EU launches plan to lay hands on critical raw materials

4 September 2020

The European Commission has released new plans to access certain raw materials. They include an updated list of raw materials deemed critical for the EU; and an associated action plan.

14 September 2010

NEW REPORT: Half a million new jobs could be created in Europe by recycling more

Brussels, September 14 - At least 500,000 new jobs would be created in Europe if countries recycled 70% of their waste finds a new study, 'More Jobs, Less Waste', launched by Friends of the Earth today. [1] This is the recycling rate already achieved by Flanders in Belgium.

President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso has called for the creation of 3 million new green jobs by 2020 in his 'State of the Union' [2] speech to the European Parliament; this study shows that a significant portion of this target could be achieved through increased recycling across Europe.

8 September 2010

World Bank land grab report comment:

Brussels, 8 September 2010 – Commenting on a new World Bank report published today in which the Bank backs the practice of nations selling vast agricultural lands to foreign investors [1], Mariann Bassey, African food and agriculture coordinator for Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria said: “Rural communities and the environment in poor countries are being ignored in the rush for our land and resources. This is a problem that has been created by rich nations and is being pursued with relentless speed by overseas companies across the global south.

30 August 2010

NEW REPORT: Biofuels for Europe driving land grabbing in Africa

Brussels, Belgium and Benin City, Nigeria, August 30, 2010 – The amount of land being taken in Africa to meet Europe’s increasing demand for biofuels is underestimated and out of control, new investigations by Friends of the Earth reveal today. [1]

The research, which looked at 11 African countries, found at least five million hectares of land – an area the size of Denmark – is being acquired by foreign companies to produce biofuels mainly for the European market.

14 July 2010

EU-Brazil biofuels deal: 'land-grabbing charter'

Brussels/Maputo, Mozambique, July 14 – Friends of the Earth has strongly criticised an agreement expected to be announced today by EU and Brazilian leaders to expand biofuels in Mozambique. The agreement to promote biofuels in Africa to power European cars is described as “immoral and perverse” by the green group.

29 June 2010

EU fuelling hunger by grabbing land for biofuels

Development and environmental groups today warned that EU biofuels targets are leading to uncontrollable land grabbing from poor communities in Africa, pushing more people into hunger [1]. On the day before EU Member States submit their renewable energy plans to the EU, ActionAid and Friends of the Earth Europe called on European leaders to halt the expansion of biofuels.

10 June 2010

Biofuels: No sustainability in sight

Brussels, June 10, 2010 - Commenting on the European Commission's Communication on new sustainability criteria for biofuels, Adrian Bebb, food and agriculture campaigner at Friends of the Earth Europe said:

8 June 2010

Launch of 'responsible soy' label faces global opposition

BRUSSELS, 8 June 2010 - A proposed new label for 'responsible' soy will not stop deforestation, 235 civil society groups from across the globe warned in a letter today, ahead of a conference set to finalise the labeling scheme in Sao Paulo, Brazil. [1]

26 March 2010

Europe's biofuel policy unsustainable new research confirms

Brussels, 26 March – New research released by the European Commission confirms that Europe's demand for biofuels is likely to contribute to climate change and harm the environment. [1]

Adrian Bebb, agrofuels campaign coordinator for Friends of the Earth Europe said: "The EU's biofuel policy is looking more and more unsustainable and if not urgently reviewed will lead to deforestation, more climate changing emissions and damage to the environment. It is time to end this madness and bring in real solutions to the climate crisis."

15 March 2010

NEW REPORT: Europe's demand for palm oil driving deforestation and land-grabbing

Amsterdam/Brussels, 15 March – One of the leading suppliers of "green" palm oil to Europe is causing illegal encroachment upon Indonesian forest and peat land, according to a report published today by Friends of the Earth Europe.

3 February 2010

European Commission plans to sacrifice forests for biofuels

Brussels, February 3 – A leaked document from the European Commission reveals plans to allow the controversial use of palm oil as a biofuel by redefining palm plantations as 'forests'. The expansion of palm plantations is a major cause of tropical rainforest destruction.

The draft Commission guidance for EU countries also states that cutting down a rainforest and planting a palm plantation would be possible under EU laws aimed at stopping 'unsustainable' biofuels. [1]

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