• IUCN conservationists face death penalty in Iran
    Five IUCN member conservationists, including members of the IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), have been charged with ‘corruption on earth’, the highest penalty for which is execution. The five environmentalists from IUCN Member organisation Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation (PWHF) are Niloufar Bayani, Taher Ghadirian, Sepideh Kashani, Houman Jowkar and Morad Tahbaz. Taher Ghadirian and Houman Jowkar are members of the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group; Taher Ghadirian is also a member of the IUCN SSC Bear Specialist Group. They undertake vital conservation work including efforts to conserve the Critically Endangered Asiatic cheetah. "Monitoring and researching species that live in remote landscapes, such as the Asiatic Cheetah, is a challenging task,” said Jon Paul Rodriguez, IUCN Species Survival Commission Chair. “As their numbers have dwindled, Asiatic cheetahs have become elusive, making it difficult for researchers to observe them directly. Novel techniques such as camera traps have proven indispensable in helping researchers gain valuable insights into the status and biology of threatened species worldwide.” The five conservationists had been detained by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in January along with four others and charged with espionage. Human rights campaigners and Iran’s government have said the charges against them are unfounded, according to media reports. The four others detained in January are Amir Hossein Khaleqi, member of the IUCN SSC Cat Specialist Group, of the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication and of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas, Sam Rajabi, AbdolReza Koupayeh, and Kavous Seyed-Emami. Kavous Seyed-Emami died in prison for unknown reasons following his detention. IUCN has called for an independent inquiry into his death. Iran is facing environmental challenges including drought, water scarcity and dust storms, which have led to nationwide protests this year.
    211 of 300 Signatures
    Created by Ian Convery
  • Ban plastic packaging on fruit and veg
    We are killing our planet, choking oceans, swimming in rubbish and are even consuming microplastics due to our the way we treat this long-lasting – sometimes everlasting – material. We chuck it away, and it's out of sight, but, no, it doesn't magically disappear. And it can't all be recycled, either. The use of plastic has to drop – and fast. Changing the way we buy fruit and veg is a place to start. If we can get rid of/ reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, we can certainly do the same for fruit and veg and then see where else the same principle can be applied to other categories of food. There is transparent paper packaging available so goods can be batched and sealed, so there are no excuses to sit back and wait. The time for sharing pictures and posting horrified emojis of the damage we are wreaking on the planet – and our own bodies – is up. Thanks for reading this. Please sign and share if you agree that we need to cut down on plastic wrapping on fruit and vegetables.
    44 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Joy Persaud
  • No More Plastic Yogurt Pots
    The UK spends around 2.3 billion a year on dairy products, and last year the average UK person bought 10.9 kgs of yogurt. Most of those yogurt-type products come in hard plastic containers that can never be recycled, often with a non-recyclable plastic lid on top. There’s no need for this - most of these products could be packaged in paper cartons or glass (many of the “luxury” yogurts already are!). I’m calling on the UK dairy industry to ditch plastic cartons in favour of other sustainable, recyclable & environmentally-friendly packaging
    43 of 100 Signatures
    Created by Lisa Green
  • Remove Pinkham Way nature conservation site from the North London Waste Plan
    There is no justification or evidence for including this nature conservation site in the new North London Waste Plan. Haringey's own Regulatory Committee has recommended that it be removed. PLEASE NOTE: This issue will now be considered at the Haringey Cabinet Meeting on 22 January 2019, and not the one in November mentioned above. The point of the petition remains exactly the same, and it will now remain open for signing until just before the new date in January.
    2,356 of 3,000 Signatures
    Created by Pinkham Way Alliance
  • Fracking Moratorium
    So far, one earthquake has been recorded at 1.1 on the Richter Scale and the intensity appears to be increasing putting homes, businesses, people and the environment at risk if this dangerous practice is allowed to continue and escalate.
    639 of 800 Signatures
    Created by Mark Mills
  • Change the crossing near Bitterne Station (Southampton) to make it safe for pedestrians & cyclists.
    It takes 7 mins to cross as a pedestrian with the lights, so people take risks running across. There's no safe cycle route, but it could be much safer with a few dropped kerbs and some paint. It is monstrous that the proposed Highways England scheme does not take this into account. We need a regular combined pedestrian/cyclist phase over this dangerous junction. Also, eg: - pavement alteration for bikes by derelict hairdresser and opposite for bikes. - crossing point is needed from station across to Athelstan Rd - over just Bitterne Rd West instead of multiple crossings. - traffic calming needed by the concrete blocks on Bullar Rd, as the crossing is often ignored by vehicles. Please join us on 18th Nov: https://www.facebook.com/events/266846273945353/ (or contact us via http://www.southamptoncyclingcampaign.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/ )
    878 of 1,000 Signatures
    Created by Lyn Brayshaw
  • Sustainable Energy for all
    To improve the life chances of future generations Develop the skills, knowledge and employment of the young For the UK to be energy independent/self sufficient To eliminate energy poverty To give the earth and all it supports a chance for repair
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    Created by Ann Marie Morris
  • Almerias Dirty Little Secret, Modern day Slavery
    Human rights are being abused for profit, the public should be made aware of the where and how their food is being grown at the expense of human life and the environment. There are many issues here, the British and Spanish Governments must be made aware of the horrifying scenario immigrants are being subjected to. Thousands of people toil under the polythene sheeting that make up the huge greenhouses. They’re mostly migrant workers, Moroccans, Senegalese and Malians, who have gone to Spain seeking a better life, many risking their own lives on the way. Working in the polythene greenhouses temperatures can sometimes soar to 50 degrees. Up to 120,000 people work producing nearly three million tonnes of fruit and veg every year for export to Britain and across northern Europe. Some actually live inside this plastic hothouse. At night, when the security gates are closed, they are locked in. Some who dare to complain of any ailments can be blacklisted, leaving them stranded with no money to get back to wherever they travelled from. Some of the Physical illnesses are caused by pesticides, which are sprayed during working hours where workers are exposed to the deadly and toxic atmosphere, they are not given masks or safety goggles to protect themselves from potentially fatal outcomes to the exposure. How can we sit at our dinner tables knowing that the men and women, who are someones, mother or father, son or daughter are being treated like modern day slaves in order to feed the rest the UK and the rest of Europe. Michael Gove and George Eustice need to be sure that the food they claim they want to be safe and sustainable is not jeopardizing human life in the process..The most heinous thing about this is this nothing new, this has been going on since the 1980s!!!! What will it take to make these Governments stop and change this shocking situation..DEFRA need to scrutinise the integrity of who we buy and import our food from! Together with the environment ministers who should question the side effects of the disposal of the discarded polythene..Please sign the petition to get fair working conditions for these poor migrants, they are human beings.
