farming land and natural forest habitats from less fortunate peoples, to evict them from their homes and to replace them with monoculture plantations of eucalyptus and mango. We grant you the good fortune to be too busy making money to find out about the consequences of your actions for your fellow human beings.

We grant you the right to avoid at all costs the investment of your hard earned money into technologies free from fossil fuels. We recommend you spend lavishly to lobby government and do not get ahead of the game and outsmart your peers instead by developing safe, carbon-free methods of transport.

May you forever continue to blame your peers, your shareholders, the passengers, for the decisions you play your part in enacting. May you never think to reduce your flights, to take a positive action, to play your part in averting disaster for your fellow beings.

Carbon Trading. Not a way to tackle climate change.

www.risingtide.org.uk

Climate Action News Sheet, 73 November 2007

CONTENTS:
———————————————-
UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS:
———————————————-
1) WILD LIE EXHIBITION PURSUES SHELL TO ABERYSTWYTH – 10-17.11.07

CONTENTS:
———————————————-
UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS:
———————————————-
1) WILD LIE EXHIBITION PURSUES SHELL TO ABERYSTWYTH – 10-17.11.07
2) FREE FILM SCREENING OF ‘THE WARNING’ – LONDON, 12.11.07
3) TOTTERDOWN ART TRAIL – BRISTOL, 16-18.11.07
4) OXFORDSHIRE ECO-HOUSE OPEN DAYS – 24-25.11.07
5) BANNER PROTEST AT BIOFUELS CONFERENCE – LONDON, 27.11.07
6) CRITICAL MASS DATES AND UPDATES – OCT/NOV 2007
7) CLIMATE CHANGE BIKE RIDE / NATIONAL MARCH – LONDON, 8.12.07
8) BEYONDTV FESTIVAL – SWANSEA, 28.11.07-2.12.07
9) CLIMATE CAMP EXHIBITION ON TOUR – WINTER 2007
10) LOW-IMPACT LIVING INITIATIVE COURSES – WINTER 2007
11) PLYMOUTH ENVIRONMENT CENTRE ART EXHIBITION – NOV/DEC 2007
12) EARTHFIRST MOOT / NEW ACTION UPDATE – WINTER 2007
13) FOSSIL FOOLS DAY – 1.4.08
———————————————-
RECENT HAPPENINGS:
———————————————-
1) SONGS OF FREEDOM AT OPENING OF SHELL’S WILD LIE EXHIBITION – 27.10.07
2) NATIONAL DAY OF LOCAL ACTION VS. ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND – 15.10.07
3) PEOPLE’S BLOCKADE OF WORLD’S BIGGEST COAL PORT – AUSTRALIA, 3.11.07
4) GREENWASH GUERILLAS DISRUPT “CARBON TRAITORS” IN NEW YORK – 30.10.07
5) BP EXECUTIVE PIED AT EUROPE’S LARGEST BIOFUELS EVENT – 17.10.07
6) CAMP HOPE, GLOUCESTER – 20-21.10.07
7) PLANE STUPID AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT – 8.10.2007
8) GREENPEACE PROTESTORS SHUT DOWN POWER PLANT – 8.10.07
9) TOTAL BLOCKADES – OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2007
10) NUFFGLOBAL FILMS – NOVEMBER 2007
11) ESCALATING DEFLATION CAMPAIGN AGAINST 4X4S IN SWEDEN – OCT ‘07
12) DIRECT ACTION NEWS FROM GREECE – 7-15.10.07
13) BATH BOMB, ISSUE 4 – NOVEMBER 2007

———————————————-
UPCOMING ACTIONS AND EVENTS:
———————————————-
1) WILD LIE EXHIBITION PURSUES SHELL TO ABERYSTWYTH – 10-17.11.07
Immediately after hosting the 2006 Shell Wildlife Photographer exhibition (organised by the Natural History Museum and BBC Wildlife magazine) Aberystwyth Arts Centre is showing our counter-exhibition; ‘Shell’s Wild Lie’. http://www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk/whatson/exhibitions/
‘Shell’s Wild Lie’, has been put together as part of London Rising Tide’s ‘Art Not Oil’ campaign, and features photographs and illustrations that we consider give a truer snapshot of the disastrous effects that Shell and the whole fossil fuel industry have on our planet:
http://www.artnotoil.org.uk/gallery/v/Shell/
Book it yourself, and tell the Museum and BBC Wildlife what you think:
m.dixon@nhm.ac.uk, cc’ing to feedback@nhm.ac.uk,
wildlifeletters@bbcmagazinesbristol.com & info@artnotoil.org.uk

2) FREE FILM SCREENING, THE WARNING – LONDON, 12.11.07
The first UK screening of the award-winning film “The Warning” will be on 12th November, 8pm at Passing Clouds Works in Dalston, east London. This documentary charts the struggle of Siberian communities to protect their sacred lands from predatory oil companies. Passing Clouds is behind ‘Uncle Sam’s’, which is on 438 Kingsland Road. Get there from Shoreditch /Old Street on the 242, 243, 67 or 149 buses.

