2008

JULY 10: Climate Camp, Newcastle

JUNE 30: Food and Climate Change: Discussion Night

Monday 30th June 6.30 until 8pm Venue: Level 2, TLC Building, 16 Peel Street, South Brisbane Cost: Free In this discussion evening, Daisie Barham and Gemma Schuch from Friends of the Earth will take a look at:

* how our food choices are fuelling climate change due to food miles, meat consumption and industrial food production;

* how the expansion of the agrofuel (“bio”fuel) industry – touted by governments and corporations as a “solution” to climate change is contributing to the increase in world food prices while also in many cases actually accelerating climate change;

* some positive examples of how we can create sustainable food systems which won’t destroy the climate

This will be followed by group discussion of these issues. For more information or to RSVP call Friends of the Earth on 3846 5793 or email gemma.schuch@hotmail.com

QLD Labor Conference June 21 & 22 (Saturday and Sunday) Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Join the Nukes Collective in appealling for a nuclear-free-uranium mine-free Australia. For more information call Robin on 0411 118 737.

JUNE 23: Uranium, weapons and waste: current Australian context in a shifting political landscape

Join the Queensland Nuclear Free Alliance (QNFA) and guest speakers for a casual and informative gathering…

Theme: Uranium, weapons and waste: current Australian context in a shifting political landscape

Where: Three Monkeys coffee and tea house. 58 Mollison St South Brisbane (off Boundary st) When: 6pm, Monday 23rd June Refreshments will be provided free. Meals available. BYO alcoholic beverages.

Speakers: Dr Gavin Mudd, Lecturer and Director Environmental Engineering, Monash University. Dr Mudd has had extensive research experience in examining the underlying scientific issues associated with uranium mining in Australia, with detailed knowledge of the Australian uranium mining sector. Adele Pedder, Nuclear-free Campaigner, Australian Conservation Foundation. For over 40 years ACF has been a strong voice for the environment, with long involvement in the nuclear-free movement in Australia. Adele has many years experience environmental advocacy, particularly in northern Australia.

For more information: Queensland Nuclear Free Alliance 0411 118 737

JUNE 28: Guam Peace Activists Speaking Tour & BBQ

For over 60 years, the United States has held the people of Guam hostage to its military ambitions - US bases cover one-third of the total land area of the small Pacific island and there are plans to expand the bases and flood Guam with upwards of 50,000 military personnel and their dependants. The indigenous people of Guam , the Chamoru, have waged a long struggle to protect their land and culture from the effects of militarism and colonisation.

Join us for an afternoon BBQ followed by presentations from our two special guests are Dr Lisa Natividad and Julian Aguon, two Chamoru activists from Guahan (Guam) who are campaigning against US military bases on their land.

Special guests include Indigenous Darabal elders Auntie Jeanette & Auntie Olive. The Aunties hail from the Shoalwater Bay region of Queensland, site of the Talisman Saber joint US-Aust war games.

Saturday June 28, 2008
BBQ starts 1pm
Public Meeting starts 2pm

Location:	St Mary's Church
Street:	cnr Peel & Merivale Sts, South Brisbane
City/Town:	South Brisbane, Australia

Pot-Luck Welcome Dinner Thursday, June 26, 6pm St Mary's House (cnr Peel & Merivale Strs. South Brisbane) Please bring a plate. For more information call Robin on 0411 118 737.

JUNE 5: World Environment Day Coal Debate

Thursday, June 5th, 6.30pm The West End Club, 2 Vulture St, West End Are we on the wrong track or out at sea?

This World Environment Day we invite you to attend a debate to decide, once and for all, which proposed new coal infrastructure project is worse for the future of Queensland….the Southern Missing Rail Link OR the Wiggins Island Coal Terminal at Gladstone. At a time when we should be debating how we phase out the coal industry, the Queensland Government is rapidly investing in the infrastructure to sustain it. The debate is organised by a community group campaigning to cure Queensland's coal addiction. In this tongue-in-cheek event, we will debate which part of Queensland coal expansion to target first. Join us! Fair trade organic chocolate and popcorn will be sold as a fundraiser for transport to Climate Camp & Students of Sustainability. For more information, call Emma on 3846 5793 or emma.brindal@foe.org.au

JUNE 30: Talking Food and Climate Change: Discussion Night

Monday, June 30th, 6.30 - 8pm Venue: Level 2, TLC Building, 16 Peel Street, South Brisbane Cost: Free In this discussion evening, Daisy Barham and Gemma Schuch from Friends of the Earth will take a look at: - how our food choices are fuelling climate change due to food miles, meat consumption and industrial food production; - how the expansion of the agrofuel ("bio"fuel) industry – touted by governments and corporations as a "solution" to climate change is contributing to the increase in world food prices while also in many cases actually accelerating climate change; - some positive examples of how we can create sustainable food systems which won't destroy the climate This will be followed by group discussion of these issues. For more information call Friends of the Earth on 3846 5793 or email emma.brindal@foe.org.au.

