Toonclimateaction

2012-01-26T06:04:00.000-08:00

In 2009 concerned activists occupied Mainshill woodland, a beautiful & diverse wood condemed to become an opencast surface mine. After 10 months of resisitance Scottish Coal were forced to pay for a costly and embarasing eviction.
With opencast proposals increasingly being made all around the north east of england and Scotland the time has come to take action, in it's various forms.
From legal and planning challenges to handing out leaflets and direct action a diverse stratergy is essential to prevent an environmental disaster.
On the 2nd of march the planning decision for the proposal to opencast Bradley woodland Co Durham will be made,the community has resisted this mine for over a decade, lets hope the planners make the right choice!! find out more www.toonclimatecamp.blogspot.com

Please forward to all lists and interested groups as the struggle for clean energy is part of the resistance to Global corperations, vicious capitalism and its class systems, patriarchy and wider ecological destruction.
Currentley there are more peoples displaced and fleeing environmental catastrophe than war. Let us stand in soildarity with all refugees and refuse to perpetuate this situation.Nature has no borders....
2012 Dirty Coal Infotour
In February and March we’ll be touring the UK with the Beehive Collective’s True Cost of Coal banner to mobilise against new coal in South Lanarkshire and linking up with local struggles to strengthen our campaigns.
Coal is still a massive issue in the UK – despite some victories against opencast mines and both Scottish Coal and UK Coal being on the brink of collapse, more and more coal is burned and mined every day. This is disastrous for communities and ecosystems, but capitalism’s dependence on cheap and dirty fossil fuels means that the struggle must continue!
In the Douglas Valley, South Lanarkshire, the UK’s largest opencast mining company Scottish Coal is pressing forward with new mine proposals in a desperate smash and grab of what’s left of the valley. Their puppets at South Lanarkshire Council have just approved a new massive 4 million tonne mine at Glentaggart East, close to 4 existing mines and a stones throw away from two primary schools.
Spring into action in the coming months with Coal Action Scotland!
Watch this space for information on tour dates & places – coalactionscotland.org.uk

www.starandshadow.org.uk for directions to the venue

2011-12-15T01:37:00.000-08:00

Carillion could axe 1,000 solar panel jobs in Newcastle

2011-12-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

Carillion's energy services division evolved from the takeover Eaga in Newcastle and its 1,000 staff

One thousand workers on Tyneside are being warned they could face redundancy from the UK's largest installers of solar panels.

Carillion has launched a 90-day consultation with employees at its energy services division.

It blames government plans to halve the money people get when they sell solar energy to the national grid.

But energy Secretary Chris Huhne said it had acted to conserve the solar panels budget by the end of 2012.

The government said the decision to cut the feed-in tariff was intended to make subsidies sustainable given that the cost of solar panels was falling.

Mr Huhne said he was not convinced many jobs will be lost.

'Price worth paying?'

He added: "A lot of the businesses that have been involved in it have been growing at an incredible pace precisely because there's been such a big fall in the cost of solar panels.

"The original subsidies which had been designed without any view of the real world by the last labour government have not been brought down in line with the fall in cost of the solar panels.

"All we've done is move them back in line so that the industry can grow sustainably."

Carillion bought the Newcastle company Eaga, one of the UK's biggest suppliers of heating and renewable energy services, in February for £306m.

The electricity produced by the solar panels it supplies to homes across the country had earned 43p per unit when fed into the national grid because of government subsidies to encourage green energy.

But the company said the government's proposed cut to the feed-in tariff to 21p per unit on 12 December was greater and sooner than expected.

Because of the resulting "significant" reduction in its market, Carillion said it had put all the staff in its solar panels business on notice of redundancy.

Labour's shadow energy secretary, Caroline Flint, said the plan could leave many people on Tyneside out of work and asked whether the government believed "creating unemployment on this scale is a price worth paying".

In a statement Carillion added that solar panels were only part of its business, which "remains focused on energy services markets that continue to offer strong prospects for growth".

Welcome to the Oakland General Strike

2011-11-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

(Wednesday, November 2)

[NOTE: This invitation is addressed primarily to friends and contacts in the San Francisco Bay Area (approx. 1000 people and groups), but I have also sent it to some 3000 other friends and contacts across the country and around the world, as well as posting it at this website, because I believe that many other people will be interested in hearing about what has been going on here. —KK]

Dear Bay Area Friends,

As most of you probably know, the police raid and destruction of the Occupy Oakland encampments last Tuesday, followed by the notorious police violence against protesters later the same day, provoked such an immense expression of outrage from thousands of people in the Bay Area and around the world that the Oakland city government was thrown completely on the defensive. The next day police were scarcely to be seen. The fence surrounding Frank Ogawa Plaza was still in place, but the occupiers calmly took it down and began reoccupying the same spot. That evening, by a vote of 1484 to 46 (with 77 abstentions), the general assembly decided to call for a General Strike in Oakland on Wednesday, November 2. You can see their declaration, a press conference, and other information at www.occupyoakland.org.

The fact that they reoccupied the encampment less than 48 hours after it had been demolished is astonishing enough. But that they immediately shifted to the offensive with such a marvelously audacious venture leaves me almost speechless with admiration. I hope that their appeal meets with correspondingly large-minded and supportive responses by people in Oakland and elsewhere in the Bay Area. Occupiers in many other cities have already been venturing outside their encampments for various types of demonstrations (e.g. the marches to banks and CEO residences in New York City), but this general-strike appeal is upping the ante and moving toward a new level of active engagement with people in the whole community. Occupy Oakland people have been fanning out into the city, speaking with workers and small businesses, with teachers and students, with religious groups and all sorts of other community organizations, in order to enlist support for the strike. At this point I don’t think anyone really knows what the response will actually be, but there are a number of promising indications. In addition to support from nurses’ and teachers’ associations and a number of other unions (see www.occupyoakland.org/strike/), the Longshoremen’s Union is collaborating with Occupy Oakland to bring about a shutdown of the Port of Oakland in solidarity with striking workers elsewhere on the West Coast.

In any case, even if a relatively small number of people actually strike, the mere act of putting such a notion on the agenda is already awakening people to new possibilities. The general strike is not intended to be a mere work stoppage, but a day for positive, creative public dialogue. Leading up to it, there are open meetings every day at 5:00 p.m. at Occupy Oakland where people are discussing what they are doing, or what they propose to do, to prepare for the strike (publicity, outreach, coordination). You are welcome to observe any of those meetings, and to participate if you feel so inclined. During the day of the strike, there will be large gatherings at the same location (Frank Ogawa Plaza at 14th & Broadway) at 9:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, and 5:00 p.m. (the latter gathering segueing into a march to the Port of Oakland), as well as the daily general assembly at 7:00 p.m. But there will be countless other public discussions, large and small, planned and spontaneous, in workplaces and on street corners, some of them initiated by people such as yourself. You don’t have to wait for Occupy Oakland or anyone else to take your own initiatives.

A delightfully mischievous example of such an independent initiative is the fake Mayor’s Apology perpetrated by a good friend of mine. Using the situationist tactic of détournement, he has taken a currently potent image in the spectacle and turned its fetish-power against itself in order to break through what is seen as “possible” or “realistic” and encourage a more imaginative and uninhibited collective brainstorming. (He explains his motives here.)

If you decide to strike, note that Occupy Oakland has declared: “If an employer fires or disciplines a worker for taking the day off, we will picket that business.” However, the Occupy Oakland people realize that many people may not be able or willing strike, especially on such short notice and when many people are still under misimpressions they have derived from the mainstream media. They welcome every form of engagement, suggesting that, if nothing else, you take this opportunity to talk about these issues with your friends and neighbors and fellow workers, as well as to visit Occupy Oakland and get a little sense of what’s going on, whether at the scheduled gatherings at 9:00, 12:00 and 5:00, or at other times simply to roam around the encampment, meet people and get a little feel of the ambience.

For those of you who may be worried about “children missing school”: Children will learn more about community and society and democracy and history in this one day than they will in a month of ordinary schooling. Reports are that practically every Oakland teacher supports the aims of the strike, but that they are not sure whether to actually go on strike, or if so, in what manner. My suggestion is that teachers engage in an active, “teach-in” strike, not just staying home, but going to their classes and opening the entire day up to discussion of these issues: “What have you heard about the Occupy movement, children? Why do you think people are doing it? Do you know what a strike is? Did you know that many of the things we take for granted were achieved because people in your parents’ or you grandparents’ generation engaged in strikes? Did you know that the last general strike in America took place right here in Oakland in 1946?” Perhaps followed by a field trip to visit Occupy Oakland. Whether or not the teachers do this, I am sure that many conscientious parents will make a special point of taking their children to some of the gatherings and events, and that this will be one of the most rich and memorable days in their lives.

For those who may worry about the risk to themselves: Relax. The people taking the risks are the people who occupy public spaces and refuse to leave, knowing that they may be arrested, or who intentionally remain in the streets when told to disperse. As long as you don’t do either of those things, about the only risk you run in visiting an occupation or attending one of the mass gatherings is that you might find yourself questioning your previous priorities in life.

I also encourage you to stop being distracted by the never-ending string of silly objections, most of which are not true and most of which would not be any big deal even if they were true (an occupation failed to get a permit, or it is violating some city sanitary code, or some participant used hostile language against the police, etc.). This is an all-embracing movement and, among other challenges, it’s bringing together people of all walks of life, including homeless people and others who have suffered far more than you and I and who may bear some psychological scars from their sufferings. In such circumstances there will naturally be some problems to work out; and they are being worked out as the occupiers find that they need to deal with them. The people doing the on-the-ground occupying and who are being beaten and arrested by the thousands in cities all over the country are true heroes and they deserve the same kind of support as the civil rights workers did fifty years ago. (For just one example of the sick brutality the Occupy Oakland arrestees have been enduring, see this account by a 43-year-old disabled woman.) Yet they, and all of us who are with them in our hearts, are also filled with a joy that most people in this society are missing, because after a long period of social idiocy and despair we are finally waking up together, and we can see that the momentum of history is on our side. This is not just a protest, or even a series of protests, it’s an international social movement. It’s not about passing this or that new law, much less about electing this or that politician; it’s about people coming together all over the world to reassess the entire social order and to figure out how best to change it.

Whether we ultimately win or not, this movement is not going away any time soon. You’ll have plenty of other opportunities to take part during the coming months and coming years. Nevertheless, in the future, when your children or grandchildren ask you what you were doing when these historic events were just beginning, right in your own cities, don’t you think you’ll feel a little funny having to say that you didn’t even bother to go take a look?

As a final note, I would like to remind you that, while the current focus is on Occupy Oakland, there are also occupations in San Francisco and Berkeley and over a dozen other Bay Area cities, as well as in hundreds of other locations all over the country. Each of them is independent; some are large, some are small; they have various modes of organization and various styles, ranging from mild to militant. But they all deserve your support and input. Check out the ones near you. Even if you don’t wish to join the actual occupation, you are welcome to take part in their general assemblies, and there are many other ways to support them. Above all, if your local politicians and police are harassing them, tell them in no uncertain terms to stop doing so.

KEN KNABB
October 31, 2011

Invitation to the Oakland General Strike of November 2, 2011, called by the general assembly of Occupy Oakland on October 26.

No copyright.

Urgent - help stop plans to destroy wildlife at Gosforth Park

2011-10-21T01:03:00.000-07:00

We need your help to save the fields surrounding Gosforth Nature Reserve in Newcastle from being turned into 600 homes by the end of the decade. This would have a devastating effect on wildlife and the nature reserve, which is a SSSI and Local Wildlife Site.

These fields are home to otters, roe deer, badgers, bats, owls and songbirds and are an important wildlife corridor and part of the Green Belt. The reserve is one of Newcastles last remaining wildlife areas and is home to rare birds, plants and animals including Englands last urban population of red squirrels.

Newcastle City Council is setting out its latest development plans which they are calling their One Core Strategy, this includes a Strategic Land Review in which they have identified potential sites for new development. They are proposing that 8,000 new homes are built in the Green Belt, including 600 new homes in the fields next to Gosforth Park Nature Reserve, which they are calling Salters Lane Neighbourhood Growth Area the fields are conveniently owned by Persimmon Homes.

The fields that would be destroyed provide essential foraging habitat for wildlife that lives in the nature reserve. Without this habitat this wildlife will be lost forever. This includes families of badgers and roe deer, brown hare, several species of bats and birds such as barn owl, kestrel, and buzzard. Other wildlife in the reserve that would be badly affected by this development includes otters, red squirrels, voles, shrews and small birds.? The area is also attractive and peaceful countryside that is well used and loved by local walkers, nature enthusiasts, dog walkers and cyclists.

This areas is so valuable for wildlife that 10 years ago Newcastle Council designated this area as a Strategic Wildlife Corridor linking Jesmond Dene to the wider countryside. Further developments since then make this wildlife corridor even more important today. The Government?s Environmental White Paper, published in June, highlights the importance of creating buffer zones around important wildlife sites and retaining wildlife corridors; the Councils proposal clearly goes against this Government advice.

The Council is consulting people on their views of these plans. You have until 18th November to tell them what you think.

YOUR VIEWS WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. You can stop the destruction of our wildlife and countryside by telling the Council that you object to their plans. The more people who object the better the chance we have to stop this terrible proposal and to save our wildlife and open spaces for future generations.

You can view the Councils full plans at http://onecorestrategyng-consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal

If you want to give them your views on their plans to build houses next to the nature reserve then the policy that you are objecting to is Policy CS3 1a Salters Lane Neighbourhood Growth Area.

