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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIONS:
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1) SHELL TO SEA - HELP NEEDED IN MAYO - ONGOING
2) FLASHMOB AGAINST AIRPORT EXPANSION, 23.09.08
3) CLIMATE CAMP WHAT NEXT MEETING, MANCHESTER, 26-28.09.08
4) LOW CARBON COMMUNITIES NETWORK CONFERENCE, 04.10.08
5) DRAX COAL TRAIN DEFENDANTS APPEAL AND RALLY, 07.10.08
6) NATIONAL MEETING TO RESIST NEW COAL, MANCHESTER, 11-12.10.08
7) CLIMATE RUSH, 13.10.08
8) LOW IMPACT LIVING AND RENEWABLE ENERGY COURSES, SEPT/OCT
9) NATIONAL CLIMATE MARCH, 06.12.08
10) FANTASTIC FOOLERY, FFD 2009, 01.04.09

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RECENT HAPPENINGS:
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1) ECOTOPIAN REPRESSION – AUGUST
2) 7 GERMAN BANKS TARGETED – ‘NO TO UK COAL’ – 14.08.08
3) CLIMATE ACTION CAMP & NO BORDER CAMP, HAMBURG, 15-24.8.08
4) KINGSNORTH SIX RESULT - NOT GUILTY - 10.09.08
5) HUNGER STRIKE IN MAYO, SEPTEMBER
6) CARDIFF HILTON COAL PROTEST – 10.09.08
7) TOWARDS CLIMATE ACTION IN COPENHANGEN 2009,13-14.09.08
8) CLIMATE CAMP LEGAL UPDATE – ONGOING
9) ‘OIL WAR’ DECLARED IN NIGERIA - SEPT
10) COIN TRAINING - SEPT/OCT/NOV
11) ECO-DEFENCE PRISONERS – 2008 EDITION OF SPIRIT OF FREEDOM
12) NEW FILM - WAKE UP, FREAK OUT, THEN GET A GRIP.
13) OILWATCH POSITION PAPER ON VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKET
14) NEW CORNER HOUSE ARTICLES ON CLIMATE

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIONS:
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1) SHELL TO SEA - HELP NEEDED IN MAYO - ONGOING
The Solitaire (the biggest pipe laying ship in the world) is set to begin illegally constructing the offshore section of the pipeline. It is believed that the Solitaire is on a pretty tight schedule & booked up for the next 2 years, so ANY disruption provides us with a real opportunity to delay the project significantly. Members of the Great Rebel Raft Regatta recently deployed at the E.ON coal fired power station at Kingsnorth, have made their way from Climate Camp UK to Erris, in order to assist Shell to Sea campaigners in their opposition to this pipeline construction at Glengad.  http://www.corribsos.com/
(Also see story below regarding the hunger strike in Erris).

2) FLASHMOB AGAINST AIRPORT EXPANSION, 23.09.08
A flashmob to protest against the expansion of Heathrow, Manchester and all UK airports is being called to coincide with the Labour Party Conference in Manchester. It also marks the launch of the newly-formed Stop Expansion at Manchester Airport group (SEMA).For more info see: www.stopmanchesterairport.org.uk
Date: Tuesday 23rd September. Time: 12.45pm (sharp!) Location: Albert Square, outside Manchester Town Hall. Turn up and reveal your red T-shirt (keep it covered before hand!) 3 ways to get your free 'Stop Airport Expansion' T-Shirt:
Email  info@stopmanchesterairport.org.uk, meet at Friends Meeting House (Mount St) at 12.15pm and collect one, or make your own!

3) CLIMATE CAMP WHAT NEXT MEETING, MANCHESTER, 26-28.09.08
All are invited to the first Post-Climate Camp National Gathering. The gathering will offer a chance to reflect on where we are at, decide where we go from here, and provide info as to how to get involved in the ongoing direct action campaign to stop Kingsnorth. Questions? Email  process@climatecamp.org.uk
For full details of the gathering go to  http://www.climatecamp.org.uk/node/448

4) LOW CARBON COMMUNITIES NETWORK CONFERENCE, 04.10.08
A national day of networking and strategy planning for low carbon community groups across the UK. This free event in Llangollen is open to representatives of community groups working towards a low carbon future for everyone. A range of workshops, networking sessions and inspiring speakers offer the opportunity to learn from each other as we move towards a low carbon society. To find out more visit -  http://low.communitycarbon.net/2008-conference/

