Tag Archives: European Union

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Cameroon, Stop killing protected wildlife – Elephants

2 Comments

care2 petitionsite actionAlert

In less than a month over 200 elephants have been killed in Cameroon. These poachers are going into the Bouba Ndjida National Park from Chad and killing these protected elephants.

Tell Cameroon that it has to step up to protect its wildlife. »

With Cameroon’s elephant population estimated to be a maximum of 1500 elephants, this recent slaughter is a devastating loss to the population.

Furthermore, these elephants were supposed to be protected: they were in a national park!

Mongabay.com reports that these elephants have been killed for their tusks and that these ivory poachers are Sudanese.

Tell the government of Cameroon that they need to do more to protect their elephants and to put a stop to this atrocious elephant slaughtering. »

Thanks for taking action!Kathleen
The
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

EU Special Offer — Amazing Climate Law!


 

Europe has just launched a ground breaking new climate law that radically reduces carbon pollution by forcing all airlines to pay for emissions. But China’s top-fliers are refusing — and threatening to spark a trade war!

 This ambitious law is like taking 30 million cars off the road each year! It is a huge step forward for our climate. But China’s top three airlines, who together make $3.5 billion in annual profits, are shamefully arguing that it will seriously damage business. In fact, even in the worst case scenario it would mean between a $3 – $10 passenger fee.  30% of their business is global and they want more. If enough of us urge them to put our planet before their extortionate profits, we could convince them to comply.

Let’s show these jet-setters how important public reputation is in global business and appeal to China’s new-found image as a country serious about combating climate change. Sign the petition now and share this with everyone — when we reach 500,000 signatures, we’ll deliver it to the companies with a big splash:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/china_dont_break_climate_law/?vl

Aviation is the fastest-growing source of carbon pollution in the world — it already accounts for more carbon emission than the entire economy of the UK which in and of itself is the world’s 10th biggest carbon polluter. Europe’s new law requires airlines to reduce emissions under the carbon trading system — it’s the only law that effectively combines economic incentive with legal obligation to put the brakes on this industry’s rampant pollution.

But China’s largest airlines are trying to dodge their responsibility, instead spreading false rumours that the rules mean exorbitant costs for both them and their passengers. The truth is airlines that reduce their emissions will make money from fuel saving initiatives. And even those that don’t clean up their ways and instead pass the costs along to passengers are unlikely to feel it — a flight from Beijing to London would cost an additional $1.53 — hardly noticeable compared to ticket prices and other hidden fees we all pay.

Last year US airlines tried to challenge the law with a shady lawsuit and were struck down in EU courts. There’s no reason why record-breaking profitable airlines can’t comply with an affordable climate-saving law. Let’s protect it and fight this latest Chinese threat with people power. These image-conscious airlines won’t be able to ignore our 500,000 strong outcry. Sign this urgent petition now and send it to everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/china_dont_break_climate_law/?vl

The stakes have never been so high in our struggle to stop catastrophic climate change — we must propel every carbon-reducing measure and multiply it. China, as the world’s biggest investor in clean energy, has the power to pull the world onto the right path. Let’s demand that it’s government and businesses support this crucial EU leadership and comply with the law.

With hope and determination,

Jamie, Iain, Alice, Allison, Ricken, Wen-Hua, Wissam and the rest of the Avaaz team

Sources:

China CATA to sue EU on airline carbon rule (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/24/china-eu-emissions-idUSL3E7NO01J20111224

EU’s aviation charge is a drop for China’s airlines (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16423633

 Chinese airlines dig their heels in over EU carbon charge as international dissent grows (The Daily Mail)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2082586/Emissions-Trading-Scheme-China-airlines-dig-heels-EU-carbon-charge.html#ixzz1ihNBGysI

Asian airlines mull new charges to deal with EU carbon plan (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/01/06/airlines-asia-idUSL3E8C40E320120106

Carbon Emission Fees for Flights Upheld (The New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/22/business/global/court-upholds-europes-plan-to-charge-airlines-for-carbon-emissions.html?scp=2&sq=eu%20emissions%20airline%20lawsuit&st=cse

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Palestine: Emma Ruby-Sachs – Avaaz.org


The Palestinian bid for recognition is down to the wire — and if we join forces in the next 72 hours we could get the crucial EU leadership needed to push it through.

Right now three key countries — France, the UK and Germany — are still wavering under pressure from nay-sayers who are trying to crush this new opportunity for freedom. To flip them we’re planning a spectacular delivery of our 900,000 strong petition with a gigantic 300 sq m Palestinian flag right outside the EU Council meeting. We also need to run 3 urgent public opinion pollsthat clearly show these leaders that their people support recognition, and flood the media with full page ads.

