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www.foe.org | Volume 37, Number 3 | Fall 2007 N E W S M A G A Z I N E

Africa:Environment and Energy

Wasted by Foreign Investment

LAST SUMMER Friends of the Earth’sgrowing number of e-activists effec-tively made their voices heard on twoimportant campaigns. In July, theysent thousands of letters to theInternational Maritime Organizationdemanding that it act on a potential-ly devastating project to dump ironparticles into the Pacific Ocean as analleged solution to global warming.As a result, at its convention thisNovember, the IMO will be looking atplacing restrictions on such projects.In August, our e-activists supportedcitizens in Armenia who are trying toprotect an ancient forest from defor-estation to accommodate an open-pit copper mine. Again our activistsproved their power by sending thou-sands of letters to key decision mak-ers in Armenia and the U.S.

You too can make your voiceheard and help Friends of the Earth’scampaigns by signing up for our e-activist list on our homepage. Askyour friends to do the same! Thecoming year holds a lot in store foractivists wanting to do their part toprotect the health of our planet.

This fall, a major battle is under-way over energy legislation passed bythe House and Senate. The House billis about 75 percent good while theSenate bill is about 75 percent bad, sothe goal is to get the best provisionsfrom each and reject the worst. Thebest provisions are renewable, cleanenergy standards and some new taxincentives in the House bill and autofuel economy (CAFE) standards in theSenate bill, while the worst are thesubsidies for corn ethanol and theloan guarantees for new nuclearpower plants and for converting coalto a liquid fuel.

Nuclear energy and coal to liquidfuels have serious environmental

implications. Nuclear power plantsthreaten national security and poserisks as we figure out how to disposeof their radioactive waste. Coal to liq-uid technology means more destruc-tive coal mining, new and very expen-sive processing plants and a doublingof global warming gas emissions pergallon. Yet while federal legislationcontinues to support these environ-mentally harmful industries, it stuntsreal progress in developing available,cost-effective production of renewableenergy like wind and solar power.

And instead of concentrating onraising fuel economy standards forcars, driving less and focusing on con-servation, the provisions for cornethanol subsidies in the energy legis-lation prop up wasteful lifestyle choic-es. Wes Jackson, former Friends of theEarth board member and founder ofthe Land Institute in Kansas, poses thebasic dilemma for corn ethanol enthu-siasts: Even if all 300 millionAmericans chose not to eat for a yearso as to allow all the cropland thatfeeds us to grow corn for ethanol, wewould not even come halfway tomeeting our current needs for fuelingour vehicle-driven lifestyles.

As Friends of the Earth looks at theglobal picture for biofuels, we see thegreat rainforests of the Amazon, theDemocratic Republic of Congo andIndonesia being targeted by govern-ments and transnational corpora-tions for biofuel plantations. Certainbiofuels, such as sugar cane andpalm oil, pose a most ominous threatto the remaining tropical rainforestson this earth. Such plantations willdevastate the ability of these ancientforests to absorb global warminggases in the atmosphere and willwipe away the astonishing biologicaldiversity of these areas.

The plan by President Lula of Brazilto expand ethanol production fromsugar cane and soy plantations inorder to supply the gluttonous con-sumption of those in the north couldmark the demise of the Amazon.Some scientists are worried that asdeforestation of the Amazon getsclose to 40 percent of the total area,the whole ecosystem will unravel.

Our feature story describes theextraordinarily ruthless exploitationof Africa’s natural resources such asoil, timber and minerals by compa-nies from industrialized nations, leav-ing a devastating legacy of pollutionand worsening the health of area res-idents and degrading their living con-ditions. By exposing the abusescaused by international investmentsin the extractive industries on theAfrican continent, Friends of the Earthhopes to bring awareness to theinterconnectedness of all life onearth. And perhaps make us all seethat, as Gandhi said, we can be thechange we hope to see in the world.

P R E S I D E N T ’ S C O L U M N �

Fall Into Action

Brent Blackwelder, President

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Fall 2007 | Friends of the Earth Newsmagazine 3

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Friends of the Earth (ISSN: 1054-1829) is published quarterly by Friends of the Earth, 1717 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite600, Washington, DC 20036-2008, phone 202-783-7400, fax 202-783-0444, e-mail: [email protected], website: www.foe.org.Annual membership dues are $25, which include a subscription to Friends of the Earth. The words “Friends of theEarth” and the FoE logo are exclusive trademarks of Friends of the Earth, all rights reserved. Requests to reprint articlesshould be submitted to Lisa Matthes at [email protected]. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, DC.

Our Mission: Friends of the Earth defends the environment and champions a healthy and just world.Board of DirectorsDan Gabel, Chair; Arlie Schardt, Vice Chair; HarriettCrosby, Secretary; David Zwick, Treasurer; WhiteyBluestein; Jayni Chase; Clarence Ditlow; JeffreyGlueck; Michael Herz; Marika Holmgren; DouglasLegum; Russell Long; Garrett Loube; PatriciaMatthews; Avis Ogilvy Moore; Charles Moore;Edwardo Lao Rhodes; Doria Steedman; Rick Taketa.