To give your comments online go to http://www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk/news/cms/save-gosforth-wildlife/ and follow the instructions. Alternatively send your comments by email to planning&housingstrategy@newcastle.gov.uk or write to

Harvey Emms
Director of Planning
Newcastle City Council
Civic Centre
NE1 8PD

Local residents, the Natural History Society of Northumbria and Northumberland Wildlife Trust are encouraging people who live, work or visit Newcastle to contact the Council and object to these plans and ask the Council to protect this important wildlife area for future generations.

To demonstrate our opposition we are holding a public walk-about of the area at 11am on Sunday 30th October (meet at the entrance to the nature reserve,
http://www.nhsn.ncl.ac.uk/resources-gosforth-nature-reserve.php and there will be a public meeting with Newcastle planners held at Gosforth Civic Hall, 7pm on Tuesday 15th November. Please come along to these events to show your support.

Please forward this email to neighbours, friends or colleagues and ask them to give thier views as well or help to circulate on Facebook and Twitter - I attach a flyer which you may wish to use to help spread the word.

This type of threat to Gosforth Park and other nature reserves is set to become more common if the government's planning reforms go ahead. We would encourage you to write to your MP asking them to influence the Government's reforms so that they benefit the natural environment not just the development industry. The Wildlife Truts have a web-page to help you do this http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/nppf?dm_i=9L7,1WPE,ZLI4G,1OEK7,1

The wildlife at Gosforth Park really needs your support at this critical time. We really hope that you will take a few minutes to contact Newcastle City Council to object to their plans, and if possible join us on the 30th October or 15th November.

Kind Regards
James Littlewood
Director

Natural History Society of Northumbria
Great North Museum: Hancock
Barras Bridge
Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4PT

Tel: 0191 232 6386
nshn.ncl.ac.uk
Email: nhsn@ncl.ac.uk

Registered Charity 526770

URGENT CALL TO ARMS

2011-10-11T02:18:00.000-07:00

Application to Opencast Bradley/Billingside to be determined Tuesday 15th Feb‏

Hello again

We're about to enter our 3rd and final round with UK Coal, regarding their planning application to opencast the Bradley/Billingside site (Pont Valley).

You may remember this was unanimously rejected at Durham County Hall earlier this year, we believe the excellent turnout of supporters helped enormously, despite a recommendation for approval. UK Coal wasted no time in appealing against this decision, and this has now gone to public enquiry. This is our last chance to stop this application, if the decision falls in favour of UK Coal, then there is nothing further we can do to stop this travesty.

We really need your help and support again.

The public enquirey will be held at:

Leadgate Workingmen's Social Club and Institute

33 St Ives Road

Leadgate

Consett

Co. Durham

DH8 7PZ

Commencing on Tuesday 25th October at 10.00. It is scheduled to last 16 days. If you would like to speak at the enquiry, you must register on the first day - we can do that for you if you are unable to attend on 25th.

Members of our group will be speaking on 1st and 2nd November. Just like February's hearing we believe that a show of support will help our argument, so please try and find sometime to come along and cheer us on.

I'll let you all know more details as they come in.

Hope to see you there, please rally the troops

Karen

Ratcliffe Power Station - Protest against the Attack on the M&E Industry

2011-10-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

Time: Friday, October 7 · 6:30am - 9:30am
Location: Ratcliffe On Soar Power Station, Nottinghamshire

Directions - http://www.eon-uk.com/ratcliffe.pdf

Ratcliffe Power Station
Ratcliffe On Sour
Nottinghamshire
NG11 0EE

At a meeting on Monday (3rd October), the sparks on the site voted to walk out this Friday.

This is the first protest for Nottinghamshire in the battle against companies pulling out of the national JIB agreement. They are attempting to impose average pay cuts of 35%, alongside numerous other attacks on terms and conditions.

The action is unofficial - we can't afford to wait for UNITE to initiate a ballot, although everyone is still pushing for this.

Spread the word, join the lads from the site, get involved and save our industry"

2011-08-31T03:39:00.000-07:00

They will not control us

2011-08-18T09:57:00.000-07:00

They will not control us (explicit lyrics)

Scotland Outdoor Skillshare 2011

2011-07-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

Is taking place Friday 26 - Monday 29 August. Make sure to arrive on Thursday and leave on Tuesday! We've just uploaded much more information about the event on the website: http://outdoorskillshare.noflag.org.uk/

It'll be great fun and packed with exciting workshops. Please help us publicise the skillshare by telling all your mates. We can also send you posters and flyers.

Camp Frack - Weekend of 17th-18th September

2011-06-27T09:03:00.000-07:00

Join the resistance to the “fracking” invasion! Stop the massive expansion of shale gas extraction in the UK! We need renewables and powerdown - not another source of fossil fuel!

Fracking operations at Singleton

Join the resistance to the “fracking” invasion! Stop the massive expansion of shale gas extraction in the UK! We need renewables and powerdown - not another source of fossil fuel!

Camp Frack will take place adjacent to the UK's first fracking operations at Singleton, near Blackpool (nearest train station Poulton Le Fylde). It will be organised with the support of a local farmer who is providing the land. It will involve locals, grassroots groups, individuals and NGO's in workshops and discussions on shale gas and on forming effective UK wide resistance against it. It will involve raising local awareness about the problems with shale gas and an action day of protest against the drilling activities currently in progress in the Blackpool area.

More details will be circulated in August regarding venue etc. To be kept up to date or for any questions email campfrack@gmail.com.

Natural Gas Insiders Question Feasibility, Profitability of Industry

Newly disclosed figures and internal documents are raising fresh doubts about natural gas drilling in the United States. According to the New York Times, well-placed financial analysts and experts have circulated warnings about the feasibility and profitability of drilling in shale gas wells across the nation. An August 2009 memo from the firm IHS Drilling Data says, “The word in the world of independents is that the shale plays are just giant Ponzi schemes and the economics just do not work.” Earlier this year, an analyst at PNC Wealth Management compared natural gas projects to the dot-com boom, saying, “money is pouring in” even though drilling is “inherently unprofitable.” In another memo, a retired geologist for a major oil giant writes, “These corporate giants are having an Enron moment … They want to bend light to hide the truth.” A review of more than 9,000 wells shows many wells are failing to meet industry projections, with just 10 percent recouping their estimated costs after seven years. Just 20 percent of wells in three highly-regarded shale formations in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas are believed to actually be profitable. The previously undisclosed data could raise questions about whether companies are illegally inflating claims about the size and productivity of their wells. A former Enron executive who went on to work for an energy company compared the behavior of shale gas firms to his former employer, writing, “I wonder when they will start telling people these wells are just not what they thought they were going to be?”

http://www.democracynow.org/2011/6/27/headlines#14

FRACKING HELL

AS SCHNEWS DIGS DEEP TO EXPOSE CRACKS IN EXPLOSIVE ENERGY CRAZE

A few months since Fukishima, nearly a year since Deepwater Horizon but the global elite aren’t resting on their laurels and it looks like we won’t have to wait too long for the fossil fuel industry to cause the next environmental apocalypse. New kid on the block is the appropriately named ‘fracking’ – or, more explicitly: hydraulic fracturing, a method of extracting natural gas from shale rock layers thousands of feet deep – and its coming here soon.

Already causing waves of mass panic across the US, fracking is a technique that involves pumping huge quantities of water, sand and highly toxic chemicals into shale formations, then blowing it all sky high with explosives in order to fracture the rocks, stick a bore down and get to the fuel resource. This energy-intensive process results in vast amounts of radioactive waste ‘water’, earthquakes and subsistence in the areas around the mines, noxious chemicals being vented into the air, and causes significantly more CO2 emissions than conventional gas extraction.

IT’S ALL RIGGED

But it’s all hands on the rig in the scramble for more ‘homegrown’ alternatives to Arab oil. The recent surge in fracking is largely due to changes in the US Energy Policy Act, pushed by Dick Cheney in 2005. Known as the ‘Halliburton loophole’, it exempted fracking wells from federal regulation under the Safe Drinking Act - letting energy companies pollute Americans’ drinking water without having to by bothered by pesky government interference.

The fracturing fluid contains carcinogenic chemicals, such as benzene, and endocrine disruptors – compounds which can be blamed for a huge range of developmental problems such as birth defects, deformations of the body and sexual development problems. It’s made radioactive by the presence of radium, and other naturally occurring hazardous chemicals such as arsenic and mercury, all brought to the surface through the extraction process. It’s unclear exactly what goes into this noxious cocktail in the first place as the corporations using it are keeping conveniently schtum about their recipe and, despite Dow Chemical admitting to supplying antimicrobial poisons to go into the mix, no regulator is demanding disclosure from the gas miners.

Toxic sludge from over 71,000 wells is currently sitting in huge open storage tanks and leeching into the water table in Pennsylvania, Texas, Wyoming, Arkansas and other US states. The methane that the extractors are after is also seeping into underground aquifers, causing one of the most visible polluting effects: the phenomena of inflammable water. Residents of Pennsylvania, some living up to 1km from mining operations, have water coming out of their taps that has such a high methane content it will actually burst into flames if a match is held near it. An accidental spill in the same state has killed trees and contaminated waterways, with one local explaining, “it’s killed all the fish. [The pond] turns colours different times of the day. Now it’s fluorescent orange.”

Arkansas and Texas have seen unprecedented numbers of earthquakes since mining operations began. In six months Arkansas had over 1,000 earthquakes with more than a dozen registering over 3.0 on the Richter scale, 90% of which have all been within 6km of waste water disposal wells.

Not only is it polluted drinking water and unheard-of seismic activity, but air pollution in Texas has gone off the scale. Even considering the notoriously relaxed environmental quality standards in Texas, in some towns the carcinogen benzene is at levels 55 times higher than laws allow, and neurotoxicants xylene and carbon disulphide, and the blood poison napthalene were found to be up to 384 times over the safe limits.

But don’t worry, at least there’s lots of cold hard cash involved. BP paid more than $3billion for fracking rights in 2008, BHP Bilton spent $5 billion on sites in Arkansas, and Shell have snapped $4.7 billion’s worth of assets in the Marcellus Shale formation in West Virginia and prime mining land in Pennsylvania. The Marcellus Shale is a formation the size of Greece, more than a mile underground, and valued at around $2 trillion dollars. No wonder they’re happy to pay out small change in reparations if needed, as Cabot Oil & Gas did recently when coughing up $4 million in damages to 14 families in Dimock, Pennsylvania, and agreeing to replenish the water supply after a defective well-casing poisoned the drinking water.

http://www.schnews.org.uk/archive/news771.php

Photos and Video of the camp:

http://northern-indymedia.org/articles/2226

j30

2011-06-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Tuesday June 14 / 7 to 9 pm
Star & Shadow
Planning Meeting to GENERALISE THE STRIKE!
j30 - Generalise the Strike - Day of action against the cuts
30th June 2011 may well turn out to be the most important step forward in a mass fight against public sector cuts. Hundreds of thousands of workers could be involved in strike action, from as many as four or five different unions including NUT, PCS, UCU and ATL.
Often strike action can be ignored by those in power but also the vast majority of workers not in unions or directly effected by the issues. Therefore we, rank & file union members, students, precarious workers & unemployed are calling for a mass show of solidarity for those taking strike action and to generalise the strike on June 30th.
From early morning pickets, direct actions, occupations & demonstrations - whatever you're into - lets all do it on June 30th and amplify the resistance to austerity.

Newcastle Green festival 4th & 5th June 2011

2011-05-30T08:48:00.000-07:00

12-6pm Leazes Park

The festival offers a huge range of entertainment, activities, workshops and information to spread a message of environmental protection and social justice……and all running on green power sources.

Newcastle Community Green Festival is an annual, free event, now in its 16th year and is run entirely by a team of volunteers from the local community.

But also For the first time we are hosting the WEA / Co-op sustainability event; with a question time style panel including Newcastle MP Chi Onwurah, and Mayor Geoff O'Brien, at 12 noon till 1.30pm on the Saturday, and practical workshops for all ages organised by Science City throughout the weekend. On Sunday from 2-3.30pm there is the chance to hear what local environmental groups are doing and how you can get involved.

Ride your bicycle to the festival! There will be lots of cycle related activities over the weekend and a chance to have your trusty steed looked over by our on site bike doctor. Dedicated cycle racks will be available.

Circus skills a-plenty! The circus team is planning a real corker this year so come join in with juggling/hulahooping/plate-spinning and a whole lot more. Watch out for the extreme unicycling!

The 2011 music line-up is up on the website - click the entertainment links on the sidebar to find out more about our two stages Green World and Lakeside. Lakeside stage running order has been added.

check the website for more info.
http://www.newcastlegreenfestival.org.uk/

Pont Valley Walk

2011-05-07T14:19:00.000-07:00

Sunday 15th May
10 am
Dipton Community Centre
Followed by soup and cake
Route is 800 feet descend / ascend with 800 years of history
£2.50 Suggested donation

Victory in Dipton!

2011-02-11T05:02:00.000-08:00

URGENT CALL TO ARMS
Application to Opencast Bradley/Billingside to be determined Tuesday 15th Feb

Hello All

After nearly 4 years of waiting the application to surface mine the Bradley/Billingside site (Pont Valley) is to be determined next Tuesday 15th Feb, at 2pm in Durham County Hall.

We have several speakers against the application, but need as many bodies as possible to show the the strength of feeling.

Please come along and support us.

We've also seen a notice about a planned demo (see link) but they have the time wrong, can someone please let them know. I have too many security measures on my pc and can't access their site!!

http://sheffield.indymedia.org.uk/2011/02/473748.html

Unbelievably the planning officer has recommended that the members approve this application, so it's vital we have a good turn out.

Hope to see you there

Karen

Victory Update!

The members unanimously voted to reject the application to surface mine the *Bradley Site* = don't stop campaigning though, we need now to muster action and funds in case there is an appeal to fight. UK Coal left the meeting *considering their position* refusing a press comment.