Our 900,000 strong campaign for Palestinian independence has caught fire across the globe. But to win the crucial votes in key EU countries, we need to deliver our message of hope for Palestine spectacularly in the next 72 hours — and just 10,000 small donations can make it happen. Click below to chip in:

We can grab the attention of these leaders, show them a massive public mandate to act and hammer home a message of hope for the Palestinian people. We may not get this chance again — if 10,000 of us make a small donation now, we can rush funds into the powerful public actions we need at this critical moment:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/time_for_palestine/?vl

Recognition of Palestine could open up a new avenue for peace in the region, and give the Palestinian people the support they need for protection under international law. And this support could not come soon enough: a far-right government in Israel is expanding settlement building in the West Bank, and obstructing the possibilities for a viable two-state solution — a solution supported by the majority of citizens in Israel and Palestine.

More than a hundred and twenty countries have already pledged to support Palestinian statehood, but getting key EU countries on board now is crucial to give this bid the backbone and global legitimacy it needs. Public pressure pushed Spain to pledge its support for statehood. Public opinion polls that show that the majority of citizens want their leaders to support the bid and a stunning media-grabbing stunt at the heart of decision-making could shift the three decisive countries: UK, Germany and France.

It’s countdown time. Our actions in the next few days could flip leaders from a collision course to a decision that would usher in an era of freedom and rescue a path to a negotiated settlement. Just a small donation today will make a difference — click below to chip in:

https://secure.avaaz.org/en/time_for_palestine/?vl

Over 900,000 of us have already lent our voice to this hopeful call for self-determination and peace. Catapulting that call to key EU leaders, news media and the UN meeting itself is the vital next step. Together, we can drown out the fear and intolerance with a global call for non-violence, diplomacy and recognition for Palestine.

With hope,

Emma, Alice, Antonia, Ricken, Benjamin, Pascal, Diego and the whole Avaaz team

MORE INFORMATION

Q&A: Palestinian statehood bid at the UN (BBC)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-13701636

US

tries to stall Palestinian statehood bid: report (Reuters)
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/09/04/us-palestinians-israel-usa-idUSTRE78308520110904

Palestinian

Statehood bid ‘papers ready’ (Al Jazeera English)
http://english.aljazeera.net/news/americas/2011/09/201194145150327397.html

Tony

Blair to meet Palestinian and Israeli leaders in peace push (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/04/tony-blair-palestinian-israel-talks

U.S

. Is Appealing to Palestinians to Stall U.N. Vote (New York Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/world/middleeast/04mideast.html

Israel’s

diplomatic drive to block Palestinian UN bid (The Independent)
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israels-diplomatic-drive-to-block-palestinian-un-bid-2296143.html

Avaaz.org

is a 9-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world’s people shape global decision-making. (“Avaaz” means “voice” or “song” in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 13 countries on 4 continents and operates in 14 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz’s biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

This message was sent to ynative77@gmail.com. To change your email address, language, or other information, contact us via this form. To unsubscribe, send an email to unsubscribe@avaaz.org or click here.

To contact Avaaz, please do not reply to this email. Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact or call us at +1-888-922-8229 (US).

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Syria – no blood for oil …Stephanie B – Avaaz.org

1 Comment

For months, Syria‘s brutal President Assad has paid henchmen to wage war on his own people. Governments across the world have condemned these atrocities, but key European leaders could cut off the cash flow that finances this bloodbath.

Germany, France and Italy are the three main importers of Syrian oil. If they move to impose immediate EU sanctions, Assad’s slaughter funds will dry up. Assad has ignored political appeals for him to rein in his assault, and EU leaders have discussed ramping up sanctions, but only a massive global outcry will push them to act urgently.

We have no time to lose — every day dozens of Syrians are shot, tortured or disappeared simply for calling for basic democratic rights. The EU can stop funding the crackdown now. Click below to sign the petition to EU heads of state to immediately adopt oil sanctions on Syria:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/no_blood_for_oil/?vl

We have all watched and read about the horrific violence in Syria — much of the coverage coming from Avaaz-supported citizen journalists who are risking their lives to report on Assad’s crackdown. And now we have a chance to turn our horror into action. Experts say EU oil sanctions will seriously disrupt cash flow to Assad’s cruel army without significant negative consequences to either the European economy or the Syrian people.

