Industry's Push for Genetically Engineered (GE) Trees - Pro-GMO Tree Decision of UNFCCC Condemned
Plantations are not forests
Coverage of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10)
Buenos Aires, Argentina 6 - 17 December 2004
Online Now:
Climate Justice Now!
http://climatejustice.blogspot.com/
en espanol--
Justicia Climática Ya!
http://justiciaclimatica.blogspot.com/
Special Buenos Aires COP 10 Coverage on the role of Genetically Engineered Trees and Global Warming
10 - 17 December 2004 from Global Justice Ecology Project http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/
The Earth's temperature is rising. Polar ice caps are melting. Global Climatic change is occurring. Something needs to be done and done fast.
Does this sound feasible to you ?
On October 22, 2004 Russia ratified the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement created to begin addressing the problem of global warming. Russia's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol now gives the agreement a high enough level of participation by the countries most responsible for the world's carbon emissions for the agreement to go into effect, even without the United States' 25% of worldwide annual global carbon emissions.
Within days of Russia's announcement, carbon trading in Europe tripled. The carbon market is expected to be the world's largest ever, projected to reach US$60 billion by 2008. The carbon market is included as part of the Kyoto Protocol. It was created to enable corporations to buy the right to continue emitting carbon dioxide while purporting to address global warming-a valuable commodity indeed. The carbon credits are purchased from countries or corporations that have in some way reduced carbon emissions-by, for example, converting a coal burning plant to natural gas, or by planting trees to soak up carbon emissions.
Or does A Call For Peoples' Action Against Climate Change seem more feasible?
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=279&page=getrees#articletop
COP 10 will mark the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will serve as a central theme for the meeting. Discussions at COP 10 will highlight a range of climate-related issues including, the impacts of climate change and adaptation measures, mitigation policies and their impacts, and technology. Participants will also take stock of the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.
Industry's Push for Genetically Engineered Trees in Industrial Forestry Plantations
At the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at COP 9 in Milan, Italy last December it was agreed that Genetically Engineered (GE) Trees could be used in carbon offset forestry plantations. Shortly thereafter, Global Justice Ecology Project came together with other forest protection advocates around the world to launch a campaign to demand the UN not only reverse that ill-informed decision, but go one step further and ban GE trees outright.
More on GE Trees:
The United Nations, the World Bank, GE Trees and Global Warming
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=262&page=getrees#articletop
GE Trees and Global Warming: The Myth of Carbon Offset Forestry
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=158&page=getrees#articletop
SIGN ON TO UN CAMPAIGN AGAINST GE TREES
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=159&page=getrees#articletop
About Global Justiice Ecology Project's Genetically Engineered Trees Program
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=101&page=getrees#articletop
Stop GE Trees Campaign http://www.stopgetrees.org/
Global Justice Ecology Project
P.O. Box 412
Hinesburg, VT 05461 U.S.
+1.802.482.2689 ph/fax
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org
Plantations are not forests
Plantacoes nao sao florestas
Le Piantagioni non sono foreste
Las Plantaciones no son bosques
Les Plantations ne sont pas des forets
Global Justice Ecology Project (GJEP) is attending the Buenos Aires, Argentina United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) tenth Conference of the Parties (COP 10).
FOR PHOTOS OF THIS AND OTHER UNFCCC EVENTS:
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?page=news
For Immediate Release, 14 December, 2004
Contact: Ana Fillipini, World Rainforest Movement, 15-5413-6233
Anne Petermann, Global Justice Ecology Project, 15-4031-5151
Environmental and Social Justice Groups Condemn Pro-GMO tree decision of UNFCCC
World Rainforest Movement (Uruguay), Friends of the Earth International, Global Justice Ecology Project (USA), a Mapuche scientist from Chile and the Union of Ecoforestry (Finland) gave a presentation yesterday at the Salon del Jardin Botanico in Buenos Aires Argentina where they condemned the 12/03 decision of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to allow use of genetically engineered (GMO) trees in carbon offset forestry projects developed to supposedly mitigate global warming emissions.
"GMO trees present tremendous risks to both native forests and forest-dwelling peoples-especially indigenous peoples," said Ricardo Carrere of the World Rainforest Movement. "They will worsen the already severe impacts experienced by communities and ecosystems as a result of industrial tree plantations-impacts like loss of water, biodiversity, and traditional medicines and foods," he continued.
The UNFCCC made the decision in 2003 very late in the meeting, with no discussion about the negative impacts of GMO trees. "We are here to say that GMO trees are unacceptable in any context-this includes carbon offset forestry," stated Anne Petermann of Global Justice Ecology Project." The impacts of GMO trees will undoubtably result in devastation of native forests around the world, worsening global warming, rather than mitigating it. Not only must GMO trees be removed from the Kyoto Protocol, they need to be banned globally," she continued.
