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PETA U.K.’s 2009 GOODY Award: Meerkat Steals the Show
By The PETA Files on December 29th, 2009 | Comments Off

If only I owned a car, I could steer clear of crowded subway platforms and, more importantly, rationalize spending so much time watching videos at CompareTheMeerkat.com, part of a genius ad campaign by U.K. auto insurance company BGL Group. I’m not alone in my adoration: The ads have garnered tons of fans since debuting in January, and PETA U.K. has just awarded BGL and the ads’ creator, VCCP, the GOODY Award for Best Ad of 2009.

Rather than exploiting animals or risking harm to them, the hilarious ad campaign uses computer-generated imagery to portray Aleksandr Orlov, a debonair meerkat who has grown increasingly frustrated that people looking for BGL’s Web site, CompareTheMarket.com, keep landing on his site, CompareTheMeerkat.com, by mistake.

PETA U.K. applauds BGL’s ad campaign because it uses creative alternatives to live animals, who often suffer from confusion and fear and are put at risk of injury when they are exploited on film sets. Animals used by the entertainment industry are often subjected to rigorous and abusive handling and training methods—including electric shocks—to force them to perform tricks that are confusing and often frightening to them.

On the flip side (and coming soon): the naming of the recipient(s) of the BADDY Awards, which are given to companies that feature ads that disrespect or risk harm to animals. Which company would you nominate for a BADDY?

Posted by Karin Bennett
Watch Transformers Movie
By KittyKitty on November 13th, 2009 | Comments Off

There are a few important things that you will need to learn about movie downloads before joining any such sites which claims to give you legal movie downloads. However, don’t let this put you off! These days, the film companies are finally started to satisfy the enormous demand for legal movie downloads and there are [...]
Watch All Your Favorite Tv Shows And Movies Online
By KittyKitty on November 3rd, 2009 | Comments Off

Learning about sites for movie downloads can save you time, aggravation, and money. It’s really quite easy to find some movie download sites, it’s just not so simple to find one that’s worth putting your money into. Movie download sites grow in popularity with each passing day, and they have movies that span every genre [...]
FUNNY ANIMALS – WWW.ROOBER.COM
By admin on July 6th, 2009 | No Comments

Visit WWW.ROOBER.COM coming soon Subscribe and you will not regret. It is you people that keep me going. Remember even 1 Subscription counts. Let me have it.
FUNNY DOG ATTACKING HIMSELF!!
By admin on July 4th, 2009 | 25 Comments

Real Funny Video Of A Dog Attacking Himself For A Bone!!
Animals Bloopers / Bloopers de animales
By admin on July 1st, 2009 | 25 Comments

Really funny animals.
Funny Animals: Squirrel plays soccer, Monkey Dance
By admin on June 27th, 2009 | 25 Comments

The world of Crazy & Funny Animals. Scenes include: Squirrel plays soccer, Pup terrorizes cat to get to the bowl of food, Baby Polar Bears climbing on mom, monkey’s tap dancing. Funny and entertaining. Can be watched with the kids. Comedy, Film, Short Scenes. Music from YouTube AudioSwap. Please support the artists that want to be heard and shared on YouTube.
Funny Animals ( and people )
By admin on June 26th, 2009 | 20 Comments

animals vs. people! Winner Animals! Funny animal clips! Ty AFV!:) :p
Very Funny Cats!
By admin on June 26th, 2009 | 25 Comments

Here are some funny cat pictures! I worked long and hard, so I really hope you enjoy this video!

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There may be a bug in FeedWordPress. Please contact the author and paste the following information into your e-mail:

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This could be any river from a picturesque chalk steam to a waterway teeming with native wildlife, or a river plagued by pollution and ruined by water abstraction. The first person to cast their vote for the Our Rivers Awards was television presenter and producer and keen conservationist Philippa Forrester who is currently appearing in Halcyon River Diaries on BBC1. Other river enthusiasts, chef Tom Aiken and wildlife writer, Steve Backshall have also named their favourite rivers. Phillipa Forrester said: \"Living close to a river I get to see an amazing array of life from the emergence of mayflies in Spring to the darting flash of a hunting kingfisher and the secretive habits of the water vole. 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The rest face a variety of pressures including; run off pollution from fertilisers and poorly designed urban drainage, invasive riverbank species like signal crayfish and American mink and low water levels caused by over abstraction. Ralph Underhill, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “This is the first time the public has had a chance to vote for the river which is closest to the nation’s heart. This award will be a great celebration of one of our richest wildlife habitats – and one that everyone can enjoy because no-one is more than a few minutes from a river, stream or brook. We want to celebrate the amazing rivers we have in England and Wales, whilst raising awareness of the threats they face. By casting your vote, you are speaking up for Our Rivers.” To cast your vote visit the Our River campaign website at <a href=\"http://www.ourrivers.org.uk\">www.ourrivers.org.uk</a>. Voting remains open until the end of British Summer Time on the 31st October 2010. -Ends- Editor\'s notes: A recent Environment Agency assessment listed 26 per cent of rivers as ‘Good’ status. This means 74% of rivers are failing – including 117 rivers (2%) which are classified as ‘Bad’ making them among the worst in Europe. The EU Water Framework Directive requires the UK to bring all of its rivers up to ‘Good’ status or above by 2015. Current draft plans mean the UK will fail to reach this target. Our Rivers is supported as part of the HSBC Climate Partnership (HCP). The HCP is a US$100 million, five-year partnership funded by HSBC, working with the Climate Group, the Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. Launched in May 2007, the HCP will: Help to protect four of the world’s major rivers – the Amazon, Ganges, Thames, and Yangtze from the impacts of climate change, benefitting the 450 million people who rely on them. 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The rest face a variety of pressures including; run off pollution from fertilisers and poorly designed urban drainage, invasive riverbank species like signal crayfish and American mink and low water levels caused by over abstraction. Ralph Underhill, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “This is the first time the public has had a chance to vote for the river which is closest to the nation’s heart. This award will be a great celebration of one of our richest wildlife habitats – and one that everyone can enjoy because no-one is more than a few minutes from a river, stream or brook. We want to celebrate the amazing rivers we have in England and Wales, whilst raising awareness of the threats they face. By casting your vote, you are speaking up for Our Rivers.” To cast your vote visit the Our River campaign website at <a href="http://www.ourrivers.org.uk">www.ourrivers.org.uk</a>. 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Make some of the world’s great cities – Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Shanghai cleaner and greener, which the partners will promote as models for the world; Create ‘climate champions’ worldwide who will undertake field research and bring back valuable knowledge and experience to their communities; Conduct the largest ever field experiment on the world’s forests to measure carbon and the effects of climate change. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.hsbc.com/committochange">www.hsbc.com/committochange</a> Halcyon River Diaries, written by award-winning wildlife writers and photographers Philippa Forrester and Charlie Hamilton James is the story of one family’s year living by a West Country river. Get Out! – and Explore your Local River, also written by Philippa, is an activity book which engages children on everything to do with wildlife in streams and rivers . Both books are available now. 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This could be any river from a picturesque chalk steam to a waterway teeming with native wildlife, or a river plagued by pollution and ruined by water abstraction. The first person to cast their vote for the Our Rivers Awards was television presenter and producer and keen conservationist Philippa Forrester who is currently appearing in Halcyon River Diaries on BBC1. Other river enthusiasts, chef Tom Aiken and wildlife writer, Steve Backshall have also named their favourite rivers. Phillipa Forrester said: "Living close to a river I get to see an amazing array of life from the emergence of mayflies in Spring to the darting flash of a hunting kingfisher and the secretive habits of the water vole. It may be small but my vote has to go to the river which runs close to my home, the real star of the Halcyon River Diaries, because it is a very special place for me." “We have to do all we can to protect these vital wildlife habitats and I hope the Our Rivers awards will highlight the pressures these waterways, and the life they support, are facing.” Tom Aikten has cast his vote for the River Yare in Cringleford near Norwich and Steve Blackshall nominated the Upper Dart in Dartmoor. The Our Rivers campaign was launched last year to campaign for clean, healthy rivers across England and Wales. Soon after, a Government report on the state of the country’s rivers found that 74 per cent are failing to meet European environmental targets. The report found that just five per cent of rivers in England and Wales remain in pristine condition. The rest face a variety of pressures including; run off pollution from fertilisers and poorly designed urban drainage, invasive riverbank species like signal crayfish and American mink and low water levels caused by over abstraction. Ralph Underhill, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “This is the first time the public has had a chance to vote for the river which is closest to the nation’s heart. This award will be a great celebration of one of our richest wildlife habitats – and one that everyone can enjoy because no-one is more than a few minutes from a river, stream or brook. We want to celebrate the amazing rivers we have in England and Wales, whilst raising awareness of the threats they face. By casting your vote, you are speaking up for Our Rivers.” To cast your vote visit the Our River campaign website at <a href="http://www.ourrivers.org.uk">www.ourrivers.org.uk</a>. Voting remains open until the end of British Summer Time on the 31st October 2010. -Ends- Editor's notes: A recent Environment Agency assessment listed 26 per cent of rivers as ‘Good’ status. This means 74% of rivers are failing – including 117 rivers (2%) which are classified as ‘Bad’ making them among the worst in Europe. The EU Water Framework Directive requires the UK to bring all of its rivers up to ‘Good’ status or above by 2015. Current draft plans mean the UK will fail to reach this target. Our Rivers is supported as part of the HSBC Climate Partnership (HCP). The HCP is a US$100 million, five-year partnership funded by HSBC, working with the Climate Group, the Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. Launched in May 2007, the HCP will: Help to protect four of the world’s major rivers – the Amazon, Ganges, Thames, and Yangtze from the impacts of climate change, benefitting the 450 million people who rely on them. Make some of the world’s great cities – Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Shanghai cleaner and greener, which the partners will promote as models for the world; Create ‘climate champions’ worldwide who will undertake field research and bring back valuable knowledge and experience to their communities; Conduct the largest ever field experiment on the world’s forests to measure carbon and the effects of climate change. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.hsbc.com/committochange">www.hsbc.com/committochange</a> Halcyon River Diaries, written by award-winning wildlife writers and photographers Philippa Forrester and Charlie Hamilton James is the story of one family’s year living by a West Country river. Get Out! – and Explore your Local River, also written by Philippa, is an activity book which engages children on everything to do with wildlife in streams and rivers . Both books are available now. If your river is voted ‘Best’ overall, the award will be widely publicised. We’ll design an online badge for your local council and tourist board, to remind everyone you’ve got the best river in 2010, plus a commemorative panel or sculpture donated to the winning town - to be placed on the riverbank or elsewhere in town. As for the Worst River - it’s not just about naming and shaming. The Our Rivers team of experts will conduct a one-day workshop with the local council and/or local groups to help develop an action plan to help imporve the condition of the river and bring back the wildlife. For more information contact: Rowan Walker, Press Officer, WWF-UK tel: 01483 412 387/07986 463 767 Ralph Underhill, Water policy officer, RSPB, tel: 01767 693444 Janina Gray , Salmon & Trout Association tel: 07889603030 " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-31" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(6055) "With only 5 per cent of rivers in England and Wales described as being in a pristine condition a new survey has been launched by a coalition of conservationists to celebrate and bring attention to some of Britain's best loved and long forgotten rivers.The Our Rivers Campaign which includes the RSPB, WWF-UK, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association is calling on people to take part in the first ever Our Rivers Awards by going online and voting for the 'best' or 'worst' river in England and Wales. This could be any river from a picturesque chalk steam to a waterway teeming with native wildlife, or a river plagued by pollution and ruined by water abstraction. The first person to cast their vote for the Our Rivers Awards was television presenter and producer and keen conservationist Philippa Forrester who is currently appearing in Halcyon River Diaries on BBC1. Other river enthusiasts, chef Tom Aiken and wildlife writer, Steve Backshall have also named their favourite rivers. Phillipa Forrester said: "Living close to a river I get to see an amazing array of life from the emergence of mayflies in Spring to the darting flash of a hunting kingfisher and the secretive habits of the water vole. It may be small but my vote has to go to the river which runs close to my home, the real star of the Halcyon River Diaries, because it is a very special place for me." “We have to do all we can to protect these vital wildlife habitats and I hope the Our Rivers awards will highlight the pressures these waterways, and the life they support, are facing.” Tom Aikten has cast his vote for the River Yare in Cringleford near Norwich and Steve Blackshall nominated the Upper Dart in Dartmoor. The Our Rivers campaign was launched last year to campaign for clean, healthy rivers across England and Wales. Soon after, a Government report on the state of the country’s rivers found that 74 per cent are failing to meet European environmental targets. The report found that just five per cent of rivers in England and Wales remain in pristine condition. The rest face a variety of pressures including; run off pollution from fertilisers and poorly designed urban drainage, invasive riverbank species like signal crayfish and American mink and low water levels caused by over abstraction. Ralph Underhill, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “This is the first time the public has had a chance to vote for the river which is closest to the nation’s heart. This award will be a great celebration of one of our richest wildlife habitats – and one that everyone can enjoy because no-one is more than a few minutes from a river, stream or brook. We want to celebrate the amazing rivers we have in England and Wales, whilst raising awareness of the threats they face. By casting your vote, you are speaking up for Our Rivers.” To cast your vote visit the Our River campaign website at <a href="http://www.ourrivers.org.uk">www.ourrivers.org.uk</a>. Voting remains open until the end of British Summer Time on the 31st October 2010. -Ends- Editor's notes: A recent Environment Agency assessment listed 26 per cent of rivers as ‘Good’ status. This means 74% of rivers are failing – including 117 rivers (2%) which are classified as ‘Bad’ making them among the worst in Europe. The EU Water Framework Directive requires the UK to bring all of its rivers up to ‘Good’ status or above by 2015. Current draft plans mean the UK will fail to reach this target. Our Rivers is supported as part of the HSBC Climate Partnership (HCP). The HCP is a US$100 million, five-year partnership funded by HSBC, working with the Climate Group, the Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. Launched in May 2007, the HCP will: Help to protect four of the world’s major rivers – the Amazon, Ganges, Thames, and Yangtze from the impacts of climate change, benefitting the 450 million people who rely on them. Make some of the world’s great cities – Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Shanghai cleaner and greener, which the partners will promote as models for the world; Create ‘climate champions’ worldwide who will undertake field research and bring back valuable knowledge and experience to their communities; Conduct the largest ever field experiment on the world’s forests to measure carbon and the effects of climate change. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.hsbc.com/committochange">www.hsbc.com/committochange</a> Halcyon River Diaries, written by award-winning wildlife writers and photographers Philippa Forrester and Charlie Hamilton James is the story of one family’s year living by a West Country river. Get Out! – and Explore your Local River, also written by Philippa, is an activity book which engages children on everything to do with wildlife in streams and rivers . Both books are available now. If your river is voted ‘Best’ overall, the award will be widely publicised. We’ll design an online badge for your local council and tourist board, to remind everyone you’ve got the best river in 2010, plus a commemorative panel or sculpture donated to the winning town - to be placed on the riverbank or elsewhere in town. As for the Worst River - it’s not just about naming and shaming. The Our Rivers team of experts will conduct a one-day workshop with the local council and/or local groups to help develop an action plan to help imporve the condition of the river and bring back the wildlife. For more information contact: Rowan Walker, Press Officer, WWF-UK tel: 01483 412 387/07986 463 767 Ralph Underhill, Water policy officer, RSPB, tel: 01767 693444 Janina Gray , Salmon & Trout Association tel: 07889603030 " } [1]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(112) "Microsoft UK , The Scottish Government and Sky embrace videoconferencing and pledge to cut down business flights" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4170" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4965) "Microsoft UK, The Scottish Government and Sky are all showing their commitment to cutting down business flights by joining WWF-UK’s One in Five Challenge. The programme helps companies and governments cut their costs and carbon emissions from business travel by asking members to cut 20 per cent of their business flights within five years.<div style="line-height: 150%">Since launching the scheme last year, over 12 companies including Vodafone UK, Marks & Spencer and Capgemini have signed up to the One in Five Challenge and the latest joiners show how serious large businesses are about looking for alternatives to flying. An increasing number are saving money and carbon emissions by introducing videoconferencing and where possible looking for low carbon travel alternatives, such as rail.</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Mary-Anne King, Environmental Sustainability Lead, Microsoft UK said:</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> ‘Over the past three years, Microsoft UK has significantly reduced both its long and short haul business travel as demonstrated by our certification under the Carbon Trust Standard in April. We know that the two key contributors to our carbon footprint are business air travel and energy consumption and, as a result, our employees are committed to restricting unnecessary face-to-face meetings by using technology like unified communications instead. Participating in WWF’s One in Five Challenge programme is a tangible action we can take to work towards achieving our tough target of reducing the carbon footprint of Microsoft world-wide by 30% per unit of revenue by 2012, based on our 2007 figures.’ </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport and Climate Change with the Scottish Government said:</div> <div style="line-height: 150%">"The Scottish Government is proud to be the first Government organisation to sign up to WWF's One in Five Challenge. Since setting our world-leading emissions reductions target of 42 per cent in our Act last year, Scotland has continued to set the pace on action on climate change. </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">"As an organisation, we are taking action to ensure that, where business journeys are necessary, we travel sustainably. We flew half a million miles less in 2008/09 and have delivered a considerable reduction in our air travel costs. This dropped by 24 per cent from July to December 2009, compared to the previous six months. And we already have a carbon emissions levy in place so that whenever a Minister or staff member travels by air, we pay a carbon levy per journey to offset the carbon emissions. We are also making increasing use of video conferencing facilities, when appropriate, instead of travelling to meetings in the UK."</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Fiona Ball, Head of Environment, Sky commented: “Sky has been taking action on Climate Change for five years now and through embracing technology such as videoconferencing we cut our business air travel emissions by 35% over the past three years. But we recognise that there is always more that can be done which is why we have signed up to WWF’s One in Five Challenge to reduce our total business travel by 20% per employee by 2012."     </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">WWF welcomes Microsoft, Sky and the Scottish Government to the One in Five Challenge. The members of the Challenge are showing leadership in reducing their flights and demonstrating that it makes good business sense to find smarter ways of working, using audio, web and video conferencing technologies, as well as increasing their productivity. Business is able to remain competitive whilst cutting back on their travel, demonstrating that in the future, those companies that change their working practices will be better adapted in a carbon constrained world.  Members have also found they can make huge carbon savings as well as improving the work-life balance of staff, who spend less time away from home.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>- ends -</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>For further information, please contact:</div> <div>Rowan Walker, Press Officer WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a></div>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-19" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4965) "Microsoft UK, The Scottish Government and Sky are all showing their commitment to cutting down business flights by joining WWF-UK’s One in Five Challenge. The programme helps companies and governments cut their costs and carbon emissions from business travel by asking members to cut 20 per cent of their business flights within five years.<div style="line-height: 150%">Since launching the scheme last year, over 12 companies including Vodafone UK, Marks & Spencer and Capgemini have signed up to the One in Five Challenge and the latest joiners show how serious large businesses are about looking for alternatives to flying. An increasing number are saving money and carbon emissions by introducing videoconferencing and where possible looking for low carbon travel alternatives, such as rail.</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Mary-Anne King, Environmental Sustainability Lead, Microsoft UK said:</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> ‘Over the past three years, Microsoft UK has significantly reduced both its long and short haul business travel as demonstrated by our certification under the Carbon Trust Standard in April. We know that the two key contributors to our carbon footprint are business air travel and energy consumption and, as a result, our employees are committed to restricting unnecessary face-to-face meetings by using technology like unified communications instead. Participating in WWF’s One in Five Challenge programme is a tangible action we can take to work towards achieving our tough target of reducing the carbon footprint of Microsoft world-wide by 30% per unit of revenue by 2012, based on our 2007 figures.’ </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport and Climate Change with the Scottish Government said:</div> <div style="line-height: 150%">"The Scottish Government is proud to be the first Government organisation to sign up to WWF's One in Five Challenge. Since setting our world-leading emissions reductions target of 42 per cent in our Act last year, Scotland has continued to set the pace on action on climate change. </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">"As an organisation, we are taking action to ensure that, where business journeys are necessary, we travel sustainably. We flew half a million miles less in 2008/09 and have delivered a considerable reduction in our air travel costs. This dropped by 24 per cent from July to December 2009, compared to the previous six months. And we already have a carbon emissions levy in place so that whenever a Minister or staff member travels by air, we pay a carbon levy per journey to offset the carbon emissions. We are also making increasing use of video conferencing facilities, when appropriate, instead of travelling to meetings in the UK."</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Fiona Ball, Head of Environment, Sky commented: “Sky has been taking action on Climate Change for five years now and through embracing technology such as videoconferencing we cut our business air travel emissions by 35% over the past three years. But we recognise that there is always more that can be done which is why we have signed up to WWF’s One in Five Challenge to reduce our total business travel by 20% per employee by 2012."     </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">WWF welcomes Microsoft, Sky and the Scottish Government to the One in Five Challenge. The members of the Challenge are showing leadership in reducing their flights and demonstrating that it makes good business sense to find smarter ways of working, using audio, web and video conferencing technologies, as well as increasing their productivity. Business is able to remain competitive whilst cutting back on their travel, demonstrating that in the future, those companies that change their working practices will be better adapted in a carbon constrained world.  Members have also found they can make huge carbon savings as well as improving the work-life balance of staff, who spend less time away from home.