StaffBrent Blackwelder, PresidentNorman Dean, Executive DirectorElizabeth Bast, International Policy AnalystNick Berning, Press SecretaryMichelle Chan-Fishel, Senior International Policy

AnalystHugh Cheatham, Chief Financial OfficerDanielle Fugere, Regional Program DirectorJosh Hilgart, Field DirectorDavid Hirsch, Program DirectorKate Horner, Program AssociateIan Illuminato, Health & Environment CampaignerRoxanne Lawson, International Policy CampaignerGillian Madill, Human Genetic Engineering

CampaignerMarsha Mather-Thrift, Director of Development &

West Coast OperationsLisa Matthes, Executive Assistant/Publications EditorKate McMahon, Research Assistant/ReceptionistChris Pabon, Director of Foundation Relations &

Planned Gifts Manager Colin Peppard, Transportation Policy CoordinatorErich Pica, Director of Domestic ProgramsTeri Shore, Clean Vessels Campaign DirectorErica Staaterman, Executive/Research AssistantPeter Stocker, Donor Services ManagerChris Weiss, Director of D.C. Environmental Network

Publications StaffLisa Matthes, EditorDesign by JML Design

Consultants/AdvisorsShems Dunkiel Kassel & Saunders PLLCFred Felleman, SeattleJohn W. JensenDorothee KrahnCori Traub

Member GroupsArgentina, Australia, Austria,Bangladesh, Belgium, Belgium(Flanders), Bolivia, Brazil, Bulgaria,Cameroon, Canada, Chile, Colombia,Costa Rica, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus,Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador,England-Wales, Northern Ireland,Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia,Germany, Ghana, Grenada,

Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Indonesia,Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania,Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mali, Malta,Mauritius, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand,Nicaragua, Nigeria, Norway, Palestine, Papua NewGuinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Scotland,Sierra Leone, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka,Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia,Ukraine, United States, Uruguay.

AffiliatesAfrica: Earthlife Africa; Australia: Mineral PolicyInstitute; Australia: Rainforest Information Centre;Brazil: Amigos da Terra Amazonia - AmazôniaBrasileira; Brazil: Grupo de Trabalho Amazonico;Canada: Blue Planet Project; Czech Republic: CEEBankwatch; Japan: Peace Boat; Middle East: Friends ofthe Earth Middle East; Netherlands: Action forSolidarity, Equality, Environment and DevelopmentEurope; Netherlands: Stichting De Noordzee (NorthSea Foundation); Netherlands: Corporate EuropeObservatory; Netherlands: Wise Europe; UnitedStates: Corpwatch; United States: International RiversNetwork; United States: Rainforest Action Network

Friends of the Earth is printed with soy ink on 100% recycled paper, 30% post-consumer content. Bleached without chlorine.

Friends ofthe EarthInternational

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Volume 37, Number 3

Fall 2007

Earth Share giving campaigns allow you to designate a donation toFriends of the Earth. Federal employees can donate through theCombined Federal Campaign by marking #12067 on their pledgeforms. To set up an Earth Share campaign at your workplace, contactChris Pabon at 877-843-8687, ext. 720 or [email protected].

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N E W S M A G A Z I N E

Foreign Investment Wasting Africa's Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Carbon Offsets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Friends of the Earth Uruguay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Caution Consumers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Global Stewardship Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Victories. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Presidential Candidates on Global Warming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

New at foe.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16


Africa

By Roxanne Lawson

FROM PURCHASING HOME gamingsystems and mobile phones thatcontain coltan extracted from theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC)to filling up at gas stations that getfuel from the Niger Delta, thelifestyle and consumption patternsof many in the U.S. reflect corporateglobalization at its core. In manycases, environmental degradationstems from U.S. consumption ofproducts and resources that origi-nate outside our borders.

Perhaps no place exemplifies theintersection of environmental degra-dation and the politics of corporateglobalization more than the Africancontinent. Despite an abundance ofresources – the world’s second largestrain forest and the lion’s share of theplanet’s mineral deposits such as

platinum, tantalite, cobalt and gold –nearly one half of African people liveon less than one U.S. dollar a day.

In an effort to meet the needs ofthe world’s poorest, the internation-al community has focused much ofits Africa-related diplomacy on alle-viating poverty through promises ofdebt cancellation, increased aid andinvestment in extractive industriessuch as oil, gas and mining. Despiteglobal campaigns, aid money fromnation states, charities, financialinstitutions and other groups to the

African continent actually droppedin 2006 by more than five percent.Meanwhile, huge boosts in invest-ments in extractive industries havefueled environmental destructionand increased impoverishment.