Students of Sustainability 2008 July 5th-9th University of NewCastle Anyone interested in creating a more ecologically and socially sustainable world "Students, community and Indigenous activists, academics, public intellectuals, environmental educators, social change agents of all stripes and from all over Australia will come and participate in a range of educational, practical and participatory forums and workshops. SoS is about imparting the inspiration, tools, motivation and education required for participants to inspire and educate others when they return to their own communities." (in www.studentsofsustainability.org/) Are you going? Kim and Josh from Friends of the Earth Brisbane will be attending Students of Sustainability 2008 on Peace Convergence work and they would love a little stall help. Phone Kim when you get there on 0413 397 839 if you would like to help.

Climate Justice Meetings Next meetings: June 12th and 26th, 6.30 pm FoE Brisbane House, 294 Montague Road West End Climate Justice Collective meetings are on the second and fourth THURSDAYS of each month at the FoE House. Meetings start at 6pm and finish around 7:30pm. Bring something yummy to share. Contact Emma on 3846 5793 or 0411 084 727 for more details. FoE Brisbane Introduction Night Wednesday, June 25th, 6.30 to 8pm FoE Brisbane House, 294 Montague Road West End Introduction sessions cover the history of FoE Brisbane, our principles and how we work, connection with FoE Australia and FoE International, our current work and ways that people can get involved. Information sessions are open to any curious person and are ideal for people considering becoming involved in the organisation. They are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Contact Derec or Emma on 3846 5793.

ACTION TAKE ACTION ON CLIMATE REFUGEES! Our cyberaction to Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith about climate refugees is now on the FoE international website. It only takes 2 minutes to read, fill in your details and send off. Go to: http://www.foei.org/en/get-involved/take-action/climate-refugees, and forward on to your networks!!

 

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MAY 14 : Voices from Bangladesh Speaking Tour

The people and ecosystems of Bangladesh face many of the most devastating consequences of climate change and sea level rise – at the same time as international financial institutions continue to finance projects such as the Phulbari Coal project that directly contribute to climate change and threaten developing communities. This national speaking tour aims to raise awareness of the unequal impacts of climate change and to voice the urgent need for Australia to support development projects that are socially and environmentally just, rather than destructive. May 12-23rd

BRISBANE Wednesday 14 May

Ahimsa House 26 Horan St, West End

6:30-8:30pm

MAY 17:

Speakers:

Prof Ian Lowe, President Aust Conservation Foundation
Holly Creenane, Friends of the Earth Australia
Tanis Fulcher, Brisbane State High Student
Emma Rose, Asgrove Climate Action Group

QUT - Gardens Point Room D101, Saturday 17th May 2:30pm - 5:00pm

The Key Speaker, Ian Lowe will share his insights of how our society needs to respond to the scientific evidence of climate change and the available technologies to access our energy. He will also share the political responses to dealing with climate change.

Holly Creenaune will share stories of how communities have been effective in responding to other environmental justice issues.

Tanis Fulcher will be talking about his personal perception of how climate change affects young people.

Emma Rose will provide insights of various projects she has been involved in on a local level to reduce the Carbon Footprint in Brisbane.

There will also be some inspiring entertainment provided Bring your questions to ask the panel at the end of the session.

QUT - Gardens Point Room D101, Saturday 17th May 2:30pm - 5:00pm

MAY 18: Film screening *The Refugee Action Collective and Stop the War Collective present:* *TAXI TO THE DARK SIDE* * * *2008 Oscar winner for best documentary* ** *A Film by Alex Gibney* * * *1.30pm, Sunday 18th May* *Metro Arts Cinema* *109 Edward Street, City* *Entry by donation* An in-depth look at the torture practices of the United States in Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay, focusing on an innocent taxi driver in Afghanistan who was tortured and killed on 2002. *For more information contact Mark on 3123 8585*

FoE International 2008 calendars - only $20! We are delighted to announce the arrival of the second Friends of the Earth International calendar! The theme for this trilingual 2008 calendar is 'food and agriculture', and it is illustrated with powerful images from our photo competition. This A4 size calendar is trilingual (English, French and Spanish) and key environment-related dates are noted. It is printed on chlorine-free, 100% recycled post consumer paper. Remember, each calendar order takes us a little bit closer to saving the planet, as profits go towards supporting the work of Friends of the Earth Brisbane.

To place your order, please contact Friends of the Earth Brisbane on 07 3846 5793

People & Planet diaries 2008 - $20 If you're more of a diary than a calendar person, this social justice diary is great for keeping track of the days. It's filled with beautiful images and also has information about various organisations that are working to create a socially and environmentally just world. To place your order or for any enquiries, please contact Friends of the Earth Brisbane on 07 3846 5793