Green Jobs and Economic Alternatives

2011-01-10T14:23:00.000-08:00

Open Workshop
Million Climate Jobs campaign and the trade unions CWU PCS TSSA & UCU
More importantly we want all interested parties to engage in discussions around what is to be done, by whom, where, and how.....
Bridge Hotel, Newcastle 1 – 4 pm
(What a crap title but should be an excellent meeting; following up the worker environmentlist movement building of the Class, Coal and Climate meeting that was as the same venue last year. Jobs; the exploitation of the many by the few; are the driving force behind everything we are fighting! (ed))

Proposed Opencast site occupied!

2010-09-21T02:57:00.000-07:00

Early evening on Sunday 12th September a group of autonomous individuals successfully occupied a new site in Happendon Wood, South Lanarkshire!
Coal Action Scotland are inviting people to join The Happendon Wood Action Camp (THWAC) to help defend the wood from destruction by Scottish Coal, and to take action in solidarity with communities in the area resisting the expansion of the coal industry in the Douglas Valley.
You can find out more about the camp here — and more information about why we’re at Happendon and what we’re doing there will be coming very soon.Last night (12/9/10) a group of people occupied areas within Happendon Wood, South Lanarkshire (1) to defend it from destruction by Scottish Coal, part of the Scottish Resources Group. They have begun to build shelters and defences on the site, with large banners hung from trees at the front of the site that say: “Defending the Douglas Valley” and “No Opencast Here”. The Happendon Wood Action Camp has come out of a long-term struggle by the local community and Coal Action Scotland (2) to halt coal expansion in the Douglas Valley which is already one of the most heavily mined areas in Europe.
The Scottish Resources Group have applied for planning permission for a mixed use development (3) on this land (which is in an area of Great Landscape Value) in the Douglas Valley, but they intend to opencast the area first. The South Lanarkshire minerals plan highlights areas within the new development as having recoverable coal deposits that can be excavated during the current local plan. Scottish Coal actually wouldn’t be allowed to build on the land without open casting it first, otherwise this would be “sterilising the nations asset” and therefore illegal. (4)
Scottish Coal have not yet publicly declared their interests in opencasting Happendon Wood but many members of the local community have expressed deep concerns that they will be blighted with yet another opencast coal mine. In a recent meeting about the development, MSP for Clydesdale Karen Gillon told local residents that she did not doubt that they would remove the coal, in spite of the fact that the area that SRG wish to develop takes in the opencast workings at Poniel, which are currently due to be restored. Local resident and Douglas and Glespin Community Council Chairperson Lindsay Addison is enraged by the behaviour of Scottish Coal in South Lanarkshire:
“We have serious concerns that this is an excuse for another opencast. We do not want this development, let alone another mine. We will fight it all the way and support the efforts of the wider community in its opposition to new coal in the Douglas Valley.”
SRG’s application for planning permission for this development is ongoing; the decision by the council will likely be made in the coming months. Questions have been raised about the close relationship between Scottish Coal and South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) resulting in SLC issuing each member of the Douglas and Glespin Community Council legal notices stating that proceedings against them are to begin at Lanark Sheriff Court over alleged libel claims. This move is seen by the community as an attack on their freedom of speech. (5)
Notes to Editors:
1. Location: In South Lanarkshire, about 30 miles south of Glasgow, Happendon Wood is an area just off the B7078, surrounding the Dewers warehouse site and Poniel Opencast workings. To reach the site, driving south along the B7078 from Lesmahagow (running alongside the M74), take the first left after Happendon Services onto the C-road; the site front is on your left after about half a mile. A map is available at http://coalactionscotland.org.uk/?page_id=1974#Where
2. Working with and supporting communities across Scotland, the Coal Action Scotland collective exists to challenge the advancement of coal as an energy source by informing people about the dangers posed by new coal, promoting alternatives, working with those involved, and directly challenging new coal exploitation from source to point of use. Mainshill Solidarity Camp was set up just along the road from Happendon Woods last year where people stayed for over seven months, ending in a five day eviction and a total of 45 arrests. See: http://coalactionscotland.noflag.org.uk//
3. This application is Poniel / Happendon Mixed Use Development application from the Scottish Resources Group (Scottish Coal). It is for “Mixed use development comprising industrial and storage and distribution warehousing, business units/office accommodation, hotel with conference and commercial leisure facilities, retail/restaurant floorspace, landscaping, open space and associated infrastructure (planning permission in principle)”, but it is expected that once they get permission for this they will actually be bound to opencast the area for coal. The planning reference for the application is: CL/10/0180.
4. The Coal Authority issue licences to coal companies. The following was discovered in correspondence between them and Scottish Coal:‘Where development is proposed over areas of coal and past coal workings at shallow depth, The Coal Authority is of the opinion that applicants should consider wherever possible removing the remnant shallow coal. This will enable the land to be stabilised and treated by a more sustainable method; rather than by attempting to grout fill any voids and consequently unnecessarily sterilising the nation’s asset.’

COAL PROTEST SITE FACING EVICTION

2010-08-30T05:51:00.001-07:00

- urgent help needed!‏
Huntington Lane coal protest site in Telford is facing an imminent eviction notice within the next couple of days. As many people as possible are needed to help with construction of defenses in preparation for the eviction. If you can spare even a day please come down and help out. Any extra building materials, food or supplies are also urgently needed.
http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2010/08/21/eviction-bid-for-coal-protesters/

Further Info:
OPEN CAST COAL IN THE SHADOW OF THE WREKIN
In October of 2009 UK Coal were granted permission by the then Secretary of State, John Denham to mine 900,000 tonnes of coal from a site called ‘Huntington Lane Surface Mine Site’ near Telford, Shropshire – this beautiful 230 acre site near The Wrekin encompasses part of the Shropshire Hills and is home to a sceduled ancient monument. At least one County Wildlife Site and the flora and fauna of the borough’s largest and most valuable areas of ancient woodland are threatened by the surface mine. The development also involves the disturbance of four badger setts and the foraging territories of a further two badger clans.

Not only does the proposed mine represent a major blot on the beautiful rural landscape, being clearly visible from the Wrekin and many other local areas, and also create three years of noise and dust for local residents – the subsequent burning of the mined coal will release a minimum of 2,430,000 tonnes of climate changing CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

In March 2010 protesters moved onto the site in an effort to resist this destruction at the hands of UK Coal.

HOW TO GET THERE
The entry point is actually on New Works Lane, New Works, Telford, Shropshire. The nearest train station is Wellington (Telford West).

For a map view go to:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=tf6+5bs&sll=52.675432,-2.498875&sspn=0.005738,0.013797&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Telford+TF6+5BS,+United+Kingdom&ll=52.675174,-2.499985&spn=0.000724,0.001725&t=h&z=19

The marker on the map is not quite in the right place but is very close to the entry point for camp – the stile is actually on the other side of New Works Lane, just before the houses begin, in the bushes to the right of a shonky old gate! (Please don’t block the gate if you’re coming by car/van as it’s still in use by the farmer – park at the side of the road if you can. There is more space to park heading north up New Works Lane) If you zoom right in on the map you can see the entrance on Streetview, but be warned – the greenery around the stile has grown substancially since this picture was taken! Once over the stile just follow the path; it breaks off to the left behind the houses and also to the right a little further along; ignore these turnings and follow the straight path which bears to the left after them. Continue to follow the path until you reach the sign directing you to camp.

HOW TO CONTACT THE CAMP
Tel: 07503 583419 or 07727 295232
Email: defendhuntingtonlane@hushmail.com
Web: http://defendhuntingtonlane.wordpress.com

2010-08-20T05:00:00.000-07:00

Camp for Climate Action 2010. Break the Bank!

2010-07-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

Camp 2010 »

We've set up camp right next to RBS Global HQ!

Come join us ASAP or meet noon Thurs at St Andrews Square, Edinburgh to travel together.

Tuesday 27th July
Edinburgh
Facilitation Training. 4:30pm - 7:30pm ACE - 17 West Montgomery Place

Saturday, 31st July & Sunday 1st August
Glasgow
Climate Camp UK gathering. 9am - 7pm - 18 Albion Street, 3rd Floor, Glasgow G1 1LH

Thursday 29th July
Edinburgh
Climate Camp Info-night. 7pm - 9pm - The Forest Hall, 3 Bristo Place, EH1 1EY

Wednesday 11th August
Glasgow
Climate Camp Info-night. 7pm - 9pm - Electron Club, 350 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JD

Wednesday 11th August
Edinburgh
Climate Camp Crew Meeting. 3pm - 6pm - Venue to be confirmed

4 - 9 August
Derbyshire
Earth First! Summer Gathering

Thursday 19th – Wednesday 25th August
Edinburgh
Camp for Climate Action 2010. Break the Bank!
19th–20th August - Occupy and Set up Basecamp
21st–24th August - Four days of Training and Direct Action
23rd August - Day of Action Against RBS
25th August - Return Basecamp to Nature

Critical Mass

2010-06-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

30 July 5:30pm
Haymarket

Yes we can! Create green homes and neighbourhoods.

2010-05-27T01:22:00.000-07:00

23 June - 9:30 - Star and Shadow
The Permaculture Association
The Cooperative Membership
Transition Newcastle
http://www.permaculture.org.uk/coop2010

Green Festival & Movements of Change Conference

2010-05-12T01:35:00.000-07:00

Climate Change Conference
Saturday 5th June 2010 9:30 - 3
Discovery Museum
The Cooperative
Newcastle Science City
European Union
The Open University
Unison Northern Region
Workers Educational Association

Newcastle Unites on St Georges Day

2010-04-15T14:17:00.000-07:00

Report on Indymedia

Support for Black Wood Solidarity Camp needed as Ancient Woodland is felled around the camp

2010-03-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

It’s day three of the occupation of Black Wood, a designated wildlife site and ancient woodland, as campaigners attempt to stop UK Coal from open cast mining 720,000 tonnes of coal from their Blair House site in Fife. The woodland was occupied last Sunday as 25 activists blocked and barricaded the access road using a scaffolding tripod, and took to the trees putting up nets, platforms and treehouses.

Despite the occupation, contractors have continued to fell the birch and oak forest, with occupiers having to watch a huge oak being felled metres from the camp. The sound of chainsaws and machinery surrounds the occupied woodland, with the forested area getting smaller and smaller each day, despite the close proximity to dwellings, tents and tree defences. Support and numbers are needed at the camp.

Meanwhile, local support for the camp is growing with near-by residents who opposed plans for the mine visiting the camp and offering their support. Other visitors have included ever-increasing ranks of police officers, including Glasgow’s V-Division, the tactical support unit, who went around with a spotter card and video camera. There is still a permanent police “checkpoint” before the entrance to the camp, but they’re quite friendly and might even offer to drive you to the bus stop if you’re lucky.

Looking out over the Firth of Forth from the site, over countryside, old coal bings and mining communities, the Longannet smokestack looms in the distance. ScottishPower’s Longannet coal-fired power station is the second largest in the UK and the destination for the coal from this site. Due to be “refurbished”, this is the largest source of CO2 emissions in Scotland and a testament to an archaic and dangerous energy supply.

For as long as places like Longannet burn coal, whether in Fife, South Lanarkshire or in Colombia, communities will have their health impacted, their land stolen and their environment trashed. The world’s ecosystems will continue to collapse and species extinction will continue to spiral out of control. Unless, that is, we make a stand. This occupation is the second occupation of a UK Coal site in two weeks – and such direct action, rooted in community struggle, offers the only glimpse of hope that we have of stopping the wholesale destruction of the planet.

Pont Valley Network walk and Exhibition

2010-03-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sunday, 16th May 2010

Dipton Community Centre
10.00 a.m - lunch at 1.00 p.m
Bus 70 from Newcastle High Level Bridge 08:52

Open Casting Public Meeting

2010-03-19T10:55:00.000-07:00

Monday 23rd March 7.00 pm
Community Centre, Grange Road, Widdrington Station,
Public Meeting by Widdrington Station & Stobswood Parish Council

Banks Group are considering a new opencast site at Ferneybeds, just south of Widdrington Station.
Novera are considering a new windfarm by at the Sisters Site between Widdrington Village and Widdrington Station; this was formerly an opencast site and also a burial site for carcasses during the 2001 Foot & Mouth epidemic.

Suction Dredging the Tyne

2010-03-12T01:38:00.000-08:00

As we write the Alexander Von Humboldt is suction dredging for the new Tyne Tunnel (boo!); see previous pos t.

http://www.marinetraffic.com

BP Oil Workers Picket attacked by ‘anti-mutiny' police

2010-02-25T07:54:00.000-08:00

Colombia Solidarity Campaign

Help Communities Opposing Bradley Open Cast

2010-02-19T06:05:00.001-08:00

This years Earth First! Winter Moot was held in Dipton Community Centre, which looks over the proposed site for an open-cast at Bradley, in County Durham. Members of the local campaign against the mine have asked their supporters to write in their objection to the development.

UK Coal’s application is expected to be heard by the planning officials or Durham Council in the near future. The local campaign would appreciate it if people would write in letters of objection to the following address, stating the Application No. CMA/1/37

Mrs C.L.Teasdale
Plannng Development Control Team
Regeneration and Economic Development
Durham County Council
Durham
DH1 5UQ

The facts about this proposed mine:

UK Coal has applied to surface mine 556,000 tonnes of coal from a coal seem covering 22,000 acres.

The current version of the application is has not yet gone to the Planning Authority.

The application is being resisted by The Pont Valley Network www.pontvalley.net

If the application goes ahead the residents are particularly concerned about the loss of their heritage sites.

The final destination for the coal is either the steel industry or a power station generating electricity.