International Investorson the African ContinentU.S.-Based InstitutionsSince the 1970s, global economic,social and environmental policy hasbeen shaped by international finan-cial institutions such as theInternational Monetary Fund (IMF)and World Bank Group, the U.S.Treasury, the U.S. Federal Reserve andvarious like-minded groups. In themid-1980s the World Bank advisedloosening restrictions on foreigninvestments in the African extractive

sectors, even offering tax incentivesto attract investors. While this did alot to promote economic develop-ment, it left giant gaps in protec-tions for social and ecological values.

Mining projects in Africa generatelarge scale destruction at the site –


Mining in the DRC and the World Bank The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank, maintains thatit only invests in countries and corporations that ensure accountability. However, the IFCfrequently funds extractive projects that lack transparency, fail to adequately consultlocal communities and cause major water pollution and ecosystem destruction.

In 2006 the IFC promoted investments in the resource extraction sector in theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC) a country wracked by natural resource-related conflictand corruption.

One IFC-backed multinational company has promised to divert a mere .3 percent of its $35.4 million USD netincome into local community development. All the while, local Congolese suffer the effects of the mine – watershortages and mining-caused pollution, including air pollution from greatly increased vehicle traffic.

What We’re Doing: Friends of the Earth is part of an international coalition of civil society organizations –humanitarian, human rights, environmental and faith-based Congolese, and grassroots organizations – who advo-cate for the DRC’s equitable access to its natural resources, the cessation of violence and protecting the environ-ment. Join Congo advocates November 11-13 in Washington, D.C. To learn more and get involved [email protected]. Please include ‘DRC conference’ in the email title.

Environment and Energy Wasted by Foreign Investment

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C O V E R S T O R Y �

leaching high levels of arsenic, lead,cyanide and other toxic wastes intothe groundwater, destroying vegeta-tion and leading to health problemsin local communities.

In the Democratic Republic ofCongo (DRC), farmers are abandoningtheir traditional lifestyles to becomeminers in an effort to meet the highdemand for minerals like coltan andtin. By mining instead of farming theyare unintentionally causing furtherecological damage to water and landas well as creating severe food short-ages for millions of people.

Chinese-Based InstitutionsWestern investment institutions arenot the only ones extending devel-opment in foreign countries. China isincreasingly involved in the develop-ment of the African continent.

China’s own rapid economicgrowth, as it follows in the unsus-tainable development path of theU.S., is one characterized by incomedisparity, unfair treatment of work-ers and lost livelihoods – especially inrural areas. In their overseas invest-ments, the Chinese model is charac-terized by a low-price / high-cost par-adigm that lacks rigorous environ-mental and social standards, andcomes at a very high cost to societiesas well as to the environment.

In 2004, the IMF censured Angolafor corruption in its oil sector. TheChina Export-Import Bank, orChexim, stepped in and offered thegovernment a loan to repair railwaysand construct new governmentaloffices. Its only stipulation was thatthe Angolan government give pref-erence to 35 Chinese constructioncompanies to conduct the project.The project could have boosted theAngolan economy and employedthousands of Africans, but insteadChina disregarded the best interests

of Angolans in favor of propping upChinese companies.

What all of this reveals is thatbehind the charade of sound invest-ment lies a scary truth – Chinese

companies are quickly generatingthe same kinds of environmentaldamage and community oppositionthat western companies havespawned around the world.

The Economics of GlobalWarmingBoth the Washington- and China-based models of economic develop-ment – particularly in the oil, gasand mining extractive industries –are environmentally destructive andcontribute most of the greenhousegas emissions from the African con-tinent. Yet there is a huge disparitybetween how these resources aredistributed and what the countriessupplying them get in return.

The United States is home to fivepercent of the world’s populationand contributes an astounding 25percent of worldwide greenhouse

Cobalt in the Democratic Republic of CongoForty percent of the world’s supply of Cobalt isin the DRC. Cobalt is used in the production ofa wide variety of items from recorded media tovitamin B12. In 2005 China was the world’s lead-ing cobalt producer. Approximately three quartersof all cobalt made in China in 2005 was derived fromimported concentrates, of which almost 90 percent came from the DRC.

In 2006, one of the largest conglomerates in China purchased threehigh-grade copper-cobalt mines in Lubumbashi province, and Chinesemining companies have developed cobalt mining and processing proj-ects in Katanga province in the DRC.

These projects cause environmental degradation, deforestation, ero-sion and biodiversity loss. Assessments of the environmental impacts ofboth small- and large-scale mining have shown that mining projectshave a damaging effect on the health of local citizens and the integrity ofecosystems, downstream forests and unique copper-cobalt-tolerant flora.Additionally, these projects continue to keep local Congolese from profit-ing from their country’s vast mineral wealth.

What We’re Doing: Friends of the Earth is working with Congolese andChinese civil societies to examine the environmental impacts of Chineseinvestment and to monitor copper and cobalt mining. For more informa-tion on this work please visit www.foe.org.

Chinese companiesare quicklygenerating thesame kinds ofenvironmentaldamage andcommunityopposition thatwestern companieshave spawnedaround the world.


