Climate Chaos – Page 100

Fight Speciesism! #8 – Out Now

Spring 2009 issue of the latest anti-speciesist, anti-capitalist, abolitionist direct action news is out now.

Articles: SHAC 7 solidarity, operation sinking ship, hunt sabbing, mink released, ‘fashion’ shop closed, liberationists arrested, max mara campaign, international actions, prisoner letters, police under attack, alf vs wageningen uni, prisoner support, monkeys fight back, netcu, bullring riots, aeta 4, earth liberation, mexican actions, whale wars, rioting in london and edo smashed.

Spring 2009 issue of the latest anti-speciesist, anti-capitalist, abolitionist direct action news is out now.

FS! #8 https://www.indymedia.org.uk/media/2009/03//424982.pdf

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Antispeciesist Action is a collective of militant antispeciesists and animal liberationists committed to confronting animal abuse, suffering and exploitation of non-human beings through the use of direct action.

G20 critical mass & link to action maps, meeting points, and resources

A voyage of exploration into the world of Carbon Trading, what it is and who’s making a killing out of trading in hot air.

Wed April 1st 9:00 AM Meet at Bank Junction (Bank tube station) EC2

You’d be a fool to miss it! Want more? Get involved with: http://www.climatecamp.org.uk

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A voyage of exploration into the world of Carbon Trading, what it is and who’s making a killing out of trading in hot air.

Wed April 1st 9:00 AM Meet at Bank Junction (Bank tube station) EC2

You’d be a fool to miss it! Want more? Get involved with: http://www.climatecamp.org.uk

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For other G20 plans, actions & info, follow the links under G20 1-2 April 2009 in the updated upcoming Action dates & gatherings

Callout for organising! Scottish Camp for Climate Action

Building a more sustainable future in four easy steps:
1. Get out your diary and find a pen
2. Open it at the pages for the 4-16 June and 3-10 August
3. Write in very large, bold lettering: CLIMATE CAMP SCOTLAND across these dates

What’s the Scottish Camp for Climate Action?

Some time between 3-10 August, activists, campaigners and communities from all over Scotland will set up camp! We will be living sustainably and equally, and taking awe-inspiring collective direct action to hold greedy climate criminals to account.

In a time of epoch-making economic and environmental change, we’re going to be making direct changes for the better. We’ll be taking control of our lives, of our society, and standing up for what we believe in. We’ll refuse to believe the greedy polluters and financiers, when they say it’s just not the right time to clean up their act. We’ll clean it up for them!

The Camp (whether urban or rural) will be a living example of collective, imaginative low-impact living, full of practical solutions. Its not just about plastic bags and light bulbs any more, these things isolate us and distract us from the real problems. Instead, we will work together to build strong, sustainable and powerful communities.

Whilst we haven’t decided where the camp will be yet, there’s no shortage of options. Whole swathes of airports, coal power stations, open cast mines and agrofuel installations and motorways are planned for Scotland. We also have the luxury of hosting the headquarters of international banks like RBS and HBOS, whose greed got us into this economic and environmental mess.

What’s happening in the run-up to the camp?

Some time between June 4-16 there will be a Climate Camp Convergence, with informative and practical workshops and discussions, opportunities for building links between campaigns, and the chance for us to collectively plan the future of climate activism across Scotland. By the time the August Camp rolls around we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

How do I get involved now?

Making this happen needs loads of ideas, energy and input. In short, it needs you. And all your mates!

Come to an organising meeting!

We organise horizontally, without leaders, and everyone has input into decisions. At the moment, most of the organising is being done in Edinburgh. We want this to change! We plan for local organising meetings to feed into regular Scotland-wide Gatherings.

Next meeting: Edinburgh, Tuesday 24th March, 7pm
at the Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh (ACE) www.autonomous.org.uk

The following meeting will be on April 7th , 7pm, ACE in Edinburgh.

