Bio-fooled: proposal on EU criteria would allow damaging unsustainable biofuels

Commenting on the Communication on the sustainability criteria for biofuels, presented today by the EU Commission, Green MEP Bas Eickhout, Member of the Environment Committee, said:

"The Commission's proposals on applying the so-called 'sustainability criteria' for biofuels are riddled with loopholes and would allow climate-damaging fuels to get the all clear in Europe. Far from ensuring the sustainability of these fuels, the communication could undermine overall EU climate policy. The Commission does not acknowledge the potential problems with biofuels anywhere in the communication.

While pressure from MEPs and NGOs has thankfully resulted in the deletion of the scandalous definition of palm oil plantations as forests, the new loopholes that have been introduced are just as shameful. "Among the more odious loopholes, are the 'by-product definitions', which take no account of the existing economic uses of by-products.

This would mean that by-products could be diverted from one economic usage to use as biofuels and be substituted by more greenhouse gas intensive alternatives, without any attempt to factor in the resultant emissions increase. Another major flaw is the 'energy allocation definition', which would allow undistilled ethanol to be classified as near-zero emissions! This makes a mockery of the lifecycle greenhouse gas assessment process and renders the so-called 'sustainability criteria' nothing more than an exercise in greenwash."

Green MEP Claude Turmes, Vice-President of the Greens/EFA in the European Parliament and Parliament's rapporteur for Renewables, said: "It seems that Commissioner Oettinger is ill-advised in this dossier.
The Commission has still made no progress in setting out how to take account of the climate impact of indirect land-use change (ILUC) for biofuels. This issue is absolutely crucial for assessing how much greenhouse gases these fuels account for over their lifecycles and is therefore fundamental to assessing the 'sustainability' or not of biofuels.

This prolonged delay is inacceptable. Under the legislation on renewable energy agreed in December 2008, the Commission was tasked to come forward with measures to account for the full climate impact of agrofuels. It is also inimical to the interests of investors, who are badly in need of legislative certainty for their investments."

Israel's deadly raid on a flotilla of aid ships headed for Gaza

The world is reeling from Israel's assault on an aid flotilla trying to reach Gaza. It's time for a full investigation to begin -- and for the siege of Gaza to end. Sign the worldwide petition, then forward this message:


Israel's deadly raid on a flotilla of aid ships headed for Gaza has shocked the world.

Israel, like any other state, has the right to self-defence, but this was an outrageous use of lethal force to defend an outrageous and lethal policy -- Israel's blockade of Gaza, where two thirds of families don't know where they'll find their next meal.

The UN, EU, and nearly every other government and multilateral organization have called on Israel to lift the blockade and, now, launch a full investigation of the flotilla raid. But without massive pressure from their citizens, world leaders might limit their response to mere words -- as they have so many times before.

Let's make the world's outcry too loud to ignore. Join the petition for an independent investigation into the raid, accountability for those responsible, and an immediate end to the blockade in Gaza -- click to sign the petition, and then forward this message to everyone:

The petition will be delivered to the UN and world leaders, as soon as it reaches 200,000 names -- and again at every opportunity as it grows and leaders choose their responses. A massive petition at a moment of crisis like this one can demonstrate to those in power that sound bites and press releases aren't enough -- that citizens are paying attention and demanding action.

As the EU decides whether to expand its special trade relationship with Israel, as Obama and the US Congress set next year's budget for Israeli military aid, and as neighbours like Turkey and Egypt decide their next diplomatic steps -- let's make the world's voice unignorable: it's time for truth and accountability on the flotilla raid, and it's time for Israel to comply with international law and end the siege of Gaza. Sign now and pass this message along:

Most people everywhere still share the same dream: for two free and viable states, Israel and Palestine, to live side by side. But the blockade, and the violence used to defend it, poisons that dream. As a columnist wrote to his fellow Israelis today in the newspaper Ha'aretz, "We are no longer defending Israel. We are now defending the siege. The siege itself is becoming Israel's Vietnam."

Thousands of pro-peace activists in Israel today protested the raid and the blockade in demonstrations from Haifa, to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem -- joining demonstrations around the world. Regardless of which side threw the first punch or fired the first shot (the Israeli military claims it did not initiate the violence), Israel's leaders sent helicopters of armed storm-troopers to raid a convoy of ships in international waters bringing medicine and supplies to Gaza, and some now lay dead.

Their lives cannot be brought back. But perhaps, together, we can make this dark moment a turning point -- if we arise with an unshakable call for justice, and an unbreakable dream of peace.