C O V E R S T O R Y �

gas pollution annually. The U.S.’selectricity consumption, ecologicallyharmful industries and 230 millionpassenger vehicles are fueling thedestruction of the planet.

Conversely, the African continent’s57 countries are home to 14 percentof the world’s population and con-tribute only three percent of theglobal greenhouse gas emissionsthat cause global warming. Themajority of this three percent comesfrom Nigeria, South Africa andAngola – nations with large-scaleextractive industry sectors that feed

the consumptive habits of wealthy,developed nations.

Global warming has causedchanges in weather patterns thathave and will continue to disruptlives across the continent. Decliningcrop yields in the next 20 years willlead to more famines and deaths.Droughts and increasing desertifica-tion mean smaller areas of viablefarm land and an increase in forcedmigration to more densely populat-ed areas. The results of global warm-ing will inevitably heighten resourcescarcity and fuel conflict and war.

At the same time, U.S.-basedmultinational corporations currentlyexploiting African resources andpeople are subsidized through ourtax dollars and our patronage whenwe fill up at the pump or buy certainelectronics. As the nation that bene-fits from the products whose pro-duction causes the bulk of the envi-ronmental destruction on theAfrican continent, we must hold U.S.corporations and U.S.-supportedfinancial institutions accountablefor the role that we all play in thiscycle of exploitation, environmentaldestruction and poverty.

Gas Flaring and Oil Conflicts in Nigeria Decades of oil production in Nigeria have spurred corruption, impoverishment, environ-mental disasters and violent conflicts, as well as the highest greenhouse gas emissionsin sub-Saharan Africa. This is due in particular to a process known as gas flaring, whereexcess, unusable natural gas released from oil rigs is burned off rather than re-injectedinto the ground or processed for use by local communities.

Approximately 75 percent of gas produced is flared annually, causing considerable eco-logical damage to soil, water and vegetation as well as human health. The result is that in theshort term, the environment and people suffer from toxic pollution and in the long term, the effectsof global warming.

Gas flares in Nigeria are often situated close to villages where community members suffer from a myriad ofhealth issues – particularly cancer and asthma – as a result of breathing flare smoke.

Gas flaring has been associated with reduced crop yields and plant growth as well as the disruption of wildlifein the immediate vicinity. Oil spills and oil dumped into waterways is extensive in Nigeria, poisoning drinkingwater and destroying vegetation. Spills contaminate the top soil, rendering the soil in the surrounding areasunsuitable for plant growth as it reduces the availability of nutrients and increases toxic waste in the soil.

In addition to the numerous health and environmental issues brought on by oil exploitation, the Nigerian gov-ernment’s concessions of natural resources to foreign firms stand to increase oil-related conflicts. Nigerian mili-tant groups, frustrated by the lack of resources and opportunity, are demanding that local communities receivebenefits from oil extraction. One group, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Nigerian Delta (MEND), hasthreatened foreign oil firms operating in the Delta with violence and has previously attacked facilities belongingto multinational oil producers, in operations that coincided with taking hostages. Now, Chinese companies arefacing similar threats – most recently just days after China signed a $4 billion infrastructure deal for the right topurchase four oil development areas.

What We’re Doing: Friends of the Earth’s International Policy Campaigner and the Green Investments ProgramManager have been tracking the environmental impacts of Chinese investment on the African continent. Theyrecently co-authored a chapter on the Impacts of China’s “Going Out Strategy” in Africa in China’s Global Strategyby Dr. Marcel Kitissou (editor) for Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd United Kingdom.

And this month Friends of the Earth is launching a campaign aimed at mobilizing support in the U.S. to pressChevronTexaco to end its practice of gas flaring in the Niger Delta. For more information and to join our cam-paign visit us at www.foe.org.


C A R B O N O F F S E T S �

By Erich Pica

FEELING GUILTY ABOUT the globalwarming emissions you’re pumpinginto the atmosphere by driving agas-guzzling SUV or maintaining alarge house? For a fee you can nowbuy carbon credits that purport tooffset your carbon-fueled lifestyle. AlGore and Leonardo DiCaprio alreadypurchase them to offset carbonemissions from their homes andtravels. Even Dell Computer willplant a tree for you to offset the car-bon emissions from producing andusing your computer.

Carbon offsets are becoming apopular tool to “achieve” carbonneutrality. By some accounts, corpo-rations and individuals are spendingan estimated $100 million a year oncarbon offsets and this number isexpected to grow.

Firms in the carbon offsettingbusiness, such as Carbonfund.org orPlanktos, host carbon calculators ontheir websites that determine yourglobal warming emissions and allowyou to pay a fee to compensate forthose emissions. These fees may gotowards planting trees in Armenia,protecting rainforests in Brazil orhelping finance the construction of awind turbine.

