[Onthebarricades] Ecological protests, October 2008

[global resistance roundup]

* INDIA: Goa - anti-mining protests block roads
* INDIA: Karnataka - protests target forestry officials
* BANGLADESH: Indiscriminate tree-felling protested
* CHINA: Zhejiang, Taizhou - Protests against planned chemical plant
* INDIA: AP - Villagers stage novel protest over garbage problem
* WEST PAPUA - INDONESIA: Greenpeace blasts deforestation
* GREECE: Locals protest lagoon threat
* BULGARIA: Environmentalists protest illegal construction in green zones
* AUSTRALIA: Tasmania - police smash Florentine forest protest
* US - HAWAII: Residents protest redevelopment plan
* CANADA: Newfoundland: Protests over oily soil
* UK: Protesters march on parliament over airport expansion, police shut 
it down
* CANADA: Scientists protest Harper "attack on science", global warming 
denial
* US: Montana - gas leases protested
* TAIWAN: Protest to save Lo Sheng
* POLAND - CZECH REPUBLIC: Protest over wind turbines at tourist site
* US: Texas/Chicago - protest against unsound energy
* US: Connecticut - Protest over waste station
* US: Wyoming: Buffalo plan draws protests
* US: Montana - Yellowstone managers destroying solitude
* UK - SCOTLAND: Protesters target SNP leader at home
* NEW ZEALAND: Protest against GM crops
* UK: 5000 sign up to Greenpeace land protection scheme
* AUSTRALIA: Ecological protesters picket Cairns parliament
* UK: Greenpeace ship in coal protest
* AUSTRALIA: Tasmania - violent sledgehammer attack on forest protesters
* SCOTLAND - UK: Tree-sitters seek to save park trees
* ITALY - SARDINIA: Greenpeace targets coal power
* SCOTLAND - UK: Protest fails to save trees

Preservationism
* BANGLADESH: Removal of statues sparks protest
* IRELAND: Church demolition sparks protest





http://story.indiagazette.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/701ee96610c884a6/id/417523/cs/1/

Anti-mining protests in south Goa
India Gazette
Sunday 12th October, 2008
(IANS)
A fresh mining lease in the south Goan region of Quepem has led to a 
resurgence in anti-mining protests, even as police arrested seven people 
after villagers and activists came out on the streets and blocked the 
passage of trucks carrying iron ore, officials said Sunday.

Those arrested include Seby Rodrigues, a civil rights researcher, and an 
85-year-old woman, on charges of rioting.

Inspector General of Police Kishen Kumar said the accused had been 
remanded to judicial custody and further investigations were on.

Speaking to IANS Sunday evening, Kumar denied reports of a Catholic 
priest being arrested.

The demonstration Saturday night came on the eve of the inauguration of 
a fresh mining lease in Colamb region of Quepem, which has seen protests 
from the local villagers.

A two dozen-strong group had squatted on the road, used to ferry iron 
ore extracted from mines to barges.

In a statement to the media, anti-mining activist Philip Neri Dsouza 
said a minister in the Goa cabinet, a leader of the Goa Youth Congress 
and a member of the Goa district council had 'unleashed terror on the 
villagers of Maina-Quepem using government machinery'.

Floriano Lobo, president of the Goa Suraj Party, said Rodrigues was 
being branded a Maoist by the pro-mining lobby.

'Sebastian Rodrigues is a Ph.D. student and is involved nationally and 
internationally in bringing awareness to the world about the ill-effects 
of unplanned and illegal mining in India, more specifically in his home 
state of Goa,' he said in a statement.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/17/stories/2008101758080300.htm

Karnataka - Bellary

Protest held against arrest of Congress leader
Staff Correspondent
________________________________________
Diwakar Babu and 12 others were arrested on Wednesday
________________________________________
BELLARY: Followers of M. Diwakar Babu, former Minister and Congress 
leader, took out a procession in the city on Thursday protesting against 
Mr. Babu’s arrest on Wednesday when he, along with 12 others, was 
protesting in the Office of the Conservator of Forest against the 
partisan attitude of the Forest Department officials.
They were demanding action against those who were undertaking illegal 
mining. The procession began from Durgamma temple and passed through the 
main streets to reach the Deputy Commisisioner’s office, where a 
memorandum was submitted, to be forwarded to the Governor.
The memorandum urged the Governor to direct the State government to drop 
all the false charges levelled against Mr. Diwakar Babu and 12 others 
besides initiating steps to control the district administration from 
taking wrong steps, failing which the State Government would be solely 
responsible for the law and order problem that would arise.
They condemned the arrest of Mr. Diwakar Babu and 12 others. Terming the 
police action as suppression of fundamental rights to agitate and bring 
into focus the ongoing attempts to loot mineral wealth , the protesters 
accused the district administration, particularly the police and the 
Forest Department, of adopting a ‘partisan’ attitude, and demanded stern 
action against the officials.






http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=60129

Published On: 2008-10-24
Metropolitan
Indiscriminate felling of trees at Khashia Punji protested
DU Correspondent

Bangladesh Paribesh Andolon (Bapa) and Bangladesh Adivasi Forum (BAF) 
yesterday formed a human chain at TSC intersection on the Dhaka 
University campus protesting the indiscriminate cutting down of trees at 
Khashia Punji in Moulvibazar.

Bapa President Prof Muzaffer Ahmed said wholesale cutting down of trees 
at Khashia Punji not only poses a threat to the environment, but also it 
is an issue of justice.

The environment, biodiversity and livelihood of the local indigenous 
people are facing threats due to such type of whimsical act of the 
government, he added.

Prof Ahmed said the government decision would put questions to the 
future national plan to face the impacts of climate change.

At the programme, he called on the government to be careful not to take 
such decision immediately.

The speakers said a huge number of trees have already been cut down as 
part of chopping down 4,000 trees in Khashia Pan Punji at Nahar Tea 
Garden at Srimangal and process of felling down more trees underway.

They placed a five-point demand, including immediate halt to cutting 
down of trees and their sale and stop taking tax from the local 
indigenous people.

The speakers said though only 864.58 acres of land is registered with 
the tea garden, it is using more than 1200 acres of land.

Though the news of corruption by the local official of forest 
departments is published in the media, they are still cutting down trees 
indiscriminately, they added.






http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/13/asia/protest.php

Opposition grows against proposed chemical plant in China

International Herald Tribune, Reuters
Published: October 13, 2008

BEIJING: Residents of a Chinese city plagued by pollution are mobilizing 
against a proposed chemical plant that they say could harm their health, 
with some urging marches against the plan, which they say puts growth 
before the environment.
The plant proposed for Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, on the eastern coast 
of China, would make paraxylene, a petrochemical also known as PX and 
used to make polyester. Last year, protests against a PX plant planned 
for another coastal city, Xiamen, led to its being shelved.
Now Taizhou residents, dismayed at the prospect of another chemical 
plant in an area already crowded with them, are threatening to re-enact 
those protests.
"Resolutely oppose the PX project. As Taizhou residents, everyone must 
take some action," said one message on a local Web site 
(bbs.taizhou.com) that has served as a platform for those opposed to the 
plant. "We want clear water and green hills, not toxic cash."
Leaders in China have vowed to create what it calls a more "harmonious 
society" with cleaner air and water, even at the cost of slower economic 
growth. But this dispute threatens to become another battle pitting 
citizens with environmental or health concerns against local officials 
whose priority often remains attracting fresh investment and revenue.
Another Internet site devoted to opposing the project, calling itself 
Baowei Taizhou - roughly translated as Safeguard Taizhou - is urging 
residents to "surround Taizhou."
"Let the people speak out. Give them full rights to know and express 
themselves," said the latest posting, dated Sunday. "Environmental 
problems are the world's problems, and every individual's."
Internet messages are also urging residents to send around text messages 
organizing mass "strolls" against the project.
Coastal Taizhou is a hub of chemical production, and the big plant would 
be a feather in the cap of local officials. "This is a rare historic 
opportunity, and a big project to enrich the people of Taizhou," said an 
official news report that announced the plan in April.
But residents and workers in Taizhou have long complained about water, 
air and fields putrid with pollution.
The proposed chemical production plant would make ethylene and 
paraxylene as part of a larger petroleum processing complex costing 60 
billion yuan, or $8.8 billion, according to reports in the official 
Taizhou Daily.
A Taizhou city environmental official told Reuters that the project, led 
by China National Petroleum, was still in planning stages.