Almost all Syria’s exported oil is purchased and refined by Germany, France and Italy, but these governments have yet to use their key trade relationship with Assad as leverage to protect the Syrian people. Still, they have denounced the violence, and newspapers report that some EU leaders are already pushing for oil sanctions. Let’s demand that they ramp up the pressure and push through oil sanctions immediately and cut the engine of Assad’s murderous regime.

Join in the call to cut off the cash to Syrian forces now. Click below to sign the petition for EU oil sanctions and forward to everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/no_blood_for_oil/?vl

Avaaz members have played a crucial role in supporting Syrians in their demands for freedom, democracy and human rights. Much of the footage and information shown around the world is funded by small donations from Avaaz members worldwide. Let’s build the momentum for lasting change as the violence against the Syrian people escalates and insist the EU take immediate action now.

With hope,

Stephanie, Pascal, Morgan, Alice, Ricken, Wissam and the rest of the Avaaz team

MORE INFORMATION

Syria Forces Extend Siege on Hama as Toll Rises, New York Times
 http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/world/middleeast/07syria.html

EU to tighten Syria sanctions, European Voice
http://www.europeanvoice.com/article/2011/august/eu-to-tighten-syria-sanctions/

Syrian rebels urge oil sanctions, Financial Times
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/9e735f18-bd22-11e0-9d5d-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1Uc2dGYoh

Syria steps up assaults on protesters, drawing first Arab League condemnation, Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/syria-launches-new-attack-against-protesters-in-east-arab-league-condemns-assault/2011/08/07/gIQAMmKS0I_story.html

Syria protests: Troops renew attacks on pro-democracy demonstrators, The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/aug/09/syria-protest-troops-attack-democracy-demonstrators

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Free Amina … Alice Jay – Avaaz.org

1 Comment

On Monday, Amina Arraf, a popular young Syrian American blogger was abducted by three armed men as she walked to a protest meeting. Her high profile kidnapping is an ominous sign that the Syrian regime‘s gloves are now totally off.

Amina is one of over ten thousand men and women who have been detained and tortured in the last few months just for calling for democracy. Security forces have shot dead over one thousand peaceful demonstrators, and are laying siege to entire cities to crush the non-violent movement. But despite this brutality, a total ban on foreign reporting, and internet and phone blackouts, courageous Syrians, like Amina, refuse to be silenced.

Every hour that passes she is in greater danger of unimaginable persecution, and experts say only the US and Turkey‘s diplomatic influence could get her out. Let’s call for Amina’s immediate release, an end to the violent crackdown, and for all political prisoners to be freed.  Click to send an urgent message straight to the inboxes of the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkey and the President and Secretary of State of the USA — then send this onto everyone:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/free_amina_arraf/?vl

The regime has steadily escalated repression against protestors, with 80 civilians killed just this past Friday by security forces and dozens dying of gun shot injuries since then. The army has repeatedly fired on unarmed demonstrators in Dera’a, Hama and Homs and horrific tales of sexual torture of children, men and women, fingernail extraction and psychological torment are rampant. Given that homosexuality is illegal in Syria and Amina’s forceful and frank platform as a gay blogger, her treatment by the regime could be terrifying, and her life could be in danger.

So far, the Syrian regime has proven deaf to international pressure, including European Union and US sanctions. But, cracks are appearing in the regime and as we saw in the case of Iman al-Obeidy in Libya and Sakineh Ashtiani in Iran, Turkey can play a crucial role, and massive global public pressure can save the life of an individual, even in times of chaos and violence. 

Amina is a symbol for the extraordinarily brave Syrians struggling for basic rights. She has written extensively in her blog about her family’s experiences during the repression, about being a gay woman in Syria, and she has given voice to many demonstrators’ criticism of the regime. Recently she had been forced into hiding. Two hours before her detention she posted a poem that ended:

Soaring and flying
Freedom is coming
Here am I wanting
To know it one day

Later that day Amina’s cousin posted on the blog, “I have been on the telephone with both her parents and all that we can say right now is that she is missing. Her father is desperately trying to find out where she is and who has taken her.” Let’s send an avalanche of messages now to the USA and Turkey to help stop Amina’s torment and secure the freedom that she saw soaring and flying:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/free_amina_arraf/?vl

Together, the Avaaz community is assisting Syrian citizen journalists to break the blackout and get key footage out across the world, and are directly supporting the efforts of peaceful, pro-democracy protesters. Let’s secure Amina’s freedom now and continue to stand with Syrians struggling for a free, inclusive future.  

 With hope and determination,

Alice, Stephanie, Mohammad, Rewan, Ricken, Benjamin and the whole Avaaz team