Burning this coal will release over 2 million tonnes of CO2 being released into the atmosphere.

UK coal say the mine will create 38 jobs. Mr Cory of UK Coal says that there will be no new jobs but people will be transferred to this site.

The mine will need 3 lorry trips per hour, each way.

UK coal and other surface mining companies have applications at the planning stages for a further 13 mines in the area and a further 5 have been granted in the area.

The nearest planned site also currently at the planning stages is Skons Park, which Hall construction are applying to extract half a million tonnes of coal fire clay. This application was last refused in 2007 but Halls have since reapplied this year.

The Bradley site is 10 miles south of Newcastle in a beautiful area. The proposed site can be seen from Newcastle and Cheviot on a clear day. A mine would scar the landscape; cause habitat destruction which would affect many species, including Great Crested Newts and Red Kites; contribute to catastrophic climate change; increase traffic locally and destroy the remains of wagon-ways and bell pit and shaft mines in the area. Residents are also concerned that if the mine is given the go ahead then they will see further extensions applied for and granted.

For more information about the site and to add strength to letters of objection please see http://pontvalley.net and the No Opencast Today or Tomorrow (NOTT) campaign

British Airways Scab Union Exposed

2010-02-15T04:49:00.000-08:00

British Airways cabin crew have exposed the "Professional Cabin Crew Council" (PCCC) as a scab union.
http://www.unitetheunion.com/pdf/021-BASSASupplFeb2010revweb.pdf

Where Next after Copenhagen?

2010-02-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

System Change not Climate Change
Copenhagen looks like it's going to be remembered for two things: one, exposing the COP process of "climate talks" for what they really are - the WTO under another guise, trying to push forward the neoliberal agenda of free trade, privatisation and slashing public spending, whatever the cost to the people and the planet.
But while they were busy drawing up licences to pollute, privatising the air, buying up the rainforests and reaffirming their addiction to fossil fuels, in the streets an exciting shift was taking place as an environmental movement turned into a movement for social justice, led by the powerful social movements of the Global South. This looks like it could be the moment where movements against climate change, war, attacks on workers' terms and conditions and attacks on the public sector all begin to come together to fight the common enemy - but it depends on what we all do now.
Films on the Copenhagen mobilisations including the enormous Saturday demo; delegations from movements in the Global South; La Via Campesina protests, agribusiness and food sovereignty; tar sands, peak oil and energy sovereignty; and the joint CJA/CJN "Reclaim Power" action, the people's assembly, green jobs and building a mass movement.
PLUS The Fujitsu strike, and whatever key workers struggles have happened by then - there's a lot of potential candidates! We'll be taking collections for strike funds.

www.reelnews.co.uk
http://www.starandshadow.org.uk/on/film/551
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Reel-News/272870829604

Newcastle Papua Solidarity

2010-02-08T14:38:00.000-08:00

SMD; of Hadrian Road, Newcastle; are completing a £33m contract to build two seafloor mining systems comprising two Seafloor Mining Tools (SMT) , umbilical systems, surface power and control systems and a single deck handling system. The contract is worth in excess of £30 million, making it one of SMD’s largest, and will run until early 2010. They are for the world's first project to mine seafloor copper, zinc gold and silver. This is the removal of the chimneys of hydrothermal vents in 1,500 meters of water in Papua New Guinea.

Mining Monitor
http://eyeonmining.wordpress.com/issues/deep-sea-mining/2008-update-on-nautilus-mining/
To be clear, SMS deposits is a synonymous term for black smoker hydrothermal vents. The goal of the company is to extract the chimneys, rich in valuable minerals, from hydrothermal vents.
... The obvious first question is whether Nautilus will operate in a more environmentally cautious manner than its shareholders or former company historically has.
... Craig Cary, a marine biologist at the University of Delaware in Newark, says the prospect is unthinkable because of the potential effects on marine life. “If I was in charge of reviewing permit requests there would be some serious questions to answer. Metal sulphides are nasty substances – how are they going to deal with that?” In Science Magazine’s Policy Forum, Jochen Halfar and Rod Fujita (Environmental Defense) wrote on the “Danger of Deep-sea Mining”. They cite sediment plumes, nutrient loads to oligotrophic surface waters, and toxic effects to the water column among their primary concerns. The Australia-based Mineral Policy Institute noted “There is little or no independent oversight of companies’ activities. Exploration activity… is not subject to appropriate regulation and control. This is a grave issue in this case as the areas targeted by these companies coincide with what has been identified as biodiversity hotspots in the region.”

Bougainville
http://www.eco-action.org/ssp/bougainville.html
The vents are 50 km north of Rabaul township, where the the Bougainville environmental revolutionaries negotiated their victory in the Organic Law for Autonomy. The people of Bougainville are one of the few groups of indigenous people to have shut down a mine owned by one of the mining giants of the world. Throughout the South Pacific, and indeed the world, this mineral-rich island with a population of only 160,000 has inspired those struggling for freedom and self-determination. Refusing to be bought off with paltry compensation offers, Bougainvilleans have often paid with their lives to defend their land, culture, environment and freedom.

SMD awarded contract for seafloor mining tools
http://www.smd.co.uk/news/view.php?id=25

Nautilus subsea mining system
http://www.marinelog.com/DOCS/NEWSMMVII/2008may00125.html

Inflexion acquires subsea vehicle specialist SMD
http://www.smd.co.uk/news/view.php?id=35

Agro (fuels) in Barnsley

2010-01-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

A planning application for a biofuel power station in Barnsley which had been
withdrawn has now been resubmitted.  The application, for a 7 MW power station,
is made by Rocpower, a subsidiary of Hargreaves Services, who are planning six
biofuel power stations, one of which has already been granted permission.
The company claims that they will use tall oil (a byproduct from paper production)
and vegetable oil ‘co-product’, a term used so widely that they could well argue
that types of soybean oil and palm oil qualify.  Furthermore, Rocpower have once
again submitted an older Environmental Review to the planning department in
Barnsley which refers to palm oil plans.
To find out more and to object to the planning application, please go to:
http://www.biofuelwatch.org.uk/barnsleyjan2010.php

Mainshill Solidarity Camp

2010-01-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

Pre-Eviction Gathering! Sat 23rd to Tues 26th January

A long weekend of action, workshops and defence-building in preparation for the eviction of the Mainshill Solidarity Camp

Saturday 23rd to Tuesday 26th January, Mainshill Wood, South Lanarkshire



With the long-awaited and highly-anticipated eviction of the camp surely drawing closer, join us for the weekend (and as much time after that as

you can spare!) to add the finishing touches to defences, build new ones and fortify barricades. Ever wanted to build yourself a treehouse? Dig

yourself a tunnel? Make yourself a lock-on? Now is your chance!



We’re asking anyone who wants to be a part of stopping this open cast coal mine, anyone who wants to fight corporate greed, corrupt government

and the feudal land ownership, and anyone who wants to defend a community from the self-interest of the few, to come to the camp and

help us build a viable alternative to the destruction that will otherwise ensue.



Asking nicely has failed. Its time to fight back!



What to bring:



* Warm clothes and waterproofs

* Sleeping bag



Tasty vegan food will be provided, but bring any supplies you can. Any

building materials, tools, climbing equipment, bedding or anything on

our wish list you can spare please bring it along.



Directions –

http://coalactionscotland.noflag.org.uk/?page_id=415#How%20to%20Get%20There

http://mainshill.noflag.org.uk/

Haiti Solidarity

2010-01-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

To support Haitian workers organisation Batay Ouvriye send cheques payable to "MAS/BO" to:
Miami Workers Center
6127 Northwest 7th Avenue
Miami, FL 33127-1111

CLIMATE CAMP REGIONAL GATHERING UP NORTH

2010-01-11T05:23:00.000-08:00

Sunday 24th January 2010
11am
Bridge 5 Mill MERCI Ancoats - MANCHESTER

We hope that the following areas/neighbourhoods will be able to attend in some form:

Liverpool
Lancaster
Manchester
Hebden Bridge
Leeds
York
Newcastle
Nottingham
Sheffield
Bradford
and more

If you up for helping to facilitate a session, or have any agenda suggestions, please email them to manchester[at]climatecamp.org.uk by January 20th.

A travel pool will be available to help cover costs for people coming from further afield. Please book your tickets in advance if you can.

Dysophia and Shift Magazine have joined forces to put together a Climate Camp Reader, “Criticism without Critique”, published in January 2010. This reader hopes to encourage and faciliate debates at the next climate camp gatherings.

Earthfirst! Winter Moot 5th-7thfeb north-east england

2009-12-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

EARTH FIRST! WINTER MOOT6pm Fri 5th - Sun 7th Feb 2010North-east England
"A weekend of networking, reflection, strategic discussions & campaign planning for anyone involved in ecological direct action who believes in non-hierarchical organisation and directly confronting the forces responsible for the destruction of the Earth and its inhabitants"

For enquiries, offers of facilitation & help, ideas for workshops and TO LET US KNOW YOU ARE COMING! email : wintermoot@earthfirst.org.uk
Further info, nearest train station, directions and location announcement will be up on our website nearer the time: http://www.earthfirstgathering.org.uk/
More about the MootThe EF! Winter Moot is an opportunity for people who feel affiliation with the ideas behind Earth First! to network, discuss and reflect on the UK ecological direct action movement and to plan for the future.
Following a popular discussion at 2009's EF! Summer Gathering 2010's Moot also aims to hold discussions on the theme of "readying ourselves for unpredictability and instability in the UK and globally". The current & impending crises of economics, ecology, energy & society fundamentally alter the terrain of struggle; this in turn impacts both the practice and possibilities for a radical ecological movement.

2010's Winter Moot is to be held in County Durham, an area with a large number of opencast coal mines, both active and at the application stage. The weekend will include opportunities to meet with activists involved locally in campaigns against these.
Cost including vegan food & crash-pad accommodation £20-£30 (depending what you can afford-but please don't blag-even the organisers will pay).
If you have particular accommodation, access or dietary needs or are bringing children it would help us to know as soon as possible so we can plan suitable facilities; whoever you are please do try & drop us an email at least a week in advance so we can gauge how many to cater for.
http://www.earthfirst.org.uk/

Free Tadzio Mueller

2009-12-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

Over the past week, tens of thousands of people from across the planet have taken to the streets of Copenhagen demanding real and just solutions to climate change. But on the streets, as well as inside the UN Climate Change Conference, delegates and ‘outsiders’ alike are doubting that the conference will reach a deal that isn’t a disaster for most of the world.

Inside the Bella Centre, where the UN delegates are meeting, numerous critical voices have been marginalised through technical and procedural manoeuvres. Others, like Friends of the Earth International, have had their accreditation revoked. Outside, the policing of protest has been consistently draconian and occasionally brutal.

On Saturday 12 December, almost 1,000 participants in a ‘Climate March’ through Copenhagen were arrested. On Monday 14 December, hundreds more were arrested at a party in the city’s Christiania district following a public meeting, addressed by Canadian journalist Naomi Klein and others. On Tuesday 15 December, Tadzio Mueller, a spokesperson for Climate Justice Action, was arrested by undercover police officers following a press conference at the Bella Centre.

This morning, on Wednesday 16 December, Tadzio appeared before a judge on a number of charges relating to his public support for today’s Reclaim Power demonstration. The declared aim of Reclaim Power – also supported by social movements, many conference delegates and other civil society actors – is to hold a People’s Assembly at the Bella Centre, to discuss real solutions to climate change. At this morning’s court hearing the judge decided to hold Tadzio for a further three days, after which he will reappear in court. There are reports that the hearing was closed to the public.

Meanwhile, hundreds more protesters have been arrested today and there have been numerous reports of police brutality and the extensive use of batons, pepper spray and tear gas. We have also heard of further arrests of individual activists by undercover police officers.

We, the undersigned, not only lend our support to those in Copenhagen seeking to push for real and just solutions to climate change, but also demand the following:
• The immediate release of Tadzio Mueller (video of arrest) and all other climate prisoners;
• A halt to the criminalisation and intimidation of activists, including the pre-emptive detaining of protesters in Copenhagen;
• The immediate re-instatement of accreditation withdrawn from NGOs and other critical voices at the Climate Summit

(This Open Letter was drafted by the editors of Turbulence: Ideas for Movement, of which Tadzio Mueller is an editor.)

Initial Signatories (name and affiliation):
• Ben Trott (Turbulence editor)
• David Harvie (Turbulence editor, University of Leicester)
• Michal Osterweil (Turbulence editor, US based lecturer, UNC Chapel Hill)
• Keir Milburn (Turbulence editor)
• Rodrigo Nunes (Turbulence editor)
• Kay Summer (Turbulence editor)
• Naomi Klein
• Katja Kipping (Member of the German Bundestag)
• Ulla Jelpke (Spokeswoman for internal affairs of the faction DIE LINKE in the Bundestag)
• Alexis Passadakis (Member of the Coordination Committee of Attac Germany)
• Dr. Simon Lewis (University of Leeds and UN accredited science advisor in COP15)
• Emma Dowling (Lecturer, University of London)
• Ingo Stützle (editor, ak - analyse & kritik)
• Zoe Young (writer and film maker)
• Friends of the Earth International

Incinerator projects dropping like flies

2009-12-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

While the politicians have decided not to even pretend to try to keep global warming below 2 degrees, ordinary people are succesfully defeating waste incineration.

