Awareness group

It's a gut-busting, heart-breaking cop-out and I'm so very, very angry although sadly not very surprised. The exhaustion we're all feeling in the Greenpeace team here in Copenhagen only adds to the appalling sense of frustration - our leaders swanned in and let us all down. The deal isn't fair or ambitious and it certainly isn't legally binding. Even though the agreement, such as it is, has yet to be sealed, they have failed.
I hoped it would be different but the skewed nature of international diplomacy has led the Copenhagen summit through two turbulent weeks into an exercise in arm-twisting and back-room deals. The bullying tactics of the developed countries have ensured they have got what they want, despite the attempts of some developing countries to stand their ground.
As those such as Naomi Klein and George Monbiot have been saying, they've carved up a new piece of real estate - the atmosphere - and seen to it that they can pollute more than other countries while bearing less of the brunt of the consequences.
The blame doesn't entirely fall on the shoulders of Sarkozy, Brown, Merkel, Rudd and the like, but they share the bulk of it, and trying to shift it on to other countries like China is just feeble. Obama has been a particular disappointment. Despite saying the science should dictate the action, the lack of hard commitments in either of his two speeches today was appalling. Where are the emissions targets? Where is the financing for developing countries? Where is the binding agreement? We need them now, not at some unspecified point in the future.
It's not over though, not by a long way. As the leaders begin to disperse and leave their ministers to hammer out the final details (although how you make something out of virtually nothing is an interesting question), they'll be preparing the spin that will try to convince us that they've done a good job, that they haven't sold us down the river in so business as usual can continue. We all have to hold them to account and show them where they've cocked up.
The spin is already starting as statements from heads of government are hitting the wires, hailing a historic agreement that will set the world on a path to a better future. They're wrong and as things stand, we're on course for a breakdown in our climate and everything that entails.
And can you believe Obama said he had to leave because of inclement weather conditions in Washington?
They can't be allowed to get away with this. People everywhere demanded a real deal before the Summit began and they are still demanding it. We can still save hundreds of millions of people from the devastation of a warming world, but it has just become a whole lot harder. Watch this space for what comes next.

Details of Tonights showing of 'The Age of Stupid'

Age of Stupid film
(Climate Change, Pete Postlethwaite)
showing TONIGHT, Mon 14 Dec 2009
on BBC4
at 10pm.
Really important: please, please contact the BBC after the broadcast. If the programme generates a big enough response, it should be re-broadcast on BBC2, where it will seen by many tens of thousands more people. 
- Write on the BBC talkboard here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbcfour/yoursay/
- Debate on the Points of View webpage here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/mbpointsofview/
- Call them on 08455 19 14 71

PALM OIL INDUSTRY ROCKED AS UNILEVER CUTS TIES WITH KEY SUPPLIER
Indonesia’s largest palm oil company facing damning new allegations
Friday 11th December 2009
Unilever, the world’s largest consumer of palm oil (1), today signaled a tough new approach to the industry by announcing its intention to suspend all purchases with a key supplier on environmental grounds. The supplier, Sinar Mas, stands accused of widespread illegal deforestation and peatland clearance in Indonesia, practices which release vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Indonesia is attending the UN climate talks in Copenhagen as the world’s third largest greenhouse gas emitter, after China and the US (2). The announcement is expected to have far reaching implications for the palm oil sector, as other companies move to avoid similar sanctions and position themselves as good environmental citizens. 
Executives at Unilever confirmed that evidence in a new Greenpeace report, released today, was a major factor behind the announcement. Greenpeace has been running a campaign against Sinar Mas for a number of months.
Reacting to the news, Greenpeace Executive Director John Sauven said: “Unilever’s decision could represent a defining moment for the palm oil industry. What we’re seeing here is the world’s largest buyer of palm oil using its financial muscle to sanction suppliers who are destroying rainforests and clearing peatlands. This has set a new standard for others to follow. Major corporations that wish to be seen as environmentally responsible must immediately stop using Sinar Mas products in their household brands.”
The Greenpeace report which prompted Unilever’s decision shows how companies owned and operated by Sinar Mas are involved in widespread rainforest clearance in Indonesia, as well as the destruction of deep peatland areas and other illegal practices. The Sinar Mas owned company named in the report (called PT SMART) is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, an industry body intended to promote environmental sustainability in the palm oil sector. The evidence against PT Smart presented in the Greenpeace report clearly shows that buying palm oil from members of the RSPO is no guarantee that these suppliers are not involved in forest destruction.
The Sinar Mas group is the largest palm oil company in Indonesia and the second largest in the world. The company also owns Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), Indonesia’s most notorious paper producer. Greenpeace estimates that the carbon emissions associated with the group’s combined operations in Riau province alone are responsible for 113.5 million tonnes of C02 each year (3).
A host of well known companies and household brands use Sinar Mas palm oil or its derivatives in their products. These include Nestle, Kraft and Procter and Gamble - in products like KitKat, Philadelphia and Pringles. (4)
Greenpeace is calling on these companies to follow Unilever and remove Sinar Mas from their supply chains immediately. Greenpeace is also  pressing palm oil producers, including Sinar Mas, to support and implement a moratorium on further deforestation for palm oil. For more information please contact the Greenpeace Press Office on 0207 865 8255