While these may sound like idealpaths to the goal of becoming car-bon neutral, the issue is fraughtwith complexity. Carbon offsets are arelatively new idea. There is nonational or international governingbody regulating the emerging volun-tary carbon offset market. Since it’sso new, groups such as theInternational Emissions TradingAssociation and The Climate Group

are just now creating standards bywhich to guide the trade. Withoutregulatory standards, how do youknow, for instance, if the Brazilianrainforests you are paying to savehaven’t already been “saved” bysome else. Who is ensuring that thetrees will not be clear-cut five, 10 or25 years from now? Were these treeseven in danger in the first place?

Unscrupulous companies trying tomake a quick buck with no regard forthe impacts of their businesses mayfind the carbon offsetting marketappealing. This summer Friends ofthe Earth launched a campaignagainst Planktos to prevent the com-pany from dumping iron into theocean off the shores of the GalapagosIslands. According to Planktos, theiron would create algae blooms thatwould in turn absorb carbon dioxide.However, top scientists agree that

the plan may threaten the ocean andmight not even work.

Despite Planktos’ efforts, theunregulated nature of carbon offsetsis beginning to change. In July,Representative Ed Markey (D-Mass.)held a hearing on voluntary carbonoffsets that exposed Planktos’ irondumping plan, as well as set inmotion an effort to create more fed-eral oversight of the carbon offsetmarket. The Federal TradeCommission is planning a workshopon carbon offsets to discuss con-sumer protections.

These efforts still leave unan-swered an important question—arecarbon offsets little more than feel-good environmental indulgences?Solving global warming is going totake societal change, and that is pre-cisely what is lacking in carbon off-setting schemes. Purchasing carbonoffsets allows people to go on withbusiness as usual, while simultane-ously undermining investments inrenewable energy and energy con-servation. Like all purported globalwarming panaceas that delay indi-vidual action, carbon offsets shouldbe considered an indulgence and bethrown out in the upcoming envi-ronmental reformation.

Environmental Indulgences… or Path to Climate Neutrality?

Solving global warmingis going to take societalchange, and that isprecisely what islacking in carbonoffsetting schemes.

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T R A N S P O R T A T I O N �

G I V I N G �

IRA holders can make a gift directlyfrom their IRA to a charity withouthaving to recognize the payment asincome. Starting at age 70.5, anyonewith an IRA must withdraw a certainamount every year – called theMandatory Required Distribution(MRD) – and pay income taxes onthat withdrawal. Through December

31, 2007, gifts of any amount (up to$100,000) can be made from yourIRA without recognizing the incomeand thus avoiding the tax. This willcount toward your MRD, allowingyou to help FoE and save on taxes.

For more information, contactChris Pabon at 866-441-7292 [email protected].

Special Tax Law Opportunity Ends December 31

By Colin Peppard

WE DRIVE OUR CARS more than weshould. It’s a statement that veryfew Americans would disagreewith. We are spending moreand more time stuck in ourcars every year, and it’s notgetting any better. By 2030,the total number of milesAmericans drive annually isforecast to increase between50 and 60 percent.

We know that cars and trucksare already an enormous sourceof global warming pollution in theU.S. So you can imagine that allthose extra miles will make theproblem much worse. Studies showthat higher-mileage cars alone arenot going to get us the CO2 reduc-tions we need to stabilize the cli-mate. The Center for Clean Air Policyhas found that even if Congressadopted California’s proposed cleancars standards tomorrow – thestrictest such rules in the country –CO2 emissions from automobiles

would still increase nearly 18 percentby 2030. We need to do more.

Everyone knows that driving a carcontributes to global warming, andthat taking public transit is a betterchoice for the environment.

Unfortunately, for mostAmericans, leaving the car in thegarage is just not feasible, since only

a small portion of our country hasaccess to high-quality, energy-effi-cient mass transit options. Mass

transit and passenger rail projectsacross the country are chronically

underfunded, even as billions oftax dollars pour into new high-ways each year.

However, when transit proj-ects are offered as real alterna-tives to the automobile, people

turn out in droves. In 2005,amidst rising gas prices, both

Amtrak and transit systemsaround the country saw record rid-ership levels. That same year,Americans drove less per capita forthe first time in 25 years.

That’s why Friends of the Earth iscommitted to making sure that by2050, 75 percent of Americans canuse public transportation for 25 per-cent of their trips. Of course, in themean time, we’ll continue to aggres-sively seek higher auto efficiencystandards. We just realize that some-times a Prius isn’t enough.

When a Prius Just Isn’t Enough: Solving Global Warming Means Less Driving


By Elizabeth Bast

URUGUAY IS THE SECOND smallestindependent country in SouthAmerica, bordered by Brazil to theeast and Argentina to the west, withthe Rio de la Plata and the AtlanticOcean to the south. Friends of theEarth Uruguay, also known asREDES, (http://www.redes.org.uy/) workswith local groups and communitiesthroughout the country and onnational policy to protect water andland rights and to prevent multina-tional corporations from harmingthe environment and people.