Recycling rates in the UK have been increasing by 3% per year
The Government and the incinerator industry has been pushing for new incinerators to be built, in some cases with PFI funding, in almost all cases with long contracts that will require waste & cash for 25 years or more.
Friends of the Earth's complete waste solution
There are still a lot of proposed projects
Friends of the Earth's UK waste page

Derby incinerator turned down at planning
Surrey dropping incineration
Luton dropping out of the waste PFI
Rufford (Sherwood Forest) inquiry adjourned until after Easter 2010
North Devon incinerator plans 'mothballed'
Tockwith, North Yorkshire
Telford and Wrekin Council unanimously reject Sita’s waste incinerator proposal
Sita withdraws Ernesettle plans
Oxfordshire – Sutton Courtenay and Ardley
(Indefinite?) delays in Hull
Invergordon
Dunbar proposals defeated -
Cornwall planning victory (to be followed by a victory at the public inquiry next year?!)
Cardiff incinerator plan dropped

As a result of this, DEFRA’s list of PFI projects only has 2 projects left for approval with Hull, Derby and Dorset leaving the list in the last few days. Also many approved PFIs are still not built

Keep Metro Public (KMP)

2009-12-16T02:31:00.000-08:00

The Keep Metro Public campaign intend to turn to passenger organsing after councillors on the Passenger Transport Authority decided to sell the Metro to German State company Deutsche Bahn. It is the jobs that are being sold; not the trains or track. They had a demonstration on Thursday the 17th of December at Central Station but went and stood outside when management told them to.

Bike Park Barricaded

2009-12-16T01:30:00.000-08:00

A new border between Newcastle's safest and only public indoor bike park and the Toon has been installed at Central Station. The bike park is now only accessible to passengers with a train ticket due to the new ticket barriers. The bike park was popular with visitors to the city centre and with Metro passengers. This new attack on cycling will increase the revenue from the cities many car parks, while bikes are forced to rust outdoors.
Central Station Management said: "It's because of Terrorism".
Central Station Security said: "It's because it's Private Property. I agree it should be Nationalised but it will still be Private Property".

Open Casting

2009-11-27T02:10:00.000-08:00

Durham County Council planners have nodded through UK Coal's plans to create artificial ponds for newts that already live in existing ponds which the developer intends to destroy. This is the start of the attempted open cast coal mining of the Pont Valley. UK Coal say they intend to start work on the ponds in early January. This work is strongly opposed by the local community.
Pont Valley Network

The Hexham Courant reports that Northumberland County Council’s planning and environment committee has thrown out HM Project Developments Ltd application to opencast 140,000 tonnes of coal 50 metres from residents’ homes in Halton Lea Gate.

Whittonstall
Wolsingham residents against the coal depot

COP 15

2009-11-26T02:27:00.000-08:00

Climate scientist James Hansen said that it would be desirable for the Copenhagen climate conference to not reach a deal, since what they advertise as solutions are in fact attempts to "continue business as usual". The Guardian website's report shows that the Guardian is funded by Shell, but Dr Hanson is correct on this. The rich bastard unfortunately does support nuclear power. Fuck them and their system!
Never Trust a COP!

Sat 12th Dec 18:30
Avaaz Candlelight Vigil
For a Real Deal in Copenhagen
Newcastle quayside, opposite the 'Slug and Lettuce'
Follow the link for a map and zoom in on Newcastle to register with the "Northern Lights" event!
Would be great to see a good turnout, giving a strong message that 'we the people' are serious in our desire to see the world leaders agree a strong and binding climate deal.
Please bring along candles, although some will be provided, and we will take turns in reading a short speech, which will be filmed, to the world leaders in Copenhagen. The lovely people at Avaaz will then take videos from vigils this all over the world and turn them into an undeniable message of intent. After all, the politicians work for us.
Any homemade posters, signs or performance pieces will be a bonus!
The Candelight vigil will last around an hour, enough time for us to get organised, read a short speech, video the gathering and take some photos. After which it is a short walk to the Ouseburn to enjoy a well deserved drink!
There is a set speech here but anyone who wishes to say something in particular feel free!

Camp Out Cop Out
At 4pm on Saturday, following The Wave of 40,000 concerned individuals, Climate Camp went further and occupied Trafalgar Square successfully for the planned 48 hours. However, with the doomed Copenhagen Climate Conference only just beginning its two week corporate sponsored farce, we're now not going anywhere.
The Camp will hold the space for the entire conference, reclaiming one the busiest locations in the world to push for genuine solutions to climate change. So, if you're not off to Copenhagen then this is the place you need to be. Bring your tent, warm clothes, and ideas for action!
When the tripods first shot up and the rocket stoves got burning, it wasn't long before the actions started rolling. Prior to the talks beginning, 20 Santas took over the departure lounge at London City Airport as the last flights of hypocrisy left for Copenhagen. Then on Monday, with the summit beginning, activists blockaded the European Carbon Exchange offices sending a clear message that the false solutions on the table will be stopped every step of the way. Meanwhile campers continued cooking, discussing, and plotting as requests to leave were ignored.
Surrounded by opportunity, the camp is preparing for our two week stay. We are the Christmas present under the square's enormous tree this year, already working well with community groups to collectively push for climate justice during this season of festivity. Those of us remaining in the UK need to demonstrate we are not simply sitting back and letting our "leaders" tear apart the planet, but are enacting the change we need ourselves. But this will only succeed if everyone gets involved for as little or as long as they can.
What to bring:
Simple. Just a tent, warm and waterproof clothes. Oh, and all your friends!
Wish list:
Vegan food, blankets, tarps, pallets, party/frame tents, cardboard, banners, big water bottles + anything else you think may be helpful...
We look forward to greeting you with a hot cup of tea.
Much love,
The Climate Camp Trafalgar Crew xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Mainshill Eviction Alert

2009-11-20T02:26:00.000-08:00

This morning the process to evict Mainshill Solidarity Camp began. Members of the National Eviction Team, along with police climbers, are currently on site, walking around taking pictures. At the moment there are about 10 police/eviction team on site.
Residents of the camp are asking for anyone who is able to go to site as soon as possible to boost numbers and strengthen the camps position.
Mainshill Solidarity Camp

NPower Defeated, EDF and NATO targetted

2009-11-10T02:05:00.000-08:00

RWE NPower have shelved their plans for the proposed coal fired power station in Cambois, Blyth!
But the BBC report that Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has approved 10 sites in England and Wales for new nuclear power stations. These would require subsidies from taxation, the imposition of a tax on CO2 emissions and no tax on radiation emissions, radioactive waste or the risk of disasters.
The NATO Welcoming Committee have reminded us of the environmental cost of war in the run up to this weekends Parliamentary Assembly in Edinburgh.
Free Joe Glenton!

Transition Towns

2009-10-25T09:07:00.000-07:00

Heaton transition towns festival
Newcastle
Sat 28th November

Mainshill Solidarity Camp

2009-10-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

Work has started at Mainshill, where Scottish Coal want a new coal mine but the community does not. Huge areas of plantation are being felled and JCBs have moved in. The Solidarity Camp has been doing its best to stop work on the site (video), but now we need your support and solidarity to win this fight against Scottish Coal, Lord Home and South Lanarkshire Council!
Building – Workshops – Action
Saturday 13st October, 1pm: A walk of the area with people from surrounding and affected communities, visiting areas that have been destroyed by Scottish Coal and areas that we can still save. A discussion on the campaign so far and where we can take it will follow.
Climbing, treehouse building and tunneling workshops
A “work day” to build the Solidarity Camp some new defences
Evening camp-fire entertainmentPlenty of chances to stop a beautiful area of Scotland’s countryside from being turned into an opencast coal mine
What to bring:
Warm clothes and water-proofs, a tent, sleeping bag and matAny food, building materials and tools you canMost importantly, bring yourself and your friends
mainshill@riseup.net
07806926040
Website

Ratcliffe

2009-10-02T07:58:00.001-07:00

Our Transport - Not Their Property

2009-10-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

The East Coast Main Line will be temporally renationalised this autumn.
RMT calls for Long Term Renationalisation of East Coast Main Line

No Nukes

2009-09-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

Demonstrate at Devonport - No to the Nuclear Dump
Assemble: 12 noon, Plymouth City Centre, Guildhall, Armada Way. 2pm, Devonport Park.
Rally: 3pm, Devonport nuclear dockyards main entrance, Camel's Gate
http://www.nuclearfreecoalition.info/

The Sizewell Five have been found not guilty of aggravated trespass after a blockade in 2008 of the Sizewell nuclear power station in Suffolk. They intended to use the defence that they were acting to prevent breaches of health and safety legislation resulting from the continued operation of the nuclear power plant in Suffolk. They planned to call at least one expert witness, Dr Ian Fairlie, an independent nuclear consultant, but the judge had refused to allow this on the first day of trial, despite earlier pre-trial reviews.

Whittonstall Open Cast Action Group

2009-09-29T07:32:00.000-07:00

UK Coal intend to apply for planning permission to create a huge surface mine to the East of the B6309 between Marley Tiles and the village of Whittonstall.

Public Meeting
3pm Sunday October 4th
Whittonstall Church

Review: Sustainable Energy - Without the Hot Air

2009-09-23T01:14:00.000-07:00

David Mackay of The Royal Society (bastards) has produced an excellent guide to balancing State energy budgets.
It is online; http://www.withouthotair.com/; and printed as a Creative Common.
It includes The energy cost of “defence”; a rare and important attempt at a fully referenced quantification of military consumption. R&D spending in the military sector is 40 times that spent on renewable energy.
He welcomes new information for future editions. It would be interesting to see consumption plotted against class.

Update
Leaving a pause after publishing this book, the devious ruling class bastard has revealed his true colours; he is a Nuclear lobbyist. The analysis in his book can be used to demonstrate that if society used less energy we could live with 100% renewables, but as a powerful government advisor, Mackay has now come out against these changes and in favour of Nuclear.
This was soon followed by the news that the government intend to leave Nuclear waste in landfills in working class areas, and not in Professor Mackay's garden.

National Grid Workers - Day of Action

2009-09-10T06:18:00.000-07:00

Friday 11th September, 12.45

Newcastle Monument

Speakers: Gary Smith - GMB National Secretary, Stephen Byers -MP–TBC, Claire Williams - Unison Convenor, Mick Tuff - Unite Full Time Officer, Mike Jeram - Unison National Officer, Adele Foster - GMB Activist, Hannah Akram - Unite Activist

After the Monument Rally, there is to be light refreshments/buffet, which all are welcome to, at the Newcastle Companions Club, 45 Leazes Park Road, Newcastle, NE1 4PG

Contact Gary Smith 07710 618909 or Joan Anderson 07870 176 732

North East Shop Stewards Network Report

www.nationalgreed.co.uk

Newcastle Save Vestas

2009-09-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

Thursday 17 September

March to government offices, Gallowgate
Assemble Newcastle Civic Centre 4.30

Poster

Workers and supporters at the Vestas wind turbine factory in Newport on the Isle of Wight are attempting to stop the remaining blades being shipped out of the factory.

Judi Bari, one of the organisers of the protest, said: "We feel that it is important to voice our support for the workers who's jobs Vestas are cynically taking away. We are concerned that unemployment is very high on the Isle of Wight and about rumours that powerful interests intend to similarly attack the North East's renewable energy industry. It is also our intention to build a working class movement to resist fossil fuelled industrial capitalism and to create a more economically just and environmentally appropriate society. Everyone who supports the workers action in occupying their workplace at Vestas should join this protest which is part of a national day of action called by the workers themselves."

Update:
Fighting for:
1. Reinstatement of the sacked occupying workers - owed £45,000 redundancy collectively.
1.b) better redundancy for all.
2. Re-opening of the factory. Ideally under worker control, through nationalisation if necessary, bought out by a consortium, or re-opened by Vestas as alternatives.
3. A decent energy strategy from the government and IOW council regarding production of energy through renewables, and production of the renewables kit on the IOW and in the UK. Ed Miliband is soon to meet Vestas management. Don't let either of them get away with rhetoric and PR!

Climate Change for Trade Unionists

2009-08-31T04:22:00.000-07:00

Saturday 19 September 10amClimate Outreach and Information Network Flier

Climate change and the green new deal
During the workshop, you'll work in groups around the big ideas for the future.
• What is climate change and why is it the next big issue for trade unionists?
• What kind of policies should trade unionists be fighting for?
• How do we keep jobs in industries that are high energy?
• What are the benefits of a low carbon society?
• Is climate change about social justice?

Saturday 19 September
10- 4pm
Brunswick Methodsit Church,
Brunswick Place,
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 7BJ
All welcome
Refreshments available

PCS is hosting a workshop created specially for trade unionists by the Climate Outreach and Information Network (COIN), working with Ruskin College. COIN is the leader in the field of communicating climate change. Ruskin College is recognised nationally for its track record of education for trade unionists.
To register call the PCS Northern regional office on 0191 222 0330. Places are limited so let us know as soon as possible if you want to attend.

Crisis is Business as Usual

2009-08-27T08:57:00.000-07:00

The struggle at Vestas is the tip of the iceberg.

The UK government has given £52.8m to coal bosses to extend a range of mines around Britain, while the Guardian report that they have given only £2.3m to Marine Renewables.

The world's armed forces use 25% of the world's aviation fuel, 42 million tons per year.
The arms trade uses 30% of the world's aluminium.
The US military alone is the world's largest oil consumer. It emits more toxins than the top 5 chemical companies combined; half the world's CFC and two thirds of the world's CFC-113.

"With its never-ending emphasis on production and profit, and its indifference to environment, transnational corporate capitalism appears determined to stand outside nature. The driving goal of the giant investment firms is to convert natural materials into commodities and commodities into profits, transforming living nature into vast accumulations of dead capital."
Michael Parenti

The IMechE say we will be able to build artificial trees in ten years but do not advocate any immediate action such as re-foresting land currently used for meat production with proper trees.

"Government policies and economic and political inequalities, rather than human fertility, are the major causes of forest destruction, through the promotion of coffee and other export crops; colonial tax policies that stimulate migration and land clearing; and privatization of common lands for extractive concessions."
James Oldham

Share of energy from renewable sources in final consumption of energy (according to the House of Lords!)

