Blog
Tower of Babel needed at climate talks
For many years, developing country parties have expressed deep frustration and disappointment with the Global Environment Facility – otherwise known as the GEF. The G77 and China (representing over 130 developing countries) have been crystal clear that the GEF should not be designated as the permanent financial mechanism of the UNFCCC, and it is developing countries which the GEF is supposed to urgently serve. Read More
Friends of the Earth International releases report on combating deforestation
On Tuesday, Friends of the Earth International released the report, REDD myths: A critical review of proposed mechanisms to reduce emissions from deforestation and degradation in developing countries. I spoke at a panel event to release the publication, together with indigenous and NGO repre Read More
A shared vision for the climate or for taking shorter showers?
As talks continue, developing country negotiators reminded rich, industrialized countries on Tuesday of the big picture: we undeniably have to reduce unsustainable consumption to address the climate crisis. Unfortunately, Japan appears to not really understand the scale of the problem we are facing. Instead of meaningfully addressing the need to radically decarbonize our economy and transition away from the destructive patterns of consumption, the Japanese delegate focused instead on superficial changes in individual behavior, like taking fewer showers. Seriously, that&rsq Read More
Dispatch from Poland: The Outline
We arrived this past weekend in Poznan, Poland to attend the 14th annual meeting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), also known as the 14th Conference of Parties. Official representatives – or “delegates” – from just about every country in the world are here for the next two weeks. In total, there are almost 11,000 registered participants, including many hundreds of NGO activists. Read More
Help us fight new nukes in the U.S.
For the first time in decades, the nuclear power industry is considering building new nuclear reactors in the United States. They claim that nuclear power is a solution to global warming, but that’s just not true. Indeed, nuclear power costs too much, takes too long, and is too risky when better alternatives are available. Read More
Climate change disclosure in SEC filings
Automobile, Insurance, Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, and Utilities Companies This report is Friends of the Earth’s fifth annual review of climate change reporting in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings of automobile, manufacturing, integrated oil & gas, insurance, petrochemicals, and utilities companies. It indicates that over the past five years, climate reporting in general has steadily increased in quality and quantity. Read More
Movement of People Affected by Mining and Climate Change
The members of the women's organization COHAPAZ in Honduras won the Friends of the Earth International community award for their work to educate neighborhoods in and around Tegucigalpa about environmental and public health issues. Read More
Biannual General Meeting
Friends of the Earth member groups vote during the 2008 Biannual General Meeting. Read More
The facts about cruise ships
Cruise Ships Generate Vast Quantities of Waste Cruise ships generate hundreds of thousands of gallons of human sewage and offer a host of amenities that create pollutants, including dry-cleaning, pools, hair salons, restaurants, photo processing, and spas. In one week alone, a large cruise ship generates approximately: Read More