Extreme weather devastation, ripping up the planning system and Leicester groups fight racism

Dear John

To fight the climate and nature emergencies with everything we’ve got, we need to work together. So we’re launching an online Friends of the Earth supporter panel – and inviting brilliant people like you to be part of it.

The panel’s free to join and you’ll get the chance to shape the direction of our campaigns, weigh in on our fundraising communications, try out new digital products and, of course, help us save the planet.

Once you’ve signed up, we’ll be in touch with short tasks for you to complete throughout the year. We’ll never email you more than once a month and you can opt out of the panel whenever you like.

So... how does that sound?

SOUNDS GOOD! I'LL JOIN THE PANEL

LEICESTER GROUPS FIGHT RACISM AND THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Taking on racism and fighting for climate justice must go hand-in-hand.

Earlier this month, local groups Leicester Friends of the Earth and Climate Action Leicester and Leicestershire began a brilliant new partnership with The Race Equality Centre (TREC). Together, the organisations will campaign locally to raise awareness around the need for fair solutions to the climate crisis ahead of the UN's climate talks in Glasgow this November.

And later this year, they’ll kick off their exciting work with two community garden projects – transforming green spaces at the Highfield Centre and Caribbean Court Day Centre into beautiful wildlife-friendly havens. More on this soon.

EXTREME WEATHER TRAGEDIES AND CLIMATE BREAKDOWN

In the last month alone, we’ve seen floods and unprecedented heatwaves in the UK and extreme weather has wreaked havoc across the globe. While we’re just beginning to feel its effects in Europe, for many years people in other parts of the world have suffered devastation as a result of climate breakdown.

And the frequency and severity of extreme weather events will only increase as the planet continues to heat up.

Our short video unravels the links between rising temperatures, extreme weather and the tragic loss of lives and livelihoods – and explains who needs to take action now.

WATCH NOW

RIPPING UP THE PLANNING SYSTEM

Is it a coincidence that housing minister Robert Jenrick declared that he “wouldn’t be ripping up the planning system after all” soon after the Conservatives lost the Chesham and Amersham byelection?

Following that shock defeat – and with pressure mounting on MPs from their constituents – it looks like the government’s planning reforms have been delayed. And we'll keep campaigning to make sure the next draft of the bill is less environmentally damaging. Thanks if you’ve taken action on this hot topic. We’ll keep you posted.

ECO-FRIENDLY IDEAS FOR PLASTIC-FREE SUMMER GATHERINGS

With many of us now meeting up with family and friends outdoors, you’re probably looking for ways to cut down on plastic waste while enjoying summer fun. From barbecues to picnics, try our handy tips for taking your plastic-free gatherings up a notch this summer.

DISCOVER MORE

DARLINGTON GROUP'S CREATIVE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE SKERNINGHAM WOODS

Willow warbler, photo credit: Leanne Carroll

When plans to build a nature-threatening housing development on “Jewel of the North” Skerningham Woods came to light, Darlington Friends of the Earth decided something had to be done.

To save the untouched ancient woodland from destruction, the group needed to get the story out into the local community. Fusing photography, poetry, and shots of gorgeous landscape, they showed us how to marry campaigning with art.

GET THE FULL STORY

That’s all for this month, we’ll be back with another update in August.

Take care,

Aleanna Shaughnessy
Supporter Relations Manager, Friends of the Earth

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