Belgium 2.2%
Bulgaria 9.4%
The Czech Republic 6.1%
Denmark 17.0%
Germany 5.8%
Estonia 18.0%
Ireland 3.1%
Greece 6.9%
Spain 8.7%
France 10.3%
Italy 5.2%
Cyprus 2.9%
Latvia 34.9%
Lithuania 15.0%
Luxembourg 0.9%
Hungary 4.3%
Malta 0.0%
The Netherlands 2.4%
Austria 23.3%
Poland 7.2%
Portugal 20.5%
Romania 17.8%
Slovenia 16.0%
The Slovak Republic 6.7%
Finland 28.5%
Sweden 39.8%
United Kingdom 1.3%

Organising Meeting

2009-08-14T11:27:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 18th August 7pm
Newcastle Climate Action
Organising Meeting
Free Trade Inn
Workers Climate Action North East
Organising Meeting
Wednesday 19th August 5pm
Centre Against Unemployment - Cloth Market

UK Coal: Newts and Owls will be "dealt with"

2009-08-11T04:13:00.000-07:00

"The inclusion of particular species do not confer value... The temporary loss of these species from the site, which are mainly considered to be common and widespread, will need to be weighed up above the benefits of the development... In order to compensate for the loss of a potential barn owl nest and roost site at least four barn owl boxes will be erected in peripheral parts of the site. (Refer to Barn Owl Trust Advice Leaflets.)"

UK Coal Ltd
Bradley Surface Mine Scheme
Supplementary Ecological Information

Earth First! Summer Gathering

2009-08-07T03:08:00.000-07:00

Ecological Direct Action without Compromise!
Earth First! Summer Gathering
18th -24th Aug 2009, Cumbria

The site is in the Lake District, Cumbria. The nearest train station is Penrith and there is a bus service to the site, there are car and living vehicle spaces outside the camp. The exact location will be announced the week before the gathering so that it doesn't turn into a festival.

Earth First! is a network of people and campaigns who fight ecological destruction and the forces driving it. We believe in doing it ourselves rather than relying on governments or industry. Direct action is at the heart of what we do, whether we're standing in front of a bulldozer, shutting down an opencast mine or ripping up a field of GM crops.

Join us for 5 days (19th - 23rd) of workshops, networking and planning actions at a low impact eco-living camp organised non-hierarchically. It's run without leaders by everyone who comes along, so come prepared to chip in!

Workshops, skill sharing and planning action, plus low-impact living without leaders.

Meet and share skills with others who care. Plan actions and campaigns. Have fun. We've got over 80 workshops, planning, strategy and 'Where Next' sessions planned, get in touch if you want to offer a workshop!

Contact email: summergathering@earthfirst.org.uk

In Defiance of Capitalism. In Defence of LIfe.

2009-07-27T01:37:00.000-07:00

Drax coal supply sabotaged, again
Anonymous activists have successfully sabotaged the Glentaggart opencast coal mine in South Lanarkshire. The unknown individual/s have disabled the conveyor belt that moves coal from the mine to Ravenstruther rail terminal from where the coal is sent to Drax power station in Yorkshire.

Scotland Climate Camp is at Mainshill Solidarity Camp
Train to Lanark - Cycle or get a lift to the camp -07553 215473

Scotland Climate Camp Info Night
Tuesday 26th July
Star and Shadow Cinema
8pm

Vestas Wind Turbine Factory Occupation - RMT TV
Campaign Against Climate Change / Save Vestas Public Meeting - A worker from the factory will speak
Friday 31st July, 6.30pm - Bridges Room, Gateshead Civic Centre - Poster
Facebook

Climate Camp at the Factory Gate
Coach to Southampton - Ferry to Cowes (£7) - Bus to Newport
http://savevestas.wordpress.com/

Mainshill Wood Occupied

2009-06-19T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Deputy Sheriff has served Mainshill Solidarity Camp with an order to leave or be removed by force: The camp is still there though.
Please go there if you can. There are arrestable, non-arrestable, tree sitting, underground and on the ground roles. Please come and film or photograph the impressive defences. The camp is wheel chair and child friendly.
All against open casting welcome.
Transport is available. Site phone: 07806 926040

BBC News
Scottish TV

Lord Home; son of the Tory Prime Minister; who claims to be the "landowner"; is being investigated in Britain's biggest fraud case involving Coutts; part of the Royal Bank of Scotland.

Rossport Fishing Boat Sunk

2009-06-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Actions against dredging work

At 2am this morning, Pat O'Donnell's boat the 'Iona Isle' was boarded by four masked men and sunk out at sea, near where Mr. O'Donnell lays his fishing pots off Erris, North Mayo. Mr. O'Donnell and crewman Martin McDonnell were attacked and held down by some of the men, while others went below deck, where they proceeded to sink the boat. Both local men have been taken to Castlebar General Hospital, where they are recovering.

This action has been taken due to Mr. O'Donnell's vocal opposition to Shell's Corrib Gas project. He is a local fisherman who whose family has fished Broadhaven Bay for generations. Mr. O'Donnell is against the destruction of the Bay and his livelihood by Shell, and has been assaulted by Shell security and Gardaí on a number of previous occasions.
This development follows a sinister pattern of attacks on high profile opponents of the Corrib gas project. In April, local farmer Willie Corduff was severely beaten while protesting against Shell's return to Glengad. On that occasion, Shell's private security force - Integrated Risk Management Services (IRMS) - initially refused to comment on the situation, but later claimed responsibility for a watered-down version of events. IRMS have been accused of brutality on a number of occasions in relation to their work in Mayo, with 'YouTube' video exhibiting their behaviour. Another campaigner suffered ligament damage at the hands of IRMS last week while protesting. Shell's work in the Niger Delta has also been in the public mind this week with a huge settlement in favour of the Ogoni 9 at a court in New York.

Addition from Private Eye: "NEW documents have emerged showing the British government and Shell colluded with senior figures in the Nigerian military junta against activist Ken Saro-Wiwa in the early 1990s. Secret papers show intelligence collusion between the British high commission and Shell, and between Shell and our former dictator Sani Abacha."

In a separate incident, six people have been arrested during an attempt to board dredgers working in Broadhaven Bay (see photo), while two others will also appear before Westport District Court this morning in relation to arrests at a protest which blocked trucks from entering Shell's Glengad compound for over an hour.
Shell to Sea spokesperson Maura Harrington said: “Will Shell stop at nothing to stamp down on the protest here in Mayo? This attack on Pat and Martin and their boat is nothing short of disgusting, and could easily have been even more dangerous, as there were problems with their life raft and neither man can swim . Those opposing the project are now in fear of their lives.”

Car System Expanding

2009-06-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

The Tyne Rivers Trust (who are funded by Tyne Tunnel PFI!) are objecting to plans to proceed with dredging work during the peak run of migratory fish on England's most important Salmon river. They intend to suction dredge, disturbing highly contaminated silts from 100 years of heavy industry, then place a concrete car tunnel. There is already a car tunnel and a bike tunnel; their intention is to attract more cars. The Environment Agency are expected to rubber stamp the timing of the dredging in order to save Tyne Tunnel PFI money. In Private Finance Initiatives (PFI's), losses are paid off by the Treasury, while the profits go to rich bastards in the private sector. Dredging is proposed for September and October 2009.

Tyne Rivers Trust Letter (PDF)

Tyne Tunnel PFI

Green Public Transport Attacked

2009-06-03T04:03:00.000-07:00

Private sector bosses are cutting 7000 jobs and maintenance work as well as charging extortionate fares.

Bob Crow, RMT General Secretary, said today:

“While the train operators are jacking up fares by as much as 11 per cent, thousands of rail worker jobs are on the line and up to a third of this year’s essential renewals programme is being deferred. The companies are protecting their profits while those who run the services and who keep the tracks safe face the prospect of being dumped on the dole queue.

“It is critical for the future of the rail industry that the government intervene now to stop the jobs massacre and to call to account the private companies who have bled billions in profits and subsidies out of the British taxpayer.”

John McDonnell MP, RMT Parliamentary Group Convenor, said today:

"We have seen the franchise system collapse around the government's ears and now we are in crisis. The government is in a position now where the money isn't actually there any more to subsidise these companies.

"The companies have been milking the system and the government has been complicit in that. We now need an integrated, publicly-owned and accountable people's railway where passengers and workers have a real voice"

Poster

RMT Website

Newcastle Climate Action Meeting

2009-05-28T06:56:00.001-07:00

Star and Shadow
7:30pm Tuesday 2nd June
Scotland Climate Camp
and anything else people feel is relevant

Coal Caravan

2009-04-16T05:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday 2nd May - Sunday 3rd May - Dipton Community Centre, A692
Monday 4th May - Cambois Miners Institute, Blyth

G20 Resistance

2009-03-30T04:46:00.000-07:00

The G20 at London's Excel centre on the 2nd of April. The G20, the twenty most industrialised nations met with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organisation to discuss keeping the rich- rich and the poor- poor and the continuing wholesale destruction of our planet.

Some of us went to London where they ran convergence and crash spaces.

Financial fools day April 1st action at the carbon trading exchange:

2000 protesters set up a Camp for Climate Action in the middle of the Square Mile, closing a major road for 12 hours. The Camp was located outside the European Climate Exchange on Bishopsgate, to protest against the G20's plans to use deeply flawed carbon trading mechanisms to tackle climate change.

As planned, hundreds of protesters “swooped” from all over the City at 12.30pm and set up tents, bunting and bicycles in order to reclaim a large portion of the financial district. Throughout the day there was a programme of workshops on themes such as the absurdity of carbon trading, the history of social movements and alternative economic models, whilst pedal powered sound systems and live bands provided entertainment, a kitchen provided hundreds of meals and a farmers market gave away organic vegetables.

Photos of the camp: http://www.climatecamp.org.uk
Film of the State reaction after 12 hours: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlJRi7YR1bU

In a desperate attempt to maintain their control over our world, the bastards have allocated $750bn (taken from tax payers) to the IMF. This money can be borrowed by governments in return for things like privatising our water or allowing open cast mining. It would then be paid back by things like closing hospitals.

See the G20 meltdown or climate camp websites for further info.
ToonclimateACTION!

Update: There was a further demo outside Pilgrim Street Police Station, Newcastle, in response to the murder of Ian Tomlinson (which the CPS has attempted but failed to cover up; see the Channel 4 news video here: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1184614595?bctid=20486) and various serious assaults by paramilitary cops during the G20.

Climate Camp Scotland

2009-03-24T02:46:00.001-07:00

What's happening:

We're going to set up camp somewhere around the Firth of Forth, a part of the central belt of Scotland littered with power stations, corporate HQs, gas and oil refineries, open cast coal mines, a nuclear power station and a cement factory. We want you to join us to hold the people and systems responsible for climate change and ecocide to account.

The camp will focus on helping groups of people to take action against a whole range of targets. If you're coming with a group of friends that's great – we'll help you choose targets and actions, and if you're coming alone there will be plenty of opportunity to meet other people and work out a plan.

The camp will have as low an ecological impact as possible so expect compost toilets, grey water systems and micro-renewable energy. There will be kitchens providing three meals a day so there's no need to bring any food or cooking equipment. There will be workshops, skill-shares and much more.

How to get there:

The location of the site will be announced just before the start of the camp – check the website (climatecampscotland.org.uk) or phone the info number which will be available shortly before the 3rd for directions to the camp. If you're coming by public transport get yourself to Edinburgh Waverley or Glasgow Central train stations and be prepared to travel – info-points will tell you the train station to get to and how to get there. There will be shuttle buses from the nearest train station to the camp.

What to bring:

A tent, sleeping bag and carry mat and anything else you'd take camping. Be prepared for rain and sun. But most importantly, bring all of your friends!

What not to bring:

Pen-knives – the cops love using them as an excuse to harass us so let's not let them.

If you want more information or to get in touch, go to climatecampscotland.org.uk or email us on climatecampscotland@riseup.net

See you there!

Climate Camp Scotland
e-mail: climatecampscotland@riseup.net
Homepage: http://climatecampscotland.org.uk/

The Age of Stupid

2009-03-16T02:26:00.000-07:00

Friday 17th April 7:30 p.m. Star & Shadow
The Age of Stupid is the new film from director Franny Armstrong (McLibel) and producer John Battsek (One Day In September). Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite stars as a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, looking at "old" footage from 2008 and asking: why didn’t we stop climate change when we had the chance? To be followed by music in the bar.
www.ageofstupid.net

High Court take on Stop Stansted Expansion Campaign

2009-03-13T11:19:00.000-07:00

Stop Stansted Expansion are considering whether to appeal after losing a High Court battle to block the decision to expand Stansted Airport. They challenged the legality of plans for an additional 10 million passengers a year to use the existing runway. A judge rejected the fact that bastard Government ministers are guilty of steamrollering the plans through without considering the additional millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases which would be emitted or the noise pollution local residents are threatened with.