http://www.thehindu.com/2008/10/06/stories/2008100657850300.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada

Villagers stage novel protest
Staff Reporter
Mayor, Pradyumna urged to sort out garbage problem
— PHOTO: RAJU V

Seeking divine help! Villagers of Pathapadu, Mangalapuram participate in 
a peace rally to protest against the entry of grabage dumper vehicles to 
their village-limits for dumping the solid waste on the outskirts of 
Vijayawada on Sunday.
VIJAYAWADA: The villagers of Pathapadu, Apparaopeta, Sitaramapuram, 
Mangalapuram and Venkatapuram registered their protest against dumping 
of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) by organising non-denominational peace 
prayers cutting across religious lines here on Sunday. They took out 
peace rally under the aegis of Chetta Tarlimpu Vyatireka Udyama 
Committee from Apparaopeta to Pathapadu and conducted prayers at all 
temples and churches en route.
“We urge the almighty to bless Mayor Mallika Begum, Vijayawada Municipal 
Commissioner P. S. Pradyumna and officials with prudence and wisdom. 
They are unable to understand our plight,” said villagers, who 
participated in the rally.
The rally began at Kodanda Ramalayam in Apparaopeta and ended at 
Pathapadu covering about four churches and three temples. The villagers 
carried photos of gods of their choice and uttered catchy phrases like 
“Govinda! Save us from the garbage,” and “God bless them with wisdom.” 
Women belonging to as many as 20 DWCRA groups participated in the rally 
and offered prayers to register their protest. “We are at receiving end 
for the sin that we have not committed. The garbage polluted the ground 
water in our village. Now, we have to walk four km to fetch a pot of 
water. We can’t accept this injustice anymore,” said K. Malleswari, a 
villager.
No positive response
Committee president K. Venkataratnam said that the Corporation officials 
slapped false cases against the villagers for preventing the sanitary 
vehicles last Sunday. Even police is aware of the fact that the 
villagers did not damage any of the sanitary vehicles. But, they slapped 
cases on the plea that government property was damaged, he said, adding, 
“it is nothing but intimidating the villagers who were resisting the 
dumping of garbage.”
“The government identified our village as Indira Adarsa gramam. But, 
where is the development? Instead, we are facing regress with the 
dumping yard,” said G. Narayana, another villager.
Bezwada Nageswara Rao, who was picked up by the police during midnight 
of last Saturday, said that they were opposing the dumping of garbage 
since one-and-half years. But, there was no positive response from 
Corporation officials.
The officials were scaring the villagers by slapping non-bailable cases, 
he said, adding, “promises to provide drinking water and roads are 
nothing but bait. We cannot accept the municipal refuse at any cost.”
It may be recalled that the trouble broke with Nunna Police picking up 
two persons—Bezawada Nageswara Rao and Nallamothu Ananda Rao -- from the 
village in connection with the dumping issue last Saturday. The 
villagers instantaneously staged a protest and prevented entry of 
sanitary vehicles.








---------------------------------------------------

Greenpeace blasts deforestation

Jakarta Post - October 7, 2008

Nethy Dharma Somba, Jayapura -- The Greenpeace ship
Esperanza and its crew of activists arrived in
Jayapura on Monday, beginning a two-week campaign
on forest protection that is focusing on a
moratorium on deforestation in Papua.

Greenpeace Southeast Asia spokesperson Bustar
Maitar said the 23 activists would hold
discussions, a photo exhibition and gatherings to
encourage the public to help protect forests.

"Indonesia suffers from severe deforestation, with
large areas of forests across the country being
converted to plantation areas, such as commercial
palm oil fields," Bustar said.

Bustar said Greenpeace had decided to start the
campaign in Papua because the province has limited
areas of natural forests that are threatened with
deforestation.

The majority of forest areas in Papua are
threatened with illegal logging practices and
forest conversion into industrial zones, he said.
Greenpeace had urged the Indonesian government and
private companies to stop forest clearing, Bustar
said.

Indonesia is currently ranked forth in the world
after the United States, China and Brazil in terms
of greenhouse gas emissions, which was largely
because of forest clearing, he said.

"Prolonged destruction of forests will have a huge
impact on people, cultures and biodiversity. It
also constitutes around 20 percent of world's total
emissions each year, worsening climate change,"
Bustar said.

Deforestation in Indonesia (including Papua) has
been caused mainly by expansion of palm oil
plantations, Greenpeace reports.

Bustar said about 600,000 of some six million
hectares of land in Papua had been converted for
palm oil plantation use by private investors.

He said Greenpeace hoped investors would steer away
from palm oil plantations because of the negative
impacts they have on the environment.

Separately, Yuven Ledang of Papua's NGO cooperation
said deforestation in Papua was also caused by the
country's development, since there were many new
regencies there with development projects that
required land.

"Tropical forests and peat forests play important
roles in global climate change. If people destroy
them we will all suffer because we will no longer
be able to control greenhouse emissions, which will
have a huge impact on the entire human race.
Consequently, we need more forest areas to save the
planet from the devastating impacts of climate
change."

The Greenpeace team will continue its campaign to
Manokwari, Kalimantan, Jakarta and Sumatra, before
heading to Singapore on the same mission

They will continue to use the Ezperanza which is
equipped with a helicopter to support the team in
conducting aerial observations.

---------------------------------------------------












http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_politics_0_09/10/2008_101143

Locals protest ‘lagoon threat’
A decision by the Environment and Public Works Ministry to declare the 
area around Lake Vistonida, in northern Greece, a protected zone 
includes a loophole that will facilitate industrial development in 
precious wetlands in the broader region, academics have told Kathimerini.
According to Lazaros Vassileiadis, a professor at the Democritus 
University of Thrace, most at risk is the Vasova Lagoon, near Kavala, 
protected under the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the 
conservation of wetlands. “The pressure has begun for the installation 
of fuel tanks in the Vasova area,” Vassileiadis said. “We do not want 
our region to become an energy hub,” he explained, adding that residents 
were planning protests.
Development in the area would destroy the lagoon and pose a threat to 
the entire Kavala Gulf, locals say. “We don’t want our area to become 
Elefsina Bay,” said Dinos Antoniadis, the president of the regional 
technical chamber.





http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=97658

Bulgaria Environmentalists Protest over Illegal Construction
7 October 2008, Tuesday

Environmentalists are to stage simultaneous protests in Bulgaria's 
cities of Sofia and Varna over ongoing construction works in protected 
territories. File photo by Yuliana Nikolova (Sofia Photo Agency)

Environmentalists are to stage simultaneous protests in Bulgaria's 
cities of Sofia and Varna over ongoing construction works in protected 
territories.

"Lets make noise for the nature" is the banner of the rallies and 
protesters are to bring all kinds of noise making instruments.