5) DRAX COAL TRAIN DEFENDANTS APPEAL AND RALLY, 07.10.08
On 13th June 2008 protestors halted a coal train carrying fuel for Drax power station, which burns around 9 million tonnes of coal per year and emits some 21 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. The Drax protesters were arrested and 29 of them face criminal proceedings. The District Judge sent the case to crown court because he thought it too serious for the magistrate’s court: the maximum sentence in the magistrate’s court is 6 months. The Drax defendants face custodial sentences. They need help with expenses so that the case can be heard. Peace News has launched an appeal and you can donate: Account Name: Midlands Conservation Club, Sort Code: 30-98-00 (Lloyds TSB), Account No: 291140002.

Or rather than give money support then in person! Say 'No' to Coal and Climate Change! Vigil/Rally in support of the Drax 29 Tuesday 7th October - 12.30 to 2.00pm
Outside York Crown Court (next to the Castle Museum). This is the first of two pre-trial appearances before the main trial when York Eco-Action shall be calling much bigger actions. But lets show the media how big the issue is right from Day 1!

6) NATIONAL MEETING TO RESIST NEW COAL, MANCHESTER, 11-12.10.08
A meeting to bring together groups and communities resisting coal in the UK, from open cast and deep coal mines, to power stations and coal imports. Share information, plan for action, and build a strong network of resistance.
Visit - www.leaveitintheground.org.uk for more details.

7) CLIMATE RUSH, 13.10.08
Parliament Square, London - 5.30pm
100 years ago the Suffragettes went to Parliament and demanded that their society change. They held a mass rally outside Parliament to which thousands came, before a number of them rushed into Parliament and got everyone's attention. We invite you all to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this world changing event. No airport expansion. No new coal. The creation of policies based on the most recent climate research.
The Climate Rush: www.climaterush.co.uk and  info@climaterush.co.uk

8) LOW IMPACT LIVING AND RENEWABLE ENERGY COURSES, SEPT/OCT
Throughout October the Low Impact Living Initiative are running a range of courses to help you prepare for a low carbon future. From composting to building solar water heaters, green woodwork to low-impact smallholdings, wood burner construction to advanced recycling. For more information check out -  http://www.lowimpact.org/courses.htm
AND
Green Dragon Energy are running renewable energy courses throughout October at various locations across the UK and Europe. Introduction to Renewable Energy, Wind & Solar Electricity Course, Solar Electricity Installation Course - Off-grid Applications for more see  http://www.greendragonenergy.co.uk/courses.htm

9) NATIONAL CLIMATE MARCH, 06.12.08
Thousands will gather to March through London on Saturday 6th of December, coinciding with the pivotal UN international climate talks in Poland. The march will be one of many happening in major cities throughout the world with all calling on world leaders take the urgent and resolute action needed to prevent runaway climate change. To find out about the London March - contact the Campaign Against Climate Change at  info@campaigncc.org or phone 0207 8339311.

10) FANTASTIC FOOLERY, FFD 2009, 01.04.09
Just in case you missed the news last month. Four continents, 150 actions, and an April Fools Day with a fantastically subversive (and radically necessary) twist - we’re definitely doing that again! So Fossil Fools Day 09 is a go - start picking your fossil fuel target now! Info and resources will be posted on the website soon, and look out for leaflets to distribute in December.

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RECENT HAPPENINGS:
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1) ECOTOPIAN REPRESSION - AUGUST 2008
Greens, environmentalists, peace and nature supporters, and NGO's from all over the World gathered on the 9th of August to join the 20th international Ecotopia gathering being held at Sarikum nature reserve in Sinop, Turkey. Ecotopia gatherings promote sustainable ways of living, harmony with nature, and discuss social justice issues. This year, Ecotopia has supported local anti-nuclear groups, raised consciousness of nuclear issues and promoted alternative energy sources. On Wednesday 20th August, 6 internationals and 5 Turkish people were placed under custody while staging a peaceful vigil outside the Atomic EnergyAgency (TAEK) in Sinop. On the 22nd August, approximately 10 armed officers, ordered by the governor of Sinop, raided the Ecotopia camp, threatening forceful eviction if the site was not emptied within 3 hours. See Indymedia for more details -  http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407393.html