3) TOTTERDOWN ART TRAIL – BRISTOL, 16-18.11.07
Including art, films and exhibitions connected with climate change and peak oil. www.frontroom.org.uk

4) OXFORDSHIRE ECO-HOUSE OPEN DAYS – 24-25.11.07
Are you planning to renovate your house in the most environmental way possible? Do you want to slash energy bills and make your house warmer and healthier? Are you selling your house and want to improve its poor energy rating? Do you want to prepare for life in the climate change century? 18 eco-houses in Oxfordshire are opening their doors to the public to share the techniques, products and possibilities of eco-renovation. This is a superb opportunity to see a wide range of approaches and talk to the house owners directly about their experiences.
www.ecovation.org.uk
www.coinet.org.uk

5) BANNER PROTEST AT BIOFUELS CONFERENCE – LONDON, 27.11.07
This will take place outside the Biofuel Finance and Investment World Conference at Royal Garden Hotel, Kensington High Street (near High Street Kensington tube station) on Tuesday, 27th November, 12 noon to 2pm.
Biofuel investment means more global warming, more deforestation, more people going hungry because of higher food prices and food shortages, and more human rights abuses and refugees as agribusinesses take control over ever larger areas of land.
www.biofuelwatch.org.uk

6) CRITICAL MASS DATES AND UPDATES – OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2007
Sheffield; last Friday of the month, 5:30pm at the University Concourse.
London; last Friday of the month, 6:00pm under Waterloo Bridge by the NFT, South Bank. Next ride November 23rd 2007.
http://criticalmasslondon.org.uk/main.html
For reports on the October rides see;
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/6274

7) CLIMATE CHANGE BIKE RIDE / NATIONAL MARCH – LONDON, 8.12.07
Saturday 8 December, Cyclists assemble 10am Lincoln’s Inn Fields. Cycling to Parliament Square to link up with main march to US Embassy, (timed to coincide with the UN climate talks in Bali). Marchers assemble 12 noon Millbank for main march. [Westminster Tube]
2.30 pm Rally at US embassy. Speakers include Chris Huhne MP, Michael Meacher MP, Caroline Lucas MEP, Zac Goldsmith, George Monbiot. The National Demo in London will be one of many global climate demonstrations taking place on the 8th.
http://www.campaigncc.org

8) BEYONDTV FESTIVAL – SWANSEA, 28.11.07-2.12.07
Undercurrents will host the 8th annual BEYONDTV festival of political documentaries, animations and music videos from inspiring media directors. All films will have a theme of social or environmental activism. Hosted in the very heart of Swansea, BeyondTV promises to be an entertaining week with all proceeds going to to support the charity work of undercurrents.
http://beyondtvfestival.clearerchannel.org/whatisbtv

9) CLIMATE CAMP EXHIBITION ON TOUR – WINTER 2007
The Climate Camp exhibition documents in sound, words, installations and images the life, workshops and direct action of those ten busy days in August. It examines the issues and thinking of people who seek to stop the world sleepwalking into a disaster that is manifestly preventable, but hugely profitable for a powerful few. This exhibition will be touring UK cities threatened by regional airport expansion.
Workshops, talks and film screenings will appear at http://www.minimouse.me.uk/show as they are confirmed.
Photographs from the show are a selection from those to be seen at
http://www.minimouse.me.uk/photographers.html

10) LOW-IMPACT LIVING INITIATIVE COURSES – WINTER 2007
LILI will be running 10 courses at a new venue called Unstone Grange (nr. Sheffield) and 28 one day courses at Hackney City Farm in London. For the full range of courses for 2007-2008, see;
http://www.lowimpact.org/courses.htm

11) PLYMOUTH ENVIRONMENT CENTRE ART EXHIBITION – NOV-DEC 2007
Plymouth Environment Centre is holding a fund-raising art exhibition and auction at the B-bar in the Barbican Theatre, Plymouth.
Exhibition – Friday 23rd November to Thursday 13th December 2007
Auction – Thursday 13th December 2007 starting at 7pm
http://plymouthenvironmentcentre.org.uk/art_auction.php