According to the protesters, offshore companies under government 
protection are plundering Bulgaria's natural resources. The start of the 
protest in Sofia is scheduled for 7 pm in front of the National Palace 
of Culture. The rally in Varna starts 6.30 pm on Nezavisimost square.







http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/13/2389845.htm

Florentine forest protest over
Posted Mon Oct 13, 2008 5:47pm AEDT
Updated Mon Oct 13, 2008 7:17pm AEDT
• Map: Maydena 7140
Police in Tasmania's south have broken up a forest protest in the 
Florentine without making any arrests.
They were called to the Florentine road this morning at Maydena, where 
17 environmentalists had blocked a road to one of Forestry Tasmania's 
logging coupes.
The protesters left when told they were inside an exclusion zone, and 
breaking the law.
Police removed one person from a tree and took away chains and ropes 
blocking access to the coupe.





http://www.khon2.com/news/local/31094594.html

Kakaako Redevelopment Prompts Protest
By Olena Rubin
Story Updated: Oct 15, 2008 at 10:11 PM HST
More than a hundred concerned residents, business owners and 
environmental activists attended a public hearing Wednesday night, to 
learn more about a redevelopment plan for the Kakaako – Ward area.
The Ward Neigborhood Master Plan would bring in new stores, restaurants 
and housing over the next 20 years.
These Ward warehouses and markets could become a thing of the past, 
artist renderings show what General Growth hopes to eventually call the 
Ward Neighborhood.
“It will be a true neighborhood with housing, shops and services, such 
as supermarkets, doctors, dentists a satellite city hall and police sub 
stations,” General Growth Vice President Jan Yokota said.
The Ward Neighborhood plan would transform Auahi Street into a boulevard 
of shopping, restaurants and residences.
But some are not too happy about the proposal.
“Keep hawaii hawaii,” protestors said.
A group of concerned residents and business owners took to the streets 
Wednesday prior to a public hearing regarding the redevelopment plan.
“EIS yes yes EIS, EIS yes yes,” they said.
At the public hearing 56 people signed up to testify both for and 
against the redevelopment.
"I want to see a healthy economic growth right in the heart of our 
city,” Lauri Yanagawa said.
The Ward Neighborhood plan is projected to generate 33,000 jobs during 
construction and nearly 8,000 long term.
“You can’t have a healthy economy in Hawaii without having a healthy 
construction industry,” Pacific Resource Partnership Kyle Chock said.
The plan includes 4,300 residential units...20% of those would be 
offered as affordable housing.
“This plan looks feasible that’s why we want to support it,” a Kakaako 
resident said.
Meanwhile others are weary of offering support.
“What we have is severe and serious concerns about the process in which, 
by which you are following through approve, potentially approve this 
master plan,” Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation attorney Alan Murakami 
said.
Concerns regarding ancient burial grounds and the environmental impact.
“You have the ability to require an EIS as part of this process and I 
hope you will use your power and do it correctly,” The Outdoor Circle 
Mary Steiner said.
General Growth Properties are affected by the economic slowdown, but the 
company says Hawaii’s market is strong. They also say it’s a good time 
to prepare for growth when the markets rebound.








http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/10/06/barachois-brook.html?ref=rss

Barachois Brook residents revive protest over oily soil
Last Updated: Monday, October 6, 2008 | 12:54 PM NT

Demonstrators in a western Newfoundland community returned Monday to 
protest the burial of oil-laden soil in their neighbourhood.
Residents of Barachois Brook were holding an information picket, and 
complained that they were not consulted over a plan to dig up 
contaminated soil at Stephenville Airport and treat it in their community.
Under a plan managed by Transport Canada, the treated soil is being 
buried in a containment area lined with heavy plastic sheeting.
The protesters had halted trucks briefly two weeks ago. Universal 
Environmental Services sought a court injunction after a meeting with 
residents proved fruitless in resolving the dispute.
"We can't barricade the road and stop those trucks at this point because 
there's a court injunction pending against us," Gerard Lee, a protest 
organizer, said Monday. A hearing is set for Tuesday.
"We have to wait for developments there. We're slowing down, yes, [but] 
we're not stopping … It's terribly sad because of what they're hauling 
there, we should be stopping, but we have to abide by the law," said 
Lee, who chairs the local service district.
Lee, meanwhile, said residents of Barachois Brook are planning their own 
court challenge, to ask for a stop-work order against Universal 
Environmental Services.









http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Parliament-doors-closed-in-protest.4587644.jp

Parliament doors closed in protest
Published Date: 14 October 2008
POLICE were last night forced to lock the doors to parliament after 
protesters tried to storm the Palace of Westminster.
Scotland Yard said none of the demonstrators, protesting against airport 
expansion, had breached security. There were six arrests.


The full article contains 43 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

• Last Updated: 13 October 2008 11:54 PM






http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/7668288.stm

13 October 2008 20:09 UK
Parliament hit by green protest
Environmental protesters disrupt Westminster
Police have been forced to close the main public entrance to Parliament 
after environmental protesters attempted to force their way in.
Up to 600 demonstrators, including some against the expansion of 
Stansted and Heathrow airports, took part.
Officers made six arrests and have shut the St Stephen's Gate entrance.
Organised by the Climate Rush group, the aim was to emulate the attempt 
by the Suffragette movement to storm Parliament 100 years ago.
At about 1830 BST, demonstrators marched to Parliament where they were 
stopped by police at the St Stephen's entrance.

We simply wanted to exercise our legal right to make our representations 
to Parliament

Protester Carole Barbone
Police said none of the environmental demonstrators had managed to 
breach security.
Inspector Tim Barfoot, who was on the scene, said: "The situation is 
being dealt with.
"We are concerned to ensure the effective running of Parliament."
Five people have been arrested for breach of the peace and a 23-year-old 
woman has been held for breach of bail, a Metropolitan Police spokesman 
said.
Doors at the main St Stephen's Gate entrance were closed and secured 
with two large metal bars. Protesters striking the doors were clearly 
audible from the inside.
About 400 demonstrators from a number of organisations had gathered 
during the afternoon for a protest and rally.
'Peaceful protest'
One protester, Rosie Haworth-Booth, 62, from Wandsworth, south-west 
London, said: "It's a pity we couldn't get into Parliament. I was near 
the front and got a bit afraid. I'm too old for this.
"The government is prepared to give £50bn to help the banks and more 
people will be affected by this issue."
Carole Barbone, of Stop Stansted Expansion, said: "I can understand the 
police might have felt there was a risk due to the numbers of people 
involved but there was no intention from anyone involved to cause any 
damage or harm to people or property.
"We simply wanted to exercise our legal right to make our 
representations to Parliament."
The government gave the go-ahead to Stansted's expansion this month and 
a decision on Heathrow is due this year.







http://itn.co.uk/news/5d96c8bc2175d049ec1f6cd2bff84077.html

Protesters try to storm Parliament
Updated 20.17 Mon Oct 13 2008
Police were forced to lock the doors to Parliament after protesters 
tried to force their way inside.
Scotland Yard said none of the environmental demonstrators, who are 
campaigning against airport expansion, managed to breach security at the 
Palace of Westminster.
Doors at the main St Stephen's entrance were closed and secured with two 
large metal bars, with the hammering of protesters clearly audible from 
the inside
Doors at the main St Stephen's entrance were closed and secured with two 
large metal bars, with the hammering of protesters clearly audible from 
the inside.
The protest was organised by the Climate Rush group, which is angry 
about airport expansion and other Government policies on the environment.
Climate Rush organiser Jennifer Ruhemann said the action was by a broad 
coalition of groups including the Women's Institute, the Green Party and 
Plane Stupid.
Many of the protesters were dressed as Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the 
suffragette movement, and said they wanted to "rush" Parliament to mark 
the centenary of similar action by the suffragettes.
The latest attempt to breach security comes months after anti-aviation 
group Plane Stupid gained access to the roof of Parliament, unfurling 
banners and chaining themselves to the building.
A Met Police spokesman said six people were arrested as a result of the 
protest.
He added: "Police were aware that this group intended to lobby their 
MPs, as is their democratic right.
"On arriving at the St Stephen's Gate entrance the crowd attempted to 
rush the entrance.
"A pre-deployed line of police officers prevented this from happening. 
Additional officers were put in place to start to disperse the crowd 
from the Palace of Westminster."








