A report published today by the United Nations International Resource Panel highlights how global land consumption is unsustainable in a world of finite resources. [1] The findings echo research by Friends of the Earth Europe on Europe’s global land footprint. [2] Increasing demand for limited land – to grow food, to produce energy and wood, …
No end to hunger and harm caused by biofuels
European Union energy chiefs failed today to limit the quantities of ‘food based’ biofuels allowed in Europe in a key debate in Brussels. The outcome means that plans to prevent biofuels competing with food will be further delayed, pushing more people into hunger and leading to further deforestation. EU energy ministers debated a proposed limit …
Fate of EU biofuels policy hangs in balance – take action
This Friday (November 29) a crucial meeting will take place in Brussels which is likely to determine the fate of the EU’s controversial biofuels policy. The meeting between all EU ambassadors will aim to reach an agreement on how to reform Europe’s failing biofuels policy, which Europe’s energy ministers will then ‘rubber stamp’ when they …
Fate of EU biofuels policy hangs in balance – take actionRead more
Commodity Crimes
This report is the result of an investigation into two of the world’s leading distributors of palm oil. It documents the illegal logging of land near protected forests in Indonesia by Bumitama Agri Group. The illegal activities include irregular permits, the encroachment on land which is home to endangered orangutans, and illegal clearing and landgrabbing. The …
Financiers of palm oil must stop deforestation and illegal activity
Illegal and harmful production of palmoil in Indonesia is continuing, reveals a new report released today by Friends of the Earth. The study concludes that voluntary guidelines, such as those established by the Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and the Environmental, Social and Governance policies (ESG) of European investors have not led to …
Financiers of palm oil must stop deforestation and illegal activityRead more
Targeting a more resource efficient Europe
On 5th November, Friends of the Earth Europe organised a conference in Brussels to look at the role of targets in bringing about a reduction in the resources we use in Europe. “We are certainly not heading to a future we can afford” opened European Environment Commissioner Janez Poto?nik as he reiterated his desire for …