12) EARTHFIRST MOOT / NEW ACTION UPDATE – WINTER 2007
To download the EF! Action Update and for advance notice of the Winter Moot (February gathering of eco-activists) see;
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/6347

13) FOSSIL FOOLS DAY – 1.4.08
The site is now running and will be filling up with images, ideas, graphics, posters, links…
Check for updates on what promises to be a memorable day of action.
http://www.fossilfoolsday.org

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RECENT HAPPENINGS:
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1) SONGS OF FREEDOM AT OPENING OF SHELL’S WILD LIE EXHIBITION – 27.10.07
15 or so folk from all over Carbon Town gathered today to sing a new hymn of hope to an oil-free future in the co-opted cathedral that is the Unnatural History Museum, where the heartbreakingly beautiful Shell Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has just opened. Gradually the singers were removed, gathering again on the pavement outside with
images from the Shell’s Wild Lie exhibition and more songs. Spirits were high, and responses from the public lovely and heart-warming. No police were present. It still looks as if the campaign to get Shell kicked out as sponsor might bear fruit – we’ll find out very soon if its 2 year contract will be renewed. Let’s keep the pressure up!
For a full report and what you can do to help, see;
http://risingtide.org.uk/node/231
http://www.artnotoil.org.uk//content/view/39/1/
For a short film of the action, see;
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/10/384607.html

2) NATIONAL DAY OF LOCAL ACTION VS. ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND – 15.10.07
From Edinburgh to Cornwall, blockades to invisible theatre, polar bears to treacle tarts; RBS felt the sting today. All in all there were 32 actions across the country including firsts for several groups. Everyone is delighted with the phenomenal response to the day of action…except RBS of course! The actions highlighted their role as one of the world’s
largest funders of climate-wrecking oil and gas extraction. For full reports on the various fantastic protests see;
http://risingtide.org.uk/node/230
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/10/383812.html
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/5176

3) THE PEOPLE’S BLOCKADE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST COAL PORT – AUSTRALIA,
3.11.07
Rising Tide Australia estimate that about 400 people came to Horseshoe Beach, Newcastle and that about 250 entered the shipping channel to blockade the world’s biggest coal port with canoes, kayaks and inner tubes. This was a fantastic show of community determination to take action against Australia’s biggest contribution to climate change, despite
resistance from government and industry. As well as being a powerful and symbolic action, the protest succeeded in disrupting coal exports from Newcastle Harbour.
http://www.risingtide.org.au/peoplesblockadereport

4) GREENWASH GUERILLAS DISRUPT “CARBON TRAITORS” IN NEW YORK – 30.10.07
Rising Tide North America’s Greenwash Guerrillas paid a surprise Halloween visit to the Carbon Market Insights conference in New York City. Posing as delegates, two protesters took the stage at the exclusive event and presented the 700 attendees with a “Deed to the Atmosphere” denouncing Carbon Trading as a sham approach to the fossil fuels crisis. The action was the first in the US to target the growing Carbon Trading industry.
http://risingtidenorthamerica.org/wordpress/category/front-page/

5) BP EXECUTIVE PIED AT EUROPE’S LARGEST BIOFUELS EVENT – 17.10.07
A stunned audience gasped as a cream-pie was launched at BP Biofuels’ Europe & Africa Director Oliver Mace, while activists swarmed the stage and handed out leaflets to attendees. One of the protesters D-locked himself to the podium, telling delegates “we need to reduce our consumption now – technological fixes are not the answer.” Panic alarms
were then set off around the room and the conference was halted.
There was also a demo outside the event and a lock on blockade at a D1 refinery. D1 are one of the biggest traders in biofuel specific crops.
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/10/384123.html
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/5205
http://www.biofuelwatch.org.uk/expoprotests.php

6) CAMP HOPE, GLOUCESTER – 20-21.10.07
Camp Hope took place in a field opposite the entrance to Gloucestershire Airport on the weekend of 20/21 October 2007. Activists set up the camp in protest at the proposed expansion and increased aviation at Staverton in Gloucester. Workshops and discussions included those given by; Bicycology, Plane Stupid, Seeds For Change, Stop Bristol Airport Expansion and Biofuelwatch.
http://www.myspace.com/campofhope