http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Canadian_scientists_protest_Harper%27s_attacks_on_science

Canadian scientists protest Harper's attacks on science
 From Wikinews, the free news source you can write!
Jump to: navigation, search
Monday, October 13, 2008
Citing actions taken by the Conservative government since winning a 
minority government in 2006, 85 scientists across Canada have signed an 
open letter to all national party leaders calling on them to state how 
they will 'improve Canada’s track record' regarding the objectivity of 
science. This is the second such initiative within the week, the letter 
on 7 October being signed by 120 scientists.
The scientists signing the latest letter represent hundreds of 
researchers such as Deans, Department Heads, Research Chairs, and 
research team leaders. They come from academic fields of Anthropology, 
Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Biology, Community Health and 
Epidemiology, Criminology, Earth & Ocean Sciences, Educational 
Psychology, Environmental & Engineering Sciences, Land Resource Science, 
Medicine, Nursing, Philosophy, Physics, Psychiatry, Social Work, and 
Sociology.
Queen's University climate researcher John Smol lamented the need for 
scientists to protest in a public forum. "I think scientists tend to be 
conservative when it comes to voicing their opinions. But as far as the 
environment is concerned, the problem is so bad and the consequences are 
so terrible if we do not act," he told CBC News.
The Harper government was cited for actions across the academic 
spectrum, from nuclear safety to human health to climate science. A 
repeated charge is misreprestation and/or suppression of scientific 
finds, as well as acting to prevent the dissemination of research, to 
silence scientists.
...

While science is not the only factor to be considered in political 
decision-making, ignoring and subverting science and scientific 
processes is unacceptable. ...

—Canadian Scientists Against the Politicization of Science
Within the government's own Environment Canada the Conservatives have 
been accused of muzzling the department, even interfering with the 
release of one researcher's science fiction novel. The novel, entitled 
"Hotter than Hell", deals with a not-too-distant future strongly 
affected by global warming. Then-Environmental Minister Rona Ambrose 
ordered the scientist not to attend talks to promote his novel where his 
job title was given.
“It’s absolutely Orwellian what’s going on here in science in Canada,” 
said environmental scientist Andrew Weaver in an interview with The 
Georgia Straight. Weaver, lead author on three Intergovernmental Panel 
on Climate Change reports and the recently published "Keeping Our Cool: 
Canada in a Warming World", was not surprised when references to the 
UN's IPCC reports were removed from Canadian government websites. He 
wrote in his book about new rules the Harper government put in place, 
requiring journalist questions for Environment Canada scientists be 
submitted in writing, and responses must first be presented to 
media-relations staff for editing and approval.
Vancouver's Safe Injections Site project, Insite, a program designed to 
provide intravenous drug users with a medically-supervised location, is 
an internationally recognized model of successful harm-reduction public 
health policy, supported by both provincial and municipal governments. 
The national police force, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, engaged in 
a campaign to undermine the project according to documents discovered in 
a Freedom of Information Act query, including financing 
politically-motivated research.
The conservative government has been antagonistic to the program since 
coming to power, and though losing its case at every level of courts has 
appealed the Supreme Court of British Columbia ruling which struck down 
portions of Canada's drug laws as unconstitutional. The judge gave the 
government one year to pass replacement legislation which addresses the 
Charter Right of addicts to health care which may save their life.
Conservative Health Minister Tony Clement has questioned the ethics of 
physicians who support the harm-reduction model of Insite. "Is it 
ethical for health-care professionals to support the administration of 
drugs that are of unknown substance, or purity or potency — drugs that 
cannot otherwise be legally prescribed?" he said at the Canadian Medical 
Association's annual meeting.
"The minister was off base in calling into question the ethics of 
physicians involved in harm reduction," CMA president Brian Day 
responded. "It's clear that this was being used as a political issue." 
More than 80% of physicians support the harm-reduction model, he said.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/oct/12/activists-climatechange

Westminster protester prepared to risk jail in cause of climate change
On the eve of another demo against airport expansion, would-be priest 
Tamsin Omond is resigned to breaching her bail terms
• Amelia Hill, social affairs correspondent
• The Observer, Sunday 12 October 2008
• Article history
Tamsin Omond doesn't live like the granddaughter of a baronet, a 
candidate for priesthood or a first-class honours graduate from 
Cambridge who will be sitting her Open University MA examination 
tomorrow. Despite a flat crammed with political treatises and teetering 
heaps of campaign banners, high-visibility protest jackets and 
demonstration handouts, Omond is all three.
In a few hours' time, however, the dissonance between Omond's lineage 
and her surroundings could be even greater. Tomorrow, she could exchange 
her chaotic but comfortable north London flat for a single room provided 
at Her Majesty's pleasure, via an examination hall and a high-profile 
Westminster demonstration attended by the likes of Baroness Tonge and 
Rosie Boycott.
'I don't want to go to jail. I don't want to break the law,' said 
23-year-old Omond. 'The idea of going to prison makes me sick and 
nervous. It's very definitely not part of my life plan and I absolutely 
don't want it to happen. But if that's the price of protest, I find 
myself in a very difficult position.'
Omond is the founder of Climate Rush, the group behind tomorrow's 
demonstration in Parliament Square that will call for an end to airport 
expansion and tougher measures to control carbon dioxide emissions. It 
is a case in which she passionately believes: last February she was one 
of the so-called 'Commons Five' whose faces flashed across news 
programmes throughout the world when they scaled the Houses of 
Parliament to protest against a third runway at Heathrow.
The group stayed on the roof for three hours: a period carefully timed 
to coincide with Gordon Brown's arrival for Prime Minister's questions, 
during which at least one MP was to ask questions about the 
anti-aviation debate. Brown cancelled at the last minute - Omond is not 
sure whether his non-appearance was linked to the protest - and the 
group descended from the rooftops to be met by police who arrested them 
on charges of trespass. The group were kept in custody for 12 hours 
before being released on bail to await their trial on 11 November, at 
which they could receive a maximum penalty of 51 weeks' custody and a 
£5,000 fine.
But if the idea of a year's incarceration makes her feel queasy, it is 
the bail conditions that are causing her immediate concern. 'If I go 
into the Houses of Parliament or break the law before the court case, I 
will be held on remand,' she admitted. 'Part of me doesn't want this 
life at all. But if you look back at history, the world has been changed 
by people with the courage to fight for the right thing at a time when 
that thing was being completely ignored. This is exactly the position 
we're in now.
'What I find most shattering is this amazing discrepancy between what is 
scientifically proven and what the public are being told,' she added. 
'Time is fast running out to stop irreversible climate change. Global 
warming experts agree that we have only 100 months to avoid disaster, 
and yet we're in this ridiculous situation where the public are saying 
climate change can't be that bad, otherwise the government would do 
something. And the government is saying it is that bad, but we can't do 
something because the public's not ready for it.'
It was this Alice in Wonderland world that, five years ago, shunted 
Omond on to the path she is now hurtling down. 'I was in my final year 
at Cambridge and had my life planned out: I was going to go into 
marketing and get a nice job in the City. Then one day, instead of 
reading King Lear for the eighth time, I picked up some climate change 
research and found I couldn't put it down.'
In the year after graduating from Cambridge with a first-class honours 
degree in English, Omond continued her environmental research. 'I became 
completely convinced by the evidence that we only have a really limited 
time to make a large social change,' she said. 'I realised that direct 
action was the only way to raise public consciousness to a point where 
those changes could be made.'
Omond had never attended a protest but she took to grassroots 
campaigning like a duck to water; helping co-ordinate carnival marches, 
protest camps, lock-on's (attaching herself to buildings and gates with 
locks) and banner-drops. In December 2007, she became London 
co-ordinator for the environmental network Plane Stupid, organising 
protests at corporate offices, high-street travel agents and local airports.
Last July, she was one of the group who blasted aircraft noise through 
the letterbox of the then Transport Secretary Ruth Kelly's Docklands 
apartment at 7.30am - leaving peacefully, albeit pursued by Kelly's 
husband, Derek Gadd.
Shortly after Omond left Cambridge, she had decided she wanted to become 
a priest. Already a church administrator, she asked her vicar to 
initiate conversations with the local bishop about beginning her 
training. It is, she now admits, a dream she might never realise.
'I would love to return to training for the priesthood, but this whole 
period of me breaking the law might mean that they don't want me any 
more,' she said. 'I desperately want to be a priest, but I don't have 
the time to commit myself to the Church and to activism at the same 
time. I had to pick one and, at the moment, my environmental action is 
more important.'
Tomorrow afternoon, Omond will gather together her banners, handouts, 
high-visibility jackets - and her revision notes - and head off to sit 
her MA. It is a three-hour examination but she has to finish it in two 
hours if she is to reach Parliament Square by 5.30pm and catch the 
impressive list of speakers who support the cause: Rosie Boycott will be 
followed by, among others, Sam Roddick and Baroness Tonge.
The line-up concludes at 6.30pm with a speech from Omond herself. And 
then there will be an hour left to protest in the best way the group know.