On the agenda, Tuesday 24th:

1.What focus each of the summer convergences will have: direct action, education, movement building etc, And what some of the specific content will be.
2. What the exact dates of each convergence will be.

Start organising in your area!

– Get organising with people in your area and see how much time, energy and resources you can bring to a Climate Camp in Scotland. To be effective, Climate Camp Scotland needs to have strong, decentralised groups doing the planning and preparation.

– Please get in touch if you want to help organise Climate Camp Scotland! so we can work together to find meeting times and locations that as many people can get to from around the country.

– Host the Climate Camp Scotland Info Tour in your area, to find out what’s happening this summer, what has to be decided and prepared, and how you can get involved.

– Email: climatecampscotland@riseup.net to request the Info Tour and with any questions however big or small!

Call for support for squatted island on Thames – come visit & use

Due to the need for urgent environmental action. We have occupied an island in The Thames.

In these times of rising tides and melting ice shelves, we thought we should get a bit closer to studying the watery world and its rise.

Due to the need for urgent environmental action. We have occupied an island in The Thames.

In these times of rising tides and melting ice shelves, we thought we should get a bit closer to studying the watery world and its rise.

Ravens Ait Island is a unique wedding and conference centre with halls, many rooms, (opposite Hampton Court). Which we are transforming into an Eco Conference Centre. Come visit, help, book in to run a skill sharing workshop and put it on the timetable. Network it.

There will be an ongoing discussion here “how do we find SOLUTIONS to the environmentally critical situation we face?”

The situation we face along with all the species of the planet.

Ravens Ait Island, Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 4HN. Opposite Catherine’s Road, Kingston British Rail or Surbiton BR. (From Kingston BR turn right to Kingston Bridge, turn left at beginning of bridge and walk down Thames footpath on the same side as Kingston BR for 10 minutes untl you reach London River Yacht Club.

You will see the Island Ring us on 07769 791 387 or 07900 800 055 or 07964672922 to let us know you are coming and to arrange a boat to pick you up.

We need responsible and organised people to help set this up as an Eco Conference Centre, please get in touch as soon as possible if you can help in any way.

For Latest Info go to www.ravensait.org.uk or Facebook group or person: Ravens ait

WE network Agenda 21 a blueprint for a sustainable 21st century.
We want to focus on solutions to be networked up to the Copenhagen Summit,Ref “the AGE of Stupid”-(film see it). probably one of the most important meetings in human history.

We have just been to court got a possession order but are appealing we need many people to come and save this historic piece of common land that the council want to flog off to developers.
We need networkers, gardeners, builders, designers, climbers, media, grafters, poets, musicians, students, skillsharers of all variety,youngsters oldsters and all sorts to make a rainbow. As soon as possible.

Keep networking for a sustainable future

Lots more info & films at our website.

Newcastle Coal Port closed down by Climate Protestors

21st March 2009

21st March 2009
Climate protestors have closed down the Port of Newcastle for the day, with a peaceful blockade of coal loading facilities. The Port of Newcastle is the world’s largest coal port, transferring coal mined in the Hunter valley for export. Hundreds of protestors gathered at Horseshoe Beach with many launching kayaks, canoes and small boats to blockade the harbour. Newcastle Port Corporation cancelled all ships coming into the harbour for the day due to safety concerns.

NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon who participated in the blockade organised by climate action group Rising Tide Australia, was reported in an AAP news report “These people sent a serious message that the government, if they are going to be serious about climate change, they must address the coal industry,”

“On average some eight vessels enter the port each day,” she said. “So it has been a success. It is the fourth time this blockade has been held and each time it attracts plenty of support and we will continue with future peaceful actions if we think it’s necessary.”

Rising Tide spokeswoman Carly Phillips told the Newcastle Herald before the protest that “Australians are coming together to occupy the world’s biggest coal port and this country’s single biggest contribution to climate change,” she said. “People are angry that State and Federal governments are overseeing a massive expansion of coal exports at a time when the industry needs desperately to be phased out.”