At the event, World Rainforest Movement and Friends of the Earth International released a new major report on GMO trees, entitled, "Genetically Modified Trees: The Ultimate Threat to Forests," written by Chris Lang and available in English and Spanish. In addition, Global Justice Ecology Project announced the upcoming release of a video on GMO trees entitled, "The Silent Forest: The Growing Threat of Genetically Engineered Trees," which will also be available in English and Spanish beginning in January, 2005. The video will be narrated by Dr. David Suzuki, a world-renowned geneticist who once ran the largest genetics laboratory in Canada.
There will also be a press conference denouncing the U.N.'s 2003 decision to include GMO trees in the Kyoto Protocol on Wed., December 15 at 11:00am at the La Rural Conference Center in the Aguaribay Room. The report will be presented and given to press, a promotional clip from the video will be shown and an international petition demanding a UN ban on GMO trees presented.
FOR PHOTOS OF THIS AND OTHER UNFCCC EVENTS:
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?page=news
For Immediate Release, 15 December, 2004
Contact: Anne Petermann, Co-Director, Global Justice Ecology Project, 15-4031-5151 <globalecology@gmavt.net>
Press Conference Denounces
UN Promotion of Genetically Engineered Trees for Carbon Sinks
Buenos Aires, Argentina--A press conference was held this morning featuring presenters from World Rainforest Movement (Uruguay), FERN (U.K., Belgium), Global Justice Ecology Project (USA), a Mapuche scientist from Chile, and the Union of Ecoforestry (Finland) at La Rural, the site of the tenth Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. At this event the presenters addressed the Dec., 2003 decision of the UNFCCC to include genetically engineered (GE) trees in the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol to supposedly mitigate carbon emissions.
GE trees present threats to both forests and communities. "Traits being engineered into trees include insect resistance, herbicide resistance, sterility and faster growth, among others," stated Anne Petermann, Co-Director of Global Justice Ecology Project. "If these traits escape into native forests, which is virtually guaranteed, it will lead to the destruction and contamination of native forests, which will worsen global warming," she continued.
Lorena Ojeda, a scientist with the Mapuche in Chile added, "already tree plantations in southern Chile are causing great environmental and social problems. We are especially concerned about the heavy pollination of pine plantations in Chile. This pollen causes serious allergies and other health problems in people who breathe it. It also contaminates the water. If this pollen is from genetically engineered trees, it will cause even more serious problems."
At the event, World Rainforest Movement and Friends of the Earth International released a new major report on GE trees, entitled, "Genetically Modified Trees: The Ultimate Threat to Forests," written by Chris Lang and available in English and Spanish. This report is available on their website at www.wrm.org.uy
Global Justice Ecology Project showed part of a video on GE trees entitled, "The Silent Forest: The Growing Threat of Genetically Engineered Trees," to be available in English and Spanish beginning in January, 2005. In the video, Dr. David Suzuki, a world-renowned geneticist who formerly ran the largest genetics lab in Canada, argues that because the science of biotechnology is so young, most of what we now know will turn out to be wrong. For this reason, he asserts, we must not rush into applying it, because we cannot predict the outcome. To request a copy of the video, contact Global Justice Ecology Project at http://www.globaljusticeecology.org
Chris Lang, author of the WRM and FOE International report states, "The UN is secretly promoting GE trees. The UN FAO and UNDP ran a project which promoted and funded the technology in China, where more than 1.5 million GE trees have been planted commercially, with no oversight whatsoever." He added, "I have repeatedly asked the UN FAO for information on their program and they refuse to respond. If these trees are so safe, why is there so much secrecy?" Yesterday, Global Justice Ecology Project and World Rainforest Movement met with over a dozen groups, social movements and NGOs from around the world to discuss implementation of an international campaign to ban the genetic engineering of trees globally.
FOR PHOTOS OF THIS AND OTHER UNFCCC EVENTS:
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?page=news
Global Justice Ecology Project (GJEP) is attending the Buenos Aires, Argentina United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) tenth Conference of the Parties (COP 10).
Informant: Orin Langelle
Co-Director
Global Justice Ecology Project
P.O. Box 412
Hinesburg, VT 05461 U.S.
+1.802.482.2689 ph/fax
langelle@sover.net
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org
--------
Genetically Engineered Trees - Privatizing the Atmosphere?