One of REDES’major victories wasto achieve a constitutional provisionguaranteeing the right to water forall citizens and outlawing privatiza-tion of water resources by multina-

tional corporations. In 2004, 65 per-cent of Uruguayans supported theConstitutional Reform in Defense ofWater, paving the way for a public,participative and sustainablenational water management sys-tem. REDES continues to ensureimplementation of the reform, par-ticipating on the NationalCommission in Defense of Waterand Life and working directly onhow the policy is written.

One of the threats to Uruguay’swater resources is the rapid expan-sion of forestry plantations. Theseplantations, often of eucalyptus orother non-indigenous trees, usemuch more water than native vege-tation. The area covered by planta-tions in Uruguay has grown rapidlyin recent years from about 150,000

acres in 1990 to more than two mil-lion acres in 2006, and major multi-national corporations likeWeyerhaeuser continue to purchaseland to convert into plantations.REDES works with local groups andgrassroots organizations, such asrural women’s groups, to raiseawareness of the problems posed bythese plantations.

Paper and pulp mills are also amajor issue in Uruguay, as theyincrease the demand for wood andhave serious environmental impactson the areas where they are located.There are several major pulp millsbeing planned in the country,including one by the Spanish com-pany ENCE, which would be built onan untouched stretch of land alongthe Rio de la Plata. REDES is working

S P O T L I G H T O N O U R F R I E N D S �

Friends of the Earth Uruguay: Fighting for Local Rights

Friends of the Earth Uruguay office Ecotienda in Montevideo


with concerned citizens in sur-rounding communities to exposethe potential impacts of the ENCEplant on the river and land.

Although large-scale agricultureis growing in the country, much ofUruguay’s farms are still small-scaleand family owned. REDES workswith Ecotiendas, a local store in thecapital city of Montevideo that sellsorganic products, and other groupsto promote national policies to pre-serve local agriculture and encour-age organic farming.

REDES also houses Radio MundoReal (http://www.radiomundoreal.fm/), anonline radio station that providesdaily summaries of the latest pro-gressive news in Latin America andaround the world. The radio collabo-rates with rural radio stations tobroadcast to communities inUruguay and throughout LatinAmerica. In addition to a Spanishversion of the news, the station putsout material in English andPortuguese and is expanding toFrench and Italian.

S P O T L I G H T O N O U R F R I E N D S �

Community meeting on ENCE pulp mill

Proposed site of ENCE pulp mill

I N M E M O R I A M �

Friends of the Earth Mourns the Passing of ThreeExemplary Environmental Champions This YearAnita Roddick, founder of the BodyShop, helped pioneer the green per-sonal health industry. She led byexample and proved that businessescould rid their products of toxic ingre-dients while still flourishing. Sheencouraged customers of the BodyShop to support Friends of the Earth.

Former Congressman Jim Jontzwas an early leader in saving U.S.

rivers and opposing destructivewater projects of the Army Corps ofEngineers. As head of the CitizensTrade Campaign, Jontz was active inexposing what trade agreementswere doing to communities and theenvironment.

Perry Knowlton was a life-longenvironmental philanthropist andFriends of the Earth supporter. In the

organization’s early years, Mr.Knowlton was a source of encour-agement and advice to founderDavid Brower in the publication ofthe “exhibit format” books that fea-tured awe-inspiring, large formatphotos of wilderness as a means topromoting conservation.


C A U T I O N C O N S U M E R S �

By Gillian Madill

CONSUMERS BEWARE: there is a newcategory of genetically modifiedorganisms (GMOs) to worry about.Instead of splicing genes from differ-ent plants together, some scientistsare trying to fundamentallyredesign existing life and create lifeanew. They are using the conver-gence of genetics, nanotechnology,robotics, artificial intelligence, andother emerging technologies toessentially remake Eden. This newcategory is called Synthetic Biologyor SynBio.

SynBio poses great threats tohuman health and the environment.Manipulating the basic code of lifein such an invasive and unregulatedway promises to challenge the

nature of all life. Some scientists aretrying to make a new genetic code,designing entirely new forms of lifethat could destroy the existing bal-ance in nature and cause a cata-strophic invasion of alien speciesinto our world.

The first SynBio business ven-tures are aimed toward consumers:biofuels and pharmaceuticals. In theUnited States alone, more than 15

companies and most top universi-ties have begun major SynBio pro-grams to develop the first trilliondollar organism that produces bio-fuels. Pharmaceutical companiesand medical universities havebegun to develop designer virusesthat might cure disease. While thesegoals may sound noble, the reality isthat man-made life will be releasedinto the environment, and willevolve independent of our control.These ‘miracle’ organisms couldbecome killer organisms.

Currently, there are no regulationson SynBio research. We must urgethese companies, academic institu-tions and our government to put ahold on SynBio research until we aresure that it is safe and ethical.

Natural vs. Synthetic… in Biology?

The reality is thatman-made life will be released into theenvironment, and willevolve independent of our control.