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>- ends -</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>For further information, please contact:</div> <div>Rowan Walker, Press Officer WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a></div>" } [2]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(76) "From bones to beast - a tiger comes to life on the banks of the River Thames" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4163" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(6274) "A tiger sculpture that starts as a skeleton and will grow into a 3.4 metre tigress, will soon take shape on the South Bank of the Thames. Bringing the Bones to Life, an ambitious new project by animal sculptor Mark Coreth is part of the Mayor’s Thames Festival, London’s largest free outdoor arts festival, which takes place on 11th & 12th September 2010. Commissioned by WWF, it will give the public a chance to create a piece of living art, while raising awareness of the plight of wild tigers.With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began, Bringing the Bones to Life is part of WWF’s Year of the Tiger campaign, which aims to help double tiger numbers by 2022 – the next Chinese Year of the Tiger, and takes place ahead of the first ever Global Tiger Summit, due to be held in Russia later this year. WWF is calling on people to sign a petition to show their support for action to save the tiger, which will be presented to negotiators at the summit in St Petersberg. Last year Coreth and his team carved a polar ice bear in Trafalgar Square which melted to reveal a dramatic bronze skeleton, symbolising threats to the species from the impact of climate change. Bringing the Bones to Life is a continuation of his dedication to using sculpture to raise awareness of the natural world. Born in London in 1958, Mark developed a passion for wildlife and conservation during his childhood – much of which was spent in Kenya surrounded by Colobus monkeys, leopards and cheetahs. “I had always wanted to witness the tiger in its wild habitat so I travelled to Bandhavgarh and Kanha in India where I learnt far more than I ever expected to. This sculpture is ultimately the result of that trip. I am not just sculpting a Tiger but an issue, namely the plight of that majestic and iconic beast and drawing the public’s attention to the importance of saving the world’s endangered species and their habitats. Sculpture is a powerful language and the threat to the Tiger is a tale that needs to be told.” Mark Coreth “Mark Coreth’s sculptures are a positive way of telling the story of a species in decline. Bringing the Bones to Life is a really exciting chance to get the public involved in our work,” said Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK. “With tiger numbers having hit an all time low, the need to save wild tigers is greater than ever before. And by working to protect tiger habitat, our campaign will not only help ensure the future of one of the world’s most iconic animals, it will also benefit the other species and people who share their environment” From 6-10th September, Coreth will invite members of the public to help create the lifesize tiger by adding materials to its skeleton and molding its body to produce a dramatic sculpture that will stand and stare at passers-by. People can also watch the tiger grow online through a live webcam. Bringing the Bones to Life will then remain on display on the Southbank until 19th September 2010. - ends - Editor's notes Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns, WWF-UK, Mark Coreth, and Toby Sherbourne, Project Manager, Ice Bear Project Co-ordinator are all available for interview. To sign up to WWF’s Tiger petition please go to : <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a> WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national action plans which will be combined to create the global conservation programme. For information on tigers please go to <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a> For further information and images on Bringing the Bones to Life, please contact: Rowan Walker, Press Officer – WWF –UK, Tel 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Tigers')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a> Mayor’s Thames Festival: 11th and 12th September 2010, 12pm-10pm The Mayor’s Thames Festival (<a href="http://www.thamesfestival.org<http://www.thamesfestival.org/>">www.thamesfestival.org<http://www.thamesfestival.org/>) </a>is London’s largest free arts festival. A spectacular, free celebration of London and its river, the festival takes place every September with a packed weekend of outdoor events on the River Thames, the riverside walkways, roads, bridges, docks and public open spaces from the London Eye to Tower Bridge and beyond. The festival commissions new work, and transforms unusual spaces on and around the River Thames with a vivid mixture of music, dance, feasting, carnival, river races, art installations and street arts. It’s all about bringing people together and encouraging them to take part. The finale is a magical illuminated Night Carnival that winds along the north and south banks of the Thames, followed by fireworks fired from the centre of the river itself. An event with a real creative legacy, the festival has four key ongoing education projects with schools and community groups focussing on art/design, the environment, music education and food growing. In 2009 the Festival worked with 288 schools from London and overseas and 225 community groups, reaching over 10,000 young people worldwide. The Mayor’s Thames Festival is supported by Arts Council England and the Mayor of London. For further information on the Mayor’s Thames Festival please contact: Emma Lawson, Press & PR, 07768 738 345, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,109,109,97,108,97,119,115,111,110,64,103,108,111,98,97,108,110,101,116,46,99,111,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Tigers')">emmalawson@globalnet.co.uk</a> - ends - " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-16" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(6274) "A tiger sculpture that starts as a skeleton and will grow into a 3.4 metre tigress, will soon take shape on the South Bank of the Thames. Bringing the Bones to Life, an ambitious new project by animal sculptor Mark Coreth is part of the Mayor’s Thames Festival, London’s largest free outdoor arts festival, which takes place on 11th & 12th September 2010. Commissioned by WWF, it will give the public a chance to create a piece of living art, while raising awareness of the plight of wild tigers.With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began, Bringing the Bones to Life is part of WWF’s Year of the Tiger campaign, which aims to help double tiger numbers by 2022 – the next Chinese Year of the Tiger, and takes place ahead of the first ever Global Tiger Summit, due to be held in Russia later this year. WWF is calling on people to sign a petition to show their support for action to save the tiger, which will be presented to negotiators at the summit in St Petersberg. Last year Coreth and his team carved a polar ice bear in Trafalgar Square which melted to reveal a dramatic bronze skeleton, symbolising threats to the species from the impact of climate change. Bringing the Bones to Life is a continuation of his dedication to using sculpture to raise awareness of the natural world. Born in London in 1958, Mark developed a passion for wildlife and conservation during his childhood – much of which was spent in Kenya surrounded by Colobus monkeys, leopards and cheetahs. “I had always wanted to witness the tiger in its wild habitat so I travelled to Bandhavgarh and Kanha in India where I learnt far more than I ever expected to. This sculpture is ultimately the result of that trip. I am not just sculpting a Tiger but an issue, namely the plight of that majestic and iconic beast and drawing the public’s attention to the importance of saving the world’s endangered species and their habitats. Sculpture is a powerful language and the threat to the Tiger is a tale that needs to be told.” Mark Coreth “Mark Coreth’s sculptures are a positive way of telling the story of a species in decline. Bringing the Bones to Life is a really exciting chance to get the public involved in our work,” said Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK. “With tiger numbers having hit an all time low, the need to save wild tigers is greater than ever before. And by working to protect tiger habitat, our campaign will not only help ensure the future of one of the world’s most iconic animals, it will also benefit the other species and people who share their environment” From 6-10th September, Coreth will invite members of the public to help create the lifesize tiger by adding materials to its skeleton and molding its body to produce a dramatic sculpture that will stand and stare at passers-by. People can also watch the tiger grow online through a live webcam. Bringing the Bones to Life will then remain on display on the Southbank until 19th September 2010. - ends - Editor's notes Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns, WWF-UK, Mark Coreth, and Toby Sherbourne, Project Manager, Ice Bear Project Co-ordinator are all available for interview. To sign up to WWF’s Tiger petition please go to : <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a> WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national action plans which will be combined to create the global conservation programme. For information on tigers please go to <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a> For further information and images on Bringing the Bones to Life, please contact: Rowan Walker, Press Officer – WWF –UK, Tel 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Tigers')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a> Mayor’s Thames Festival: 11th and 12th September 2010, 12pm-10pm The Mayor’s Thames Festival (<a href="http://www.thamesfestival.org<http://www.thamesfestival.org/>">www.thamesfestival.org<http://www.thamesfestival.org/>) </a>is London’s largest free arts festival. A spectacular, free celebration of London and its river, the festival takes place every September with a packed weekend of outdoor events on the River Thames, the riverside walkways, roads, bridges, docks and public open spaces from the London Eye to Tower Bridge and beyond. The festival commissions new work, and transforms unusual spaces on and around the River Thames with a vivid mixture of music, dance, feasting, carnival, river races, art installations and street arts. It’s all about bringing people together and encouraging them to take part. The finale is a magical illuminated Night Carnival that winds along the north and south banks of the Thames, followed by fireworks fired from the centre of the river itself. An event with a real creative legacy, the festival has four key ongoing education projects with schools and community groups focussing on art/design, the environment, music education and food growing. In 2009 the Festival worked with 288 schools from London and overseas and 225 community groups, reaching over 10,000 young people worldwide. The Mayor’s Thames Festival is supported by Arts Council England and the Mayor of London. For further information on the Mayor’s Thames Festival please contact: Emma Lawson, Press & PR, 07768 738 345, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,109,109,97,108,97,119,115,111,110,64,103,108,111,98,97,108,110,101,116,46,99,111,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Tigers')">emmalawson@globalnet.co.uk</a> - ends - " } [3]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(43) "Delays on water metering threaten UK rivers" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4150" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(14139) "Water meters offer a key part of the solution to Britain’s water crisis yet figures from the water regulator Ofwat show there continues to be a worryingly low take up around the country with just over a third of households benefiting from being on a water meter. Following a summer of dry weather and water shortages, WWF-UK is calling on the new Government and water companies to take action now to ensure universal water metering is in place by 2020.Current legislation allows water companies, with government approval, to install compulsory water meters for customers who live in ‘water scarce’ areas, largely in the south and east of England. Yet this opportunity is being sidelined around the UK with some companies metering barely a fifth of homes (1) despite warnings of severe water shortages. Rose Timlett, Freshwater Policy Officer at WWF-UK says: “Not only is the current water charging system unfair and outdated, it is also piling huge pressure on our rivers and their wildlife. One third of our river catchments are facing damage because we are simply taking too much water out of them, a problem that is set to get worse with climate change and a rising population. With the current water shortages across the country, water companies and the Government should be doing all they can to help more households install a water meter.” Last year, the government published a review into metering and charging (the Walker Review) which recommended that England and Wales should move to 80 per cent metering by 2020, acknowledging this as the fairest way for customers to pay for water. Yet progress on these targets has been limited, with only 37 per cent of households in the UK currently metered. The latest company 5 year plans show that this number is planned to rise to 50 per cent by 2015 – still only half of what is required. Rose Timlett says: “The UK remains one of the only European countries where the majority of households do not pay for water on the basis of what they use. We pay for most things by what we use, as it seems the fairest way, so it is ludicrous that most households have no idea how much water they are using and how much water – and money- they could potentially be saving. Universal metering will lead to better awareness and understanding of water use by the householder, but also better understanding of water demand by the water companies and more innovative demand reduction schemes.” WWF is working with water companies to support their metering projects. In addition WWF is working with the water industry, the Government, and its regulators, as part of its Rivers on the Edge project to restore water flows to English rivers by reducing demand for water. One such scheme, Save Water Swindon is challenging Swindon’s residents to reduce their water use by 20 litres per person per day. However, there is a need for a nationwide approach to ensure that we stop using water wastefully and protect the future security of our water supplies. Rose Timlett adds: “The new government has committed to examining the Walker recommendations and reforming the water industry. WWF looks forward to working with the Government to ensure the new Water White Paper includes a requirement for every home to have a water meter by 2020.” - ends - Editor's notes Figures on water metering: % of household metered Water and sewerage companies            2009/10      by 2014-15 Anglian                                                            63                 81 Dŵr Cymru                                                     29                 41 Northumbrian                                                21                 43 Severn Trent                                                  31                 42 South West                                                    64                 79 Southern                                                        38                 92 Thames                                                         26                 37 United Utilities                                             26                  38 Wessex                                                         44                  58 Yorkshire                                                      35                  48 Water only companies Bournemouth & W Hampshire                53                  66 Bristol                                                           31                  46 Cambridge                                                  61                  70 Dee Valley                                                   46                   58 Portsmouth                                                 12                   24 South East                                                   40                  68 South Staffs                                                 22                  35 Sutton & East Surrey                                  30                  47 Veolia Central                                              36                  44 Veolia East                                                   45                  71 Veolia Southeast                                         45                  90 Industry total                                                 37                  50 Source: Ofwat, 2009. <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/industry/walkerreview/documents/final-report.pdf">http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/industry/walkerreview/documents/final-report.pdf</a> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. For further information visit <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Water%20Metering')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-12" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(14139) "Water meters offer a key part of the solution to Britain’s water crisis yet figures from the water regulator Ofwat show there continues to be a worryingly low take up around the country with just over a third of households benefiting from being on a water meter. Following a summer of dry weather and water shortages, WWF-UK is calling on the new Government and water companies to take action now to ensure universal water metering is in place by 2020.Current legislation allows water companies, with government approval, to install compulsory water meters for customers who live in ‘water scarce’ areas, largely in the south and east of England. Yet this opportunity is being sidelined around the UK with some companies metering barely a fifth of homes (1) despite warnings of severe water shortages. Rose Timlett, Freshwater Policy Officer at WWF-UK says: “Not only is the current water charging system unfair and outdated, it is also piling huge pressure on our rivers and their wildlife. One third of our river catchments are facing damage because we are simply taking too much water out of them, a problem that is set to get worse with climate change and a rising population. With the current water shortages across the country, water companies and the Government should be doing all they can to help more households install a water meter.” Last year, the government published a review into metering and charging (the Walker Review) which recommended that England and Wales should move to 80 per cent metering by 2020, acknowledging this as the fairest way for customers to pay for water. Yet progress on these targets has been limited, with only 37 per cent of households in the UK currently metered. The latest company 5 year plans show that this number is planned to rise to 50 per cent by 2015 – still only half of what is required. Rose Timlett says: “The UK remains one of the only European countries where the majority of households do not pay for water on the basis of what they use. We pay for most things by what we use, as it seems the fairest way, so it is ludicrous that most households have no idea how much water they are using and how much water – and money- they could potentially be saving. Universal metering will lead to better awareness and understanding of water use by the householder, but also better understanding of water demand by the water companies and more innovative demand reduction schemes.” WWF is working with water companies to support their metering projects. In addition WWF is working with the water industry, the Government, and its regulators, as part of its Rivers on the Edge project to restore water flows to English rivers by reducing demand for water. One such scheme, Save Water Swindon is challenging Swindon’s residents to reduce their water use by 20 litres per person per day. However, there is a need for a nationwide approach to ensure that we stop using water wastefully and protect the future security of our water supplies. Rose Timlett adds: “The new government has committed to examining the Walker recommendations and reforming the water industry. WWF looks forward to working with the Government to ensure the new Water White Paper includes a requirement for every home to have a water meter by 2020.” - ends - Editor's notes Figures on water metering: % of household metered Water and sewerage companies            2009/10      by 2014-15 Anglian                                                            63                 81 Dŵr Cymru                                                     29                 41 Northumbrian                                                21                 43 Severn Trent                                                  31                 42 South West                                                    64                 79 Southern                                                        38                 92 Thames                                                         26                 37 United Utilities                                             26                  38 Wessex                                                         44                  58 Yorkshire                                                      35                  48 Water only companies Bournemouth & W Hampshire                53                  66 Bristol                                                           31                  46 Cambridge                                                  61                  70 Dee Valley                                                   46                   58 Portsmouth                                                 12                   24 South East                                                   40                  68 South Staffs                                                 22                  35 Sutton & East Surrey                                  30                  47 Veolia Central                                              36                  44 Veolia East                                                   45                  71 Veolia Southeast                                         45                  90 Industry total                                                 37                  50 Source: Ofwat, 2009. <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/industry/walkerreview/documents/final-report.pdf">http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/industry/walkerreview/documents/final-report.pdf</a> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. For further information visit <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Water%20Metering')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [4]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(69) "Governments must ramp up climate change talks ahead of Cancun meeting" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4147" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2800) "WWF says governments who participated in the third Bonn climate change talks this week now must ramp up their negotiations, or they will waste a crucial opportunity to move forward in Cancun later this year."Governments can and must make progress on areas such as adaptation, finance and ending deforestation at COP 16 in Cancun," said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF's Global Climate Initiative. "But they will have to increase their efforts now and start seeking areas of convergence in a much more serious way." Reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) is an example where agreements already achieved in Copenhagen have been opened up again on such basic issues as the definition of what it covers. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) inter-sessional in Tianjin, China later this year is the last opportunity for these governments to resolve any outstanding issues in time to agree to a good package to address climate change in Cancun at COP16. Such a package would be a major stepping stone to a legal-framework to be adopted at COP17 next year. "It was worrying to see that the discussions in Bonn that moved behind closed doors did not progress issues adequately. The mitigation discussion even went backwards and became more polarized,” Shepherd said. “We cannot afford these snail-paced negotiations and they must speed up, or we’ll lose all momentum in this process.” "Parties also need to make progress in other areas such as the sources for climate finance and not just wait for the UN Advisory Group on Finance (AGF)," said Shepherd. It is important for governments to move away from the "all-or-nothing"-approach at the UNFCCC, and seek breakthroughs for a balanced Cancun package in areas such as forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action, WWF says. For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK TEL: 01483 412 383 MOB: 07867 697 519 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-06" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2800) "WWF says governments who participated in the third Bonn climate change talks this week now must ramp up their negotiations, or they will waste a crucial opportunity to move forward in Cancun later this year."Governments can and must make progress on areas such as adaptation, finance and ending deforestation at COP 16 in Cancun," said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF's Global Climate Initiative. "But they will have to increase their efforts now and start seeking areas of convergence in a much more serious way." Reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) is an example where agreements already achieved in Copenhagen have been opened up again on such basic issues as the definition of what it covers. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) inter-sessional in Tianjin, China later this year is the last opportunity for these governments to resolve any outstanding issues in time to agree to a good package to address climate change in Cancun at COP16. Such a package would be a major stepping stone to a legal-framework to be adopted at COP17 next year. "It was worrying to see that the discussions in Bonn that moved behind closed doors did not progress issues adequately. The mitigation discussion even went backwards and became more polarized,” Shepherd said. “We cannot afford these snail-paced negotiations and they must speed up, or we’ll lose all momentum in this process.” "Parties also need to make progress in other areas such as the sources for climate finance and not just wait for the UN Advisory Group on Finance (AGF)," said Shepherd. It is important for governments to move away from the "all-or-nothing"-approach at the UNFCCC, and seek breakthroughs for a balanced Cancun package in areas such as forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action, WWF says. For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK TEL: 01483 412 383 MOB: 07867 697 519 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources " } [5]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(39) "Progress possible in Bonn climate talks" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4128" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2689) "The odds for progress at the UN climate talks in Cancun this December are still good, says WWF, if governments focus on delivering key ingredients through a “Cancun package” that forms a stepping stone for a legal framework to be finalised at the end of 2011. Delegates gathering for run-up negotiations in Bonn next week and in Tianjin, China, later this year need to take this opportunity to resolve long outstanding open issues.“Cancun won't work if the world expects an all-or-nothing agreement , but it can be a solid stepping stone towards a legal framework for climate action in COP17 next year,” said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative. “This year’s recipe for success includes breakthroughs on forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action.” WWF sees particular potential for progress in negotiations over delivery of the promised US$30 billion per year in fast-start-funding for climate action, and in moves to secure innovative finance sources for long-term climate finance. Such progress could accelerate negotiations on other topics. “A strong REDD mechanism to stop deforestation looks ready for harvest once the brackets around the negotiating text are removed, providing protection for forests and including safeguards for biodiversity and people's livelihoods”, said Shepherd. “In addition, an adaptation framework has been within reach for a while, so talks in Bonn and Tianjin should prepare it for delivery in Cancun. This will provide vulnerable countries with the financial and technical support so that people and nature can continue to thrive and ward off threats.” WWF also highlighted the greenhouse gas gigatonne gap between the emission cuts which countries are currently proposing, and what’s really needed for a smooth transition to a secure low-carbon economy. Solutions to plug the gap are available and governments must get to grips with them quickly. With its domestic bill getting delayed the US may be losing momentum, but agreeing a strong climate deal under the UNFCCC doesn’t depend on just one country. “We can and should still expect the US to meet the commitments it made in Copenhagen in the global fight against climate change. Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd. For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519 " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-30" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2689) "The odds for progress at the UN climate talks in Cancun this December are still good, says WWF, if governments focus on delivering key ingredients through a “Cancun package” that forms a stepping stone for a legal framework to be finalised at the end of 2011. Delegates gathering for run-up negotiations in Bonn next week and in Tianjin, China, later this year need to take this opportunity to resolve long outstanding open issues.“Cancun won't work if the world expects an all-or-nothing agreement , but it can be a solid stepping stone towards a legal framework for climate action in COP17 next year,” said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative. “This year’s recipe for success includes breakthroughs on forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action.” WWF sees particular potential for progress in negotiations over delivery of the promised US$30 billion per year in fast-start-funding for climate action, and in moves to secure innovative finance sources for long-term climate finance. Such progress could accelerate negotiations on other topics. “A strong REDD mechanism to stop deforestation looks ready for harvest once the brackets around the negotiating text are removed, providing protection for forests and including safeguards for biodiversity and people's livelihoods”, said Shepherd. “In addition, an adaptation framework has been within reach for a while, so talks in Bonn and Tianjin should prepare it for delivery in Cancun. This will provide vulnerable countries with the financial and technical support so that people and nature can continue to thrive and ward off threats.” WWF also highlighted the greenhouse gas gigatonne gap between the emission cuts which countries are currently proposing, and what’s really needed for a smooth transition to a secure low-carbon economy. Solutions to plug the gap are available and governments must get to grips with them quickly. With its domestic bill getting delayed the US may be losing momentum, but agreeing a strong climate deal under the UNFCCC doesn’t depend on just one country. “We can and should still expect the US to meet the commitments it made in Copenhagen in the global fight against climate change. Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd. For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519 " } [6]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(50) "New ruling will help protect Russian Tiger habitat" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4125" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3685) "A new ruling by the Russian government to protect the Korean Pine - a key tree species found in the Russian Far East – could help to conserve the endangered Amur Tiger, according to WWF and Traffic.As few as 400 Amur Tigers survive in the native Korean Pine forests of the Russian Far East and north-east China, where the pine nuts are an essential food source for Tiger prey species. However, rising global demand for the pine has led to a massive increase in logging, much of it carried out illegally, in Russia’s remaining temperate forests. To help regulate the logging, Russia has listed the Korean Pine in Appendix III of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).The listing means exports of Korean Pine timber from Russia will now need CITES permits, which will make it harder for the illegal timber trade to carry on. “The fate of the Amur Tiger is inextricably linked to the safeguarding of the Korean Pine,” said Pauline Verheij, joint TRAFFIC and WWF Tiger Trade Programme Manager. “Russia is putting in place the kind of measures that will help with the commitment by Tiger range countries to double numbers of wild Tigers by 2020.” The ruling comes at a key point for tiger conservation. Earlier this month, the 13 countries with surviving Tiger populations drafted a Declaration on Tiger Conservation , which would commit them to doubling the number of remaining wild tigers by 2022. It is anticipated that the Declaration will be formally signed at a Heads of Government summit in Russia later this year. “TRAFFIC and WWF Russia warmly welcome the measures to regulate the trade in Korean Pine timber, which is good news for the local people whose livelihoods depend on the trade in Korean Pine nuts and for Amur Tigers, which live where these trees grow,” said Alexey Vaisman, Senior Programme Officer with TRAFFIC Europe-Russia. “The new measures will need to be backed up with appropriate enforcement action.” The new measures will also benefit the legal pine nut trade in the region which WWF and TRAFFIC have been promoting as a means of providing legal and sustainable income. “We hope the listing in CITES will finally help break the system of illegal logging of Korean Pines and help the survival of trade in alternative, sustainable forestry products from the region,” said Evgeny Lepeshkin, Forestry Projects Co-ordinator with the Amur branch of WWF Russia. ENDS For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> About TRAFFIC TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN and WWF. <a href="http://www.traffic.org">www.traffic.org</a>  " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-29" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3685) "A new ruling by the Russian government to protect the Korean Pine - a key tree species found in the Russian Far East – could help to conserve the endangered Amur Tiger, according to WWF and Traffic.As few as 400 Amur Tigers survive in the native Korean Pine forests of the Russian Far East and north-east China, where the pine nuts are an essential food source for Tiger prey species. However, rising global demand for the pine has led to a massive increase in logging, much of it carried out illegally, in Russia’s remaining temperate forests. To help regulate the logging, Russia has listed the Korean Pine in Appendix III of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).The listing means exports of Korean Pine timber from Russia will now need CITES permits, which will make it harder for the illegal timber trade to carry on. “The fate of the Amur Tiger is inextricably linked to the safeguarding of the Korean Pine,” said Pauline Verheij, joint TRAFFIC and WWF Tiger Trade Programme Manager. “Russia is putting in place the kind of measures that will help with the commitment by Tiger range countries to double numbers of wild Tigers by 2020.” The ruling comes at a key point for tiger conservation. Earlier this month, the 13 countries with surviving Tiger populations drafted a Declaration on Tiger Conservation , which would commit them to doubling the number of remaining wild tigers by 2022. It is anticipated that the Declaration will be formally signed at a Heads of Government summit in Russia later this year. “TRAFFIC and WWF Russia warmly welcome the measures to regulate the trade in Korean Pine timber, which is good news for the local people whose livelihoods depend on the trade in Korean Pine nuts and for Amur Tigers, which live where these trees grow,” said Alexey Vaisman, Senior Programme Officer with TRAFFIC Europe-Russia. “The new measures will need to be backed up with appropriate enforcement action.” The new measures will also benefit the legal pine nut trade in the region which WWF and TRAFFIC have been promoting as a means of providing legal and sustainable income. “We hope the listing in CITES will finally help break the system of illegal logging of Korean Pines and help the survival of trade in alternative, sustainable forestry products from the region,” said Evgeny Lepeshkin, Forestry Projects Co-ordinator with the Amur branch of WWF Russia. ENDS For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> About TRAFFIC TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN and WWF. <a href="http://www.traffic.org">www.traffic.org</a>  " } [7]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(58) "WWF deeply sorry for nameplate incident at climate meeting" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4114" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3702) "Gland, Switzerland, 28.07.10: Global environment organisation WWF apologised unreservedly for the actions of an employee who was involved in an incident at the June meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).The incident was gravely offensive to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the meeting as a whole. It involved the taking and distribution of offensive photographs featuring the official nameplate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The incident was completely unacceptable under the standards of the Convention and the standards of WWF,” said WWF International Director General Jim Leape. “We have apologised formally to the UNFCCC and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The individual responsible has expressed deep remorse and apologised unreservedly for his actions. He is no longer working for WWF.” Another employee of WWF, and an employee of Oxfam, were questioned by UN security investigating the incident. They have both been suspended pending the completion of further investigations. “We are deeply sorry for the offence caused by this incident, which we utterly condemn and cannot excuse,” Mr Leape said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that nothing like this happens again.” Mr Leape has written to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties governing body, the COP Bureau, outlining a new Code of Conduct that all WWF attendees at international meetings would be required to sign. “This will ensure that both UNFCCC protocols and our own internal standards are adhered to,” said Mr Leape. Mr Leape also reaffirmed WWF’s commitment to the UNFCCC process and the continuing negotiations towards solutions to the global issue of climate change. For further information: Martin Atkin | Media Director | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,97,116,107,105,110,64,119,119,102,46,112,97,110,100,97,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">matkin@wwf.panda.org</a> | +41 79698 2985 Phil Dickie | News Editor | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,100,105,99,107,105,101,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">pdickie@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79703 1952 Natalia Reiter | Media Officer | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(110,114,101,105,116,101,114,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">nreiter@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79873 8099 Benjamin Ward | Head of Press | WWF UK | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(98,119,97,114,100,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">bward@wwf.org.uk</a> | + 44 7837 134 193 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3702) "Gland, Switzerland, 28.07.10: Global environment organisation WWF apologised unreservedly for the actions of an employee who was involved in an incident at the June meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).The incident was gravely offensive to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the meeting as a whole. It involved the taking and distribution of offensive photographs featuring the official nameplate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The incident was completely unacceptable under the standards of the Convention and the standards of WWF,” said WWF International Director General Jim Leape. “We have apologised formally to the UNFCCC and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The individual responsible has expressed deep remorse and apologised unreservedly for his actions. He is no longer working for WWF.” Another employee of WWF, and an employee of Oxfam, were questioned by UN security investigating the incident. They have both been suspended pending the completion of further investigations. “We are deeply sorry for the offence caused by this incident, which we utterly condemn and cannot excuse,” Mr Leape said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that nothing like this happens again.” Mr Leape has written to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties governing body, the COP Bureau, outlining a new Code of Conduct that all WWF attendees at international meetings would be required to sign. “This will ensure that both UNFCCC protocols and our own internal standards are adhered to,” said Mr Leape. Mr Leape also reaffirmed WWF’s commitment to the UNFCCC process and the continuing negotiations towards solutions to the global issue of climate change. For further information: Martin Atkin | Media Director | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,97,116,107,105,110,64,119,119,102,46,112,97,110,100,97,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">matkin@wwf.panda.org</a> | +41 79698 2985 Phil Dickie | News Editor | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,100,105,99,107,105,101,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">pdickie@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79703 1952 Natalia Reiter | Media Officer | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(110,114,101,105,116,101,114,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">nreiter@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79873 8099 Benjamin Ward | Head of Press | WWF UK | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(98,119,97,114,100,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">bward@wwf.org.uk</a> | + 44 7837 134 193 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources " } [8]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(44) "Rare giant fish driven to extinction by dams" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4101" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4321) "Wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if hydropower dams planned for the Mekong River go ahead, according to a new report by WWF. The report, River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong, profiles four giant fish living in the Mekong that rank within the top 10 largest freshwater fish on the planet. At half the length of a bus and weighing up to 600kgs, the Mekong River’s Giant freshwater stingray is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. The critically endangered and culturally fabled Mekong giant catfish ranks third at up to 3 metres in length and 350kgs.The Global Top 10 Giant Freshwater Fish -Giant freshwater stingray -Chinese paddlefish -Mekong giant catfish -Wels catfish -Giant pangasius (dog eating catfish) -Giant barb -Arapaima (pirarucu; paiche) -Piraiba (laulau; lechero) -Nile perch -Alligator gar The hydropower dam planned on the Mekong River at Sayabouly Province, northern Laos, is a threat to the survival of the wild population of Mekong giant catfish. The Sayabouly dam is the first lower Mekong River mainstream dam to enter a critical stage of assessment before member countries of the Mekong River Commission advise on whether to approve its construction. To meet immediate energy demands, WWF promotes sustainable hydropower projects on tributaries of the Mekong River, prioritising those that already have hydropower dams developed on them. “More giant fish live in the Mekong than any other river on Earth,” said Mark Wright Conservation Science Advisor at WWF-UK. “A fish the size of a Mekong giant catfish, simply will not be able to swim across a large barrier like a dam to reach its spawning grounds upstream. Any dam built on the lower Mekong River mainstream will block migration routes and lead to the collapse of the wild population of this extraordinary species.” The impacts of lower Mekong River mainstream dams are not restricted to these Mekong giants, they would also exacerbate the impacts of climate change on the Mekong River Delta, one of the world’s most productive regions for fisheries and agriculture. WWF supports a delay in the approval of the mainstream dams, including the Sayabouly dam, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all the positive and negative impacts of their construction and operation. Contact information: Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412383 Email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Rare%20Giant%20Fish')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a> About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources Notes to the Editor For information/images and footage please follow link below: • The River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong report can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba ">http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba </a> • High-resolution photos of these Mekong giants can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a">http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a</a> Please note caption information is saved as the file name. All credits to WWF. • High-quality footage of the Mekong River and Mekong giant catfish can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 ">http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 </a>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4321) "Wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if hydropower dams planned for the Mekong River go ahead, according to a new report by WWF. The report, River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong, profiles four giant fish living in the Mekong that rank within the top 10 largest freshwater fish on the planet. At half the length of a bus and weighing up to 600kgs, the Mekong River’s Giant freshwater stingray is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. The critically endangered and culturally fabled Mekong giant catfish ranks third at up to 3 metres in length and 350kgs.The Global Top 10 Giant Freshwater Fish -Giant freshwater stingray -Chinese paddlefish -Mekong giant catfish -Wels catfish -Giant pangasius (dog eating catfish) -Giant barb -Arapaima (pirarucu; paiche) -Piraiba (laulau; lechero) -Nile perch -Alligator gar The hydropower dam planned on the Mekong River at Sayabouly Province, northern Laos, is a threat to the survival of the wild population of Mekong giant catfish. The Sayabouly dam is the first lower Mekong River mainstream dam to enter a critical stage of assessment before member countries of the Mekong River Commission advise on whether to approve its construction. To meet immediate energy demands, WWF promotes sustainable hydropower projects on tributaries of the Mekong River, prioritising those that already have hydropower dams developed on them. “More giant fish live in the Mekong than any other river on Earth,” said Mark Wright Conservation Science Advisor at WWF-UK. “A fish the size of a Mekong giant catfish, simply will not be able to swim across a large barrier like a dam to reach its spawning grounds upstream. Any dam built on the lower Mekong River mainstream will block migration routes and lead to the collapse of the wild population of this extraordinary species.” The impacts of lower Mekong River mainstream dams are not restricted to these Mekong giants, they would also exacerbate the impacts of climate change on the Mekong River Delta, one of the world’s most productive regions for fisheries and agriculture. WWF supports a delay in the approval of the mainstream dams, including the Sayabouly dam, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all the positive and negative impacts of their construction and operation. Contact information: Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412383 Email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Rare%20Giant%20Fish')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a> About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources Notes to the Editor For information/images and footage please follow link below: • The River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong report can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba ">http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba </a> • High-resolution photos of these Mekong giants can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a">http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a</a> Please note caption information is saved as the file name. All credits to WWF. • High-quality footage of the Mekong River and Mekong giant catfish can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 ">http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 </a>" } [9]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(47) "£5,000 FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES WELCOMED - WWF-UK" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4126" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1426) "Responding to today's announcement by the UK Government that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards purchase of an ultra-low carbon car from January 2011. [1]Dr Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK said: "Today's announcement is a welcome first step in developing a viable UK market for Electric Vehicles. EVs and other ultra low carbon vehicles will be increasingly important in getting the UK onto a low carbon pathway and reducing our dependence on oil. It is therefore right that the Government has taken early action to support the growth of EVs. We also hope that it will continue to fund the 'Plugged-In Places' initiative to help test and build the infrastructure that EVs will need in order to be successful. "According to WWF-Scotland research, one in ten vehicles will need to be an EV by 2020 and the Committee on Climate Change is recommending a target of 1.7 million EVs for the UK by this date. This autumn, WWF-UK will be launching a report on EVs that will assess the potential of EVs to reduce car emissions and help the UK meet its CO2 reduction targets, as established in the Climate Change Act." ends [1] UK Government press release <a href="http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414706&SubjectId=36">nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1426) "Responding to today's announcement by the UK Government that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards purchase of an ultra-low carbon car from January 2011. [1]Dr Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK said: "Today's announcement is a welcome first step in developing a viable UK market for Electric Vehicles. EVs and other ultra low carbon vehicles will be increasingly important in getting the UK onto a low carbon pathway and reducing our dependence on oil. It is therefore right that the Government has taken early action to support the growth of EVs. We also hope that it will continue to fund the 'Plugged-In Places' initiative to help test and build the infrastructure that EVs will need in order to be successful. "According to WWF-Scotland research, one in ten vehicles will need to be an EV by 2020 and the Committee on Climate Change is recommending a target of 1.7 million EVs for the UK by this date. This autumn, WWF-UK will be launching a report on EVs that will assess the potential of EVs to reduce car emissions and help the UK meet its CO2 reduction targets, as established in the Climate Change Act." ends [1] UK Government press release <a href="http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414706&SubjectId=36">nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx</a> " } [10]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(47) "OIL COMPANIES RISKING BILLIONS IN PENSION FUNDS" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4111" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(8015) " Mandatory carbon reporting needed to show risks say WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services Oil companies such as BP and Shell could be facing billions of pounds in future carbon liabilities as the cost of carbon rises, according to a new report published by WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) today (July 28). Many investors are unaware of these liabilities and the risk they pose due to a lack of carbon reporting. WWF-UK and CFS is therefore urging the Government to push through mandatory carbon reporting. The new report is published on the same day that an open letter, drafted by the Aldersgate Group and signed by the likes of National Grid, Microsoft, Aviva, as well as WWF-UK, CFS and 25 MPs, went to government Ministers highlighting the need for “a clearer, stronger signal for the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting in the UK”. The WWF-UK/CFS report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, shows how oil companies are increasing the carbon emissions of their fuels by developing unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands. Even at a price of £12 per tonne, BP’s total carbon liabilities would hit £7bn – at £75 per tonne the figure rises to £42bn for its proved oil reserves. Shell’s liability could range between £6bn and £36bn. WWF-UK’s head of campaigns, Colin Butfield, said: “While oil prices remain stable at a high level and the cost of emitting carbon remains low, these carbon-intensive fuels remain profitable. However, these conditions are subject to serious doubts. The price of carbon is set to rise, and with as much as £35.5bn of pension assets invested in UK oil and gas stocks, the Government must implement mandatory greenhouse gas reporting as soon as possible.” Paul Monaghan, head of social goals and sustainability at CFS added: “Only once comprehensive and robust greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting methods are in place will investors be able to adequately assess the risk emissions pose to their investments. In the meantime, investors will continue to back carbon intensive projects such as the Canadian tar sands, which could be regarded in the future as ‘sub-prime’ toxic assets. That represents a huge threat to savings, pensions and investments, and diverts finance away from the low carbon alternatives that urgently require investment.” The Climate Change Act 2008 set 1 December, 2010 as a deadline for the government to report back to parliament whether it is going to introduce mandatory carbon reporting regulations for companies. It must make regulations by 2012 or explain why not if it is going to settle for just voluntary guidance. Some 86% of fund managers also want to see mandatory reporting introduced. Oil companies are being forced to find more expensive, risky, and environmentally sensitive oil reserves to feed the world’s fossil fuel addiction. Deepwater drilling, like that at BP’s Deepwater Horizon, is one example, but moves to expand extraction of highly polluting tar sands in Canada and to increase drilling for oil in the Arctic form part of the same shift. WWF-UK’s Butfield added: "As the foray into hard-to-reach sources continues, so the risks to the environment intensify, taking us towards runaway climate change while also escalating the danger to local biodiversity, from the fresh water systems in Alberta and the Bowhead Whale in the Arctic to Salmon spawning habitats around Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia. “The new UK government needs to give the green light to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting if it wants to prevent oil and gas companies causing more environmental and economic damage. Only then can companies provide investors with the information they need to reduce carbon risk and drive the shift to a sustainable low carbon economy.” Notes to editors: The report is available at: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109">http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109</a> For further information contact David Burrows; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,98,117,114,114,111,119,115,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20In%20Penssion%20Funds')">dburrows@wwf.org.uk </a>07917 831640 Details of the Aldersgate Group letter are available through: Victoria Fleming-Williams; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(118,102,119,105,108,108,105,97,109,115,64,97,108,100,101,114,115,103,97,116,101,103,114,111,117,112,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=WWF%20Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20in%20Pension%20Funds')">vfwilliams@aldersgategroup.org.uk</a> 1. The report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, uses a range of indicative prices per tonne of CO2e: £12 (market price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in early 2009); £57 (the full social cost of carbon identified in the 2006 Stern Review); and £75 (one of the prices calculated in the UK Government’s guidelines for using carbon prices in economic appraisal, based on the cost of climate change mitigation). The estimated carbon liabilities data illustrate a range of carbon costs the companies would pay under a range of plausible carbon prices if they had to pay for all their direct emissions. 