http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/global/story.asp?s=9249324

Group protests gas leases in Beaverhead County

Associated Press - October 28, 2008 6:04 AM ET
BUTTE, Mont. (AP) - A hunting and angling group is protesting oil and 
gas leases on 5,200 acres of public land in Beaverhead County that it 
says is sensitive wildlife habitat.
Bill Geer is executive director of the Missoula-based Theodore Roosevelt 
Conservation Partnership. He says his group has formally protested the 
leases on U.S. Bureau of Land Management parcels north and east of 
Monida. The parcels were chosen from about 6,000 acres of BLM land that 
is slated for a November 4th energy lease sale.
The group says the land provides important habitat for sage grouse and 
is a migration route for mule deer and antelope. Geer says he is trying 
to preserve hunting and fishing in the area.
Tim Bozorth is a BLM manager in Dillon. He could not be reached for 
comment yesterday (Monday).
Information from: The Montana Standard, http://www.mtstandard.com







http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2008/10/16/2003426067

Lo Sheng activists protest at Ma’s private residence
FAST GETAWAY: Ma Ying-jeou once suggested that he would help negotiate 
to have the Sinjhuang MRT line extended to Taoyuan and build the depot 
there
By Loa Iok-sin
STAFF REPORTER
Thursday, Oct 16, 2008, Page 2
Unhappy with President Ma Ying-jeou’s (馬英九) inaction in helping to 
preserve the Lo Sheng Sanatorium despite earlier promises, preservation 
activists again staged a demonstration outside Ma’s residence — but they 
were completely ignored this time.

The activists, including Youth Alliance for Lo Sheng members, Lo Sheng 
residents and sympathizers arrived in front of Ma’s apartment in Taipei 
City’s Wenshan District (文山) around 6:30am without prior notice — most 
media organizations were given the information less than an hour before 
their action.

“Down with Ma’s bad check!” “Stop lying!” “Save Lo Sheng now!” they 
shouted as they sat on the sidewalk across the street from the apartment 
building where Ma lives.

The demonstrators, numbering around 50, were surrounded by dozens of 
civilian and military police officers, as well as agents from the 
National Security Bureau.

The sanatorium, located in Sinjhuang City (新莊), Taipei County, was 
built in 1930 during the Japanese colonial period to isolate patients of 
Hansen’s Disease — also known as leprosy — as it was believed to be 
highly contagious at the time.

A decision to demolish buildings of the sanatorium complex to make way 
for a Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) maintenance depot drew criticism from 
preservationists who think forced eviction of elderly former patients 
who have lived on the campus for decades is a violation of human rights, 
and that the demolition itself is a destruction of buildings with 
historic value.

After more than three years of struggle, the government made a 
concession last year and came up with a plan to preserve 40 buildings on 
the campus. However, the Department of Rapid Transport Systems would 
only guarantee the safety of 15 buildings during the construction.

Unable to get a positive response from government authorities, the 
preservationists turned to Ma and staged their first surprise 
demonstration in June.

At the time, Ma took about two minutes to talk to preservationists, 
accepted a petition letter and promised to “ask relevant government 
agencies to take care of it” before jumping into a car to head to work.

In fact, since the sanatorium is situated right on the border between 
Taipei and Taoyuan counties, Ma suggested during the presidential 
election that he would help negotiate to have the Sinjhuang MRT line 
extended to Taoyuan and build the maintenance depot there.

However, this time, when the activists returned to urge Ma to fulfill 
his promises, Ma chose to ignore them.

As the presidential convoy approached around 7:20am, an unidentified 
man, seemingly an officer, showed up and told the uniformed police at 
the scene to issue warnings to demonstrators and order them to leave.

While the man was engaged in a verbal dispute with the demonstrators and 
when all the attention was centered around the dispute, Ma appeared all 
of a sudden and quickly got into the car before leaving.

After Ma’s convoy drove away, the man also quickly walked away.

When approached by reporters, he declined to give his name or his 
occupation.

“We are here trying to ask for help from the president, but it’s 
disappointing that he didn’t even bother to talk to us,” Tang 
Ming-hsiang (湯明祥), a Lo Sheng resident, said afterwards.

“Ma said that he considers the protection of human rights an important 
issue, but what about our rights? One of the residents to be forcibly 
evicted is over 90 years old and has heart disease!” Lan Tsai-yun (藍彩 
雲), another resident, said. “I think I voted for the wrong person!






http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=338083

published: 11.10.2008, 15:58 | updated: 11.10.2008 16:43:39
Odpůrci větrných elektráren protestovali na hranicích s Polskem
Ceske Petrovice - Some 150 people today protested against the 
construction of wind turbines in Poland and the Czech Republic at a 
Czech-Polish tourist border crossing.

According to the protesters, various investors plan to build up to 400 
windmills in the area - the Czech and Polish side of the Orlicke hory 
mountains.
They say the construction of up to 200 metre high windmills would go 
against the character of the landscape.
"We dislike the investors' arrogance most of all. Their windmills have 
already damaged the landscape in Western Europe and now they press upon 
us," Jarmila Schlegelova, from a local civic association, said.
"If your environment is deformed, our soul will be, too," she said.
Schlegelova also pointed to the fact that windmills were noisy.
The protest was held near Anenska Studanka where four new wind turbines 
started to operate on Friday, being added to six turbines that have been 
functioning for some time in the place.
It was organised by a Polish group and the Union for Landscape (Unie pro 
krajinu), associating 17 local groups that oppose the construction of 
windmills in various parts of the Czech Republic.
However, people have rejected windmills in public referendums in some areas.
Windmills produce only 0.14 percent of electricity use in the Czech 
Republic. Most of the country's energy is produced in coal and nuclear 
power stations.








http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Texans-For-A-Sound-Energy-Policy-Alliance-910132.html

Oct 15, 2008 10:20 ET
Texans for a Sound Energy Policy Alliance Will Protest Chicago-Based 
Exelon Corporation
In a Twist of Events That Would Put Any Soap Opera or Reality Television 
Show to Shame, Bush's Home State Takes on Obama's Home State in Energy 
Policy Protest Taking Place This Thursday in Downtown Chicago
CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - October 15, 2008) -

Who: Texans for a Sound Energy Policy Alliance, TSEPA
(www.tsepanow.com), a group that supports Texas energy supply
policies that are reasonable, sustainable and environmentally
sound.

What: Citizen March at Exelon Headquarters. Texans tell Exelon "Don't
Mess with Texas Water" in opposition to a proposed nuclear plant
near Victoria, TX.