Put People First

2009-03-13T04:15:00.000-07:00

March 28 London
The TUC is taking part in a major event to put pressure on world leaders at the G20 summit. The Put People First - March for Jobs, Justice and Climate will take place on Saturday 28th March before the summit. On 28th March thousands will march through London as part of a global campaign to challenge the G20, ahead of their 2nd April summit on the global financial crisis. Even before the banking collapse, the world suffered poverty, inequality and the threat of climate chaos. The world has followed a financial model that has created an economy fuelled by ever-increasing debt, both financial and environmental. Our future depends on creating an economy based on fair distribution of wealth, decent jobs for all and a low carbon future. There can be no going back to business as usual.
North East Shop Stewards Network coach £30 waged, £10 unwaged
To reserve tickets call Tony 0771 994 6814
or email: nessnsec@googlemail.com

This is the Saturday before the G20; why not stay for Climate Camp on the 1st?
Important G20 update from the Camp for Climate Action:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/03/424123.html

G20 London Protests + Events List + Locations Map
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/03/424939.html

North East Open Cast Action Meeting

2009-03-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

Halton-Lea-Gate
11am - Walk around the area
1pm to 3pm - Meeting - All against open cast welcome
The newly re-formed North East Open Cast Action Group has its first meeting this Saturday in the threatened village of Halton-le-Gate near Haltwhistle. The new group is made up of members from north east communities threatend with opencasting or suffering from it as well as environmental campaigners from across the region. It aims to give support and advice to residents concerned with the rash of opencast applications in Durham and Northumberland as well as offering practical support and linking local groups in with national networks. Further meetings will be hosted in different locations so that all members get a chance to visit the variety of areas under threat.
http://northeastopencast.tk/

Nowtopia

2009-03-10T02:26:00.000-07:00

Author Chris Carlsson presents his provocative new book, examining a new politics of work that has emerged outside of the traditional constraints of wage-labor. It's a Talk and Slide-show with discussion following the 50-minute presentation.
Sun 12 Apr 4.30 Star & Shadow

Chris is one of the founders of Critical Mass and Processed World Magazine

Critical Mass

2009-03-10T02:24:00.000-07:00

Critical Mass is a world wide movement protesting for cyclists rights.
5pm Friday 27th March Haymarket

Star & Shadow Cinema:

Wednesday 25th March
7:30 p.m. - Film: CO-OPERATIVE FILM FESTIVAL: Cooperatives as an alternative economic order
2 films: Electrification of Pignon and Tsunami.

Thursday 26th March
7:30 p.m. - Film: CO-OPERATIVE FILM FESTIVAL: Youth and Futures
Co-operative Film Makers / UK / 120 min’s with interval 120 minutes of 6 minute shorts, all films made by groups of young people in co-operative youth groups.

Friday 27th March
6:00 p.m. - Film: The 2nd Newcastle Bike Festival: Ayamye (2004)
A documentary which considers the effects that the lack of reliable transport has on rural Ghania but also about how the solutions to such problems aren't nearly as complicated as one might expect. More Info
8:00 p.m. - Film: The 2nd Newcastle Bike Festival: A boy, a girl and a bike (1949)
Filmed around Hebdon Bridge, Yorkshire this is a amiable romantic comedy about a 'love triangle between a working class woman, a man from a cycle club and a middle class motor fanatic.

Keep Tyne & Wear Metro Public Campaign

2009-03-05T01:37:00.000-08:00

RMT sets ballot timetable over privatisation threat to Metro jobs
A strike ballot of more than 250 RMT members employed by Nexus at Tyne and Wear Metro will be concluded by March 30. The union is urging members to vote for action in a dispute over the threat to jobs, pensions and conditions posed by moves to privatise the network’s operations. Bob Crow said: “Tyne and Wear’s transport executive is threatening to put the Metro’s operations into private hands but it has failed to provide us with the assurances we need that our members’ futures will be secure. We hope that even at this late stage Nexus will see sense and drop its completely unnecessary tendering process, but we have already learned the bitter lesson that rail workers, like service and safety, come a poor second when profit is involved. We have spent the last dozen years resisting attacks on rail workers’ jobs, pensions and conditions that are the direct result of privatisation, and without firm assurances from Nexus we have no option but to ballot for action to secure them.”
www.rmt.org.uk

G20

2009-03-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

Climate Camp in London's Square Mile, April 1 2009

The G20 meeting is coming up fast, as are our plans to shut down carbon markets and be camping in London's Square Mile as the 20 heads of state arrive.

Call out:
http://www.climatecamp.org.uk/g20
Facebook event:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=49600653225
Postcard:
http://www.climatecamp.org.uk/files/G20PostcardB_4onA4.pdf
Important G20 update from the Camp for Climate Action:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2009/03/424123.html

BBC: Back to the Black Stuff?

2009-02-27T04:43:00.000-08:00

Twenty five years after the miners' strike, is coal about to make a comeback in the North East?

RWE NPower take on anti Blyth Power Station Activists

Banks Group take on anti Open Cast Activists Dave Guy of the NUM and Karen Anderson of the Pont Valley Network

Coal Caravan

2009-02-23T04:31:00.000-08:00

Saturday 2nd May - Cycling to the North East. Event introducing the caravan and showing slides from the trip so far. All welcome to stay in Dipton Community Centre.
Sunday 3rd May - walk around a couple of the proposed sites.
Monday 4th May - Newcastle event
http://sounddevastation.co.uk/coalcaravan/index.htm

Climate Camp un- Welcome's the G20

2009-02-05T05:46:00.001-08:00

Climate Camp hits the City of London on April Fools Day, the eve of the G20 leaders' London Summit. Join us!
Climate camp 2009 /// Stopping carbon markets /// Because nature doesn't do bailouts.
First the city traders speculated with our homes, jobs and money – with
disastrous results. Now they are speculating with our climate and the very
future of life on earth – and once again our governments are cheering them on.

By creating a brain-bending system of carbon pollution licenses, fossil fuel companies and trading firms have found a way to keep on churning out global warming gases and to reap huge windfall profits at the same time.
Meanwhile, the UK government is justifying a third runway at Heathrow and a coal-fired power station at Kingsnorth by saying that these new “carbon trading” schemes will magically make all their emissions vanish.

They are handing control of our climate over to the same people and systems that caused the financial collapse. All the workable and fair alternatives aren't getting a look-in

We need to stop this foolishness.

We've camped against the Heathrow runway, we've camped against the Kingsnorth coal power station. Now its time to camp against the over-arching problem: absolute faith in unfettered markets and endless economic growth. On April 1st the G20 leaders arrive in London. At a time of climate crisis their response to the market meltdown is emergency loans to car manufacturers, increased spending to encourage consumption, and bailouts for the very people who got us into this mess - just the thing that will make the climate crisis worse.

Don’t let them get away with it: join our camp in the Square Mile! Gather at noon, April 1st, at the European Climate Exchange, Hasilwood House, 62 Bishopsgate, EC2N 4AW. Bring a pop-up tent, sleeping bag, wind turbine, mobile cinema, action plans and ideas...let’s imagine another world.

Don't let the financial and fossil fools make the rules!

for updates, details on back-up plans, and moreinformation, visit us again at http://www.climatecamp.org.uk/g20

To get involved, come to our planning meeting on Saturday February 14th in London (arrive at the library houuse, 52 Knatchbull, at 1 pm for a 1:30 start) or come to the gathering on March the 6th/7th in Nottingham.

Email g20 [@] climatecamp.org.uk for more information.

Join the announcements list, the facebook page and event.

Please post this link, paste this text, and otherwise spread the word!

Help celebrate Fossil Fools Day and Financial Fools Day

The Paris Declaration
We won't pay for your crises - it is time for change!

More than 150 representatives of trade unions, farmers' movements, global justice groups, environmental groups, development groups, migrants' groups, faith-based groups, women's groups, the have-not movements, student and youth groups, and anti-poverty groups from all over Europe gathered on the 10th and 11th of January 2009 in Paris to analyse collectively the current crises, to develop joint strategies and to discuss joint demands and alternatives in response to these crises.

As the financial and the economic crises intensify, millions of women and men are losing their jobs, houses and livelihoods. Tens of millions more are forecast to join the 1.4 billion people already living in extreme poverty. The crises worsen the social, ecological, cultural and political situation of the majority of people on our planet.

Despite the evident and foreseeable failure of the current economic model, world leaders are responding by trying to preserve the system that is responsible for the crises. Governments have been quick to bail out bankers, corporate share holders and their financial backers with hundreds of billions in public money. To solve the problem, they put into place bankers and heads of corporations: the same actors that created the crises. The workers, the jobless, the poor - all those affected have received no help in their daily struggle to make ends meet, and to cap it all, they are now supposed to pay the bill.

Governments' proposals to deal with the unfolding economic crisis do not address the other dimensions of the crisis we face today – global justice, food, climate and energy – and with it the need to transform the economic system towards one that allows us to satisfy the basic needs of all people, to implement all human rights and to restore and preserve the ecological basis of life on our planet. It is time for change!

We can build a system that works for people and the environment, a system to serve the needs of the many, a system based on the principles of public benefit, global equity, justice, environmental sustainability and democratic control.

As a first step, immediate measures must be implemented to address the social impacts on people, whilst supporting the ecological conversion of the economy.

We call upon all social movements in Europe to engage in a process of change. To start with, we call upon movements

- to engage in the mass mobilisation for the central demonstration in London on the 28th of March 2009 ahead of the G20 meeting, or to take to the streets in their own countries that same day to make their voices heard. 20 governments cannot decide on the future of the global financial system and economy.

- to undertake a day of action in the week of the G20 meeting, preferably on the 1st of April (Financial Fools' Day) all across the world, exposing unaccountable financial power and promoting democratic control of finance.

This meeting is a further step in a long-term process of building spaces for European networks to meet. Recognising and drawing on previous and future mobilisations of social movements and civil society organizations in Europe and all over the world, it builds on ongoing efforts developed at the European Social Forum and elsewhere, aimed at realizing a democratic and socially and environmentally sustainable Europe. We commit to intensify cooperation and communication among our networks and organisations with the aim of building capacity for sustained mobilisation and the development of joint alternatives. We are committed to supporting and encouraging all people to have their voices heard in reshaping their societies.

We will meet again on the 18th and 19th of April 2009 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in order to develop the next steps of mobilisation and strategies towards change. We call upon all social movements and social organisations to join this process.

North East Open Cast Conference

2009-01-22T02:30:00.000-08:00

Protester Shot in Ecuador

2009-01-20T07:12:00.000-08:00

Anti-mining protests earlier this month were met with police violence in Ecuador. Activists were beaten and detained; one was shot in the head.

The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) and a number of farmer and environmental organizations are protesting the recent approval of a mining law by Congress, opening the country to large-scale metal mining. Canadian mining companies would benefit from many of the concessions.

The CONAIE and other organizations contend that the new law will allow large-scale mining in protected areas and contaminate critical community water supplies. The CONAIE is also protesting government plans to drill for oil in the Yasuni National Park, the rainforest home of two indigenous communities in voluntary isolation.

http://www.regenwald.org/international/englisch/protestaktion.php?id=350

Walk of proposed opencast site

2009-01-13T04:46:00.000-08:00

The good folks from the NO OPENCAST TODAY OR TOMORROW campaign have invited us along to walk the site that U:K coal are planning to destroy with a surface mining 'development'. This walk will outline the site that U:K coal plan to mine and we should hopefully see some of the wildlife that is under threat. Lunch will be provided in the community centre after the walk.
When: Sunday 18th Jan
Where: 9.45am Dipton community centre http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl Why: why not?
The n.o.t.t campaign has fought a long battle with U:K coal to stop the open casting of the Derwent valley. The political climate is currently in favour of coal extraction at any cost community, ecology,climate.The application is due to be heard around April by Durham/Derwentside county council. Please help stop the needless destruction of the Pont valley sign the on-line petition at www.pontvalley.net or even better write to county hall but best of all get out on the walk this coming Sunday. Please forward this mail to publicise this

The winter of discontent, no new coal protests continue

2008-12-16T02:34:00.000-08:00

This morning thirty campaigners from Coal Action Scotland together with local residents peacefully blockaded the entrance to the Scottish Coal-operated Ravenstruther coal rail terminal in South Lanarkshire. Having stopped its reopening after the weekend, this action is currently preventing the delivery of thousands of tonnes of coal to power stations across Scotland. Protestors intend to stay in place as long as possible

With Scotland’s CO2 emissions increasing significantly, continuing the consumption of coal will make it impossible for Scotland to meet its 80% target reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050. Angus Mcloud said “The fact is that the government will not meet its own targets. This confirms what climate protestors have believed all along – that the Scottish government is paying lip service to the dangers of climate change.”

CRW_6086 copy

The action is aiming to disrupt the operations of Scottish Coal and Scottish Power in the region. The protestors are acting to oppose the five open cast coal mines that deliver coal to the rail terminal and in resistance to the thirteen new open cast coal mines due to open in Scotland.

Protestors erected and scaled a 15ft scaffolding tripod, blocking trucks from entering the terminal. Others are locked by their necks to a conveyor belt and a bulldozer, preventing coal stockpiles from being loaded onto trains.

Tilly Gifford who is at the site said: “In the face of dangerous runaway climate change, increasing our dependence on coal – the most polluting of the fossil fuels – is simply unacceptable. We urgently need to make the transition to renewable energy and close existing mines. We shouldn’t even be thinking about new ones.”

The demonstration today is in support of communities opposing new open cast mines. Rebecca Mackenzie, a local resident said: “We’re here today to send a clear message that we don’t want parts of Scotland such as South Lanarkshire to become the most heavily mined areas in Europe, as they will be if permission is granted for all the new open cast coal mines currently being proposed. If sites such as Mainshill near Douglas can’t be stopped through legal avenues, then action will have to be taken to make sure these last remaining areas of un-mined countryside aren’t destroyed”.

Beth Whelan, the campaigner perched on the scaffolding tripod, said: “Local authorities, the Scottish government and companies such as Scottish Coal and Scottish Power are ignoring the scientific evidence on climate change. We have to take responsibility for our climate and our future, and stop the coal industry and its expansion. This is what we doing today: acting responsibly”.

It is estimated that 6,380 tonnes of coal were stopped from being transported from the coal mines to power stations, equivalent to 11,675,400 kg CO2 (11,675.4 tonnes) released into the atmosphere.