With hope,

Ricken, Alice, Raluca, Paul, Iain, Graziela and the rest of the Avaaz team

SOURCES:

Live coverage from Al Jazeera:
http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2010/05/31/live-coverage-israels-flotilla-raid

Live coverage from the Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/blog/2010/may/31/israel-troops-gaza-ships

"The Second Gaza War: Israel lost at sea" - Bradley Burston, Ha'aretz
http://www.haaretz.com/blogs/a-special-place-in-hell/a-special-place-in-hell-the-second-gaza-war-israel-lost-at-sea-1.293246

Analysis of violence from IDF's perspective from Debka, reporters with ties to Israeli intelligence:
http://debka.com/article/8824/

70% of Gazans suffer from food insecurity - 2008 ICRC report, cited by al Jazeera:
http://english.aljazeera.net/focus/2010/05/20105319333613851.html

Analysis of possible political consequences of the flotilla attack:
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gtowfFjiFD4HYdHuYgxydKNwVRDwD9G2B3880

NICOSIA DEAREST

MUNICIPAL HALL LEDRAS STREET
14 – 25/06/2010

A city that keeps shifting, sprawling through its walls, constantly changing faces while growing larger and more complex, Nicosia is alive and breathing. A place to call home for its citizens, a place to call capital for Cypriots and a place to find a home for its visitors.

Recognizing the need for creating a visual identity for the city of Nicosia, the Applied Arts Department of Frederick University, has initiated the idea of founding the organization ‘Nicosia Dearest’. The organization will run as the official promotional office for the city, showcasing its culture, history, tourism, entertainment and urban life. Foremost objective of ‘Nicosia Dearest’ will be to produce a promotional campaign for Nicosia, and shaping a distinct character which will communicate the spirit of the city both visually and contextually.

Students from the Graphic and Advertising Design Program of Frederick University have been creatively engaged on this project and along with the support and cooperation of the Nicosia Municipality, will showcase their work on the upcoming exhibition ‘Nicosia Dearest’ on Μοnday, June 14th, 2010 at the Municipal Hall on Ledras street.

Toxics Action at Dell HQ, Texas

In 2006 when computer giant Dell announced they'd quit using the most harmful toxic chemicals in their electronics by the end of 2009.

At the time that was a great start and CEO Michael Dell set the bar for the rest of the industry with his public commitment. Now it's almost June 2010 and Dell still hasn't made a single computer that's free from PVC plastic and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).

Meanwhile many of its competitors have already done so. Why is Dell going back on its very public promise? There's no excuse. You can ask Dell to do better.

Please write and tell CEO Michael Dell to honour his commitments and phase out the use of toxic chemicals.

Eoin Dubsky
Online Organizer Greenpeace International
http://www.greenpeace.org Facebook Twitter

Daniel Cohn-Bendit's speech on the Greek economy crisis

We, at Cyprus Social Ecology Movement, feel the need to congratulate the Green MEP, Daniel Cohn-Bendit for his passionate speech in European Parliament regarding the Greek economy crisis.

During his speech, Daniel Cohn-Bendit, uncovered the financial games against Greece, from countries within EU. "France and Germany" said, "are forcing Greece to take drastic measures against the Greek people, and on the other hand, they demand from Greek government to purchase army equipment of billion euros worth, from them.

Daniel Cohn-Bendit pointed out the absolute need for full demilitarization of Greece and Turkey, being the only solution for financial recovery of these two countries. He also gave emphasis on the urgent need of the Turkish troop's withdrawal from Cyprus!

We feel that Daniel Cohn-Bendit's speech constitutes a serious and very positive and realistic opinion and we strongly believe that our Government, as well as the Greek and Turkish governments, should take well into consideration.

Unfortunately, this statement by the co-president of the Green/EFA group in the EP should be given more value and attention by all of us.

The fact that, till today, there was no official reaction by the Cyprus Green Party, is giving us the impression that we spoil every opportunity we have for the solution of our problem and we avoid to listen any realistic suggestions.
The political orientation of a Green party should be based on such opinions, away from any nationalistic and separative positions.

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement

Caroline Lucas becomes Green Party's first MP

The Green Party has gained its first ever Westminster MP. In a major electoral success, the party's leader and MEP Caroline Lucas took the seaside seat of Brighton Pavilion from Labour.

Britain is the only country in Europe which has never had a Green MP elected to its national parliament.

Her victory is a remarkable achievement for the party, which has sought to put environmental issues at the heart of the General Election campaign.

Caroline Lucas, centre, celebrates becoming Britain's first Green Party MP after winning the Brighton Pavilion seat

Speaking after the result was announced she said: "Today the people of Brighton Pavilion have made history by electing Britain's first Green MP to Westminster.