Lee Rhiannon estimated 500 people participated in the peaceful blockade.

Background Interview: Carly Phillips speaking with Erin Smith on Community Radio 2SER’s Razors Edge Program, March 18, 2009 – Blockade planned at the world’s biggest coal port

Sources:

AAP report in Sydney Morning Herald, 21 March, 2009 – Protesters force port closure
Newcastle Herald, 21 March, 2009 – Rising Tide protest to blockade Newcastle harbour

Social Centre in Hackney Downs- London- is Calling for Support

Dear all
Social Centre in Hackney Downs is calling for support.
We have been squtting this place for 4 years. We have gone through lots and now that finally we could do something with this beautiful place we have to be evicted.The landlord wants to build new flats.
We are still going to do as much as we can.
The local community is also supporting us. The plan is to create a community centre, play centre, youth club, art centre.We are creating a coop with the neighbours.

But we need all the support from everyone who wants to help.

Ongoing Gallery – Call for Artistes
Planned is Film Night-Call for independent film makers- animators-short films
Children activities in the afternoons ending with show case of their work and final children party
Life drawing Class wed 25 March and week ends Open Classes everyone welcomed!
Flamenco Classes from 1-3 every week day
Critical Mass ending here with Film and sound system?cycles powered – ( To be confirmed)
Jumble sale to raise money for court case and future Community Centre organised by the neighbours
Cafe’- we need people to bake-cook-help
Open mike-
Call for Acoustic musicians- Chill out -djs-minimal electronica- anything that is not gonna be too loud!
Although we could have live bands during the day;;we will keep you informed!

Events from Friday 20 March – Eviction 3 April 11.45am
Assembly Rooms
8, Andre Street
E8 2AA

utopia.unknown@gmail.com
WEBSITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Shell to Sea supporters occupy Shell office in Belmullet in Support of Maura Harrington

Monday, 16th March 2009, seven members of the Rossport Solidarity Camp occupied the Shell office in Belmullet, County Mayo, for over an hour, in support of Maura Harrington. Maura has now been in jail for six days of her thirty day sentence.

The camp members of the camp entered the office and held up a banner reading “Free Maura”. Shell’s Communication officer Christy Loftus came into the lobby and fielded questions from the group for the entire period. Some people made it into the main part of the building; during this time the fire alarms went off in the building. Gardaí were called to the office, came inside and asked the group to leave. The group remained in the building for another 45 minutes questioning Christy Loftus and then left later of their own accord. No one was arrested.

Also this morning, the Shell to Sea trailer was opened at Bellanaboy refinery site.
Shell to Sea campaigner Pat O’Donnell awoke this morning to find that the windows on his boat had been broken. It is not clear whether the vandalism is related to the campaign against Shell, but it was clearly targeted at O’Donnell’s boat, which was the only one damaged out of a boat yard of over 20 boats. This is the second time his boat has been targeted in the past two years.

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On Wednesday the 11th of March, Shell to Sea campaigner, Maura Harrington was sentenced to 28 days in prison after Judge Mary Devins found her guilty of assaulting a Garda during the incident at Pollathomais Pier on the 11th June 2007. For sentencing for the Section 2 assault, Judge Devins sentenced her to 28 days in prison along with a €1000 fine along with a €1000 donation to the Garda Benevolent Fund and that she be bound to the peace for 1 year. Ms Harrington however refused to sign the bond and so received 2 days in prison for contempt to be run concurrent with her other sentence. Judge Devins also directed Ms Harrington to undergo psychiatric assessment. Judge Mary Devins is the wife of Government Minster, Jimmy Devins.

On thw 11th June 2007, known locally as ‘Black Monday’, Gardai violently removed protesters attempting to stop the illegal instalment of a Shell portacabin on the land of publican Paddy McGrath near Pollathomais. Paddy suffered a stroke and was hospitalized for several months. Many people suffered injuries and despite complaints, no Garda has received even a caution.

