US force feeds GM crops to African nations, says new report

February 23, 2015

OHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, 23 February, 2015 – US agencies, funders such as the Gates Foundation, and agribusiness giant Monsanto are trying to force unwilling African nations to accept expensive and insufficiently tested Genetically Modified (GM) foods and crops, according to a new report released today. [1]

“The US, the world’s top producer of GM crops, is seeking new markets for American GM crops in Africa. The US administration’s strategy consists of assisting African nations to produce biosafety laws that promote agribusiness interests instead of protecting Africans from the potential threats of GM crops,” said Haidee Swanby from the African Centre for Biosafety, which authored the report commissioned by Friends of the Earth International.

The new report also exposes how agribusiness giant Monsanto influences biosafety legislation in African countries, gains regulatory approval for its product, and clears the path for products such as GM maize (corn).

(more…)

Food, Old_Notes

Frackman – anti-gas fracking film Feb 24

February 20, 2015

FRACKMAN – Mercury Cinema

Tuesday February 24, 8:30pm

“If you care about our country, see it!” – Alan Jones

“No Australian voter should miss this film” – Bob Brown

This is a film about the ordinary people caught up in a modern day multinational “gas rush” to secure and exploit coal seam gas. Accidental activist Dayne ‘Frackman’ Pratzky was building a simple home on his property, until the Gas company arrived, demanding to install wells on his property. So began his transformation from knockabout pig-shooter to passionate activist, and a David and Goliath battle against a $200 billion industry. Along the way he finds love, tragedy and triumph.

This special DocWeek preview session includes a post screening meet the filmmakers event with director Richard Todd and producer Trish Lake.

http://us4.campaign-archive2.com/?u=98701cfdba04568f6486c9de1&id=50b279ac7d&e=59697da8ec

See you there!

FoE

Movie: Climate change skeptics exposed 28 Feb

February 18, 2015

Climate change will impact the whole food growing industry with more droughts and floods. Merchants of Doubt is a new movie investigating the shadowy world of professional skeptics, whose services are paid for by corporations and other special interests to cast doubt and delay action on climate change. Profiles key climate skeptics, uncovering their credentials and motivations and shows how they navigate media and government to disseminate disinformation. $15/$10

hosted by Transition Films and Doctors for the Environment

Saturday 28 Feb 4pm Mercury Cinema Morphett St Adelaide

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/merchants-of-doubt-tickets-15366414359

Climate, Sustainability

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Foe Submission to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Royal Commission Terms of Reference

February 17, 2015

SA Premier Jay Weatherill recently announced a Royal Commission into the nuclear fuel cycle and gave the public one week to make submissions into the terms of reference.

He says he is motivated by concerns over climate change and the state of SA’s economy.

The royal commission will look at uranium enrichment, nuclear power and a nuclear waste dump. Environment groups are calling for it to include issues with existing uranium mining, legacy waste sites, export markets and weapons proliferation as well as a close examination of the impact of a proposed dump on remote communities. We also call for a full economic analysis of nuclear power in relation to renewables.

A group of people who want to work together over the next year of the royal commission is forming. Meetings will be hosted by the Conservation Council at their new HQ 111 Franklin St Adelaide (the old bus station, next to the new bus station).  The group is currently meeting on Tuesdays, please contact Robyn for more information robyn.wood@foe.org.au

FoE Adl submission to Nuclear Royal Commission terms of reference

Clean Futures, Climate, FoE, Mining, Nuclear, Renewables, Sustainability, Transport, Weapons proliferation

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“Break Up With Your Bank” – Divestment Day in the Mall

February 17, 2015

Members of Friends of the Earth volunteered with the Conservation Council last week to help make placards  for Divestment Day in the mall last Friday 13th.  We also donated some tinsel wigs for the Tina Turner inspired all-singing all-dancing action.

We encourage everyone to break up with the Big 4 banks; all of whom  invest in the fossil fuel industry.  We also encourage you to find out what industries your superannuation is invested in, and consider changing funds if fossil fuels are in the mix.

If you need help contact FoE affiliate Market Forces “Your money as a force for good”.

Divestment Day Malls Balls

FoE