"Thank you so much for putting the politics of hope above the politics of fear and I pledge that I will do my very best to do you proud.

"For once the word historic fits the bill."

One of the most tightly contested seats in the country, Brighton Pavilion was once a solid Tory stronghold, which was snatched by Labour in 1997.

Miss Lucas, 49, beat off female rivals Nancy Platts for Labour and Charlotte Vere for the Conservatives in an exciting three-way race.

A CND activist in her youth and a campaigner against US weapons on British soil, privately-educated Miss Lucas has more recently been a leader of the Stop the War Coalition.

he Green party leader has been hailed by the left-wing Guardian newspaper as one of their 'eco-heroes'.

Miss Lucas campaign was boosted by the support of actress Joanna Lumley who urged voters to shun mainstream politicians and back the Greens.

The Greens have mounted their biggest-ever general election campaign this year fielding candidates in 335 constituencies.

Her victory represents a shift towards a more radical style of politics.

As well as campaigning for environmental issues, the party backs higher taxation on the rich, permanent taxes on bankers bonuses and 20mph speed limits in all towns.

At the last election, Labour MP David Lepper took the seat with a 5,000 majority. But he announced his retirement before the General Election.

The Green party have been steadily building up their polling base in Brighton. At the last General Election, the Greens polled a best ever 22per cent of the vote in the constituency and have 9 local councillors in the area.

Cyprus and Denmark top the EU garbage heap

CYPRIOTS Danes and the Irish produce the most waste per capita in the whole European Union, while the Czechs, Poles and Slovaks the least, data from the EU's statistics office showed yesterday.

Eurostat said one Dane produced on average 802 kg of municipal waste in 2008, the highest rate in the 27-nation bloc. Cypriots generated 770 kg of waste on average – 10 kilos per person more than the average American - and the Irish 733 kg.

However the data also showed that even though Danes produce more waste, Denmark burned 54 per cent of its waste, recycled a further 24 per cent and composted 18 per cent, putting only 4 per cent of it into landfills.

Cyprus, however, stowed 87 per cent of the rubbish in landfills and recycled only the remaining 13 per cent, compared to 48 per cent in Germany – the top country for recycling in the EU.

The island was in sixth highest position when it came to landfill dumping. But taking into account the fact that the other countries ahead of Cyprus - five eastern European states - only produce half the amount of rubbish per person, the situation changes.

The Czechs produced 306 kilos of rubbish per capita, the Poles 320 kilos and the Slovaks 328 kilos.

The figures leave Cyprus clearly in the landfill lead along with Malta, which although produces 100 kilos per person less, throws 97 per cent on landfills and recycles only three per cent.

Environment Commissioner Charalambos Theopemptou said yesterday the difference between Cyprus and Denmark when it came to the waste issue was that the latter had efficient system to dispose of it. “This is the difference. It’s what you do with the waste after you produce it,” he said.

“Other countries have policies to cut waste, strict checks strict recycling laws. Not anyone who wants is allowed to dump waste.

He said that in other countries companies, supermarkets and others who produce a lot of waste are not allowed to dump them in landfills. They are forced to take them for recycling.

“They are very strict,” he said. “We have landfills and we dump whatever we want.”

Last week DISY deputy Kyriacos Hadjiyiannis described Cyprus as an “open landfill” during a House

Environment Committee.

Chairman Andreas Fakontis said 113 landfills are currently in operation across Cyprus and there was absolutely no policy for scaling back the production of refuse. He said no measures are taken to cut waste and save money by having smaller waste processing units.

He also said abandoned landfills were one of the most serious environmental problems in Cyprus. “While they are closed, they continue to be sources of pollution; the ground continues to be contaminated; the aquifers; toxic substances are produced and foul smell,” Fakontis said.

Fakontis added that people continue to dump rubbish in these landfills illegally.

The House wants inspectors who will be responsible to penalise those who dump waste illegally by imposing a substantial on-the-spot fine.

Fakontis said the government has given its okay but these ‘green’ inspectors have not been appointed yet।

CyprusMail

Stop “Red Arrow’s” dangerous games….

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement is considering the “Red Arrows” RAF planes exhibition completely unacceptable to be held in the air space of Cyprus

These exhibitions have nothing to offer to our country except the dangers of a possible accident and of course the air and noise pollution to the people living in the involved areas.

We demand immediate action against the authorization of such exhibitions by the local authorities and Cyprus Government. We feel that it is about time to stop being the “good guys” for the British Army Forces based in Cyprus and to put an end to this ridiculous action, every now and then in the sky of our country.