Please send messages of support to:
Maura Harrington
Dochas Centre
Mountjoy Prison
N Circular Road
Dublin 7

Shell are due to start work from April onwards, come over if you can!

rossportsolidaritycamp@gmail.com
http://www.rossportsolidaritycamp.110mb.com

The Greening of Peter Mandelson & Hoon ‘hooned’ – arrrested update

6th March

6th March
Green custard was this morning thrown in the face of the Labour governments Business Secretary, Peter Mandelson by Plane Stupid activist Leila Deen. The former Northern Ireland Secretary was accosted moments after stepping out of his limo to attend a so-called ‘low-carbon’ summit in London. In full view of the assembled TV cameras he got a face full of custard and hurried inside. Leila then explained to the cameras that the action had been over Mandelsons unelected and undemocratic role in granting permission for Heathrows third runway on behalf of the business community.

Mandleson referred to the incident as an ‘adolescent protest’. He joked, “I suppose in a democracy people are entitled to have their say but I would rather people said it to my face rather than throw it. I am prepared to take my fair share of the green revolution on my shoulders but I am less keen on having it in my face.”

When interviewed later on the BBC Leila Deen described the move as a “last resort” after the democratic process failed. She said that Mandelson was an unelected politician and he was siding with the “interests of business” rather than the “interests of the people and the planet” in backing the new runway.

She justified the “direct action” as the best way of bringing about change, claiming she and others were excluded from the democratic process. “When democracy is failing you have to resort to any means necessary as long as it is peaceful and does not harm other human beings,” she said.

She continued, “Peter Mandelson is the same person who effectively bullied Ed Miliband and other members of the cabinet to accept a third runway that nobody wants, a third runway that no one was consulted on and no one is able to say no to. It’s not right that someone like Peter Mandelson can stand up and talk about being green.”

Leila Deen, 29, said:

“That such a clearly corrupt human being is still in government, despite being unelected, is an affront to democracy and a threat to any hope we have of stopping the impact that climate change is already beginning to have on our lives. We have a tiny window left to stop climate change. I want to tell my children that I did not stand back and applaud as Mandelson ruined our last chance.”

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March 5th 2009

Hoon ‘hooned’ in silly stunt

Geoff Hoon woke up yesterday and went out to give a speech to the Royal Society about the many solutions to aviation and climate change. The solution, of course, is to let everyone fly as much as they like, because technology would save us. Technology and the Emissions Trading Scheme, which, as he reminded his audience, is a real and effective cap on aviation emissions in Europe…

HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOON!

The Secretary of State was cut off in mid-flow, as a loud honking noise blared out across the room. Up popped a young woman who apologised for making a racket. She’d rather foolishly forgotten to turn off her lie detector horn, which had picked up on Hoon’s rather blatant fibbing. It wouldn’t happen again, she promised.

Of course it did; other people in the audience had brought their lie detectors and these kept sounding as Hoon tried to give his speech. If only, he thought to himself, I’d remembered to tell the truth, instead of a bunch of nonsense that sounded good when Flying Matters told it to me. Maybe these silly stunts have a purpose after all…

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Update: Leila Deen, Custard Queen, Arrested

8th March
London activist Leila Deen was arrested Saturday for throwing green custard over government minister Peter Mandelson on Friday to protest at his undemocratic involvement in the decision to Heathrow airport. She received a text message and phone call from the police to inform her she was to be arrested for common assault. After being interviewed she was released without charge, and bailed to return on the 9th of April.

Lelia had managed to avoid security outside the Royal Society on Friday morning where Mandleson he was due to attend a co-called ‘low-carbon’ summit in London. After Leila threw the custard over him, Mandleson rushed inside the building dripping with green goo. About five minutes later he returned to face the media with some hastily prepared damage control ‘wit’.

