Dear John
Let's start with some incredible news. Earlier this week, in what’s being hailed as a landmark case, Friends of the Earth Netherlands secured a huge win in court against fossil fuel giant, Shell.
For years, they’ve been fighting Shell. The company has known about its climate-wrecking impacts for decades. And yet it’s continued to drill for gas and oil, leaving a trail of oil spills and devastated communities in its wake.
This Wednesday, a court ordered Shell to reduce its emissions from 2019 levels by 45% within 10 years – a significantly steeper target than its previous goals.
It’s a history-making triumph, and the first time a polluting oil company's been held responsible for its climate impact. It’s a win that wouldn’t have been possible without brilliant supporters like you.
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WINS FROM 50 YEARS OF FIGHTING FOR THE PLANET
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On 26 May, we celebrated our 50th anniversary. That marks 50 years of us campaigning alongside local communities to protect people and the planet. Together, we’ve been taking on the giants and winning battles from the very beginning.
Against the odds, we’ve achieved so much with the backing of incredible supporters like you – from stopping fracking to introducing doorstep recycling and securing the world’s first climate act. Enjoy a look back at some of our biggest victories in the fight for a better world. Thanks for standing with us.
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ENGLAND TREES ACTION PLAN REVEALED
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Last year, we called on the government to get serious about restoring tree cover in the UK. Finally, last week it released the England Trees Action plan. Frankly, this is not the ambitious plan we asked for – the targets are short-term ones. They haven't considered long-term targets.
But it does state that the government will consult the public on a long-term target next year. It’s another delay that we can’t afford, but at least it leaves the door open for change.
More promising news came from the government’s recent announcement on peat. Behind the scenes, we’ve been working to ban peat product sales in garden centres. Our campaign to save precious peatlands – dubbed the UK’s rainforests because of their ability to store carbon dioxide – is starting to see results. A ban could be coming soon.
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GROUNDSWELL 2021 SPEAKER LINE-UP ANNOUNCED
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From 11-13 June, Groundswell will bring together inspiring voices from across the climate justice movement for a weekend of talks, workshops, celebration and action. For everyone, for free. Alongside activists from across the Friends of the Earth family, our line-up of brilliant speakers includes:
- Halima Begum, CEO of the Runnymede Trust, Britain’s leading anti-racist think tank
- Camille Barbagallo, COP26 Coalition coordinator
- George Marshall, Climate Outreach
Whether you're new to climate campaigning, or already taking action locally, we hope you’ll join us.
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HOW NON-VIOLENT PROTEST SHAPED A BETTER WORLD
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In 2019, young climate strikers gave people a voice and made sure everyone was talking about the climate crisis with a series of school strikes all over the world. But in 2021, the UK government is trying to permanently restrict our right to peaceful protest with its controversial new policing bill.
While it’s not always quiet or convenient, protest is important. Watch our short video and read our article below to find out why we should defend it.
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CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF FRIENDS OF THE EARTH'S ELIAS DÍAZ PEÑA
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It’s with huge sadness that we bid farewell this month after news of the passing of our comrade and colleague, Friends of the Earth Paraguay’s Elias Díaz Peña.
One of the founders of Friends of the Earth Latin America and the Caribbean, Elias was known for his love for the forests and rivers of Paraguay, the people and their culture. Elias and Oscar Rivas were awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2000 for their efforts to protect the Parana and Paraguay rivers.
Some of our community will remember Elias’s inspiring presentation at our activism event, Basecamp. Elias was a warm, generous and compassionate man. Alongside all his accomplishments, he will be remembered as a remarkable member of Friends of the Earth. We send love to his family and colleagues.
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CYCLE FOR YOUR PLANET FOR WORLD BIKE WEEK
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30 May to 5 June marks Word Bike Week 🚴🚴
Whether you're an avid cyclist or looking for a new hobby, you can do your bit for your planet by getting on your bike! Sign up to join our cycle-for-your-planet event and help raise crucial funds for urgent action on the climate emergency.
💰 Raise £150 or more and get a free Friends of the Earth t-shirt.
📓 Receive a fundraising pack with tips and inspiration to help you get started.
🌎 Take action for your planet and be part of the fight for change.
If cycling isn’t for you – that’s OK! Feel free to run, walk or make up your own challenge. Once you’ve signed up the team will be in touch to give you some tips and support.
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SEND AN ECO-FRIENDLY ECARD FOR ANY OCCASION
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It’s simpler than ever to send a paperless surprise to someone special. Browse our collection of beautifully designed ecards and choose your occasion – whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary or, coming up soon, Father’s Day. Add a personal message and get sending.
You’ll be helping to protect people and our planet, while putting a smile on someone’s face.
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THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY CAPSULE T-SHIRT COLLECTION
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To celebrate our 50th year, we’ve produced an exclusive capsule collection of planet-friendly T-shirts inspired by campaign artwork from our archives. From our ground-breaking Save the Whales boycott in 1975 to our landmark 1980s Save the Rainforest campaign, we hope you’ll find a retro design you love.
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Take care,
Aleanna Shaughnessy
Supporter Relations Manager, Friends of the Earth
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