2. The Toxic Fuels campaign, run by WWF-UK and CFS and launched in February 2009, highlights the environmental and financial risks associated with unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands and aims to help ensure investments move towards projects that will not only provide a stable, low carbon future but also provide people with returns on their money. The first step is to ensure that risks are more transparent, hence the call for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting for businesses, with its introduction for high risk companies such as those in the oil and gas and power sectors, as a matter of urgency. 3. Tar sands are a complex mixture of bitumen, sand, water and clay. The production of synthetic crude oil from tar sands is a polluting and energy intensive process, emitting on average three times more greenhouse gases than conventional oil production. Canada has 175 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in tar sands deposits; this is second only to Saudi Arabia’s conventional oil reserves. Average tar sands production in Alberta, Canada, currently stands at 1.3 million barrels of oil per day. The Canadian Government has granted licenses to increase production to 7.0 million barrels oil per day. More than US$125 billion of tar sand projects have been announced for development by 2015, with the tar sands industry calling for $379 billion to be invested by 2025. Every major oil company has existing or planned operations in Canada’s tar sands, including Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil, Total, Conoco-Phillips and Chevron. 4. In July 2008, the Co-operative and WWF-UK published a report ‘Unconventional oil: scraping the bottom of the barrel’, which found that exploiting the tar sands would increase atmospheric CO2 by up to 12 parts per million, enough alone to take us to the brink of runaway climate change. The report can be downloaded from: <a href="http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels">http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels</a> 5. Tar sands exploitation also destroys pristine boreal forest, a globally important carbon store and habitat, produces huge quantities of toxic waste, pollutes air and water, and adversely impacts upon local wildlife and indigenous communities. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(8015) " Mandatory carbon reporting needed to show risks say WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services Oil companies such as BP and Shell could be facing billions of pounds in future carbon liabilities as the cost of carbon rises, according to a new report published by WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) today (July 28). Many investors are unaware of these liabilities and the risk they pose due to a lack of carbon reporting. WWF-UK and CFS is therefore urging the Government to push through mandatory carbon reporting. The new report is published on the same day that an open letter, drafted by the Aldersgate Group and signed by the likes of National Grid, Microsoft, Aviva, as well as WWF-UK, CFS and 25 MPs, went to government Ministers highlighting the need for “a clearer, stronger signal for the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting in the UK”. The WWF-UK/CFS report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, shows how oil companies are increasing the carbon emissions of their fuels by developing unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands. Even at a price of £12 per tonne, BP’s total carbon liabilities would hit £7bn – at £75 per tonne the figure rises to £42bn for its proved oil reserves. Shell’s liability could range between £6bn and £36bn. WWF-UK’s head of campaigns, Colin Butfield, said: “While oil prices remain stable at a high level and the cost of emitting carbon remains low, these carbon-intensive fuels remain profitable. However, these conditions are subject to serious doubts. The price of carbon is set to rise, and with as much as £35.5bn of pension assets invested in UK oil and gas stocks, the Government must implement mandatory greenhouse gas reporting as soon as possible.” Paul Monaghan, head of social goals and sustainability at CFS added: “Only once comprehensive and robust greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting methods are in place will investors be able to adequately assess the risk emissions pose to their investments. In the meantime, investors will continue to back carbon intensive projects such as the Canadian tar sands, which could be regarded in the future as ‘sub-prime’ toxic assets. That represents a huge threat to savings, pensions and investments, and diverts finance away from the low carbon alternatives that urgently require investment.” The Climate Change Act 2008 set 1 December, 2010 as a deadline for the government to report back to parliament whether it is going to introduce mandatory carbon reporting regulations for companies. It must make regulations by 2012 or explain why not if it is going to settle for just voluntary guidance. Some 86% of fund managers also want to see mandatory reporting introduced. Oil companies are being forced to find more expensive, risky, and environmentally sensitive oil reserves to feed the world’s fossil fuel addiction. Deepwater drilling, like that at BP’s Deepwater Horizon, is one example, but moves to expand extraction of highly polluting tar sands in Canada and to increase drilling for oil in the Arctic form part of the same shift. WWF-UK’s Butfield added: "As the foray into hard-to-reach sources continues, so the risks to the environment intensify, taking us towards runaway climate change while also escalating the danger to local biodiversity, from the fresh water systems in Alberta and the Bowhead Whale in the Arctic to Salmon spawning habitats around Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia. “The new UK government needs to give the green light to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting if it wants to prevent oil and gas companies causing more environmental and economic damage. Only then can companies provide investors with the information they need to reduce carbon risk and drive the shift to a sustainable low carbon economy.” Notes to editors: The report is available at: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109">http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109</a> For further information contact David Burrows; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,98,117,114,114,111,119,115,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20In%20Penssion%20Funds')">dburrows@wwf.org.uk </a>07917 831640 Details of the Aldersgate Group letter are available through: Victoria Fleming-Williams; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(118,102,119,105,108,108,105,97,109,115,64,97,108,100,101,114,115,103,97,116,101,103,114,111,117,112,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=WWF%20Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20in%20Pension%20Funds')">vfwilliams@aldersgategroup.org.uk</a> 1. The report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, uses a range of indicative prices per tonne of CO2e: £12 (market price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in early 2009); £57 (the full social cost of carbon identified in the 2006 Stern Review); and £75 (one of the prices calculated in the UK Government’s guidelines for using carbon prices in economic appraisal, based on the cost of climate change mitigation). The estimated carbon liabilities data illustrate a range of carbon costs the companies would pay under a range of plausible carbon prices if they had to pay for all their direct emissions. 2. The Toxic Fuels campaign, run by WWF-UK and CFS and launched in February 2009, highlights the environmental and financial risks associated with unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands and aims to help ensure investments move towards projects that will not only provide a stable, low carbon future but also provide people with returns on their money. The first step is to ensure that risks are more transparent, hence the call for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting for businesses, with its introduction for high risk companies such as those in the oil and gas and power sectors, as a matter of urgency. 3. Tar sands are a complex mixture of bitumen, sand, water and clay. The production of synthetic crude oil from tar sands is a polluting and energy intensive process, emitting on average three times more greenhouse gases than conventional oil production. Canada has 175 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in tar sands deposits; this is second only to Saudi Arabia’s conventional oil reserves. Average tar sands production in Alberta, Canada, currently stands at 1.3 million barrels of oil per day. The Canadian Government has granted licenses to increase production to 7.0 million barrels oil per day. More than US$125 billion of tar sand projects have been announced for development by 2015, with the tar sands industry calling for $379 billion to be invested by 2025. Every major oil company has existing or planned operations in Canada’s tar sands, including Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil, Total, Conoco-Phillips and Chevron. 4. In July 2008, the Co-operative and WWF-UK published a report ‘Unconventional oil: scraping the bottom of the barrel’, which found that exploiting the tar sands would increase atmospheric CO2 by up to 12 parts per million, enough alone to take us to the brink of runaway climate change. The report can be downloaded from: <a href="http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels">http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels</a> 5. Tar sands exploitation also destroys pristine boreal forest, a globally important carbon store and habitat, produces huge quantities of toxic waste, pollutes air and water, and adversely impacts upon local wildlife and indigenous communities. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm</a> " } [11]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(39) "DECC 2050 PATHWAYS REPORT: WWF REACTION" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4107" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1928) "A set of illustrative scenarios for how the UK could meet its binding 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target was released today by the UK Government. WWF-UK welcomes the scenarios focus on decarbonising the power sector but urges the Government to prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to act now on putting in place CO2 performance standards on power plants which would help steer the transition to a low carbon future.Colin Butfield, WWF-UK Head of Campaigns says: "The power sector needs to be rapidly decarbonised and it is welcome that the Government's pathways recognise this. The UK has vast renewable energy potential that will not only help keep the lights on but will also boost energy security by reducing reliance on costly imported fossil fuels. Combined with a progressive strategy on energy efficiency this is where the Government's priorities must lie, rather than on an energy policy that depends on new unsustainable nuclear power and the waste legacy that it entails." "The forthcoming Energy Bill provides an excellent opportunity to put some of the policies in place which will help transform the power sector and drive emission reductions in homes. It is important that the Green Deal is ambitions enough in scope to incentivise large numbers of homeowners and we also urge the Government to include CO2 performance standards for power plants. An Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) will help drive innovation in the sector and provide long term certainty for investors." ends For further information or comment please contact Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, 01483 412397, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20DECC%202050%20Pathways%20Report')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-27" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1928) "A set of illustrative scenarios for how the UK could meet its binding 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target was released today by the UK Government. WWF-UK welcomes the scenarios focus on decarbonising the power sector but urges the Government to prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to act now on putting in place CO2 performance standards on power plants which would help steer the transition to a low carbon future.Colin Butfield, WWF-UK Head of Campaigns says: "The power sector needs to be rapidly decarbonised and it is welcome that the Government's pathways recognise this. The UK has vast renewable energy potential that will not only help keep the lights on but will also boost energy security by reducing reliance on costly imported fossil fuels. Combined with a progressive strategy on energy efficiency this is where the Government's priorities must lie, rather than on an energy policy that depends on new unsustainable nuclear power and the waste legacy that it entails." "The forthcoming Energy Bill provides an excellent opportunity to put some of the policies in place which will help transform the power sector and drive emission reductions in homes. It is important that the Green Deal is ambitions enough in scope to incentivise large numbers of homeowners and we also urge the Government to include CO2 performance standards for power plants. An Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) will help drive innovation in the sector and provide long term certainty for investors." ends For further information or comment please contact Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, 01483 412397, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20DECC%202050%20Pathways%20Report')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [12]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(54) "Stamp duty reforms key to home energy savings says WWF" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4096" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2586) "Reforming the current stamp duty rates to reward homeowners whose homes are more energy efficient has been a key ask of WWF and its Great British Refurb Campaign. Although the benefits of a greener home have been well outlined in terms of financial savings and emission reductions – there has been limited take up for green refurbishment, and many homes continue to leak out CO2, raising doubts over the UK’s ability to meet its carbon targets.Stamp duty incentives that impose a higher rate of duty for the most energy inefficient properties will assist in driving improvements in the UK’s 26 million existing homes, many of which require more than cavity wall insulation to keep the draughts out this winter. Currently 20 per cent of homes in the UK are F and G rated for energy efficiency, but could see their Energy Performance Certificate rating increase with simple refurbishment measures. Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK says: “WWF has long campaigned for a package of financial incentives to help drive uptake for green home refurbishment, and we see the reform of stamp duty as an essential part of the Government’s Green Deal package. Financial incentives are essential for triggering the mass-scale take up of green refurbishment that is needed if the UK is to meet its legally-binding carbon target by 2020.” “We have long extolled the long-term cost savings of an energy-efficient home, now an upfront saving on stamp duty should inspire more homeowners to want to live in a ‘Superhome’ that meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. With the right Green Deal in place, homeowners could essentially profit from making their house cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.” - ends - For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, tel: 01483 412397 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Stamp%20Duty%20Reforms')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> Interviews are available with WWF-UK Head of Campaigns, Colin Butfield, and Great British Refurb Campaign Director Simon McWhirter Earlier this year, thousands signed up to a Great British Refurb Campaign call for the Government to introduce more financial incentives for eco-refurbishment. For more information visit <a href="http://www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk">www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-21" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2586) "Reforming the current stamp duty rates to reward homeowners whose homes are more energy efficient has been a key ask of WWF and its Great British Refurb Campaign. Although the benefits of a greener home have been well outlined in terms of financial savings and emission reductions – there has been limited take up for green refurbishment, and many homes continue to leak out CO2, raising doubts over the UK’s ability to meet its carbon targets.Stamp duty incentives that impose a higher rate of duty for the most energy inefficient properties will assist in driving improvements in the UK’s 26 million existing homes, many of which require more than cavity wall insulation to keep the draughts out this winter. Currently 20 per cent of homes in the UK are F and G rated for energy efficiency, but could see their Energy Performance Certificate rating increase with simple refurbishment measures. Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK says: “WWF has long campaigned for a package of financial incentives to help drive uptake for green home refurbishment, and we see the reform of stamp duty as an essential part of the Government’s Green Deal package. Financial incentives are essential for triggering the mass-scale take up of green refurbishment that is needed if the UK is to meet its legally-binding carbon target by 2020.” “We have long extolled the long-term cost savings of an energy-efficient home, now an upfront saving on stamp duty should inspire more homeowners to want to live in a ‘Superhome’ that meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. With the right Green Deal in place, homeowners could essentially profit from making their house cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.” - ends - For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, tel: 01483 412397 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Stamp%20Duty%20Reforms')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> Interviews are available with WWF-UK Head of Campaigns, Colin Butfield, and Great British Refurb Campaign Director Simon McWhirter Earlier this year, thousands signed up to a Great British Refurb Campaign call for the Government to introduce more financial incentives for eco-refurbishment. For more information visit <a href="http://www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk">www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk</a> " } [13]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(37) "Earn your stripes and save the tiger!" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4068" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3815) "WWF is looking for 18-22 year olds to come to Russia and help save the tiger WWF-UK has launched an exciting new competition offering 18-22 year-olds a once-in-a-life-time chance to travel to Russia for a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok this September. With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, world leaders are meeting up in St Petersburg in Russia this September to draw up vital plans to double wild tiger numbers by 2022. To ensure these leaders realise that future generations are relying on them to act now to stop the decline. WWF is organising a youth summit to take place at the same timeI in the Russian Far East. We are looking for two 18-22 year olds to come to the summit and learn about tiger conservation first hand. The lucky winners, chosen by WWF, will join others the same age from all over the world, in order to see our work for themselves, and to help us spread the word about tiger conservation. Countries where wild tigers live are especially being encouraged to send representatives, as well as young people from other countries that support tiger conservation. “Without decisive global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia. This is a fantastic way for two young dynamic individuals to help make it clear to our world leaders that the next generation is counting on them to save the tiger” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “We are keen to get young people engaged in our work, so they understand the real threats facing some of our most iconic species and habitats, and can help raise awareness of the conservation work WWF does .” Our two winners will get to visit tiger habitats, learn first-hand about the threats facing this iconic species, and find out what WWF is doing to protect it. WWF will ask for them to share their experiences, both during the summit and afterwards, through blogging, tweeting and facebook, to encourage other young people to learn more about our work. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in at the St Petersburg summit in Russia this September. “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public does not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” For more details of the competition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a> To sign the WWF tiger petition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a> Editor’s notes: The deadline for applications for the Tiger Youth Summit is 9am, 21st July. For further information, please contact: Rowan Walker, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Earn%20your%20stripes%20and%20save%20the%20tiger!')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-12" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3815) "WWF is looking for 18-22 year olds to come to Russia and help save the tiger WWF-UK has launched an exciting new competition offering 18-22 year-olds a once-in-a-life-time chance to travel to Russia for a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok this September. With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, world leaders are meeting up in St Petersburg in Russia this September to draw up vital plans to double wild tiger numbers by 2022. To ensure these leaders realise that future generations are relying on them to act now to stop the decline. WWF is organising a youth summit to take place at the same timeI in the Russian Far East. We are looking for two 18-22 year olds to come to the summit and learn about tiger conservation first hand. The lucky winners, chosen by WWF, will join others the same age from all over the world, in order to see our work for themselves, and to help us spread the word about tiger conservation. Countries where wild tigers live are especially being encouraged to send representatives, as well as young people from other countries that support tiger conservation. “Without decisive global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia. This is a fantastic way for two young dynamic individuals to help make it clear to our world leaders that the next generation is counting on them to save the tiger” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “We are keen to get young people engaged in our work, so they understand the real threats facing some of our most iconic species and habitats, and can help raise awareness of the conservation work WWF does .” Our two winners will get to visit tiger habitats, learn first-hand about the threats facing this iconic species, and find out what WWF is doing to protect it. WWF will ask for them to share their experiences, both during the summit and afterwards, through blogging, tweeting and facebook, to encourage other young people to learn more about our work. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in at the St Petersburg summit in Russia this September. “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public does not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” For more details of the competition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a> To sign the WWF tiger petition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a> Editor’s notes: The deadline for applications for the Tiger Youth Summit is 9am, 21st July. For further information, please contact: Rowan Walker, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Earn%20your%20stripes%20and%20save%20the%20tiger!')