2) 7 GERMAN BANKS TARGETED – ‘NO TO UK COAL’ – 14.08.08
Communique sent via e-mail to direct action news from germany ( http://www.directactionde.blogspot.com/) "On the night of Thursday 14th August, in Berlin, we made 7 attacks on Deutsche Bank, Commerz Bank, Allianz AG and Dresdener Bank. The locks to the banks and the card-readers were glued and 'no to UK Coal' was spraypainted. Deutsche Bank is the single biggest European investor in agrofuels in Latin America. Along with Allianz, Deustche Bank is also one of the biggest shareholders in UK Coal who currently plan to build 7 new coal fired power stations across the UK. The targets chosen are both climate change and capital related. Exploitation of the environment and people by State and industry go hand in hand. They cannot be separated and both must be attacked. This attack coincides with the end of the UK Camp for Climate Action and the beginning of the Klima Camp and Anti-Racissmus Camp near Hamburg. Social war not climate chaos!" For more info see -  http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/21289

3) CLIMATE ACTION CAMP & NO BORDER CAMP, HAMBURG, 15-24.8.08
From 15 to 24th August anti-racists and environmentalists pitched their tents in Hamburg, in a joint camp with shared infrastructure, spaces and time. Both in the camp itself and during actions attempts were made to stand together and build alliances, the action high points of the camps included the blockade of the deportation airport Fuhlsbüttel and the occupation of the Moorburg coal power plant. At Hamburg airport, which was both an anti-deportation and anti-climate change action, an estimated 2,000 people took action in the area. Toilets were flooded, various actions inside the terminals occurred and demonstrations and barricades were built on roads into the airport. At Moorburg, 800 people marched to the police lines in front of coal power plant. Although Moorburg had been successfully occupied early in the week, police were now prepared. Water cannons, pepper spray, and batons were all used in full force against demonstrators. A 'five finger tactic' did manage to get through police lines at times, as well as through forests and fences, but demonstrators found each fence concealed yet another line of police and fences. For more information and pictures see -  http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/08/407468.html

4) KINGSNORTH SIX RESULT - NOT GUILTY - 10.09.08
To recap on how important this verdict is: the defendants campaigners were accused of causing £30,000 of criminal damage to Kingsnorth smokestack from painting. The defence was that they had 'lawful excuse' - because they were acting to protect property around the world "in immediate need of protection" from the impacts of climate change, caused in part by burning coal. So the evidence for the defence centred around the enormous damage burning coal does to ecosystems, people and property around the planet - and the UK government's abject failure to take any meaningful action.
This could be a very important precedent for environmental activists across the UK! For more information visit -  http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/blog/climate/kingsnorth-trial-breaking-news-verdict-20080910

5) HUNGER STRIKE IN MAYO - SEPTEMBER
Hunger Strike in Erris as Shell's Pipe Laying Ship Arrives.
On September 9th the world's largest pipe-laying vessel, The Solitaire, arrived off the coast of Mayo, Ireland. Local fishermen are worried about contamination of the waters they depend on, and many local people who are concerned that the offshore section of the Shell scheme is being put in place while no planning permission exists for the onshore section. The ship is supported by a number of Shell support craft, the Irish Police Water Unit and part of the Irish Navy. In recent weeks there have been 29 separate arrests in thee area around Glengad beach, where the pipe is due to make landfall.

A local school principal has vowed to refuse food until the ship leaves the area. She has parked her car in front of the Shell compound. The Irish government, including Green Party Ministers of the Environment and Natural Resources, have backed Shell's scheme. Last month the Garda released figures showing that 11 million euro had been spent policing the project since 2006, more than half the amount the force spent on fighting organised crime. Activists on the ground in Mayo have asked for assistance. Those not in a position to travel to Mayo can hold solidarity protests at the Irish embassy or Shell petrol stations. For more info see www.indymedia.ie/mayo,  http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/21448,  http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2008/09/408913.html or contact  rossportsolidaritycamp@gmail.com