Eight of us from Malvern went on a trip to London on Saturday 5th Dec to join 'The Wave' campaign.  We arrived, by train, at 10.30 in the morning.  The meeting place was Grosvenor Square.  We stopped at the speakers arena to listen to various politicans and speakers, including Caroline Lucas.  The leader of the Greenparty encouraged 'Non Violent Direct Action', and as she put it, "lawful and unlawful action", to instigate  worthwhile action by the government to fight against the environmental devastation that Climate Change is bringing all over the world. The campaign brought 50,000 people from all walks of life, of all ages, from all areas of the country, from (too many to count) Non Governmental Organisation's, to be seen and  heard asking the Government to take hold of the issue and act NOW. 
We marched to Parliament square, banner in hand, to represent the people of Malvern.   We left around 4.30pm to get back to the train, while further action was being taken, on our behalf, by the Climate Camp campaigers who set up camp in Trafalger Square. 
Let Malvern be a leader in this fight against Climate Change.  The voice of Transition Malvern Hills needs to be a little louder to make change happen locally. 
It is always very inspiring to go on these marches as it shows that you are not alone in this cause.  There are many environmental groups that are 'rising up' and joining together, to become, the one voice of the people.  
Ginny
 
 
 
 

21st November 10am to 2.00pm at Belle Vue terrace meet the Polar Bear and feed him a fish if you can, listen to his music and hear his story.  Then march to Malvern Youth Centre to plant two apple trees with Malvern Greenpeace as part of their Airplot campaign.  Come and join the event which is  followed by tea,coffee and cake at the Youth Centre.  Have a look at Leo Murray's film, 'Wake Up, Freak Out, then get a Grip' on youtube.com.

Ginny

Our first 'Beacon Breakfast took place this morning. What a great success it was too! The next one has been organised already. You are welcome to join us for orange juice, coffee and croissants up at 425m (1,395ft) on The Worcester Beacon at 9am on Thursday November 12th.

 The Avaaz  global wake-up call on climate change on September 21. Transition Malvern Hills aims to join this Global event (http://tcktcktck.org/events/major-moments/global-wake-call).  If you are interested in joining us, we will be outside the Lyttelton Well, on Monday 21st September 1pm. Our aim is to highlight the number of women, children and men that are dying daily as a direct consequence of Climate Change. We thought we would all wear black as a sign of mourning, have placards with the statistics and have a 20 minute silent stand.  Join us and wake up the rest of Malvern to this global threat to mankind.

Last night the Awareness group met at The Morgan, Clarence Road. The meeting, as usual, was a mixture of social chat and discussions on the forthcoming events.  It always surprises us as we create our agenda how much is actually going on in the Transition Malvern Hills movement (TMH for those in the know). We had discussions on the Avaaz  global wake-up calls on climate change on September 21.  Last meeting we felt we were too swamped with other ideas, events etc going on, now we aim to join this Global event (http://tcktcktck.org/events/major-moments/global-wake-call).  If you are interested in joining us, we will be outside the Lyttelton Well, on Monday 21st September 1pm. Our aim is to highlight the number of women, children and men that are dying daily as a direct consequence of Climate Change. We thought we would all wear black as a sign of mourning, have placards with the statistics on and have a 20 minute silent stance.  Join us and wake up the rest of Malvern to this global threat to mankind.

During the rest of the meeting we discussed the Open meeting on 24th September, where we are privileged enough to have Satish Kumar coming along to give a talk.  His emphasis focuses’ on how we can move from having an ego-centered world view to an eco-centered world view.  His calm, clear, serene presence inspires and energieses. Our next large event is on 1st October.  This event is a joint venture with Malvern Greenpeace.  It is quite important that we link with different NGO's in the area as this will create a unified movement that is tackling the threat of Climate change and Peak oil on all levels. We have invited local councilors’, Richard Burt and our M.P. Michael Spicer.  Sorry to say that Richard Burt is away on that day and Michael Spicer has sent his usual response which is to say he has a long standing commitment on the day.  Let’s hope we get a little better response from our local councilors’.   Our aim is to mix awareness raising with open discussions within a relaxed social atmosphere.  Anyone who wishes to either help with the orgainsing of the event or wants to offer help on the evening would be very welcome.  Please contact the Awareness group either via the website or the contact number on the events calendar. Our autumn calendar of events will be available from Monday next week.  The awareness group looks forward to meeting you all at our forthcoming events.  Ginny

Many thanks to those that met a Malvern Youth Centre yesterday for our once in a while gardening session (10 of us).  Must say it was a beautiful day.  Janet, who came along yesterday, was a great source of information with a lot of useful tips for us all to share.  She also brought with her some leeks for the vegetable plot and a cowslip plant.  Our aim was to do some weeding then add some of the soil improver Wilma had managed to souce as a donation from out local authorities, many thanks to them.  The garden is flourishing and has obviously been well looked after by the young people at the youth centre.  It was a shame that our visit didn't coincide with a youth centre being open but we will catch them next time (19th September 3-5pm).  We finished the afternoon with a stroll around the field, which proved very productive as there was a lot of soft fruits for us to forage, then tea and biscuits on the creative seats and tables. Thanks again to those that joined in especially the young folk.

N.B.  The youth centre is having a working outside week (10th - 14th Aug).  All are welcome (any age)  to help with the clay oven building, gardening, outdoor activities and to share skills and experiences.

Ginny