Save The Arctic by Vicky Wyatt, climate campaigner
As the fossil-fuelled rise in global temperatures causes the Arctic’s summer sea ice to shrink to the lowest levels for 8000 years, oil companies are starting to transport their rigs and drill ships between the icebergs. A new oil rush will put this vulnerable environment at risk of oil spills, and it will lead to the burning of more fossil fuels - and more climate change. We must not allow those who caused the melting in the first place to profit from its disappearance. For the last two years we have confronted Cairn Energy who are drilling for oil in the Arctic. Now bigger oil companies, like Shell, ExxonMobile and Chevron are eyeing up the region. We have to stop them.
One way to protect the Arctic from the clutches of the oil industry is to use less oil in the first place. If we took the simple step of making the cars we drive much more fuel efficient it would negate the need for oil companies to drill in the Arctic in the first place. That’s why we must carry on confronting car companies like Volkswagen, who are still lobbying against a European climate law which would clean up our cars and reduce the need for Arctic oil. The pressure created by our campaign – 500,000 Jedi, a continued presence at their shadowy meetings and high-profile events and ongoing work to engage the public in local communities has got them on the run. The car companies are internally split, and this year we must escalate the pressure and make sure they agree to this key law, without any loopholes they can wriggle out of.
Forthcoming Events
There are several campaign events coming up in February:
- VW pub quiz and film night, South-East London, Thursday 23 February at 7.30pm
- Southampton film night, Sunday 19th February from 5pm. VW films and “The Greenpeace Story” will be shown.
- VW campaigning at Aston University, Birmingham, 6 – 10 February. Contact David at divadg@hotmail.com
- VW film night in Manchester, 24 February. Contact Malcolm at malcolm.carroll@greenpeace.org
To get involved with the Arctic / VW campaign in your region please visit http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/active find your local group / network, and get in touch with your local coordinator.
Stop New Nuclear: rally and non-violent blockade, 10 – 11 March, Hinkley Point, Somerset
It’s been less than a year since the Fukushima disaster, but EDF Energy is pushing ahead with plans for a new nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point in Somerset. Stop New Nuclear campaign is organising a rally and non-violent blockade of Hinkley Point nuclear power station on 10 – 11 March 2012: the first anniversary of the Fukushima disaster. People will be joining the protest from across the country. To find out more about the blockade and how you can get involved, visit http://www.stopnewnuclear.org.uk.
Political Training
Training events are provisionally scheduled as follows:
- 4th February, Falmouth
- 11th February, London
- 10th March, Edinburgh
- 17th March, Birmingham
We are particularly looking for new lobbyists in coastal constituencies who may be able to help with the forthcoming CFP campaign work. Please contact lobbying.uk@greenpeace.org for more information.
Scottish skillshare, 14 - 15 April, Stirling
An event for all active supporters in Scotland – new people are particularly welcome. Please register online for a place: www.greenpeace.org.uk/skillshare or contact Rachael for more information.
Thank you. We couldn't do it without you.
Tim, Rachael and Malcolm
Outreach team
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