Where: Outside Exelon Corporation
10 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, Illinois 60680

When: Thursday, October 16, 2008
10AM-Noon

Why: Less than 12 hours after the final presidential debate where
Obama and McCain will address the nation's crucial economic and
environmental issues, TSEPA supporters will convene on the Windy
City with a very important message for Exelon Corporation --
"Don't nuke our water!"

TSEPA spokesperson John Figer states: "Exelon's record in
Illinois is clear. We don't want to be a Braidwood, Texas.
Beyond safety, this project critically impacts our state's
water future. The Guadalupe River has been listed as one of
the 10 most threatened rivers in the U.S. and we don't have
enough water to support a thirsty nuclear power plant. A lack
of freshwater inflow will critically impact the San Antonio bay,
wetlands, estuaries, fish and the endangered whooping cranes.
Nuclear power plants should go in places with major sources of
water… and that is not in Victoria, Texas."

TSEPA supports the development of a full range of alternative
energy sources, including conservation and renewable, but urges
that there must be balance and the full consideration of
environmental and economic realities in U.S. energy policies.

*Phone and in-person interviews with TSEPA spokesperson John
Figer available upon request.







http://www.wfsb.com/news/17716413/detail.html?rss=hart&psp=news#-

Group Protests Hazardous Waste Station
Station Proposed For Hartford Site
POSTED: 7:50 pm EDT October 14, 2008
UPDATED: 8:29 pm EDT October 14, 2008

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Protestors concerned over the damaging effects a 
hazardous waste transfer station staged a "die-in" on a downtown street 
corner Tuesday.
Members of the Connecticut Coalition For Environmental Justice said they 
want to convey to the city the damaging affects the station would have 
if allowed to move in.
The station is proposed for Murphy Road in the largely industrial South 
Meadows neighborhood. Hazardous waste such as motor oil and solvent 
cleaners would reportedly be stored there.
A spokesperson for Heritage-Crystal Clean, the company that would 
operate the facility, said that it would seek the necessary permits over 
the next few weeks.
The environmental group said Hartford is already home to a sewage 
treatment plant, a sewage sludge incinerator, recycling centers and a 
landfill. They said the station would impose a risk to residents because 
large trucks would be transporting chemicals to the site.
"Anytime you're transporting hazardous waste, an accident can happen," 
said group member Jay Stewart.
Heritage-Crystal Clean said the material would be kept in drums inside 
the facility and that the drums would not be opened.






http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/global/story.asp?s=9166407

BLM plan in Wyoming draws anti-grazing protest

Associated Press - October 12, 2008 4:24 PM ET
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) - A Bureau of Land Management proposal for managing 
land in Wyoming has prompted plenty of protests from groups over how 
much oil and gas drilling should be allowed.
But energy development is not why the Idaho-based Western Watersheds 
Project is concerned.
The group says that the BLM plans for long-term management of its land 
in southwest Wyoming lack sufficient study about the negative affects of 
livestock grazing on the ecosystem.
Jonathon Ratner, director of the Wyoming office of the Western 
Watersheds Project, said the group plans to contest about two dozen 
similar plans in Idaho, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, California 
and Oregon on the livestock issue.
In response, representatives of the ranching industry say modern grazing 
practices actually enhance the ecosystem.






http://www.montanasnewsstation.com/global/story.asp?s=9137202

Park wireless plan draws protests

Associated Press - October 7, 2008 10:07 AM ET
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) - The new wireless communications plan for 
Yellowstone National Park would bring additional cellular service to 
park users and would leave the door open for placing webcams in the back 
country.
Critics say the plan will destroy solitude for the sake of technology.
Bill Boteler is with Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. 
He says Yellowstone now aspires to be an amusement park. He says people 
don't go into the backcountry to be surrounded by cell phone towers and 
gadgets.
Park spokesman Al Nash says Yellowstone is trying to balance visitor 
demands for solitude with the connectivity people have come to expect in 
daily life.
The communications plan will be up for debate through Oct. 31, when the 
public comment period closes.






http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Airport-protesters-let-fly-at.4603139.jp

Airport protesters let fly at Salmond's home

Published Date: 17 October 2008
CAMPAIGNERS opposed to the expansion of Scotland's airports subjected 
the First Minister's official Edinburgh residence to an early morning 
wake-up call when they blasted aeroplane noise from a stereo set up outside.
Members of Plane Stupid, which earlier this year staged a protest on the 
roof of the Scottish Parliament, played the dawn chorus at Bute House in 
Charlotte Square at 4am yesterday but it is believed Mr Salmond was not 
at home.

Activists wore pyjamas and ear muffs as they sought to highlight the 
experience of living life in the shadow of a growing airport.

Anne, 29, a teacher from Kirkliston, was among those taking part in the 
protest, which lasted for half an hour and caused 110 decibels of noise 
– the equivalent of a jumbo jet taking off.

She said: "We have taken our issue to the top to say that we cannot 
remain passive on airport expansion plans any more."






http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO0810/S00089.htm

Protest Against The End Of A GE Free NZ
Tuesday, 7 October 2008, 10:21 am
Press Release: Soil and Health Association

7 October 2008

GE Protest in Wellington Against The End Of A GE Free NZ.

Today’s 9am ERMA GE hearing in Wellington will begin with a 8-30am 
protest outside the Terrace Conference Centre, St Johns House, 114 The 
Terrace.
Today’s hearing is in response to the New Zealand Racing Board’s attempt 
to gain approval to import for release genetically modified vaccines 
(Proteqflu and Proteqflu Te) to protect horses against Equine Influenza.
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“ This application could mark the end of New Zealand’s GE Free status, 
as the use of the living GE vaccine would be a release throughout the 
environment where ever horses live,” said Soil & Health spokesperson 
Steffan Browning. “A horse race to hell, using avian flu genetic 
constructs. What is that meant to do to New Zealand’s clean green 
trading image.”
“Applications by AgResearch for a range of GE animals and experiments 
will also be the subject of today’s protest. Those applications open for 
submissions until October 31, effectively amount to a genetically 
engineered zoo that includes the use of human genes and unacceptable 
animal welfare practices.”
“The protest will include members of the Soil & Health Association, GE 
Free NZ, SAFE (Save Animals From Exploitation), and the Green Party, in 
an expression of disappointment in recent applications to the 
Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA).”
“Fundamental safeguards for the environment, and for New Zealand’s 
economic and public health are not in place, yet ERMA still accepts and 
processes applications for GE release.”
ERMA is yet to decide against an application, despite large opposition 
including expert technical evidence. GE field test auditing and 
compliance enforcement by MAF Biosecurity NZ (MAF-BNZ) has also been 
proven to be poor as shown by the now discontinued Scion GE tree field test.
“When things go wrong, liability will still rest with a community that 
still does not want GE. ”
“In recognition of the level of community concern, all Northland’s 
District Councils plus Rodney and Waitakere have agreed on collaborative 
GE community consultation as the first step in local authorities from 
Auckland north investigating some type of local regulation (or 
prohibition) of
GMO land use,” said Mr Browning. “Yet these applications could override 
the responsible approach of those communities.”
“Today’s protest is also under the shadow of a ERMA decision due on Crop 
& Food’s earlier application for a GE onion family (alium) field trial 
for a secret Canterbury location. The Environment Canterbury’s (ECAN) 
CEO was recently very clear that he did not consider GE experiments or 
crops a regional responsibility. However in the absence of sound law or 
decisions at a national level, regional and district councils need to 
act soon. ”
Soil & Health has a vision of an Organic 2020 and is opposed to GE in 
food and environment.





http://uk.news.yahoo.com/14/20090113/tpl-5-000-become-owners-of-greenpeace-he-81c5b50.html