C A U T I O N C O N S U M E R S �

By Ian Illuminato

DON’T WANT TO EAT YOUR VEGGIES?Fine, have a nano-fortified candy barinstead. Given free range, food scien-tists may soon be using nanotech-nology to atomically restructure lownutrient value (junk) foods to createchocolate bars that can be marketedas health-promoting and cola drinkswith the nutritional benefits of milk.This vision of atomically reconstitut-ed nano foods has significant impli-cations for our already tenuous rela-tionship with ‘real food and farm-ing.’ It also introduces serious newtoxicity risks for human health andthe environment.

The long term health implicationsof eating nano foods remain poorlyunderstood, although preliminarynanotoxicological research has raiseda number of warning flags. The novel

properties of nanomaterials makethem attractive for use in anti-bacter-ial food packaging or as agrochemicalinputs. However, their greater reactiv-ity and extremely small dimensionsare also one of the primary mecha-nisms of nanoparticle toxicity, whichmay result in the production of freeradicals causing oxidative stress,inflammation, and consequent dam-age to proteins, membranes and DNA.The ability of nanoparticles of sup-posedly inert substances to negative-ly affect cellular functions is of majorsignificance and great concern.

Another concern is that nanomateri-als now in widespread commercialuse, such as nano titanium dioxideand nano silver, have also causedsevere toxicity to cells and tissues intest tube experiments.

Yet unaccompanied by publicdebate, labelling, or governmentrequirements for nano-specific safe-ty testing of nano food ingredients,nanotechnology is rapidly expand-ing through every sector of the glob-al food chain.

Nanotechnology has potentialapplications in all aspects of agricul-ture, food processing, food packag-ing and even farm and food surveil-lance. Read Friends of the Earth’snew report on the use of nanotech-nology in food processing and foodpackaging at www.foe.org/nanofood.

How Do You Like YourNanoparticles?

The long term healthimplications of eating nano foods remainpoorly understood.


Friends of the Earth WinsCourt Battle Against BushAdministrationIn August, Friendsof the Earth won afederal lawsuitagainst the Bushadministrationthat will requirethe administrationto publish scientificreports about global warm-ing. The administration had beenviolating a 1990 law that requires itto produce such reports.

Friends of the Earth WinsSuit Against ChevronThis summer, Chevron agreed tofund the addition of more than 1,600acres of wetlands to the Big Thicket

National Preserve in Texas – ending a13-year lawsuit from Friends of theEarth. The agreement came after a

court found that Chevron had vio-lated pollution laws.

Campaign to PreventIron Dump MakingWaves

The stock of Planktos, a companyplanning to dump iron into the

ocean in what it claims is a bid to off-set global warming, hasplummeted by morethan half sinceFriends of theEarth begancampaigningagainst thedump. Scientistssay the iron

dumping scheme threatens theocean and won’t work.

Griles Going toJail, WithoutPassing GoFormer DeputySecretary of theInteriorDepartment J.Steven Griles willserve 10 months forobstructing the criminalinvestigation of disgraced lobbyist

Jack Abramoff. Friends of the Earthinitiated numerous ethics probesinvolving Griles’ advocacy onbehalf of former clients in the oiland gas and coal mining indus-

try while at the InteriorDepartment.

V I C T O R I E S ! �

H E L P I N G O U T �

ARDENT ENVIRONMENTALISTS EdBegley Jr. and Jayni Chase, co-chairs ofthe new Friends of the Earth GlobalStewardship Council, invite you tojoin them in making a difference nowto protect a planet under siege.

“I am very proud to be a part ofFriends of the Earth and to help intheir untiring efforts to defend ourenvironment. Without a doubt, FoEis the environmental group that hasbeen doing the best work for thelongest time,” says former Friends ofthe Earth Board member and chartersupporter, actor Ed Begley Jr.

As our planet-wide problemsbecome more urgent, it has becomeimperative for those of us with theknowledge, the means and the fight-ing spirit to lead the way in safe-guarding the Earth’s future.

Donors of $500 or more are invit-ed to become part of this selectgroup composed of leaders dedicat-ed to ensuring a healthy and justfuture for the environment and forhuman beings.

To join now, please mail your con-tribution to Attn: Ed Begley Jr. and

Jayni Chase, Co-Chairs, GlobalStewardship Council, Friends of theEarth, P.O. Box 96466, WashingtonDC 20090-6466. To request moreinformation, contact MarshaMather-Thrift, Director ofDevelopment at (415) 544-0790 x 13or email [email protected].

Become a Charter Member of the Global Stewardship Council

P R E S I D E N T I A L C A N D I D A T E S �

By League of Conservation VotersPresident Gene Karpinski

WITH NO INCUMBENT president orsitting vice president running fortheir party’s nomination in 2008,this year’s presidential primary is themost wide open contest in 80 years.So it comes as no surprise that morethan 20 people have announced thatthey are running for president. Atleast a handful of those candidateshave already fizzled out, and a fewmore may still throw their hat inbefore the primaries. This cycle, glob-al warming is gaining greaterprominence than in any previouspresidential election.