7) PLANE STUPID AT MANCHESTER AIRPORT – 8.10.2007
Activists from Manchester Climate Action and Manchester Plane Stupid blockaded the security check-in of terminal 3 of Manchester Airport. Passengers were denied access to the departure lounge by seven activists locked together using arm-tube devices. Leaflets and train timetables were handed out. Two banners were unfurled reading, Manchester City Council…supporting climate chaos and Domestic flights cost the Earth. The action was inspired by the Camp for Climate Action.
http://www.planestupid.com/?q=content/climate-change-activists-blockade-domestic-flights

8) GREENPEACE PROTESTORS SHUT DOWN POWER PLANT – 8.10.07
Greenpeace campaigners staged a dawn raid at a power plant which could be the site of Britain’s first new coal-fired station for 20 years. More than 50 activists said they wanted Prime Minister Gordon Brown to reject the proposal for the Kingsnorth site, on the Hoo Peninsula, in Kent. After entering the site, one team locked on to conveyor belts while another team climbed to the top of the chimney.
http://greenpeace.org.uk/tags/kingsnorth

9) TOTAL BLOCKADES – OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2007
A wave of demonstrations against the oil giant Total and its role in supporting the brutal regime in Burma have taken place in London, Bradford, Cardiff and Oxford. While not strictly climate-based, these protests keep the spotlight on criminals like Total. Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s pro-democracy leader, said that “Total has become the main supporter of the Burmese military regime.” She told the French weekly Le Nouvel Observateur that “Total knew what it was doing when it invested massively in Burma while others withdrew from the market for ethical reasons”.
http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/5122 & 5137, 5204, 5207 & 6346

10) NUFFGLOBAL FILMS – NOVEMBER 2007
NUFFglobal film festival supported a project to produce 25 short films on different aspects of climate change made by young film-makers from around the world. For more info and to watch the clips online see;
http://nuffglobal.net/

11) ESCALATING DEFLATION CAMPAIGN AGAINST 4X4S IN SWEDEN – OCT ‘07
One thousand 4x4s have now been disarmed by The Indians of the Concrete Jungle! The campaign is spreading like wildfire, prompting national debate and furious aggression among SUV-owners.
http://asfaltsdjungelnsindianer.wordpress.com/

12) DIRECT ACTION NEWS FROM GREECE – 7-15 OCTOBER 2007
http://directactiongr.blogspot.com

13) BATH BOMB, ISSUE 4 – NOVEMBER 2007
For the 4th edition of Bath’s premiere radical tabloid see; http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2007/11/385124.html

Compiled and sent out by Rising Tide UK: info at risingtide.org.uk
To receive this News Sheet monthly, email news-subscribe at risingtide.org.uk
with the subject line ‘subscribe’ (without the quotes).

Autumn EF! Action Update out – and advance notice of the Winter Moot, 22-24 February (gathering of eco-activists), Nottingham

The latest issue of the quarterly EF!AU was dished up at the Anarchist Bookfair – bursting at the seams, it had to be turned into a bumper issue, with a round-up of the actions around the time of the Camp for Climate Action, plus loads of action reports from around the world since then – from pieing oil executives, blockading garages & airports, polar bears locking-on, sabotage, prisoners, occupied spaces, digger-diving, GM crop-trashing, to cake and the cunning use of mung beans (oh, and of course, much much more).

Download it to print out and share here. Do get in touch with the editorial collective to let them know if you’re dishing it up round your way, or need paper copies, or want to give them one of the rarer ingredients, dosh (to send it to prisoners, protest camps and far beyond) – their contact details and more are here

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The EF! Winter Moot will happen from 22nd – 24th February 2008, in Nottingham – more details nearer the time, as this is just advance notice.

It’s a gathering for environmental activists – in the past, it’s been a chance for people involved in all kinds of ecological direct action to get together for a weekend indoors to chat about where things are at in the UK, and so improve all aspects of how we work together, in order to take direct action in defence of the earth.

Contact 0845-0223 5254 for more info

Activists set up “Camp Hope” at Gloucester Airport

Activists have set up Camp Hope at Gloucester Airport in a protest over proposed expansion and increased aviation at Staverton in Gloucester

Peaceful protest against the airport’s impacts on noise, the environment, and the area’s image

The airport claims “only a small minority are opposed to the development,” Come and show them that you are not part of a small minority by making your voice heard.

This campaign is about more than an airport. It is about our resolve to adapt to climate change.

You can come and camp for the weekend, or just come for the Saturday or Sunday.