5,000 become owners of Greenpeace Heathrow land
By Ian Dunt Skip related content
Nearly 5,000 people have become 'beneficial owners' of Greenpeace's plot 
of land next to the site of the proposed Heathrow runway.
The group caused surprise and anger last night when it revealed the 
purchase the land in an attempt to stop the third runway being built.
People have been signing up to the plan through the Greenpeace website, 
and the group's lawyers are now working on ways the supporters can act 
as a legal obstacle to the runway.
"The speed of the public response to this campaign has been simply 
astonishing," said Greenpeace executive director John Sauven.
"Thousands of people now have a stake in this plot of land, and our 
lawyers are working hard to make sure that they can all act as a legal 
obstacle to this unnecessary and environmentally disastrous runway."
At 03:15 GMT this afternoon 4,640 members of the public had agreed to 
become co-owners of the plot, and numbers continued to rise by 
approximately a thousand people per hour.
Airport operator BAA described the move, revealed late last night while 
officials were trying to hammer out a belated government position on the 
runway, as "clever".
The individual's names will appear on the title deeds of the plot and 
they will be formally represented at future planning enquiries and 
challenges to compulsory purchase orders.
They join actress Emma Thompson, comedian Alistair McGowan and Tory 
environment chief Zac Goldsmith who are all legal co-owners of the plot 
of land in Sipson, the west London village that is threatened with 
destruction if the runway is approved.





http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/protesters-picket-parliament-in-cairns/2008/10/28/1224956002896.html

Protesters picket parliament in Cairns
Jessica Marszalek | October 28, 2008 - 10:50AM
Around 100 protesters have picketed the start of Queensland parliament 
in Cairns today to complain against council amalgamations and 
environmental issues.
State parliament is this week sitting at the Cairns Convention Centre in 
only the third time it has sat outside Brisbane.
Arriving politicians met with angry locals protesting against the forced 
amalgamations of Douglas Shire Council and what they say is the 
government's lack of protection of the far north Queensland environment.
Cook MP Jason O'Brien met with protesters but was jeered by them, who 
called him Premier Anna Bligh's "muppet".
Ronan Lee, who defected from Labor to become a Greens MP, stood with 
environmentalists who asked for Ms Bligh to stop the "concrete coast".
Cairns and Far North Environmental Centre campaigner Steve Ryan said Ms 
Bligh had to protect remaining habitat in the far north Queensland 
regional plan if her environmental credentials were to be taken seriously.
"Rapacious development is carving up the wet tropics," Mr Ryan said.
"Critical wildlife corridors and habitat are still being bulldozed in 
favour of a concrete coast."
More protesters are expected this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the parliament was opened with an indigenous welcoming ceremony.
Today's sitting is expected to attract hundreds of school children and 
local observers ahead of a community barbecue this evening to be cooked 
by MPs.
AAP






http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7678575.stm

Sunday, 19 October 2008 12:17 UK

Rainbow Warrior in coal protest

The Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior sails up the Thames
The Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior has sailed from Greece to the UK to 
join the protest against coal-fired power.
The vessel sailed along the Thames into London before visiting Kent, 
where the first coal-fired power station is planned at Kingsnorth on Hoo.
Protesters said there was a "huge coalition" building against coal-fired 
power, including Greenpeace, Oxfam and the Women's Institute.
The ship arrived two days ahead of schedule because of good sailing winds.
Greenpeace spokesman Joss Garman said: "There's a huge coalition 
building against planned coal plants, and they'll be joining the Rainbow 
Warrior to help give coal the boot.
"Faith groups, development groups, politicians of all shades, scientists 
and thousands of ordinary people are standing up and saying no to new 
coal."
Final decision
The Hoo peninsula was the site of a week-long protest camp this summer.
The current Kingsnorth power station is due to close in 2015 and E.ON 
wants to replace it with two new coal units which, it says, will be 20% 
cleaner.
Its proposals have already been approved by Medway Council, but the 
government will make the final decision about the project.
Activists have vowed to return to the power plant if the decision is 
approved.
Tougher target
Earlier this year, the government said coal-fired power stations would 
remain a "key source" of energy.
Cabinet minister John Hutton said fossil fuels were needed to back up 
nuclear and renewable energy.
He said the UK was playing a leading role in "clean coal" power generation.
The Lib Dems said without carbon capture and storage technology, clean 
coal was "a total myth", and the Tories said that technology was years 
away.
On Thursday, the government committed the UK to cut greenhouse gas 
emissions by 80% by the middle of the century.
Climate Change and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the current 60% 
target would be replaced.






http://www.examiner.com.au/news/national/national/general/logging-protest-turns-ugly/1341183.aspx

Logging protest turns ugly
ANDREW DARBY IN HOBART
23/10/2008 1:00:01 AM
FOREST activists say they feared for their lives after a violent attack 
by Tasmanian loggers led to one man wielding a sledge-hammer and others 
kicking in a protest car.
Police are investigating Tuesday's attack, which was caught on a video 
that shows a sledgehammer-wielding man assaulting a disabled blockade 
car, with two protesters caught inside, before others kicked in its 
windows.
The two protesters, Nishant Datt, 22, and Miranda Gibson, 27, said they 
tried to escape from the car as quickly as they could after the attack 
began. "I was pretty sure that if we'd stayed in there, he would have 
started going at us with the sledgehammer as well," said Mr Datt, 
formerly of Sydney.
He said he was thrown to the ground and kicked as he scrambled out of 
the car, and Ms Gibson, from Brisbane, said she cut her hand escaping 
through a broken rear window.
The two are part of a small group of protesters who on Saturday will 
celebrate their second year trying to halt logging of old-growth forests 
in the Upper Florentine valley, about 120 kilometres west of Hobart.
The rainforest valley is surrounded on three sides by the Tasmanian 
Wilderness World Heritage Area. The International Union for Conservation 
of Nature has identified the Upper Florentine as having potential World 
Heritage value.
Ula Majewski, a spokeswoman for the group Still Wild, Still Threatened, 
said attempts to save the forest were reaching a critical point, with 
plans to drive a 10-kilometre logging road into the valley this summer.
"That would open the entire area up for logging," Ms Majewski said.
Ms Gibson said that before the attack an officer from Forestry Tasmania, 
the state agency that controls the valley, told them he could not hold 
back the logging contractors, and said they had three seconds to get out 
of the car.
"We said, 'We're getting out of the car' and I just managed to get out 
of the back. They smashed [the rear window] and I cut my hand getting 
out," she said. "It was pretty scary."
She said the protests would continue. "We just hope the contractors 
won't be violent, and that Forestry will be present, doing something to 
stop this kind of thing. We were pretty disappointed that the Forestry 
officer just stood by and let it happen."
Forestry Tasmania's acting general manager of operations, Steve 
Whiteley, said a staff member at the protest gave a categorical 
assurance that he did not witness any confrontation and did not receive 
any complaint.
Tasmania Police Inspector Glen Woolley said an investigation into the 
incident was under way. Evidence had been taken from the site, the 
video, and statements from the two protesters. He said police would be 
interviewing the contractors.
"We respect the right of people to demonstrate peacefully, and to work 
lawfully," Inspector Woolley said. "We don't tolerate heavy handedness 
and we won't tolerate people being assaulted."
A Greens senator, Christine Milne, said the culture of violence against 
conservationists in Tasmania had to end.
"For all Premier [David] Bartlett's rhetoric of a kind and clever 
Tasmania, what is on global show is thuggery and wilful ignorance."