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [14]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(53) "Crunch time for tigers, as crucial Bali meeting looms" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4058" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3460) "Senior government officials from the tiger range countries will meet in Indonesia next week, in order to discuss a global action plan to save the tiger. WWF is calling on these governments to make sure this meeting is a key move towards fulfilling their promise of doubling tiger numbers by 2022.“There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began. Without joined up, global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia,” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “This year offers an unprecedented opportunity to put in place a co-ordinated, multi-state plan to save the tiger. There has never before been this level of momentum for action on tigers, and governments must take advantage of it.” The meeting, to be held in Bali from 12-14th July, is the third in less than a year, at which tiger range states will come together to show their mutual concern for the survival of this iconic species. Government representatives from all 13 countries that are home to wild tigers - Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam – will attend the meeting. The aim of next weeks meeting is to lay the groundwork for the first ever global summit on tigers, due to take place in St Petersburg, Russia this September. WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national tiger recovery plans which will be combined to create the global recovery programme. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in to negotiators at the summit in Russia this September. “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public do not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible to sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” To sign up to the tiger petition, please click here: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a> *EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT & IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST* For further information, please contact: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 375 Mob: 07867 697 519 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,115,97,114,103,101,110,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Crunch%20Time%20for%20Tigers')">jsargent@wwf.org.uk</a> Notes to editors: WWF is currently looking for two 18-22 year olds to attend a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, which will run in parallel with the summit in St Petersburg this September. To find out more, click here: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-09" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3460) "Senior government officials from the tiger range countries will meet in Indonesia next week, in order to discuss a global action plan to save the tiger. WWF is calling on these governments to make sure this meeting is a key move towards fulfilling their promise of doubling tiger numbers by 2022.“There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began. Without joined up, global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia,” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “This year offers an unprecedented opportunity to put in place a co-ordinated, multi-state plan to save the tiger. There has never before been this level of momentum for action on tigers, and governments must take advantage of it.” The meeting, to be held in Bali from 12-14th July, is the third in less than a year, at which tiger range states will come together to show their mutual concern for the survival of this iconic species. Government representatives from all 13 countries that are home to wild tigers - Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam – will attend the meeting. The aim of next weeks meeting is to lay the groundwork for the first ever global summit on tigers, due to take place in St Petersburg, Russia this September. WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national tiger recovery plans which will be combined to create the global recovery programme. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in to negotiators at the summit in Russia this September. “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public do not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible to sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” To sign up to the tiger petition, please click here: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a> *EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT & IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST* For further information, please contact: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 375 Mob: 07867 697 519 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,115,97,114,103,101,110,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Crunch%20Time%20for%20Tigers')">jsargent@wwf.org.uk</a> Notes to editors: WWF is currently looking for two 18-22 year olds to attend a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, which will run in parallel with the summit in St Petersburg this September. To find out more, click here: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a> " } [15]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(40) "The EU finally says no to illegal timber" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4057" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3173) "Today a majority (644 out of 685 voting MEPs) of the European Parliament has voted for a law that will keep illegal wood and wood products out of the EU market. Such a decision clearly shows that the EU is serious about taking real action against illegal activities that destroy huge areas of global forests every year.If the law is adopted it will mean that from 2012 illegal timber and timber products will be banned from the EU market and that companies importing timber will have to provide information about the country of origin of the timber they use and its legality. However, printed materials have been exempted from the regulation for at least the next five years. The UK is currently the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world after China and Japan. Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said: "After years of campaigning for this legal loophole to be closed we are finally seeing real action to put a stop to this unsustainable trade which is having a devastating effect on forests across the globe and the biodiversity and people that rely upon them. "As we're the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world the UK government needs to take a leading in role in implementing the Regulation. People across the country can do their bit by buying certified wood products, such as FSC." After the EU Parliament, the law will be voted by the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in September and will enter into force. Julia Young, manager of the forest and trade network at WWF-UK, added: “One year ago EU agriculture ministers failed to agree to a strong law. They have now to show that they want to ban illegal activities in the forest sector and properly implement the rules in their countries punishing the companies who are still reluctant to respect the rules.” Further information: Robin Clegg: press team WWF-UK, t; 07771 818 707 e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20EU%20says%20no%20to%20Illegal%20Timber')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a> Notes to editors - A recent WWF and FoE survey carried out with citizens from 14 countries, shows that: 93% of EU polled citizens think it is important that wood and wood based products sold in Europe are legally harvested and traded; 92% think it is important that a EU timber law is introduced and 75% of people don’t believe or don’t know whether nearly all wood products available in Europe are legally harvested and traded. The complete results are available on: <a href="http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM ">http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM </a> - WWF report estimates that 16-19 per cent of wood imports in the European Union in 2006 came from illegal sources - between 26.5 and 31 million cubic meters. - This press release and related material is available on <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-07" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3173) "Today a majority (644 out of 685 voting MEPs) of the European Parliament has voted for a law that will keep illegal wood and wood products out of the EU market. Such a decision clearly shows that the EU is serious about taking real action against illegal activities that destroy huge areas of global forests every year.If the law is adopted it will mean that from 2012 illegal timber and timber products will be banned from the EU market and that companies importing timber will have to provide information about the country of origin of the timber they use and its legality. However, printed materials have been exempted from the regulation for at least the next five years. The UK is currently the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world after China and Japan. Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said: "After years of campaigning for this legal loophole to be closed we are finally seeing real action to put a stop to this unsustainable trade which is having a devastating effect on forests across the globe and the biodiversity and people that rely upon them. "As we're the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world the UK government needs to take a leading in role in implementing the Regulation. People across the country can do their bit by buying certified wood products, such as FSC." After the EU Parliament, the law will be voted by the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in September and will enter into force. Julia Young, manager of the forest and trade network at WWF-UK, added: “One year ago EU agriculture ministers failed to agree to a strong law. They have now to show that they want to ban illegal activities in the forest sector and properly implement the rules in their countries punishing the companies who are still reluctant to respect the rules.” Further information: Robin Clegg: press team WWF-UK, t; 07771 818 707 e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20EU%20says%20no%20to%20Illegal%20Timber')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a> Notes to editors - A recent WWF and FoE survey carried out with citizens from 14 countries, shows that: 93% of EU polled citizens think it is important that wood and wood based products sold in Europe are legally harvested and traded; 92% think it is important that a EU timber law is introduced and 75% of people don’t believe or don’t know whether nearly all wood products available in Europe are legally harvested and traded. The complete results are available on: <a href="http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM ">http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM </a> - WWF report estimates that 16-19 per cent of wood imports in the European Union in 2006 came from illegal sources - between 26.5 and 31 million cubic meters. - This press release and related material is available on <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> " } [16]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(62) "T4 Presenters Support WWF by Taking Part in The Blue Mile 2010" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4049" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4643) "T4’s Matt & Darren (formerly Max and Ob from Channel 4’s flagship soap Hollyoaks) have signed up to take part in The Blue Mile-Race for the Environment. WWF is the official charity partner for this amazing event taking place in Plymouth, UK on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2010.This first ever unique race is designed to encourage people to complete a mile in, or next to, our wonderful marine environment, and hopes to raise awareness of the threats facing our world’s oceans and the need to protect our seas. “Supporting a charity you really believe in can be done in many ways,” said Matt. “Darren and I love our challenges and kayaking The Blue Mile in support of WWF's marine work is our latest duel. We need to look after our planet, not only the ground we walk on but the seas that surround us. Marine life may not always been seen, but should certainly never be forgotten.” Darren added, “Supporting WWF, by taking part in The Blue Mile to promote the wonders of our seas and the need to protect all that is in them, is a fun way to learn more about our marine environment. What better way to do this than to get out there in the water and take part in the task of kayaking for a mile, it’s a great way to take action for our seas, as well as beat your best mate at another challenge!” The UK is blessed with 20,000km of coastline, and diverse marine life and habitats ranging from deep sea corals to harbour porpoises. However our seas are facing increasing pressures, and now, with the threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we protect our marine biodiversity. By completing a Blue Mile, businesses, schools, and individuals can show they care about our oceans and help raise crucial funding to support WWF’s conservation projects. The course (1,609 metres) will be marked by buoys at regular intervals. It starts at Plymouth’s historic Mayflower Steps and finishes in line with the Chichester monument at West Hoe Pier. Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK said: “The Blue Mile is a fun event which aims to educate and inspire people to value our marine environment. WWF is delighted that Matt & Darren are going to take part in the race and we wish them, and all the other hundred’s of contestants the best of luck!” Editor's notes - ends - Editor's notes The Blue Mile - Race for the Environment is the UK’s newest mass-participation event designed to engage people actively with our blue environment. It will be open to everyone to take part and complete a mile in, on or next to a water environment. The inaugural event will take place in Plymouth in the summer 2010 with additional waterfront cities being invited to take part in future events. The Blue Mile – Race for the Environment aims to increase participation in our natural environment and provide a learning experience to help encourage more people to take steps to care for the health of our planet. For further information and access to high resolution imagery, please contact: Teresa Page Sport Environment Tel: 01752 600111 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,101,114,101,115,97,46,112,97,103,101,64,115,112,111,114,116,101,110,118,105,114,111,110,109,101,110,116,46,99,111,109)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">teresa.page@sportenvironment.com </a> WWF-UK is the UK arm of the WWF Network, the world’s leading environmental organisation founded in 1961 and now active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. Using our unique combination of practical experience, knowledge and credibility, our 300-strong staff work with governments, businesses and communities both here in the UK and around the world so that people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources. For further information, please contact: Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK, t: 01483 412383, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-01" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4643) "T4’s Matt & Darren (formerly Max and Ob from Channel 4’s flagship soap Hollyoaks) have signed up to take part in The Blue Mile-Race for the Environment. WWF is the official charity partner for this amazing event taking place in Plymouth, UK on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2010.This first ever unique race is designed to encourage people to complete a mile in, or next to, our wonderful marine environment, and hopes to raise awareness of the threats facing our world’s oceans and the need to protect our seas. “Supporting a charity you really believe in can be done in many ways,” said Matt. “Darren and I love our challenges and kayaking The Blue Mile in support of WWF's marine work is our latest duel. We need to look after our planet, not only the ground we walk on but the seas that surround us. Marine life may not always been seen, but should certainly never be forgotten.” Darren added, “Supporting WWF, by taking part in The Blue Mile to promote the wonders of our seas and the need to protect all that is in them, is a fun way to learn more about our marine environment. What better way to do this than to get out there in the water and take part in the task of kayaking for a mile, it’s a great way to take action for our seas, as well as beat your best mate at another challenge!” The UK is blessed with 20,000km of coastline, and diverse marine life and habitats ranging from deep sea corals to harbour porpoises. However our seas are facing increasing pressures, and now, with the threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we protect our marine biodiversity. By completing a Blue Mile, businesses, schools, and individuals can show they care about our oceans and help raise crucial funding to support WWF’s conservation projects. The course (1,609 metres) will be marked by buoys at regular intervals. It starts at Plymouth’s historic Mayflower Steps and finishes in line with the Chichester monument at West Hoe Pier. Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK said: “The Blue Mile is a fun event which aims to educate and inspire people to value our marine environment. WWF is delighted that Matt & Darren are going to take part in the race and we wish them, and all the other hundred’s of contestants the best of luck!” Editor's notes - ends - Editor's notes The Blue Mile - Race for the Environment is the UK’s newest mass-participation event designed to engage people actively with our blue environment. It will be open to everyone to take part and complete a mile in, on or next to a water environment. The inaugural event will take place in Plymouth in the summer 2010 with additional waterfront cities being invited to take part in future events. The Blue Mile – Race for the Environment aims to increase participation in our natural environment and provide a learning experience to help encourage more people to take steps to care for the health of our planet. For further information and access to high resolution imagery, please contact: Teresa Page Sport Environment Tel: 01752 600111 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,101,114,101,115,97,46,112,97,103,101,64,115,112,111,114,116,101,110,118,105,114,111,110,109,101,110,116,46,99,111,109)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">teresa.page@sportenvironment.com </a> WWF-UK is the UK arm of the WWF Network, the world’s leading environmental organisation founded in 1961 and now active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. Using our unique combination of practical experience, knowledge and credibility, our 300-strong staff work with governments, businesses and communities both here in the UK and around the world so that people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources. For further information, please contact: Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK, t: 01483 412383, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [17]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(78) "Scientific advice on fish stocks shows North Sea cod is not in safe waters yet" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4043" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4627) "New scientific advice on the status of Europe’s fish stocks shows sign of improvement for North Sea cod, but the iconic species is not out of danger just yet, and WWF is concerned that the poor management of stocks threatens to undermine cod recovery.The advice issued today by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) recommends catch levels for restoring fish stocks to their maximum sustainable yield – a level that will sustain a healthy fishing industry. This would be at least a 20 per cent reduction in fishing quotas compared to 2010. The European Commission will need to follow this advice if it is to achieve its commitment of attaining maximum sustainable yield for all European fish stocks by 2015. Whilst numbers of mature North Sea cod show some sign of increasing there are not yet enough fish to maintain healthy stock levels; and a continuing problem with discards – fish thrown overboard – indicates that the current management system for North Sea cod has not been effective in controlling catches. The EU’s cod recovery plan targets for reducing cod mortality cannot be achieved unless catches are significantly reduced. A lack of data on discards from Belgian, Dutch, and French fisheries makes it impossible to accurately assess the problem of discarding. However it is estimated that discards accounted for 30 to 50 percent of the total catch between 2007 and 2009. Cod is often caught as bycatch whilst fishermen are pursuing other fish stocks, and whilst conservation measures exist to prevent this problem, they are not being consistently adopted by the catching sector. Louize Hill, Fisheries Policy Officer at WWF Scotland says: “Although a recovery plan is in place for cod stocks, conservation measures are not being effectively implemented or enforced across the whole fishery, and the problem of discards continue to blight any signs of improvement. The recent signs of recovery in the North Sea must be capitalised upon. Discard reduction measures must be mandatory for the catching sector, and long-term management plans that are fishery-wide must be enforced in the upcoming reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.” WWF is calling for all vessels to fully document their catches, using onboard cameras and catch quotas. Catch quotas limit the amount of fish removed from the sea, rather than recording what is landed. Such an approach has already been trialled by fleets in Scotland, England, and Denmark, and could lead to a marked reduction in discards, as fishermen have a greater incentive to fish more selectively. Louize Hill adds: "The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme is definitely on the right track and this kind of strong co-operation between the fishing industry, governments and conservation groups on protecting stocks needs to be firmly built into the way the reformed Common Fisheries Policy works in future." - ends - Editor's notes ICES Advice can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.ices.dk">www.ices.dk</a> For more information on WWF’s calls for Common Fisheries Policy reform please see <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/">http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/</a> WWF report on the Conservation Credits Scheme: <a href="http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf">http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf</a> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412397, 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20North%20Sea%20Cod')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-30" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4627) "New scientific advice on the status of Europe’s fish stocks shows sign of improvement for North Sea cod, but the iconic species is not out of danger just yet, and WWF is concerned that the poor management of stocks threatens to undermine cod recovery.The advice issued today by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) recommends catch levels for restoring fish stocks to their maximum sustainable yield – a level that will sustain a healthy fishing industry. This would be at least a 20 per cent reduction in fishing quotas compared to 2010. The European Commission will need to follow this advice if it is to achieve its commitment of attaining maximum sustainable yield for all European fish stocks by 2015. Whilst numbers of mature North Sea cod show some sign of increasing there are not yet enough fish to maintain healthy stock levels; and a continuing problem with discards – fish thrown overboard – indicates that the current management system for North Sea cod has not been effective in controlling catches. The EU’s cod recovery plan targets for reducing cod mortality cannot be achieved unless catches are significantly reduced. A lack of data on discards from Belgian, Dutch, and French fisheries makes it impossible to accurately assess the problem of discarding. However it is estimated that discards accounted for 30 to 50 percent of the total catch between 2007 and 2009. Cod is often caught as bycatch whilst fishermen are pursuing other fish stocks, and whilst conservation measures exist to prevent this problem, they are not being consistently adopted by the catching sector. Louize Hill, Fisheries Policy Officer at WWF Scotland says: “Although a recovery plan is in place for cod stocks, conservation measures are not being effectively implemented or enforced across the whole fishery, and the problem of discards continue to blight any signs of improvement. The recent signs of recovery in the North Sea must be capitalised upon. Discard reduction measures must be mandatory for the catching sector, and long-term management plans that are fishery-wide must be enforced in the upcoming reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.” WWF is calling for all vessels to fully document their catches, using onboard cameras and catch quotas. Catch quotas limit the amount of fish removed from the sea, rather than recording what is landed. Such an approach has already been trialled by fleets in Scotland, England, and Denmark, and could lead to a marked reduction in discards, as fishermen have a greater incentive to fish more selectively. Louize Hill adds: "The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme is definitely on the right track and this kind of strong co-operation between the fishing industry, governments and conservation groups on protecting stocks needs to be firmly built into the way the reformed Common Fisheries Policy works in future." - ends - Editor's notes ICES Advice can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.ices.dk">www.ices.dk</a> For more information on WWF’s calls for Common Fisheries Policy reform please see <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/">http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/</a> WWF report on the Conservation Credits Scheme: <a href="http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf">http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf</a> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412397, 