Hi John,
With August coming to a close, it’s time for us to update you on all the latest news and some of the things that you may have missed. It’s been an incredibly busy month with so much happening and we couldn't do any of it without your support - it makes everything we do possible so thank you.
From BP finally acknowledging the Climate Emergency to public pressure rattling Tesco - this edition is packed full of news, furry facts, videos and some investigative journalism. Enjoy.
Is BP finally making a real breakthrough?
Let’s kick this off with some major news that could kick start some real change! BP has announced that it will slash its oil and gas production by 40% - this is the first time ever that a major oil company has committed to keeping oil and gas in the ground - and ramp up its renewable energy business over the next 10 years.
They’ve committed to generate 20 times more renewable energy whilst also to invest 10 times more in low-carbon technology, all by 2030. There’s loads more BP and the rest of the oil industry still needs to change, but if we can hold them to these promises, this could represent a significant step forward in our fight against the climate crisis.
In recent years, we’ve seen the early stages of climate breakdown ruin millions of lives. But for way too long BP and other oil companies have tried to carry on like we’re not living through a climate emergency. Thanks to people like you, BP’s recklessness has been challenged at every turn: on the streets, in the media, in the courts, in their petrol stations, at their HQ and in the corridors of power. Now that pressure is starting to work. BP has woken up to the fact that the next decade will be crucial to survival and that switching to renewables is a better investment decision. For other oil companies like Shell this should be a rude awakening.
This new plan could be a real breakthrough in the fight against the climate crisis. This isn’t the end of the story, but it might be the start of a new chapter.
We expose how Tesco is destroying forests for Industrial meat
We’ve just launched a new campaign targeting supermarkets and fast food companies, starting with Tesco, to face up to the realities of industrial meat and its role in destroying the Amazon rainforest and other South American forests.
We released a number of videos reaching over half a million people - exposing Tesco as a forest destroyer and highlighting how Indigenous communities are protecting forests, and had press coverage in all the major UK newspapers, as well as in Brazil. Over 150,000 of you signed the petition calling on Tesco to act, and all this public pressure seems to have Tesco rattled.
Tesco have responded with misleading social media adverts claiming that they support Greenpeace’s call to stop deforestation - but have failed to commit to dropping forest-destroying meat producers and replacing half their meat with plant-based options by 2025.
We have more work to be done in the coming months - exposing the truth behind industrial meat and pushing companies to act - so watch this space for further activity holding supermarkets and fast food companies to account to end deforestation for food.
Forest Fires Zoom Q&A - Your questions answered
Industrial meat is a new, emotive topic that companies have kept hidden from us, so we’d love you to join us for a Q&A webinar to have your questions answered. Together we’ll explore why industrial meat is causing the forest fires, why supermarkets and fast food companies are responsible and how, with your help, Greenpeace is campaigning to stop forest destroyers in their tracks. We have a number of 45 minute sessions in the coming weeks - sign up for your webinar session to join the discussion.
International Orangutan Day!
On the 19th August together we celebrated International Orangutan Day by spreading awareness of this amazing primate and its home. Unfortunately, Orangutans are still an endangered species and one of the most recognisable victims of the palm oil industry with their population numbers continuously falling. We’ll continue to ensure these amazing animals and their habitats are protected – thanks to the help of all our supporters.
Have you ever wondered where orangutans sleep? Or where their name comes from? Check out these 10 facts about one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom and share to impress your friends.
Why social justice is key to a green recovery
Politicians and activists around the world have been talking about a green economic recovery from coronavirus. It’s easy to think that this is just about making the economy more climate-friendly, but having a fairer and more equitable society is a key part of it too.
Dealing with the first wave of coronavirus has transformed day-to-day life in the UK and left our economy in need of a major rebuild. But most people don’t want to return to business as usual. Many of us want to see a more resilient society – one that’s better able to deal with major shocks and crises.
Check out our blog for more information about how you can take action to ensure that the government knows that caring for the planet and caring for people must go together.
In Case You Missed It: Top temperatures & ten thousand turtles
In this month’s ‘In case you missed it’ video the team round-up all of the latest happenings from the climate and environmental world. From the good news - 10,000 baby turtles being released in Bali (yes it’s as cute as it sounds) - to the bad news - more than 1000 tonnes of fuel being spilled from a bulk carrier ship stranded on a coral reef off the coast of Mauritius (yes it’s as bad as it sounds).
Check the video out on our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode!
Unearthed
One of our strongest values as an organisation is our independence which allows us to investigate, expose and confront environmental abuse by governments and corporations around the world. Unearthed - our award winning investigative journalism project - is at the front line of this.
From uncovering attacks on UK food standards (even worse than the chlorinated chicken scandal) to what's killing millions of bees in Brazil and uncovering the companies lobbying against plans to limit greenhouse gas emissions find out here everything you need to know!
Wings of Emergency
There are over 180 different Indigenous Peoples and thousands of local communities who call the Brazilian Amazon their home. However, very limited access to healthcare and massive illegal invasions on Indigenous lands by miners and loggers are making Indigenous Peoples and traditional communities the most vulnerable during the pandemic.
But thanks to your support we have been able to team up with health professionals and other organisations, through a solidarity project called ‘Wings of Emergency’, to deliver 28 tonnes of desperately needed food and medical supplies to remote Indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
They are the guardians of the forest and we need to continue to stand with them to protect their home.
Remember, we want to stay connected with you; whether you have a question about Greenpeace's work or your support, we're here to help. My team is available to call on 0330 335 3632 Monday – Friday, 9am – 5.30pm, or feel free to email any questions you may have to [email protected].
Together we are Greenpeace and we can and will achieve many more amazing things.
Be safe and be well.
Carolyn Hoskin
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