The continuous visits of “Red Arrows” in Cyprus are, beside the dangers, affecting the reputation and the independence of the Republic of Cyprus

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement

Commission sends written warning to Cyprus on air quality

The European Commission is pursuing infringement proceedings against five member states, including Cyprus, for failing to comply with the EU's air quality standards for dangerous airborne particles known as PM10.

These particles, emitted mainly by industry, traffic and domestic heating, can cause asthma, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer and premature death. Slovenia and Sweden are being referred to the European Court of Justice, while final written warnings have been sent to Cyprus, Portugal and Spain. In a separate case, Bulgaria is receiving a final written warning over its failure to control concentration levels of sulphur dioxide.

The Commission's action follows the entry into force in June 2008 of the new EU Air Quality Directive, which allows member states to request, under certain conditions and for specific parts of the country, limited extra time to meet the PM10 standard which has been in force since 2005.

At the beginning of 2009, first warning letters were sent to member states that had by then not submitted notifications or had not notified the Commission about all air quality zones exceeding the limit values for PM10.

Following this warning, most of the member states involved submitted notifications for a time extension. Although Cyprus, Portugal and Spain did submit notifications for time extensions, the Commission rejected most of the notified air quality zones on the grounds that they did not meet all the conditions required by the Directive. The Commission has therefore decided to send a final written warning to the three member states.

EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik stated that ''air pollution is bad for our health'' and that ''member states must comply with EU air quality standards quickly and reduce emissions.''

''I am pleased to see that over recent years we have met PM10 limit values in a number of areas throughout Europe, but much more effort is still needed if we want full compliance,'' he added.

(Cyprus Weekly)

Minimum wage increased to €840

THE MINIMUM wage is being increased to €887 from €840 effective from Thursday, the Labour Advisory Committee announced yesterday.

Final approval for the 5.6 per cent increase, which will bring the minimum wage to 50 per cent of the average national wage, rests with the Cabinet.

“The minimum wage, I would like to underline, is a tool which affects the most susceptible sectors of the employed population, and one which we intend to utilise in a correct manner,” said Labour Minister Sotiroula Charalambous after the meeting.

The minimum wage, for employees who have been at their place of employment for over six months, is currently fixed at €840. This will go to €887.

The minimum wage for new employees, who have been working at their place of employment for less than six months, and which currently stands at €791, is set to be increased to €835.

The measure drew sharp criticism from employers’ organisations, who said it would “create market distortions” and impact negatively on industry.

(The Cyprus Mail)

Stop the destruction of an ancient church

Cyprus Social Ecology Movement strongly protests against Cyprus Churches’ plans to construct an enormous new church in front of the ancient and historic chapel of Ayia Paraskevi in Akropolis, near Hilton hotel.

This new and very expensive church will close the only free side of the ancient church which is currently surrounded by the huge building of the Central Bank and the Head offices of the Bank of Cyprus.

In an effort to stop these plans, the Cyprus Social Ecology Movement is organizing a protest on Sunday, 21st February, 2010, at 10 am in the front yard of the ancient church and calls upon all people to join us.

We need to draw awareness and show our will to stop the destruction of a historic and cultural monument which has been the point of reference of the capital of Cyprus for over 500 years.

Government to secure sufficient water supplies

The government is fully aware of the challenges ahead and through the implementation of a sustainable water management policy is taking all necessary measures to ensure water security now and in the future, Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Michalis Polynikis said Wednesday.

Addressing the fourth annual Water and Energy Exchange International Conference in Limassol, Polynikis said the primary objective is to secure enough quantities of potable water to cover at least the basic needs of the population and to eliminate dependency on weather conditions by installing sea water desalination plants.

Despite the construction of many surface water reservoirs since the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus in 1960, the dependency on rainfall still continues, he added.

The long and frequent periods of droughts, he said, have proved that storing rainwater into reservoirs only allows short-term planning and is not a sustainable long-term solution.

''Currently one mobile and two permanent desalination plants are in operation and additional desalination plants are planned to be constructed in the next couple of years with the objective to achieve water security so that every person has continuous access to safe water'', he added.

At the same time, he stressed, attention is turned on other non-conventional water resources, such as recycling of treated municipal effluents in order to cover the water needs of the agricultural sector and ensure a gradual integration into the water balance. Recycled water for irrigation and recharge purposes is a growing resource in Cyprus.

The Minister announced earlier in the week the end to water cuts, which were introduced about two years ago following sever drought.
(CNA)