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    Created by Jessica Reynolds
  • Ban Fox Hunting in Scotland
    In the modern age we regard the Roman gladiator games as cruel and barbaric. However, across Scotland each year thousands of people on horseback, accompanied by their hounds, chase a fox for sport, finally shooting it when it finally collapses from exhaustion to be torn apart by dogs. Whether or not we regard foxes to be pests that need controlling, it is time to end this bestial 'sport', a living embodiment of outdated thinking and brutality. Fox hunting is not part of the Scotland we love, because we strive for a peaceful, progressive future.
    117 of 200 Signatures
    Created by sarah newman
  • Lidl need to stop packaging their food in non-recyclable plastic
    It is very important to be able to use as little plastic as possible in order to: Conserve energy Save natural resources Reduce greenhouse gasses and pollution Reduce the amount of plastic waste that goes into our landfills, oceans, and natural environments.
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    Created by Rhia Jones
  • Keep Diesel Pollution Out Of The Ely Valley
    The proposed road will force over 400 village school children and residents in the valley to breathe polluting, health harming, diesel freight traffic fumes. It would bring deadly traffic pollution and noise from freight vehicles into an environmentally sensitive valley that houses two primary schools. The list of long term effects of air pollution on children and the elderly is growing almost daily. Wales has a Future Generations Act designed to ensure we consider the needs of future generations, but this road, aimed at servicing the loss making Cardiff Airport which is actually owned by the Welsh Assembly Government, means the future health of Ely Valley school children and residents appears to have been abandoned. The Welsh Assembly Government is planning on spending £100+ million of taxpayers money on this road that will service their own business. The children affected by these plans have no voice. We must speak for them.
    501 of 600 Signatures
    Created by Glynis Lloyd
  • Refuse Permission for Intensive Poultry development on Greenfield Land in North Shropshire
    The proposed development site is not an existing farm, does not include any existing farm or other buildings/ infrastructure and is located on an uninterrupted English greenfield site which makes up part of the national character profile of Shropshire and the United Kingdom. The area is celebrated and enjoyed for its history, beauty, diversity and tranquility. This green corridor, with its multiple heritage assets, listed buildings, ancient woodland, rivers, scheduled ancient monuments, ancient hedgerows, historic villages, battlefield site, foot paths, bridleways and nearby vibrant market town & Shropshire Union Canal, makes up a significant part of Shropshire’s natural and historic environment. Pristine uninterrupted greenfield land should be celebrated, cherished and preserved for many reasons, not least for the future generations to enjoy. Help us protect one of our country's greatest assets by objecting today! The proposed development site poses nine threats to the community, they are: TRAFFIC DANGER- traffic has already reached danger level on our narrow approach roads. The Betton approach is also a school/nursery run and the increased traffic, including HGV and other heavy vehicles, will prove the tipping point in unacceptable risks. STENCH/FLIES - from 2 tonnes/day of excrement, which will carry in the prevailing wind (SW) along Main Road. ENTRAPMENT - For those unfortunate families close to the site, there is no escape. If you are driven to move, who will buy your house? RIVER POLLUTION - Contamination of the river located very close to the site due to surface water run off pollutants. HERITAGE - The proposed development is close/in line of sight to many Listed Properties, ancient woodland and heritage assets, plus, very close to a beautiful bridleway and footpaths. DEVASTATION - Betton is the attractive gateway to Norton, Best Kept Village and Champion of Champions, Britain in Bloom. The spoiling of this beautiful greenfield site will make a mockery of all the outstanding village work over many years. MISSION CREEP - This application is the advance guard for a much bigger plan. One unit of 32,000 birds is scarcely viable. Don’t be deceived by this Trojan Horse – 65% of all egg-laying applications in Shropshire are for expansion of facilities. CONSTRUCTION - Concrete access road, turning circle, barn, feed silo. earth moving, light pollution etc EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS - There are none. Poultry facilities are not labour intensive - they are hen intensive. (32000 hens =1 ½ people). Reasons why this planning proposal should be refused: - Negative visual impact - Air and river ammonia pollution - Odour, flies and noise -Danger from HGVs vehicles/tractors on the roads -Not a diversification for an existing farm -Not being located next to existing farm buildings Please object by 3rd December 2018. You can also write a full objection to Shropshire Council via their website on their online portal quoting: 18/04555/FUL
    3,126 of 4,000 Signatures
    Created by lara white