There is conflicting information on whether Mandelson had made a complaint or whether the police were obliged to investigate the incident without a formal complaint being made. Lelia said that the police had been told that they had to take action although Mandelson had apparently not made a formal complaint but some of the mainstream media reports suggested that Mandelson had now mad a complaint. Mandelson was also reported as saying he was surprised that his attacker “could just saunter off without being apprehended”.

Bank climate rush at RBS

5th March 2009
About 100 people gathered outside RBS this lunch time.

Environmental “Climate Rush” activists gather outside RBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) to protest the pension pay out to Sir Fred Goodwin, former RBS Chief Executive, of 16 Million GBP.

The second event organised by Climate Rush in less than a week, around a hundred people gathered outside the RBS head offices near Liverpool Street Station, although a large percentage of those were press or others with cameras. The police were there to in great numbers guarding every door to the vast RBS building and plenty more in reserve in vans hidden away in the back street just in case. An uncomfortable mix of Met and City cops, they needn’t have worried as the hastily organised ‘rush’ had attracted only a small crew and the action turned into more of a picnic than an full frontal assault on the bank.

Despite being a climate rush event it did attract the local Whitechapel Anarchist, the Government of the Dead and Class War’s Ian Bone. So-called ‘FIT’ were there too to take some snaps and make voice inaccurate observations about people personal lives. Crowds of city workers took photos with their mobiles from vantage points on the opposite side of the road and RBS employees watched from the balconies inside their glass fortress.

Speeches where made (amplified over the tandem towed trailer sound system) and highlighted the how this bank which is now mostly owned by the tax payer continues to supply funding to industries complicit in climate crimes. Much was made of a certain wankers retirement pay-off and a cap was handed round to top up his pension should he choose to forgo his undeserved wind fall (the £8.27 collected was later given to a homeless person who seemed more in need). Also raised during the speeches was the mobilisations being planned around the G20 in April.

Many passers by enquired what was going on, at least one joined in. There were no arrests, no rush. Lots of cameras, little to shoot. Some food, some tea, little anger but a bit of dancing.

History Repeated – Skyr Thrown on Greenwashing PR Managers

March 5 2009
Yesterday three black dressed individuals, masked with aluminium foil, threw green Skyr (traditional Icelandic dairy product) on representatives of Icelandic energy companies during a greenwash presentation in the University of Iceland. In June 2005 Saving Iceland threw Skyr on representatives of Alcoa and Bechtel during an international aluminium conference in Reykjavík.

Gaia – the student association of Master students in Environment and Natural Resources, had organized a “Green Week” in the university. Among activities was this particular presentation by e.g. Landsvirkjun (Iceland’s national energy company), O.R. (Reykjavík Energy) and Geysir Green Energy; all companies who are involved in the development of the aluminium industry in Iceland.

GreenwashNobody has claimed responsibility for the action and no press release has been sent to the media. But the historical reference is clear and one does not need a lot of imagination to get in mind what the message of this action was.

RÚV, Iceland’s national TV station stated in its evening news that Öskra!, a newly formed movement of revolutionaly students, had claimed responsibility for the action. A little later Öskra! sent out a press release saying:

Yesterday green skyr (traditional Icelandic food which has been used over the years in direct actions – showing disrespect and disapproval) was thrown on the image managers of the energy companies that took part in the green-washing days in the university.

Öskra! – The revolutionary students movement, is not responsible for the skyr throwing action, and does not know who did it, but understands and supports it completely.

“Green Energy” is one of the capitalists false solutions to the environmental destruction which threatens all life on earth. If the energy companies want to call them self green, they can just be green.

GreenwashThe Skyr throwers got away and no one was arrested but according to Iceland Review, a “university staff member caught hold of one of the activists, but lost his grip as a spectator disrupted him. Police are investigating the case.”

Like Öskra!, Saving Iceland announces a complete support with this great action!