http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7678852.stm

Sunday, 19 October 2008 15:53 UK

Tree protesters take to branches

Protestors climbed trees in a bid to stop them being felled

In pictures

About a dozen people gathered at King's Park in Stirling to protest 
against council plans to cut down trees to make way for a path and 
parking meters.
The police confirmed a peaceful protest had been held near Victoria 
Place, where the felling was carried out.
Campaigners said they were not properly consulted on the move, arguing 
the trees added to the area's "charm" and the parking spaces were 
unnecessary.
Stirling Council said 20 trees were being cut, but they would be replaced.
One of the protesters, Patrica Pizarro, said she was disappointed the 
trees were being cut down.
She said: "Although some of the mature trees felled have been identified 
as diseased, they could have been managed in a different way. The 
majority of the trees felled were perfectly healthy."
'Unsafe'
A council spokeswoman said the local authority appreciated the 
protestors concerns and it had tried to advertise the decision to cut 
the trees as much as possible.
She said: "Victoria Place is well used for parking especially for 
visitors to the park, and at the moment there are no footways on the 
park side and cars that park on the verge are causing damage to the 
verge and the tree roots. For people parking, the lack of footways is 
unsafe and inconvenient.
"Unfortunately, it is not possible to make this improvement without 
felling some trees."
In total, 20 trees are to be removed, and replaced with 23 semi-mature 
lime trees.
Each tree will be between 4m and 5m high and have a life expectancy of 
about 100 years.






http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1224428522.0

Greenpeace protests coal energy at Sardinia power plant
19 October 2008, 20:54 CET
(ROME) - For the second time in a week, Greenpeace activists 
demonstrated at an Italian power plant Sunday in favour of renewable 
energy, amid government doubts about signing onto an EU climate change plan.
"Sardinia must scrap all obstacles to wind energy," said the 
environmental NGO, which entered the power plant on the Italian island 
to protest the use of coal power over wind energy. It also accused 
leftist regional president Renato Soru of imposing power limits on wind 
turbines.
Three days earlier, Greenpeace protested at another power station in the 
northern coastal town of Civitavecchia against threats by Prime Minister 
Silvio Berlusconi to veto a European Union plan to cut greenhouse gases 
20 percent from 1990 levels by 2020.
Italy is among several EU members, mostly eastern European ones, worried 
about bankrolling the planned cuts amid tough economic times.
On Saturday, however, Rome signalled it might sign onto the deal, but 
only if it is revisited and the costs assessed in 2009, ANSA reported.






http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Council-defies-protests-and-wields.4606206.jp

Council defies protests and wields axe over Grassmarket poplar trees

The fate of the Grassmarket’s trees has been decided by the city council 
– they will come down. Picture: KENNY SMITH
Published Date: 18 October 2008
By HAZEL MOLLISON
IT is a controversial move which has delayed a multi-million pound 
project by several weeks.
But the fate of five poplar trees in the Grassmarket has finally been 
sealed after the city council decided to stick to its original plan to 
chop them down and replace them.

Experts have found some decay in the trees, and say they could only last 
a few more years. But dozens of residents protested against the move, 
forcing city chiefs to hold two public meetings.

Their pleas were in vain, however, and work will start on Monday, 
replacing the trees with mature lime and oak trees imported from 
Germany. They hope the project will be completely finished by the first 
week in December.

City centre councillor Joanna Mowat, who chairs the Grassmarket Forum, 
said: "Obviously there'll be some people who will be very disappointed, 
but I think this is the sensible solution. In the long term, this is the 
best way of providing green cover for the Grassmarket for the next 100 
years.

"The council has listened to people, and this seems to be the best 
option. No one knows what the lifespan of these trees is. The one thing 
that has come through loud and clear is that people want green cover for 
the Grassmarket."

Residents and traders met council officials last week to discuss four 
options, which included keeping some of the trees. But Dave Anderson, 
director of city development, said retaining one or more poplars would 
include "unacceptable risks" and would have high maintenance costs.

He said: "The disadvantage of this is that the paving works would remain 
incomplete, the risk may be unacceptable, the maintenance costs would be 
higher and the retained poplar may affect the growth of the new trees in 
the group. If the work proceeds without further delay, we will be 
completed in time for the 2008 festive period. At this time we will have 
15 healthy, safe and sustainable trees in the Grassmarket."

He said they would be installing festive lighting in the three large 
London plane trees, as in previous years.

Most traders are supporting replacing the trees, and say it makes sense 
to carry out the work while they have the money.

Bill Cowen, who runs Costume HaHa and is a member of the Old Town 
Community Council, said: "I can understand that some people are very 
emotionally attached to the trees, but you can't please everybody all 
the time. At the end of the day there is a compelling argument for 
replacing the trees.

"The ones they have put in already look lovely. I think a lot of the 
opposition was based on misinformation. Poplars are not the most 
suitable tree for this space, as they don't like being cut back.

"This will provide green cover for the Grassmarket for about £6000 a 
tree, whereas it could cost £18,000 each to replace them in ten years' 
time."







http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-36499.html

Bangladesh government removes baul statues, triggers countrywide protests
Dhaka, Oct 25 : Cultural organisations, human rights activists, artistes 
and playwrights across Bangladesh are up in arms over the removal by the 
caretaker government - allegedly under pressures from Islamist bodies - 
of statues with folk motifs of the baul singers on the road leading to 
the international airport here.
Despite the countrywide protests for the last 10 days, the 
military-backed caretaker government has maintained silence on the 
issue, media reports say.

Political parties that generally jump into such controversies are busy 
preparing for the upcoming parliamentary polls and have either kept 
quiet or left the matter out after issuing statements, the New Age 
newspaper said Saturday.

However, the left-of-centre parties, belonging to the Sheikh Hasina-led 
alliance, are gradually joining in the protests over removal of the baul 
statues on the road to the Zia International Airport (ZIA).

The statues are part of a monument to those killed in the Bengali 
language movement in 1954 during the Pakistan era and often the starting 
point for political and cultural protests.

The university campuses, the nerve centres of Bangladesh's political and 
socio-cultural movements, have also joined the protest, with Dhaka 
University's Faculty of Fine Arts in the lead.

The government is treating it as a law and order issue. It prevented 
Islamist bodies from staging a rally Friday to counter the protesters.

Baul is generally associated with folk music and the baul singer moves 
from village to village in Bengal, both in Bangladesh and neighbouring 
India, singing songs that are witty, but also convey home-truths. A baul 
singer is supposed to be the conscience keeper in the countryside.

Statues of bauls, who are part of Bangladesh's cultural tradition, have 
earned the ire of Islamists who consider any statues as being against 
their religion.

The protests against the demolition have spread spontaneously to smaller 
towns "with a call for unity among all the progressive forces to resist 
religious bigots at every front to safeguard the country's culture and 
heritage", New Age newspaper said.

"Down with the zealots; bring the culprits to justice and safeguard 
culture," are among the slogans chanted by protesters on Dhaka 
University campus and elsewhere in the country.

The protesters have demanded the setting up of a national committee, 
comprising leading intellectuals, artistes, sculptors, architects and 
government officials, to formulate guidelines for installation of 
sculptures.

Sachetan Shilpi Samaj, a platform of sculptors, artistes and cultural 
activists, took out a procession singing baul and patriotic songs in 
Dhaka University and marched across the campus.

Through their songs, the demonstrators chastised the government's 
leniency towards the fundamentalists and asked the interim 
administration to take steps to safeguard the country's culture and 
heritage from religious extremists.

Workers' organisations have joined in too.

Sramik-Karmachari Oikya Parishat organised a protest rally and formed a 
human chain at the Central Shaheed Minar demanding immediate rebuilding 
of the baul sculptures at the airport crossing.
--- IANS






http://www.worldpress.org/feed.cfm?http://www.breakingnews.ie/Ireland/mhidcweyqlkf/rss2/

Residents protest over demolition of church
18/10/2008 - 13:23:03
Residents living near Croke Park in Dublin are out in force this 
afternoon airing their anger at the illegal demolition of an old church.

The historic building on Jones' Road, more recently used as a furniture 
store, was demolished early Wednesday morning without planning permission.

Structural engineers say it will be several days before the fate of the 
building - adjacent to the national GAA stadium - is known.

A number of locals, TDs and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin are 
protesting at the site today.