6) CARDIFF HILTON COAL PROTEST – 10.09.08
Merthyr Tydfil residents and climate change campaigners staged disruptive protests at the Cardiff Hilton during the AGM of the UK Coal Authority. Three campaigners scaled the main entrance of the luxury hotel and hung a banner reading “Coal: Leave it in the Ground”, while others inside the conference challenged coal industry delegates on their industry’s record of environmental damage. The UK Coal Authority is a government-funded body tasked with promoting and supporting the UK coal industry. Their AGM features sessions on expanding opencast mining, lengthening the lifespan of aging power stations, and a range of other controversial activities carried out by the industry, which has faced widespread opposition over the past year to its plans for a new generation of coal-fired power stations, and ongoing expansion of opencast mining across the country.  media@thecoalhole.org
 http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/21423

7) TOWARDS CLIMATE ACTION IN COPENHANGEN 2009,13-14.09.08
Reports coming out from the first international planning meeting in Copenhagen suggest that it was a great success. The meeting finalised a call out text, which will be up on the Rising Tide website shortly, and started mobilisation for direct action against the root causes of climate change in Copenhagen and throughout the world during the UN Climate Conference (30 Nov -11 Dec 2009).
More info:  http://klimax2009.org/?p=33&langswitch_lang=en
To get involved in this ongoing and open process, sign up to the email list:  climateaction@klimax2009.org

8) CLIMATE CAMP LEGAL UPDATE - ONGOING
Return of property - A collection of the items seized under the warrant was to happen Tuesday 16th September but annual leave deferred because of the Climate Camp and rest days following Kent Police's activity at the Channel Tunnel fire means they can't find an officer to return the property at the moment. If you want items collected from individual searches, collected and brought to the Manchester Gathering please email legal ASAP for advice -  legal@climatecamp.org.uk
Witnesses to an arrest of a white male, 6'1" tall, slim, black fleece top, blue jeans with blue ruck sack and camera at the Deansgate Golf Club search area on Saturday 9th August at 10.35am. Uniformed inspector (red shoulder flashes) grabbed him violently and frog- marched him to the exit. Email  legal@climatecamp.org.uk

9) ‘OIL WAR’ DECLARED IN NIGERIA – SEPT
Nigeria's main militant group in the Niger Delta has declared an "oil war" against foreign-owned oil companies working in the region. The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (Mend) said on Sunday it had launched "hurricane Barbarossa" and destroyed flow stations and oil pipelines, killing 22 Nigerian soldiers. Mend said it was launching the "war" after government troops attacked one of its positions a day earlier with aerial and marine forces. Chevron confirmed one of its oil platforms was attacked by rebels on Sunday. Royal Dutch Shell, ExxonMobil, Total, Eni, and Chevron, are among the numerous oil companies operating in the Niger Delta.  http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/21446

10) COIN TRAININGS - SEPT/OCT/NOV
COIN's trainings in London this autumn are booking up fast - please see www.coinet.org.uk for details and book now to avoid disappointment.
The trainings are: 30th Sept: Communicating Climate Change; 28th Oct: Climate Change Speaker Training; 18th Nov: Climate Change Condensed; 2nd Dec: How to win the climate change argument in a 15-minute tea break. COIN is also running 2 trainings in September for Trade Unionists, see www.coinet.org.uk if you are a member of trade union and fancy some training on climate change communication.

11) ECO-DEFENCE PRISONERS – 2008 EDITION OF SPIRIT OF FREEDOM
Seeing so many good people removed from their families & loved ones for merely acting out of compassion and a desire to stop environmental destruction and animal abuse is heartbreaking. Some of the prisoners ELP lists are very well known, others are less well known. However ALL of them deserve our love and support. ALL of the listed prisoners welcome letters of support. Even if it’s just a card saying “Hi. I’m thinking of you”. So please, no matter where you are in the world, support the eco-prisoners.  http://earthfirst.org.uk/actionreports/node/21341

12) NEW FILM - WAKE UP, FREAK OUT, THEN GET A GRIP.
A great new short film about climate tipping points and why we need to act now. Watch it and pass it on - and it’s great for workshops!  http://wakeupfreakout.org/

13) OILWATCH POSITION PAPER ON VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKET
This document is now available to downloaded from the Oilwatch website - www.oilwatch.org

14) NEW CORNER HOUSE ARTICLES ON CLIMATE
Including how the pay-to-pollute principle killed South African activist Sajida Khan, six soundbites against carbon markets, why climate change is becoming a social and political rather than technological and scientific problem, and a new video called the 'CO2 Alibi'.  http://www.thecornerhouse.org.uk/subject/climate

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