Some great news for the good of the planet

Dear John

From communities challenging planning decisions to triumphs over transnational oil companies, this month we bring you uplifting stories and more ways that you can stand up for the planet.

First up is news about one of this year’s biggest climate stories: the Whitehaven coal mine. Get the latest and hear how community campaigners piled pressure onto the local council – paving the way for greener, fairer prospects for Cumbria and a fossil fuel-free future for the UK.

As always, thanks so much for your support.

CUMBRIA COUNCIL RECONSIDERS COAL MINE

In October 2020, Cumbria’s local council gave the go-ahead on planning for a new coal mine near Whitehaven. As you know, the climate-wrecking project undermines the UK’s pledge to become carbon neutral by 2050. And the government chose not to challenge it.

Outspoken local groups have fought back tirelessly and the council has now announced that it will reassess planning permission. Read about the outstanding people involved ahead of Cumbria Council’s all-important decision on whether to side with the planet.

GET THE LATEST NEWS

ACT NOW TO PROTECT THE PLANET FROM PESTICIDES

Pesticides are harming our wildlife and contaminating our environment and food. Instead of allowing banned neonics back into our fields, the government should be supporting farmers to use non-chemical pest
control.

We’re calling on the Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) to put ambitious plans in place to reduce pesticide use. Over 170,000 people have signed our petition already and there’s still time for you to back the environment and add your voice.

I'LL SIGN THE PETITION

IS YOUR COUNCIL FUNDING THE CLIMATE CRISIS?

Across the UK, local authorities are investing around £10 billion in pension funds – the pensions of people like our social workers, our refuse collectors and our firefighters – in the fossil fuel industry.

As part of UK Divest, we’re calling on all UK authorities to divest those funds from companies fueling the climate crisis and reinvest them in socially and environmentally beneficial projects like windfarms and social housing. Local activists have now secured full divestment commitments from 6 local authorities. We need you to call on your area’s councillors to do the same. Can you help?

SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR AREA

HOW TO SAVE THE PLANET LIVE TALKS: HAVE YOUR SAY

Back in May 2020, we launched our #HowToSaveThePlanet YouTube series. Lots of you tuned in to watch live chats with experts tackling climate hot topics – from a clean and fair recovery to climate justice and anti-racism. Now, we’re taking the series to the next level and we’d love to get your thoughts.

So, tell us. What do you want to see next from our live talks series?

Explainers: Breaking down environmental news

Interviews: Amazing guests from the climate movement

HOW PEOPLE POWER SAVED A GREEN SPACE

Green spaces are more important than ever, especially for families without a garden. In 2019, an amazing group in Caerphilly saved their local spot, Gwern y Domen, from becoming a housing estate. But the fight is far from over. Find out how they opposed planning applications and what you can do to make green spaces a national priority.

DISCOVER MORE

VICTORY FOR NIGERIAN FARMERS AND THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

This month, we heard the result of Friends of the Earth Netherlands' court case against Shell. The outcome? A win for the planet and an enormous triumph for the people who suffered from oil spills in the Nigerian villages of Oruma and Goi.

It was ruled that Shell must pay out for damages to the farmers affected by devastating pipeline leaks. Finally, some justice for the people harmed by fossil fuels.

And a wake-up call for polluting companies that shirking responsibility for their industry’s harmful impact abroad won’t be accepted. Not without a fight.

SEE THE FULL STORY

HOW DO WE STOP FLOODING?

Extreme weather is getting worse and we need to find ways to adapt to the devastation it causes. The good news? Planting trees and restoring peatland could make things better. And you can help us make sure that the government’s plans are up to scratch.

FIND OUT MORE

THE PLANET PROTECTORS PACK FOR KIDS

From bee-friendly wildflower seeds to a "10 Tips to Save the World" poster, our fantastic activity handbook is bursting with resources to help the whole family become Planet Protectors. What better way to keep curious kids busy during the Easter holidays – and nurture budding activists, while you’re at it? Donate to get your pack today.

LEARN MORE

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE IT CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Unlike many banks, Triodos doesn’t fund the fossil fuel industry. Quite the opposite. It only invests in positive, lasting environmental and social change. If you open your first Personal Current Account with Triodos Bank, they’ll donate £60 to power Friends of the Earth campaigns. Eligibility, terms and conditions and a £3 monthly fee apply.

FIND OUT MORE

Thanks for reading and we'll be back soon with more stories!

Take care,

Aleanna Shaughnessy
Supporter Relations Manager

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