Coal Action Scotland apologizes to any workers affected by today’s demonstration, but in recognizing the desperate need to stop burning coal sees no other choice but to target the companies responsible for mining it.

The action lasted over 8 hours and resulted in 6 arrests and not a single chunk of coal was transported from the terminal.
CAS
Homepage: http://coalactionedinburgh.wordpress.com/

9 Days Coal- 4 years opencast mining- A lifetime of pollution!?!

2008-12-16T01:37:00.000-08:00

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Residents say no to new coal power
08 Dec Years of destruction for 9 days of power
YEARS spent plundering the landscape of Hartleyburn would only produce sufficient coal to run a power station for nine days, it has been claimed.

And now local residents say developer HM Project Development has its sights fixed so firmly on the money it would get for that 140,000 tonnes of coal, it is blatantly disregarding their fears and concerns.

HMPD has submitted an application to Northumberland County Council to extract the coal through opencast mining over a three and half year period from Halton Lea Farm, Halton Lea Gate.

But at a public meeting last Wednesday staged by the council and attended by over 100 residents, HMPD was accused not only of disregarding local concerns, but also of putting the health of local people – particularly young children – at risk.

Protesters decried the application – which is in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – saying it was unfair for HMPD to put them through years of disruption and turmoil for a few days’ power.

Resident Nicole Hudd said: “You are going to extract coal for nine days of supplies over three and a half years!

“Planning applications should only be granted if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but apart from the one advantage of making money for the developers, I can come up with 101 disadvantages with this scheme.”

Resident Nan White questioned the effect the opencast mining process would have on the health of residents and called into question the research conducted by environmental health expert Dr Tanja Pless-Mulloli.

In the 1990s Dr Pless-Mulloli, now professor of environ epidemiology at Newcastle University, was involved in a review of the health of children living near opencast sites.

According to her findings there was little evidence to suggest they were at an increased risk of developing respiratory illnesses.

But Mrs White claimed that this survey had since been found to be unsafe, adding: “Dr Pless-Mulloli had to admit in later years a conflict of interests; plus these results are now outdated.”

Other concerns raised included the adverse impact of opencasting on wildlife, increased volumes of traffic and the detrimental impact on the landscape, particularly as the site falls within the North Pennines AONB.

Barney Corrigan of HMPD admitted the company was interested in the scheme to make a profit, but insisted residents would benefit in the long run.

After the coal was extracted, HMPD would restore the land for equestrian use, creating woodlands, ponds and wetlands.

He added: “In terms of the site itself, at the moment it suffers instability and that would be sorted out.

“There would also be a viable business there because agriculture does not stack up as a viable business at the minute.”

Responding to criticism that HMPD had been premature in placing a recruitment advert in the Hexham Courant, he said it had simply been a means of gauging interest in jobs at the site if the scheme got the go-ahead.

He said: “It was an advertisement not for jobs but for expressions of interest locally and there have been at least 60 people who have contacted us from Haydon Bridge, Haltwhistle, and Halton Lea Gate, funnily enough.”

Northumberland County Council has already received 72 objections to the application. Currently consulting with the public and statutory bodies, the council is unlikely to determine the application much before March next year.

From the Hexham Courant

2008-12-03T01:33:00.000-08:00

Want to learn more about micro renewable technology or do have have experience of using small scale turbines/solar panels & want to share your knowledge?
Come along to the Star and Shadow on the 9th December for an evening of informal discussion,watch a couple of films and have some food.

As governments & their capitalist system begin to crumble we need to provide for each other and ourselves,by learning skills to make your own energy you can free yourself from those dreaded gas/elec bills that only make the rich richer.Personal energy autonomy is one of the first steps toward a cleaner, greener ,more equal world.

15th Newcastle community green festival

2008-12-02T08:19:00.000-08:00

The lovely folks at the green festival have put a shout out for people to get involved in the festival this year, both the management committee and the organising group need more people to get on board.
The festival is the largest FREE environmental event in the U:K attracting up 16 000
people over the weekend.
The theme of this years fetival is 'your planet needs you- stand up to climate change'

Report: Class,climate change and coal conference

2008-11-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

The debate was well attended and very well organised.
Dave Douglass(former num & iww ) spoke first about the environment and 'clean' coal place within the environment,As expected Dave spoke clearly and passionately for coal , though at one point he came close to stating that climate change was not being accelerated by human activity!

Next to speak was Arthur Scargill. Mr Scargill gave a robust defence of coal and spoke strongly against other forms of environmental degradation especially nuclear power.His speech was well balanced and factual.It was a pleasure to hear Mr Scargill talk,but he was not the charismatic speaker of the 1980's it felt a bit like an after dinner circuit speaker, not the iconic figure we are used too.(mr Scargill chose to go over his allotted time and not to remain for the debate)

Dr Paul Chatterton from Leeds uni followed mr Scargill,(it should be noted that paul and all the speakers from the green movement stated that they were NOT spokesperson from the climate camp) Dr Chatterton gave his reasons for not using coal as a power source, giving clear and factual evidence on climate change and the social conditions in other countries without health and safety laws or unions to help protect the workers.

The president of the N.U.M Ian lavery followed Paul chatterton. Mr lavery delivered a loud and uncompromising speech in defence of coal mining and the combustion of coal,his presentation was laddish,bhol-shy and at points mildly sexist.The accuracy of his facts were also questioned from the floor(from a parsons engineer that helped build Drax)

The chair of the meeting then opened the floor up for debate,at this point it became clear that there was a diverse mix of people attending the debate. Questions came forward from environmental activists,union officials,anarchists and socialists.After a bit healthy debate there was a break for lunch.

After lunch there was a change to the chairperson of the meeting.

Davie Guy a long respected union official spoke gently about C.C.S technology,he was very clear and factual in his presentation.He also spoke with sadness about the current state of the unions within the U:K. One of many points of agreement was opposition to open cast mining and to dirtier coal burning technologies.

Paul Morrozo followed Mr Guy, Paul spoke in particular about the Proposed new power station at Kingsnorth and it's effect on climate change. During Pauls presentation the 'chair' of the meeting continually cut in and added comments.Mr Morrozo Patience was remarkable.The chair then cut paul 10 mins short stating that we were short on time, The chair then used this opportunity to give his opinion on the supposedly naive arguments of the green movement.The 'chair' David Hopper an N.U.M official was challenged by one of the other invited speakers and asked to chair the meeting properly,many people from the floor also asked Mr Hopper not to abuse his position,one of the people from the floor that challenged Mr Hooper was female Mr Hoopers reply was clearly sexist this lead to a furious response, in particular from the anarchists.Mr Hopper chose to resign the position of chair without apology.

After order had been resumed it was the turn of the R.M.T unfortunately Bob Crowe couldn't make it so a regional official of thr R.M.T spoke about the prospects of moving coal by train(apologies for not knowing the speakers name)

The final speaker Kevin Bland spoke on local issues in particular opencast mining and the urgent need to defend our natural environment, Kevin spoke in depth about ecology being a class issue and gave a strong anti-capitalist analysis of environmental degradation.

The chair then opened the debate to the floor,again there was healthy constructive debate.

Overall it was a good event that brought out many positives,there is common ground between grass roots environmentalists and the energy workers.Hopefully the two groups can continue to engage and work together.
The anarchist film collective filmed the days events they hope to make a short film around the debate.
Thanks to the NUM for organising this event and in particular Dave Douglass for his efforts.

wake up, freak out - then get a grip

2008-10-22T13:16:00.000-07:00

A good, simple yet non patronizing short film explaining climatic feedback systems.

Look for more information on wakeupfreakout.org

2008-10-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

2008-10-22T07:31:00.001-07:00

During the 2008 climate camp at kingsnorth, Unsustainable agrifuels were highlighted.
30 People from around the country blockaded the Vopak refinery in Essex.The video above explains a little about the problems with agrifeuls.

lock-on

2008-10-22T07:23:00.000-07:00

Biofuels are driving climate change literally,instead of growing food to feed the millions in the world without a meal,large business is growing crops to make diesel!

Class, Climate Change and Clean Coal

2008-10-22T02:32:00.000-07:00

1st November 2008, Newcastle, 11.30 -5.30

This all day conference has been organised by supporters of coal in reaction to the climate camp. We have agreed to participate in this important debate with Dave Douglass, Arthur Scargill and others.
http://www.rinf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3129

Dave Douglass report on climate camp with responses is here:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407011.html

Another report on climate camp with responses is here:
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407061.html

"Clean Coal; never was there an oxymoron more dangerous"

Join the Camp for Climate Action
“Every striking worker gives up earning a living and puts his family in hardship for the greater good, for the principle, for a better future. We contend that this is the same principle.” Battle for the Trees, Merrick
The class struggle: "Must go on until the workers of the world organize as a class, take possession of the means of production, abolish the wage system, and live in harmony with the Earth." Preamble to the Constitution of the Industrial Workers of the World
Garment workers in Bangladesh are suffering from severe flooding as a consequence of Climate Change. Under the present system, Corporations and States compete to exploit our labour and our natural resources. Capitalists choose profit over the welfare of the people. The land owning class use our land for industrial agriculture. The Camp for Climate Action is organized without hierarchy, with neighborhoods governing themselves. This model of self government has its history in the workers industrial unions.
The 2008 Camp for Climate Action is to be held near to the proposed site for a new coal fired power station. E-on, the company that wants to build the power station has stated that it will be “Carbon Capture and Storage ready”. C.C.S is still in an early development stage and has not been used on such a large scale.
“The International Energy Agency (IEA) describes a “capture-ready” plant as one “which can be retrofitted with CO2 capture when the necessary regulatory or
economic drivers are in place”. This definition is broad enough to make any station theoretically “capture-ready”, and the term meaningless.” False Hope, Greenpeace
Workers in the Renewable Energy Industry, in the Nuclear Industry and in the Fossil Fuels Industry should organise ourselves together into one powerful, international union. We need to be free to debate our many disagreements and to act together on what we agree on because our strength is in our diversity.

Film and disscusion

2008-10-01T03:20:00.000-07:00

On the 9th of October at the Star and shadow cinema,byker, newcastle upon tyne. A film night to watch a few short films around climate change and discuss what action can be taken.
£4/3 or donations, free to asylum seekers.
see you there??

What next??

2008-10-01T03:03:00.000-07:00

For a week in August 2008, at a camp near Kingsnorth power station, climate change activists worked together to live sustainably, learn new skills and take direct action against climate change. This camp did not happen in isolation there have been previous mobileisations in 2007 a camp was set up at Heathrow in oppostion to the building of a 3rd runway,in 2006 the first climate camp took place at Drax power station ( the U:ks largest single source of co2 ) In 2005 the G8 summit was staged in Gleneagles a camp was set up to oppose the G8'S(nations) domination of the people and planet.
What can we learn from these camp's? How can we work together locally and effectivley to tackle the huge issue of climate change?

The norths second black gold rush

2008-10-01T02:50:00.000-07:00

The North East’s second Gold rush

The 2008 camp for climate action is to be held near to the proposed site for a new coal fired power station. E-on the company that wants to build the power station has stated that it will use a system called Carbon Capture and storage. C.C.S is still in an early development stage and has not been used on such a large scale. The power station will have to begin life without any c.c.s meaning mega-tons of unfiltered Co2 emissions’ heading into our atmosphere .

The climate camp(www.climatecamp.org.uk) at Kingsnorth in the Medway valley will highlight and take direct action against the black hole in the governments climate change policy. COAL.

Power stations like Eggbrough, Drax and Kingsnorth produce huge amounts of filthy emissions, drax alone produces approx 21 millions tones of Co2 per year.
All this coal has to come from somewhere and it would ‘seam’ the money men have set their greedy eyes on the north of England again.
U:k coal and the banks group have several planning application to surface mine/open cast across the North East.
*Bradley Co. Durham- 550 000 tonnes
*Park wall north Co. Durham- 1 275 000 tonnes
*potland burn Northumberland- 2 000 000 tonnes
*Shotton Northumberland- 3 000 000 tonnes
*An extension to the exsisting site at widdrington

In addition to these applications there is already one of the largest open cast sites in the U:K at Stobswood near Morpeth. Surface mining sites are also operating in Widdrington, Blagdon estate in Northumberland. Steadburns and stoney heap near to Consett Co. Durham.

In the case of shotton/cramlington planning application, Shotton is in an opencast constraint area which means that there is a presumption against Surface mining. Northumberland county council up held the constraint and re-jected the application. However the communities and local government secretary Hazel Blears M.P Stepped in and overruled the county council allowing the opencast operation to go ahead much to dismay of the local community
(www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2008/02/08/ministers-quizzed-on-opencast-policy-61634-20450633/ )
The potland burn site is also in a constraint area yet U:K coal has still lodged an application probably because they feel the political climate is in their favor.

As if the ecological destruction, industrial injuries/deaths and disruption to the community that opencast mining leaves behind Npower have stated that they have an imminent planning application to build a new coal fired power station in Blyth on the site of the existing power station. Construction is due to begin 2014 on the same timeline as Kingsnorth.
Whilst the focus is on the climate camp and Kingsnorth, the North of England and our resources are central to the U:K government and their capitalist bosses plans for a new generation of dirty power stations .
This new generation of coal fired power stations and the unacceptable mining practices that accompany them must be stopped.
One of the key features of the climate camp is direct action.
The Banks group have offices in West Cornforth near Ferryhill, U:K coal headoffices are in Doncaster’ leave it in the ground’ have began regular noise demos outside the offices.All opencastsites are easily accessable

Links and info:

www.climatecamp.org.uk
www.earthfirst.org.uk/leaveitinthrground
www.greenpeace.com
www.thecoalhole.org
www.indymedia.org.uk
www.banksdevlopments.com
www.ukcoal.com