Call for action!

[ourdramaqueen]

Dear flist,

I just sent a message to my leader urging for the creation of international biofuels standards to ensure that the current expansion of the biofuels industry does not damage the environment or drive up food prices. This is important, and I thought you might be interested:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/biofuel_standards_now/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

As developed countries push for biofuels as an alternative to fossil fuels, increased demand for the crops that make biofuels is causing the destruction of rainforests (and thereby further endangering species like the already-rare Borneo Orang-Utans)--cleared to make way for plantations--and a rise in food prices, as farmers grow crops for fuel instead of food. Just last week, the UN World Food Program announced a massive budget deficit as a result of rising food prices, caused by a combination of biofuels growth, bad weather, and high oil prices.

This Friday through Saturday, the G20 group of countries--the twenty biggest economies, responsible for more than 75% of the world's carbon emissions--will meet in Chiba, Japan to begin the climate change discussions leading up to the G8 summit this summer. Before the summit, Avaaz.org is creating a global cry for sustainable biofuels. By sending a message to your leader urging for biofuels standards, you can make a difference on this critical issue. Take action now:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/biofuel_standards_now/98.php?CLICK_TF_TRACK

(Don't know who "your leader" is? No problem - the form on the linked page will look up the relevant leader based on the country you choose.)

Thanks!!!


PS: For those who haven't noticed/heard yet, 20% of the proceeds of Dom's photo exhibition will benefit the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Now I wish even more that I could afford one...

Comments

[serenitysangel.livejournal.com]

Well even if you can't afford one of the photo's, you can still donate directly to BOSF ;)

[primula-baggins.livejournal.com]

" Just last week, the UN World Food Program announced a massive budget deficit as a result of rising food prices, caused by a combination of biofuels growth, bad weather, and high oil prices."

I've noticed here in the US in just the last few months the food and gas prices have sky rocketed. It's terrifying to me. How are we supposed to live if we can't afford food? The world has gone insane. :(