Candidates are focusing on globalwarming increasingly as the cam-paigns evolve. As recently as thisJanuary, of the current members ofthe Senate who are running for pres-ident, only Senator Chris Dodd was aco-sponsor of the Sanders-BoxerGlobal Warming Pollution ReductionAct, the most ambitious globalwarming bill in the Senate thatwould reduce global warming pollu-tion 80 percent by 2050. Yet by thespring, Senators Joe Biden, HillaryClinton and Barack Obama hadsigned on as co-sponsors.

Furthermore, Senator Dodd,Governor Bill Richardson and formerSenator John Edwards have releasedcomprehensive plans to tackle globalwarming. Senators Clinton andObama have outlined key compo-nents of their energy policies.Additionally, Senator John McCain,former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and for-mer Governor Mike Huckabee deliv-ered major speeches on their pro-posed energy polices.

Clearly, many of the candidateshave recognized the urgency ofaddressing global warming.Undoubtedly, many have seen thegrowing number of polls demon-strating that voters want to see lead-ership on global warming and ourenergy future. For example, in thekey primary state of NewHampshire, a recent poll found that90 percent of Democratic and 75 per-cent of Republican primary voterssupport federal action to reduceglobal warming pollution.Additionally, an April 2007 poll inSouth Carolina – home of the first-in-the-south presidential primary –found that a majority of the state’sprimary voters strongly favor anincrease in mileage standards fornew cars and SUVs to 40 miles-per-gallon instead of the current 24miles-per-gallon.

However, for all the attention thetop tier candidates and primary statevoters are giving the issue of global

warming, the issue has yet to breakthrough the media filter as the topdomestic issue looming in ourfuture. Many political reporters havefailed to distinguish the importantdifferences between the candidates’proposed energy plans. By and large,the candidates have also failed to usethe issue of global warming to drawsharp distinctions between theirpolicies and their opponents’ plans.

As the race for the White Housecontinues to heat up, we hope thecandidates and the media focus onthe need to tackle global warmingand cool down our planet.Regardless of who wins the ’08 elec-tion, it is essential that they have aplan to address this challenge.

To learn more about where thecandidates stand on global warmingand energy and to view recent videoof the candidates talking aboutthese issues on the campaign trail,visit www.heatison.org.

Presidential Hopefuls Warming up to GlobalClimate Change

This Year Four Years Ago

More than a dozen questions relat-ing to global warming and energyhave been posed to the candidatesin media-sponsored Democraticand Republican presidentialdebates that took place inCalifornia, New Hampshire andSouth Carolina.

Not a single question about globalwarming or energy policy – ineither the primary or general elec-tions – was asked of the candidatesin the media-sponsored presiden-tial debates.

Many of the major candidates regu-larly talk about global warming intheir stump speeches and severalcandidates have run television adshighlighting their energy policies.

Not a single candidate for president– in either the primary or generalelections – made global warming acentral issue in their campaign.


PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID ATWASHINGTON, DCAND ADDITIONALMAILING OFFICESFall 2007 | Volume 37, Number 3

1717 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 600Washington, DC 20036-2008

A copy of the latest Financial Report and Registration filed by this organization may be obtained by contacting us at Friends of the Earth, 1717 Massachusetts Ave. NW Suite 600, Washington DC 20036-2008. Toll-freenumber: 877-843-8687. Or, for residents of the following states, by contacting any of the state agencies: CALIFORNIA – A copy of the Official Financial Statement may be obtained from the Attorney General’s Registryof Charitable Trusts, Department of Justice, P.O. Box 903447, Sacramento, CA 94203-4470 or by calling 916-445-2021. FLORIDA - A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BEOBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATIONBY THE STATE. Florida registration # CH960. KANSAS Annual financial report is filed with Secretary of State #258-204-7. MARYLAND For the cost of copies and postage: Office of the Secretary of State, State House,Annapolis, MD 21401. MICHIGAN MICS 10926. MISSISSIPPI – The official registration and financial information of Friends of the Earth, Inc. may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement by the Secretary of State. NEW JERSEY INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLESOLICITATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING 973-504-6215. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSE-MENT. NEW YORK Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law, Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. NORTH CAROLINA FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ORGANIZATION AND ACOPY OF ITS LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH AT 1-888-830-4989. THE LICENSE IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT BY THE STATE. PENNSYLVANIA – The official regis-tration and financial information of Friends of the Earth may be obtained from Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within the state 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. UTAH –Permit #C495. VIRGINIA State Division of Consumer Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218; 1-800-552-9963. WASHINGTON - Charities Division, Office of theSecretary of the State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504-0422; 1-800-332-4483. WEST VIRGINIA West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretaryof State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Registration does not imply endorsement.

N E W A T F O E . O R G �

Hot Ideas for Winter Holiday ShoppingYou can find original gifts such asbooks, CDs, outdoor gear and more atthe new Friends of the Earth OnlineStore. Your gift purchase will supportFriends of the Earth’s vital campaignsand help us win new victories that canprotect our world. Please visit ouronline store at www.foe.org.

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