Original article is at: http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/01/1717705.php
Uploaded file is at:
http://www.indybay.org/uploads/earth_matters_jan_26_mp3.mp3 (10.2 megabytes)
Informant: STRIDER
Coverage of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Tenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 10)
Buenos Aires, Argentina 6 - 17 December 2004
Online Now:
Climate Justice Now!
http://climatejustice.blogspot.com/
en espanol--
Justicia Climática Ya!
http://justiciaclimatica.blogspot.com/
Special Buenos Aires COP 10 Coverage on the role of Genetically Engineered Trees and Global Warming
10 - 17 December 2004 from Global Justice Ecology Project http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/
The Earth's temperature is rising. Polar ice caps are melting. Global Climatic change is occurring. Something needs to be done and done fast.
Does this sound feasible to you ?
On October 22, 2004 Russia ratified the Kyoto Protocol, the international agreement created to begin addressing the problem of global warming. Russia's ratification of the Kyoto Protocol now gives the agreement a high enough level of participation by the countries most responsible for the world's carbon emissions for the agreement to go into effect, even without the United States' 25% of worldwide annual global carbon emissions.
Within days of Russia's announcement, carbon trading in Europe tripled. The carbon market is expected to be the world's largest ever, projected to reach US$60 billion by 2008. The carbon market is included as part of the Kyoto Protocol. It was created to enable corporations to buy the right to continue emitting carbon dioxide while purporting to address global warming-a valuable commodity indeed. The carbon credits are purchased from countries or corporations that have in some way reduced carbon emissions-by, for example, converting a coal burning plant to natural gas, or by planting trees to soak up carbon emissions.
Or does A Call For Peoples' Action Against Climate Change seem more feasible?
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=279&page=getrees#articletop
COP 10 will mark the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Framework Convention on Climate Change, which will serve as a central theme for the meeting. Discussions at COP 10 will highlight a range of climate-related issues including, the impacts of climate change and adaptation measures, mitigation policies and their impacts, and technology. Participants will also take stock of the entry into force of the Kyoto Protocol.
Industry's Push for Genetically Engineered Trees in Industrial Forestry Plantations
At the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change at COP 9 in Milan, Italy last December it was agreed that Genetically Engineered (GE) Trees could be used in carbon offset forestry plantations. Shortly thereafter, Global Justice Ecology Project came together with other forest protection advocates around the world to launch a campaign to demand the UN not only reverse that ill-informed decision, but go one step further and ban GE trees outright.
More on GE Trees:
The United Nations, the World Bank, GE Trees and Global Warming
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=262&page=getrees#articletop
GE Trees and Global Warming: The Myth of Carbon Offset Forestry
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=158&page=getrees#articletop
SIGN ON TO UN CAMPAIGN AGAINST GE TREES
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=159&page=getrees#articletop
About Global Justiice Ecology Project's Genetically Engineered Trees Program
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?set_table=content&articleID=101&page=getrees#articletop
Stop GE Trees Campaign http://www.stopgetrees.org/
Global Justice Ecology Project
P.O. Box 412
Hinesburg, VT 05461 U.S.
+1.802.482.2689 ph/fax
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org
Plantations are not forests
Plantacoes nao sao florestas
Le Piantagioni non sono foreste
Las Plantaciones no son bosques
Les Plantations ne sont pas des forets
Global Justice Ecology Project (GJEP) is attending the Buenos Aires, Argentina United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) tenth Conference of the Parties (COP 10).
FOR PHOTOS OF THIS AND OTHER UNFCCC EVENTS:
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?page=news
For Immediate Release, 14 December, 2004
Contact: Ana Fillipini, World Rainforest Movement, 15-5413-6233
Anne Petermann, Global Justice Ecology Project, 15-4031-5151
Environmental and Social Justice Groups Condemn Pro-GMO tree decision of UNFCCC
World Rainforest Movement (Uruguay), Friends of the Earth International, Global Justice Ecology Project (USA), a Mapuche scientist from Chile and the Union of Ecoforestry (Finland) gave a presentation yesterday at the Salon del Jardin Botanico in Buenos Aires Argentina where they condemned the 12/03 decision of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change to allow use of genetically engineered (GMO) trees in carbon offset forestry projects developed to supposedly mitigate global warming emissions.
"GMO trees present tremendous risks to both native forests and forest-dwelling peoples-especially indigenous peoples," said Ricardo Carrere of the World Rainforest Movement. "They will worsen the already severe impacts experienced by communities and ecosystems as a result of industrial tree plantations-impacts like loss of water, biodiversity, and traditional medicines and foods," he continued.
The UNFCCC made the decision in 2003 very late in the meeting, with no discussion about the negative impacts of GMO trees. "We are here to say that GMO trees are unacceptable in any context-this includes carbon offset forestry," stated Anne Petermann of Global Justice Ecology Project." The impacts of GMO trees will undoubtably result in devastation of native forests around the world, worsening global warming, rather than mitigating it. Not only must GMO trees be removed from the Kyoto Protocol, they need to be banned globally," she continued.