For more information email CampForTheFuture@btinternet.com

Take Action at Camp Hope 20th/21st October. A Climate Camp @ Staverton Airport, Gloucestershire.

Camp Hope 20th/21st October, Staverton Airport, Gloucestershire Airport

At a location close to the airport, see

http://www.myspace.com/campofhope

http://CampForHopeAtStaverton.blogspot.com/

More images can be found at http://www.radical-images.co.uk
and on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/radical_images/sets/72157602561523510/

Activist Film Festival is seeking submissions

Undercurrents is calling for submissions of short videos and animations on the theme of the festival: social justice and environmental action.

Subject: Political Activist videos wanted
From: undercurrents

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS OF FILMS

FOR BEYONDTV FESTIVAL NOVEMBER 2007

What is BEYONDTV?
From November 28 to December 2, 2007, Radical media charity, Undercurrents will host the 8th annual BEYONDTV festival of political documentaries, animations and music videos from inspiring media directors.

Undercurrents is calling for submissions of short videos and animations on the theme of the festival: social justice and environmental action.

Important Note: We do not screen dramas using actors

BEYONDTV will be hosted at the Dylan Thomas Centre and Taliesin Cinema Swansea from November 28 – December 2, 2007

More details at http://www.beyondtvfestival.info
beyondtv@undercurrents.org

Undercurrents
Old Exchange
Pier st
Swansea
SA1 1RY
UK

CLIMATE CHANGE ACTIVISTS BLOCKADE DOMESTIC FLIGHTS IN MANCHESTER AIRPORT PROTEST

8.10.2007
Activists from Manchester Climate Action and Manchester Plane Stupid have blockaded the security check-in of terminal 3 of Manchester Airport. Passengers are being denied access to the departure lounge by seven activists locked together using arm-tube devices. Two banners have been unfurled reading, “Manchester City Council…supporting climate chaos” and “Domestic flights cost the Earth”. Other protesters are leafleting passengers with information about aviation and climate change as well as handing out train timetables for route destinations.

Aviation is the fastest growing source of green house gases and according to the government is responsible for 13% of the UK’s global warming contribution [1]. The overwhelming majority of flights from terminal 3 are to domestic UK destinations such as London Heathrow. These are the most unnecessary flights. The group are calling for an end to all domestic and short-haul flights and for international aviation to be included in the Climate Change Bill.

The protesters are also highlighting the contradiction between Manchester City Council’s ‘Green City’ initiative and their 55% ownership of Manchester airport . The airport intends to expand its annual passenger numbers from 22 million in 2005, to 39 million by 2015, to 50 million by 2030. [2]

Green Party Councillor Vanessa Hall, who is taking part in the blockade said, “Manchester Council say we need the income from the airport to fight poverty. The Airport costs the people of Manchester in tax breaks and subsidies – this money should be invested directly into green industries directly creating jobs and relieving poverty. Climate Change will have a massive impact on our economy, health and
well-being. It is environmental and economic lunacy to consider any expansion of aviation. We can’t be a Green City with an expanding Airport. I am blockading domestic flights to highlight the true cost of flying and to call the council to account for their hypocrisy.”

The action today was inspired by the Camp for Climate Action which saw around 2000 protesters gather next to Heathrow airport in London this summer.

Robbie Gillett, also present at the protest said, “It is no longer socially acceptable to fly from Manchester to London given what we know about climate change. It’s absurd when there are train alternatives readily available. The money earmarked for the expansion of British airports needs to be redirected towards improving our rail infrastructure. We’re the last generation who can stop climate change and time is running out.”

ends

Notes to Editors
[ 1 ]. Source : www.aef.org.uk/campaigns/detail.php?art_id=579
[ 2 ] Source: ‘Manchester Airport Draft Master Plan to 2030’. page 39

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A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Just after 7.30am police were called to Terminal Three at Manchester Airport following reports of a protest.

“Officers arrived at the entrance to the departures lounge, where up to 12 protesters were preventing passengers from getting through.

“Police are currently working with airport staff to arrange alternative ways for passengers to get into the departure lounge, and continue to monitor the situation.”

A spokesman for the airport said the protesters had not passed through security checks.

“At the moment, passengers cannot get through to security, but we do have alternative ways of getting passengers through,” he said.

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Video showing the beginning of the blockade of Manchester Airport Terminal 3’s domestic security checking zone. Passengers are being denied access to the departure lounge by seven activists locked together using arm-tube devices.

Video (mpg1) of Manchester airport blockade – video/mpeg 18M

or streamed video

or small mp4