At the event, World Rainforest Movement and Friends of the Earth International released a new major report on GMO trees, entitled, "Genetically Modified Trees: The Ultimate Threat to Forests," written by Chris Lang and available in English and Spanish. In addition, Global Justice Ecology Project announced the upcoming release of a video on GMO trees entitled, "The Silent Forest: The Growing Threat of Genetically Engineered Trees," which will also be available in English and Spanish beginning in January, 2005. The video will be narrated by Dr. David Suzuki, a world-renowned geneticist who once ran the largest genetics laboratory in Canada.
There will also be a press conference denouncing the U.N.'s 2003 decision to include GMO trees in the Kyoto Protocol on Wed., December 15 at 11:00am at the La Rural Conference Center in the Aguaribay Room. The report will be presented and given to press, a promotional clip from the video will be shown and an international petition demanding a UN ban on GMO trees presented.
FOR PHOTOS OF THIS AND OTHER UNFCCC EVENTS:
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?page=news
For Immediate Release, 15 December, 2004
Contact: Anne Petermann, Co-Director, Global Justice Ecology Project, 15-4031-5151 <globalecology@gmavt.net>
Press Conference Denounces
UN Promotion of Genetically Engineered Trees for Carbon Sinks
Buenos Aires, Argentina--A press conference was held this morning featuring presenters from World Rainforest Movement (Uruguay), FERN (U.K., Belgium), Global Justice Ecology Project (USA), a Mapuche scientist from Chile, and the Union of Ecoforestry (Finland) at La Rural, the site of the tenth Conference of the Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. At this event the presenters addressed the Dec., 2003 decision of the UNFCCC to include genetically engineered (GE) trees in the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol to supposedly mitigate carbon emissions.
GE trees present threats to both forests and communities. "Traits being engineered into trees include insect resistance, herbicide resistance, sterility and faster growth, among others," stated Anne Petermann, Co-Director of Global Justice Ecology Project. "If these traits escape into native forests, which is virtually guaranteed, it will lead to the destruction and contamination of native forests, which will worsen global warming," she continued.
Lorena Ojeda, a scientist with the Mapuche in Chile added, "already tree plantations in southern Chile are causing great environmental and social problems. We are especially concerned about the heavy pollination of pine plantations in Chile. This pollen causes serious allergies and other health problems in people who breathe it. It also contaminates the water. If this pollen is from genetically engineered trees, it will cause even more serious problems."
At the event, World Rainforest Movement and Friends of the Earth International released a new major report on GE trees, entitled, "Genetically Modified Trees: The Ultimate Threat to Forests," written by Chris Lang and available in English and Spanish. This report is available on their website at www.wrm.org.uy
Global Justice Ecology Project showed part of a video on GE trees entitled, "The Silent Forest: The Growing Threat of Genetically Engineered Trees," to be available in English and Spanish beginning in January, 2005. In the video, Dr. David Suzuki, a world-renowned geneticist who formerly ran the largest genetics lab in Canada, argues that because the science of biotechnology is so young, most of what we now know will turn out to be wrong. For this reason, he asserts, we must not rush into applying it, because we cannot predict the outcome. To request a copy of the video, contact Global Justice Ecology Project at http://www.globaljusticeecology.org
Chris Lang, author of the WRM and FOE International report states, "The UN is secretly promoting GE trees. The UN FAO and UNDP ran a project which promoted and funded the technology in China, where more than 1.5 million GE trees have been planted commercially, with no oversight whatsoever." He added, "I have repeatedly asked the UN FAO for information on their program and they refuse to respond. If these trees are so safe, why is there so much secrecy?" Yesterday, Global Justice Ecology Project and World Rainforest Movement met with over a dozen groups, social movements and NGOs from around the world to discuss implementation of an international campaign to ban the genetic engineering of trees globally.
FOR PHOTOS OF THIS AND OTHER UNFCCC EVENTS:
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org/index.php?page=news
Global Justice Ecology Project (GJEP) is attending the Buenos Aires, Argentina United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) tenth Conference of the Parties (COP 10).
Informant: Orin Langelle
Co-Director
Global Justice Ecology Project
P.O. Box 412
Hinesburg, VT 05461 U.S.
+1.802.482.2689 ph/fax
langelle@sover.net
http://www.globaljusticeecology.org
--------
Genetically Engineered Trees - Privatizing the Atmosphere?
Original article is at: http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/01/1717705.php
Uploaded file is at:
http://www.indybay.org/uploads/earth_matters_jan_26_mp3.mp3 (10.2 megabytes)
Informant: STRIDER
Starmail - 5. Dez, 22:10