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20North%20Sea%20Cod')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [18]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(69) "New threat to Amazon as Brazilian legislators lay siege to forest law" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4041" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4619) "The Amazon is facing an urgent new threat as legislators allied to agribusiness interests and landowners seek to drastically weaken conservation requirements of the country’s Forest Law.Brazil’s Forest Law determines how much land the landowner can deforest and how much must be kept as a "legal reserve". Currently in the Amazon, the law states that 80% of a property has to remain forested by law but under new proposals, this could be reduced. Brazil's deforestation track record has improved dramatically in the last few years, and even with very patchy enforcement, the Forest Code has been credited with playing major role in bringing down deforestation in the Amazon from the levels that horrified the world in the 1980s. Any change in the law could have an impact on Brazil’s ambitious plans to slash deforestation rates and have the knock on effect of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This would make the country’s action plan on climate change impossible as it relies on continued reductions in deforestation related emissions. Sarah Hutchison, forest programme manager for Brazil at WWF-UK, said: “The Brazilian government implemented progressive measures to start to address the impacts of deforestation, but these proposed changes to the legislation will have major implications for the future of the Amazon rainforest.” The attack on the Forest Code could come to a head today (June 29) in the Congress, with the so-called “ruralist block” (congressmen representing agribusiness and landowners) trying to push for the law to be made more flexible, a move that could result in increased deforestation. In a parliamentary special commission report they claim that this law is holding back economic prosperity. If the Special Committee on Forest Law Change accepts the report, it will then go to the parliament for a vote which is expected to back the need for changes. A presidential veto of the change is considered unlikely in the charged atmosphere of the run-up to Brazilian presidential and legislative elections that will take place in October. According to WWF, Brazilian agribusiness needs to increase its productivity levels rather than continuously deforest new land that is often later abandoned. A report presented by WWF, Greenpeace and other NGOs in May point to the Forest Code not being a barrier to agricultural growth and economic prosperity. It looked at one of the legal reserves required under the Forest Code - the Permanent Preservation Areas - that are required to protect the margins of waterways, and vegetation on steep slopes, on hilltops and in high altitude areas. A detailed analysis conducted by the respected agricultural college of the University of Sao Paulo showed that the existence of these reserves has a negligible impact on agricultural production in some of Brazil's leading coffee, grape, rice and fruit producing areas. And this does not take into consideration the important role these reserves play in protecting river and water quality, and reducing soil erosion and the risk from landslides and floods. While Brazil has had some success reducing deforestation in the Amazon, other lesser known natural habitats are also under threat if the Forest Law is amended. They include the endangered Atlantic Forests and high savannah areas of the Cerrado, headwaters of many significant Amazon tributaries and the source of the springs for the Pantanal wetlands and Paraguay River. If the amendments become law, effective control of deforestation will pass from strong Federal legislative control to a piecemeal state by state approach. Under this scenario, a strong upsurge in deforestation is expected, raising again the spectre of “the Amazon is burning” which became a celebrated cause internationally and helped form the basis of a structure of international environmental conventions and institutions. “Discussions should have been based on science, not on oblique and distorted arguments,” added Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, conservation director of WWF-Brazil. “The scientific community has been very little consulted in the preparation of the parliamentary special commission report.” For further information: Robin Clegg, WWF-UK t: 07771 818707, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-29" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4619) "The Amazon is facing an urgent new threat as legislators allied to agribusiness interests and landowners seek to drastically weaken conservation requirements of the country’s Forest Law.Brazil’s Forest Law determines how much land the landowner can deforest and how much must be kept as a "legal reserve". Currently in the Amazon, the law states that 80% of a property has to remain forested by law but under new proposals, this could be reduced. Brazil's deforestation track record has improved dramatically in the last few years, and even with very patchy enforcement, the Forest Code has been credited with playing major role in bringing down deforestation in the Amazon from the levels that horrified the world in the 1980s. Any change in the law could have an impact on Brazil’s ambitious plans to slash deforestation rates and have the knock on effect of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This would make the country’s action plan on climate change impossible as it relies on continued reductions in deforestation related emissions. Sarah Hutchison, forest programme manager for Brazil at WWF-UK, said: “The Brazilian government implemented progressive measures to start to address the impacts of deforestation, but these proposed changes to the legislation will have major implications for the future of the Amazon rainforest.” The attack on the Forest Code could come to a head today (June 29) in the Congress, with the so-called “ruralist block” (congressmen representing agribusiness and landowners) trying to push for the law to be made more flexible, a move that could result in increased deforestation. In a parliamentary special commission report they claim that this law is holding back economic prosperity. If the Special Committee on Forest Law Change accepts the report, it will then go to the parliament for a vote which is expected to back the need for changes. A presidential veto of the change is considered unlikely in the charged atmosphere of the run-up to Brazilian presidential and legislative elections that will take place in October. According to WWF, Brazilian agribusiness needs to increase its productivity levels rather than continuously deforest new land that is often later abandoned. A report presented by WWF, Greenpeace and other NGOs in May point to the Forest Code not being a barrier to agricultural growth and economic prosperity. It looked at one of the legal reserves required under the Forest Code - the Permanent Preservation Areas - that are required to protect the margins of waterways, and vegetation on steep slopes, on hilltops and in high altitude areas. A detailed analysis conducted by the respected agricultural college of the University of Sao Paulo showed that the existence of these reserves has a negligible impact on agricultural production in some of Brazil's leading coffee, grape, rice and fruit producing areas. And this does not take into consideration the important role these reserves play in protecting river and water quality, and reducing soil erosion and the risk from landslides and floods. While Brazil has had some success reducing deforestation in the Amazon, other lesser known natural habitats are also under threat if the Forest Law is amended. They include the endangered Atlantic Forests and high savannah areas of the Cerrado, headwaters of many significant Amazon tributaries and the source of the springs for the Pantanal wetlands and Paraguay River. If the amendments become law, effective control of deforestation will pass from strong Federal legislative control to a piecemeal state by state approach. Under this scenario, a strong upsurge in deforestation is expected, raising again the spectre of “the Amazon is burning” which became a celebrated cause internationally and helped form the basis of a structure of international environmental conventions and institutions. “Discussions should have been based on science, not on oblique and distorted arguments,” added Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, conservation director of WWF-Brazil. “The scientific community has been very little consulted in the preparation of the parliamentary special commission report.” For further information: Robin Clegg, WWF-UK t: 07771 818707, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [19]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(49) "Russia puts oil and gas development before whales" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4034" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2838) "Russia has refused to comply with repeated calls to postpone a planned seismic survey in the feeding grounds of the critically endangered Western North Pacific Gray Whale, at the 62nd annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, currently taking place in Agadir, Morocco.With just 26 known breeding females of the Western Gray Whale population remaining, seismic blasts in the Russian Far East where females and their calves are trying to feed, has led the IWC’s Scientific Committee to express “serious concerns about the potential impact on Western Gray Whales” and to “strongly recommend” that the Rosneft seismic survey be postponed. “The scientific recommendation and statements by several governments here at the IWC should have served as a wake up call to Russia” said Wendy Elliott of WWF. “This whale population is on the brink of extinction, yet oil and gas exploration in its only feeding ground is increasing.” “This is absolutely scandalous and completely ignores sound scientific advice,” Elliott said. “Russia must reconsider its position on allowing the Rosneft seismic testing to go ahead this year.” “In addition to scientific advice of IWC, a Russian scientific body has also raised concerns about the Rosneft survey” said Aleksey Knizhnikov, WWF-Russia Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Officer. “Furthermore, this survey will be undertaken inside the proposed whale reserve that Russian government are currently considering establishing.” Countries that took the floor to support the Scientific Committee recommendation that the survey be postponed included United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Monaco. Russia responded by stating that they believed the seismic survey was due to take place as planned. For further information: Ian Morrison, + 41 798746853 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(105,109,111,114,114,105,115,111,110,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?')">imorrison@wwfint.org</a> About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-24" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2838) "Russia has refused to comply with repeated calls to postpone a planned seismic survey in the feeding grounds of the critically endangered Western North Pacific Gray Whale, at the 62nd annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, currently taking place in Agadir, Morocco.With just 26 known breeding females of the Western Gray Whale population remaining, seismic blasts in the Russian Far East where females and their calves are trying to feed, has led the IWC’s Scientific Committee to express “serious concerns about the potential impact on Western Gray Whales” and to “strongly recommend” that the Rosneft seismic survey be postponed. “The scientific recommendation and statements by several governments here at the IWC should have served as a wake up call to Russia” said Wendy Elliott of WWF. “This whale population is on the brink of extinction, yet oil and gas exploration in its only feeding ground is increasing.” “This is absolutely scandalous and completely ignores sound scientific advice,” Elliott said. “Russia must reconsider its position on allowing the Rosneft seismic testing to go ahead this year.” “In addition to scientific advice of IWC, a Russian scientific body has also raised concerns about the Rosneft survey” said Aleksey Knizhnikov, WWF-Russia Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Officer. “Furthermore, this survey will be undertaken inside the proposed whale reserve that Russian government are currently considering establishing.” Countries that took the floor to support the Scientific Committee recommendation that the survey be postponed included United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Monaco. Russia responded by stating that they believed the seismic survey was due to take place as planned. For further information: Ian Morrison, + 41 798746853 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(105,109,111,114,114,105,115,111,110,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?')">imorrison@wwfint.org</a> About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. 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the nation’s best loved and most neglected river" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4187" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(6055) "With only 5 per cent of rivers in England and Wales described as being in a pristine condition a new survey has been launched by a coalition of conservationists to celebrate and bring attention to some of Britain's best loved and long forgotten rivers.The Our Rivers Campaign which includes the RSPB, WWF-UK, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association is calling on people to take part in the first ever Our Rivers Awards by going online and voting for the 'best' or 'worst' river in England and Wales. This could be any river from a picturesque chalk steam to a waterway teeming with native wildlife, or a river plagued by pollution and ruined by water abstraction. The first person to cast their vote for the Our Rivers Awards was television presenter and producer and keen conservationist Philippa Forrester who is currently appearing in Halcyon River Diaries on BBC1. Other river enthusiasts, chef Tom Aiken and wildlife writer, Steve Backshall have also named their favourite rivers. Phillipa Forrester said: "Living close to a river I get to see an amazing array of life from the emergence of mayflies in Spring to the darting flash of a hunting kingfisher and the secretive habits of the water vole. It may be small but my vote has to go to the river which runs close to my home, the real star of the Halcyon River Diaries, because it is a very special place for me." “We have to do all we can to protect these vital wildlife habitats and I hope the Our Rivers awards will highlight the pressures these waterways, and the life they support, are facing.” Tom Aikten has cast his vote for the River Yare in Cringleford near Norwich and Steve Blackshall nominated the Upper Dart in Dartmoor. The Our Rivers campaign was launched last year to campaign for clean, healthy rivers across England and Wales. Soon after, a Government report on the state of the country’s rivers found that 74 per cent are failing to meet European environmental targets. The report found that just five per cent of rivers in England and Wales remain in pristine condition. The rest face a variety of pressures including; run off pollution from fertilisers and poorly designed urban drainage, invasive riverbank species like signal crayfish and American mink and low water levels caused by over abstraction. Ralph Underhill, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “This is the first time the public has had a chance to vote for the river which is closest to the nation’s heart. This award will be a great celebration of one of our richest wildlife habitats – and one that everyone can enjoy because no-one is more than a few minutes from a river, stream or brook. We want to celebrate the amazing rivers we have in England and Wales, whilst raising awareness of the threats they face. By casting your vote, you are speaking up for Our Rivers.” To cast your vote visit the Our River campaign website at <a href="http://www.ourrivers.org.uk">www.ourrivers.org.uk</a>. Voting remains open until the end of British Summer Time on the 31st October 2010. -Ends- Editor's notes: A recent Environment Agency assessment listed 26 per cent of rivers as ‘Good’ status. This means 74% of rivers are failing – including 117 rivers (2%) which are classified as ‘Bad’ making them among the worst in Europe. The EU Water Framework Directive requires the UK to bring all of its rivers up to ‘Good’ status or above by 2015. Current draft plans mean the UK will fail to reach this target. Our Rivers is supported as part of the HSBC Climate Partnership (HCP). The HCP is a US$100 million, five-year partnership funded by HSBC, working with the Climate Group, the Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. Launched in May 2007, the HCP will: Help to protect four of the world’s major rivers – the Amazon, Ganges, Thames, and Yangtze from the impacts of climate change, benefitting the 450 million people who rely on them. Make some of the world’s great cities – Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Shanghai cleaner and greener, which the partners will promote as models for the world; Create ‘climate champions’ worldwide who will undertake field research and bring back valuable knowledge and experience to their communities; Conduct the largest ever field experiment on the world’s forests to measure carbon and the effects of climate change. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.hsbc.com/committochange">www.hsbc.com/committochange</a> Halcyon River Diaries, written by award-winning wildlife writers and photographers Philippa Forrester and Charlie Hamilton James is the story of one family’s year living by a West Country river. Get Out! – and Explore your Local River, also written by Philippa, is an activity book which engages children on everything to do with wildlife in streams and rivers . Both books are available now. If your river is voted ‘Best’ overall, the award will be widely publicised. We’ll design an online badge for your local council and tourist board, to remind everyone you’ve got the best river in 2010, plus a commemorative panel or sculpture donated to the winning town - to be placed on the riverbank or elsewhere in town. As for the Worst River - it’s not just about naming and shaming. The Our Rivers team of experts will conduct a one-day workshop with the local council and/or local groups to help develop an action plan to help imporve the condition of the river and bring back the wildlife. For more information contact: Rowan Walker, Press Officer, WWF-UK tel: 01483 412 387/07986 463 767 Ralph Underhill, Water policy officer, RSPB, tel: 01767 693444 Janina Gray , Salmon & Trout Association tel: 07889603030 " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-31" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(6055) "With only 5 per cent of rivers in England and Wales described as being in a pristine condition a new survey has been launched by a coalition of conservationists to celebrate and bring attention to some of Britain's best loved and long forgotten rivers.The Our Rivers Campaign which includes the RSPB, WWF-UK, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association is calling on people to take part in the first ever Our Rivers Awards by going online and voting for the 'best' or 'worst' river in England and Wales. This could be any river from a picturesque chalk steam to a waterway teeming with native wildlife, or a river plagued by pollution and ruined by water abstraction. The first person to cast their vote for the Our Rivers Awards was television presenter and producer and keen conservationist Philippa Forrester who is currently appearing in Halcyon River Diaries on BBC1. Other river enthusiasts, chef Tom Aiken and wildlife writer, Steve Backshall have also named their favourite rivers. Phillipa Forrester said: "Living close to a river I get to see an amazing array of life from the emergence of mayflies in Spring to the darting flash of a hunting kingfisher and the secretive habits of the water vole. It may be small but my vote has to go to the river which runs close to my home, the real star of the Halcyon River Diaries, because it is a very special place for me." “We have to do all we can to protect these vital wildlife habitats and I hope the Our Rivers awards will highlight the pressures these waterways, and the life they support, are facing.” Tom Aikten has cast his vote for the River Yare in Cringleford near Norwich and Steve Blackshall nominated the Upper Dart in Dartmoor. The Our Rivers campaign was launched last year to campaign for clean, healthy rivers across England and Wales. Soon after, a Government report on the state of the country’s rivers found that 74 per cent are failing to meet European environmental targets. The report found that just five per cent of rivers in England and Wales remain in pristine condition. The rest face a variety of pressures including; run off pollution from fertilisers and poorly designed urban drainage, invasive riverbank species like signal crayfish and American mink and low water levels caused by over abstraction. Ralph Underhill, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “This is the first time the public has had a chance to vote for the river which is closest to the nation’s heart. This award will be a great celebration of one of our richest wildlife habitats – and one that everyone can enjoy because no-one is more than a few minutes from a river, stream or brook. We want to celebrate the amazing rivers we have in England and Wales, whilst raising awareness of the threats they face. By casting your vote, you are speaking up for Our Rivers.” To cast your vote visit the Our River campaign website at <a href="http://www.ourrivers.org.uk">www.ourrivers.org.uk</a>. Voting remains open until the end of British Summer Time on the 31st October 2010. -Ends- Editor's notes: A recent Environment Agency assessment listed 26 per cent of rivers as ‘Good’ status. This means 74% of rivers are failing – including 117 rivers (2%) which are classified as ‘Bad’ making them among the worst in Europe. The EU Water Framework Directive requires the UK to bring all of its rivers up to ‘Good’ status or above by 2015. Current draft plans mean the UK will fail to reach this target. Our Rivers is supported as part of the HSBC Climate Partnership (HCP). The HCP is a US$100 million, five-year partnership funded by HSBC, working with the Climate Group, the Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. Launched in May 2007, the HCP will: Help to protect four of the world’s major rivers – the Amazon, Ganges, Thames, and Yangtze from the impacts of climate change, benefitting the 450 million people who rely on them. Make some of the world’s great cities – Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Shanghai cleaner and greener, which the partners will promote as models for the world; Create ‘climate champions’ worldwide who will undertake field research and bring back valuable knowledge and experience to their communities; Conduct the largest ever field experiment on the world’s forests to measure carbon and the effects of climate change. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.hsbc.com/committochange">www.hsbc.com/committochange</a> Halcyon River Diaries, written by award-winning wildlife writers and photographers Philippa Forrester and Charlie Hamilton James is the story of one family’s year living by a West Country river. Get Out! – and Explore your Local River, also written by Philippa, is an activity book which engages children on everything to do with wildlife in streams and rivers . Both books are available now. If your river is voted ‘Best’ overall, the award will be widely publicised. We’ll design an online badge for your local council and tourist board, to remind everyone you’ve got the best river in 2010, plus a commemorative panel or sculpture donated to the winning town - to be placed on the riverbank or elsewhere in town. As for the Worst River - it’s not just about naming and shaming. The Our Rivers team of experts will conduct a one-day workshop with the local council and/or local groups to help develop an action plan to help imporve the condition of the river and bring back the wildlife. For more information contact: Rowan Walker, Press Officer, WWF-UK tel: 01483 412 387/07986 463 767 Ralph Underhill, Water policy officer, RSPB, tel: 01767 693444 Janina Gray , Salmon & Trout Association tel: 07889603030 " } [1]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(112) "Microsoft UK , The Scottish Government and Sky embrace videoconferencing and pledge to cut down business flights" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4170" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4965) "Microsoft UK, The Scottish Government and Sky are all showing their commitment to cutting down business flights by joining WWF-UK’s One in Five Challenge. The programme helps companies and governments cut their costs and carbon emissions from business travel by asking members to cut 20 per cent of their business flights within five years.<div style="line-height: 150%">Since launching the scheme last year, over 12 companies including Vodafone UK, Marks & Spencer and Capgemini have signed up to the One in Five Challenge and the latest joiners show how serious large businesses are about looking for alternatives to flying. An increasing number are saving money and carbon emissions by introducing videoconferencing and where possible looking for low carbon travel alternatives, such as rail.</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Mary-Anne King, Environmental Sustainability Lead, Microsoft UK said:</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> ‘Over the past three years, Microsoft UK has significantly reduced both its long and short haul business travel as demonstrated by our certification under the Carbon Trust Standard in April. We know that the two key contributors to our carbon footprint are business air travel and energy consumption and, as a result, our employees are committed to restricting unnecessary face-to-face meetings by using technology like unified communications instead. Participating in WWF’s One in Five Challenge programme is a tangible action we can take to work towards achieving our tough target of reducing the carbon footprint of Microsoft world-wide by 30% per unit of revenue by 2012, based on our 2007 figures.’ </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport and Climate Change with the Scottish Government said:</div> <div style="line-height: 150%">"The Scottish Government is proud to be the first Government organisation to sign up to WWF's One in Five Challenge. Since setting our world-leading emissions reductions target of 42 per cent in our Act last year, Scotland has continued to set the pace on action on climate change. </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">"As an organisation, we are taking action to ensure that, where business journeys are necessary, we travel sustainably. We flew half a million miles less in 2008/09 and have delivered a considerable reduction in our air travel costs. This dropped by 24 per cent from July to December 2009, compared to the previous six months. And we already have a carbon emissions levy in place so that whenever a Minister or staff member travels by air, we pay a carbon levy per journey to offset the carbon emissions. We are also making increasing use of video conferencing facilities, when appropriate, instead of travelling to meetings in the UK."</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Fiona Ball, Head of Environment, Sky commented: “Sky has been taking action on Climate Change for five years now and through embracing technology such as videoconferencing we cut our business air travel emissions by 35% over the past three years. But we recognise that there is always more that can be done which is why we have signed up to WWF’s One in Five Challenge to reduce our total business travel by 20% per employee by 2012."     </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">WWF welcomes Microsoft, Sky and the Scottish Government to the One in Five Challenge. The members of the Challenge are showing leadership in reducing their flights and demonstrating that it makes good business sense to find smarter ways of working, using audio, web and video conferencing technologies, as well as increasing their productivity. Business is able to remain competitive whilst cutting back on their travel, demonstrating that in the future, those companies that change their working practices will be better adapted in a carbon constrained world.  Members have also found they can make huge carbon savings as well as improving the work-life balance of staff, who spend less time away from home.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>- ends -</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>For further information, please contact:</div> <div>Rowan Walker, Press Officer WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a></div>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-19" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4965) "Microsoft UK, The Scottish Government and Sky are all showing their commitment to cutting down business flights by joining WWF-UK’s One in Five Challenge. The programme helps companies and governments cut their costs and carbon emissions from business travel by asking members to cut 20 per cent of their business flights within five years.<div style="line-height: 150%">Since launching the scheme last year, over 12 companies including Vodafone UK, Marks & Spencer and Capgemini have signed up to the One in Five Challenge and the latest joiners show how serious large businesses are about looking for alternatives to flying. An increasing number are saving money and carbon emissions by introducing videoconferencing and where possible looking for low carbon travel alternatives, such as rail.</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Mary-Anne King, Environmental Sustainability Lead, Microsoft UK said:</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> ‘Over the past three years, Microsoft UK has significantly reduced both its long and short haul business travel as demonstrated by our certification under the Carbon Trust Standard in April. We know that the two key contributors to our carbon footprint are business air travel and energy consumption and, as a result, our employees are committed to restricting unnecessary face-to-face meetings by using technology like unified communications instead. Participating in WWF’s One in Five Challenge programme is a tangible action we can take to work towards achieving our tough target of reducing the carbon footprint of Microsoft world-wide by 30% per unit of revenue by 2012, based on our 2007 figures.’ </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Transport and Climate Change with the Scottish Government said:</div> <div style="line-height: 150%">"The Scottish Government is proud to be the first Government organisation to sign up to WWF's One in Five Challenge. Since setting our world-leading emissions reductions target of 42 per cent in our Act last year, Scotland has continued to set the pace on action on climate change. </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">"As an organisation, we are taking action to ensure that, where business journeys are necessary, we travel sustainably. We flew half a million miles less in 2008/09 and have delivered a considerable reduction in our air travel costs. This dropped by 24 per cent from July to December 2009, compared to the previous six months. And we already have a carbon emissions levy in place so that whenever a Minister or staff member travels by air, we pay a carbon levy per journey to offset the carbon emissions. We are also making increasing use of video conferencing facilities, when appropriate, instead of travelling to meetings in the UK."</div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">Fiona Ball, Head of Environment, Sky commented: “Sky has been taking action on Climate Change for five years now and through embracing technology such as videoconferencing we cut our business air travel emissions by 35% over the past three years. But we recognise that there is always more that can be done which is why we have signed up to WWF’s One in Five Challenge to reduce our total business travel by 20% per employee by 2012."     </div> <div style="line-height: 150%"> </div> <div style="line-height: 150%">WWF welcomes Microsoft, Sky and the Scottish Government to the One in Five Challenge. The members of the Challenge are showing leadership in reducing their flights and demonstrating that it makes good business sense to find smarter ways of working, using audio, web and video conferencing technologies, as well as increasing their productivity. Business is able to remain competitive whilst cutting back on their travel, demonstrating that in the future, those companies that change their working practices will be better adapted in a carbon constrained world.  Members have also found they can make huge carbon savings as well as improving the work-life balance of staff, who spend less time away from home.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>- ends -</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>For further information, please contact:</div> <div>Rowan Walker, Press Officer WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412 387, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a></div>" } [2]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(76) "From bones to beast - a tiger comes to life on the banks of the River Thames" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4163" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(6274) "A tiger sculpture that starts as a skeleton and will grow into a 3.4 metre tigress, will soon take shape on the South Bank of the Thames. Bringing the Bones to Life, an ambitious new project by animal sculptor Mark Coreth is part of the Mayor’s Thames Festival, London’s largest free outdoor arts festival, which takes place on 11th & 12th September 2010. Commissioned by WWF, it will give the public a chance to create a piece of living art, while raising awareness of the plight of wild tigers.With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began, Bringing the Bones to Life is part of WWF’s Year of the Tiger campaign, which aims to help double tiger numbers by 2022 – the next Chinese Year of the Tiger, and takes place ahead of the first ever Global Tiger Summit, due to be held in Russia later this year. WWF is calling on people to sign a petition to show their support for action to save the tiger, which will be presented to negotiators at the summit in St Petersberg. Last year Coreth and his team carved a polar ice bear in Trafalgar Square which melted to reveal a dramatic bronze skeleton, symbolising threats to the species from the impact of climate change. Bringing the Bones to Life is a continuation of his dedication to using sculpture to raise awareness of the natural world. Born in London in 1958, Mark developed a passion for wildlife and conservation during his childhood – much of which was spent in Kenya surrounded by Colobus monkeys, leopards and cheetahs. “I had always wanted to witness the tiger in its wild habitat so I travelled to Bandhavgarh and Kanha in India where I learnt far more than I ever expected to. This sculpture is ultimately the result of that trip. I am not just sculpting a Tiger but an issue, namely the plight of that majestic and iconic beast and drawing the public’s attention to the importance of saving the world’s endangered species and their habitats. Sculpture is a powerful language and the threat to the Tiger is a tale that needs to be told.” Mark Coreth “Mark Coreth’s sculptures are a positive way of telling the story of a species in decline. Bringing the Bones to Life is a really exciting chance to get the public involved in our work,” said Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK. “With tiger numbers having hit an all time low, the need to save wild tigers is greater than ever before. And by working to protect tiger habitat, our campaign will not only help ensure the future of one of the world’s most iconic animals, it will also benefit the other species and people who share their environment” From 6-10th September, Coreth will invite members of the public to help create the lifesize tiger by adding materials to its skeleton and molding its body to produce a dramatic sculpture that will stand and stare at passers-by. People can also watch the tiger grow online through a live webcam. Bringing the Bones to Life will then remain on display on the Southbank until 19th September 2010. - ends - Editor's notes Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns, WWF-UK, Mark Coreth, and Toby Sherbourne, Project Manager, Ice Bear Project Co-ordinator are all available for interview. To sign up to WWF’s Tiger petition please go to : <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a> WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national action plans which will be combined to create the global conservation programme. For information on tigers please go to <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a> For further information and images on Bringing the Bones to Life, please contact: Rowan Walker, Press Officer – WWF –UK, Tel 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Tigers')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a> Mayor’s Thames Festival: 11th and 12th September 2010, 12pm-10pm The Mayor’s Thames Festival (<a href="http://www.thamesfestival.org<http://www.thamesfestival.org/>">www.thamesfestival.org<http://www.thamesfestival.org/>) </a>is London’s largest free arts festival. A spectacular, free celebration of London and its river, the festival takes place every September with a packed weekend of outdoor events on the River Thames, the riverside walkways, roads, bridges, docks and public open spaces from the London Eye to Tower Bridge and beyond. The festival commissions new work, and transforms unusual spaces on and around the River Thames with a vivid mixture of music, dance, feasting, carnival, river races, art installations and street arts. It’s all about bringing people together and encouraging them to take part. The finale is a magical illuminated Night Carnival that winds along the north and south banks of the Thames, followed by fireworks fired from the centre of the river itself. An event with a real creative legacy, the festival has four key ongoing education projects with schools and community groups focussing on art/design, the environment, music education and food growing. In 2009 the Festival worked with 288 schools from London and overseas and 225 community groups, reaching over 10,000 young people worldwide. The Mayor’s Thames Festival is supported by Arts Council England and the Mayor of London. For further information on the Mayor’s Thames Festival please contact: Emma Lawson, Press & PR, 07768 738 345, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,109,109,97,108,97,119,115,111,110,64,103,108,111,98,97,108,110,101,116,46,99,111,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Tigers')">emmalawson@globalnet.co.uk</a> - ends - " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-16" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(6274) "A tiger sculpture that starts as a skeleton and will grow into a 3.4 metre tigress, will soon take shape on the South Bank of the Thames. Bringing the Bones to Life, an ambitious new project by animal sculptor Mark Coreth is part of the Mayor’s Thames Festival, London’s largest free outdoor arts festival, which takes place on 11th & 12th September 2010. Commissioned by WWF, it will give the public a chance to create a piece of living art, while raising awareness of the plight of wild tigers.With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began, Bringing the Bones to Life is part of WWF’s Year of the Tiger campaign, which aims to help double tiger numbers by 2022 – the next Chinese Year of the Tiger, and takes place ahead of the first ever Global Tiger Summit, due to be held in Russia later this year. WWF is calling on people to sign a petition to show their support for action to save the tiger, which will be presented to negotiators at the summit in St Petersberg. Last year Coreth and his team carved a polar ice bear in Trafalgar Square which melted to reveal a dramatic bronze skeleton, symbolising threats to the species from the impact of climate change. Bringing the Bones to Life is a continuation of his dedication to using sculpture to raise awareness of the natural world. Born in London in 1958, Mark developed a passion for wildlife and conservation during his childhood – much of which was spent in Kenya surrounded by Colobus monkeys, leopards and cheetahs. “I had always wanted to witness the tiger in its wild habitat so I travelled to Bandhavgarh and Kanha in India where I learnt far more than I ever expected to. This sculpture is ultimately the result of that trip. I am not just sculpting a Tiger but an issue, namely the plight of that majestic and iconic beast and drawing the public’s attention to the importance of saving the world’s endangered species and their habitats. Sculpture is a powerful language and the threat to the Tiger is a tale that needs to be told.” Mark Coreth “Mark Coreth’s sculptures are a positive way of telling the story of a species in decline. Bringing the Bones to Life is a really exciting chance to get the public involved in our work,” said Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK. “With tiger numbers having hit an all time low, the need to save wild tigers is greater than ever before. And by working to protect tiger habitat, our campaign will not only help ensure the future of one of the world’s most iconic animals, it will also benefit the other species and people who share their environment” From 6-10th September, Coreth will invite members of the public to help create the lifesize tiger by adding materials to its skeleton and molding its body to produce a dramatic sculpture that will stand and stare at passers-by. People can also watch the tiger grow online through a live webcam. Bringing the Bones to Life will then remain on display on the Southbank until 19th September 2010. - ends - Editor's notes Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns, WWF-UK, Mark Coreth, and Toby Sherbourne, Project Manager, Ice Bear Project Co-ordinator are all available for interview. To sign up to WWF’s Tiger petition please go to : <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a> WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national action plans which will be combined to create the global conservation programme. For information on tigers please go to <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a> For further information and images on Bringing the Bones to Life, please contact: Rowan Walker, Press Officer – WWF –UK, Tel 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Tigers')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a> Mayor’s Thames Festival: 11th and 12th September 2010, 12pm-10pm The Mayor’s Thames Festival (<a href="http://www.thamesfestival.org<http://www.thamesfestival.org/>">www.thamesfestival.org<http://www.thamesfestival.org/>) </a>is London’s largest free arts festival. A spectacular, free celebration of London and its river, the festival takes place every September with a packed weekend of outdoor events on the River Thames, the riverside walkways, roads, bridges, docks and public open spaces from the London Eye to Tower Bridge and beyond. The festival commissions new work, and transforms unusual spaces on and around the River Thames with a vivid mixture of music, dance, feasting, carnival, river races, art installations and street arts. It’s all about bringing people together and encouraging them to take part. The finale is a magical illuminated Night Carnival that winds along the north and south banks of the Thames, followed by fireworks fired from the centre of the river itself. An event with a real creative legacy, the festival has four key ongoing education projects with schools and community groups focussing on art/design, the environment, music education and food growing. In 2009 the Festival worked with 288 schools from London and overseas and 225 community groups, reaching over 10,000 young people worldwide. The Mayor’s Thames Festival is supported by Arts Council England and the Mayor of London. For further information on the Mayor’s Thames Festival please contact: Emma Lawson, Press & PR, 07768 738 345, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,109,109,97,108,97,119,115,111,110,64,103,108,111,98,97,108,110,101,116,46,99,111,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Tigers')">emmalawson@globalnet.co.uk</a> - ends - " } [3]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(43) "Delays on water metering threaten UK rivers" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4150" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(14139) "Water meters offer a key part of the solution to Britain’s water crisis yet figures from the water regulator Ofwat show there continues to be a worryingly low take up around the country with just over a third of households benefiting from being on a water meter. Following a summer of dry weather and water shortages, WWF-UK is calling on the new Government and water companies to take action now to ensure universal water metering is in place by 2020.Current legislation allows water companies, with government approval, to install compulsory water meters for customers who live in ‘water scarce’ areas, largely in the south and east of England. Yet this opportunity is being sidelined around the UK with some companies metering barely a fifth of homes (1) despite warnings of severe water shortages. Rose Timlett, Freshwater Policy Officer at WWF-UK says: “Not only is the current water charging system unfair and outdated, it is also piling huge pressure on our rivers and their wildlife. One third of our river catchments are facing damage because we are simply taking too much water out of them, a problem that is set to get worse with climate change and a rising population. With the current water shortages across the country, water companies and the Government should be doing all they can to help more households install a water meter.” Last year, the government published a review into metering and charging (the Walker Review) which recommended that England and Wales should move to 80 per cent metering by 2020, acknowledging this as the fairest way for customers to pay for water. Yet progress on these targets has been limited, with only 37 per cent of households in the UK currently metered. The latest company 5 year plans show that this number is planned to rise to 50 per cent by 2015 – still only half of what is required. Rose Timlett says: “The UK remains one of the only European countries where the majority of households do not pay for water on the basis of what they use. We pay for most things by what we use, as it seems the fairest way, so it is ludicrous that most households have no idea how much water they are using and how much water – and money- they could potentially be saving. Universal metering will lead to better awareness and understanding of water use by the householder, but also better understanding of water demand by the water companies and more innovative demand reduction schemes.” WWF is working with water companies to support their metering projects. In addition WWF is working with the water industry, the Government, and its regulators, as part of its Rivers on the Edge project to restore water flows to English rivers by reducing demand for water. One such scheme, Save Water Swindon is challenging Swindon’s residents to reduce their water use by 20 litres per person per day. However, there is a need for a nationwide approach to ensure that we stop using water wastefully and protect the future security of our water supplies. Rose Timlett adds: “The new government has committed to examining the Walker recommendations and reforming the water industry. WWF looks forward to working with the Government to ensure the new Water White Paper includes a requirement for every home to have a water meter by 2020.” - ends - Editor's notes Figures on water metering: % of household metered Water and sewerage companies            2009/10      by 2014-15 Anglian                                                            63                 81 Dŵr Cymru                                                     29                 41 Northumbrian                                                21                 43 Severn Trent                                                  31                 42 South West                                                    64                 79 Southern                                                        38                 92 Thames                                                         26                 37 United Utilities                                             26                  38 Wessex                                                         44                  58 Yorkshire                                                      35                  48 Water only companies Bournemouth & W Hampshire                53                  66 Bristol                                                           31                  46 Cambridge                                                  61                  70 Dee Valley                                                   46                   58 Portsmouth                                                 12                   24 South East                                                   40                  68 South Staffs                                                 22                  35 Sutton & East Surrey                                  30                  47 Veolia Central                                              36                  44 Veolia East                                                   45                  71 Veolia Southeast                                         45                  90 Industry total                                                 37                  50 Source: Ofwat, 2009. <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/industry/walkerreview/documents/final-report.pdf">http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/industry/walkerreview/documents/final-report.pdf</a> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. For further information visit <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Water%20Metering')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-12" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(14139) "Water meters offer a key part of the solution to Britain’s water crisis yet figures from the water regulator Ofwat show there continues to be a worryingly low take up around the country with just over a third of households benefiting from being on a water meter. Following a summer of dry weather and water shortages, WWF-UK is calling on the new Government and water companies to take action now to ensure universal water metering is in place by 2020.Current legislation allows water companies, with government approval, to install compulsory water meters for customers who live in ‘water scarce’ areas, largely in the south and east of England. Yet this opportunity is being sidelined around the UK with some companies metering barely a fifth of homes (1) despite warnings of severe water shortages. Rose Timlett, Freshwater Policy Officer at WWF-UK says: “Not only is the current water charging system unfair and outdated, it is also piling huge pressure on our rivers and their wildlife. One third of our river catchments are facing damage because we are simply taking too much water out of them, a problem that is set to get worse with climate change and a rising population. With the current water shortages across the country, water companies and the Government should be doing all they can to help more households install a water meter.” Last year, the government published a review into metering and charging (the Walker Review) which recommended that England and Wales should move to 80 per cent metering by 2020, acknowledging this as the fairest way for customers to pay for water. Yet progress on these targets has been limited, with only 37 per cent of households in the UK currently metered. The latest company 5 year plans show that this number is planned to rise to 50 per cent by 2015 – still only half of what is required. Rose Timlett says: “The UK remains one of the only European countries where the majority of households do not pay for water on the basis of what they use. We pay for most things by what we use, as it seems the fairest way, so it is ludicrous that most households have no idea how much water they are using and how much water – and money- they could potentially be saving. Universal metering will lead to better awareness and understanding of water use by the householder, but also better understanding of water demand by the water companies and more innovative demand reduction schemes.” WWF is working with water companies to support their metering projects. In addition WWF is working with the water industry, the Government, and its regulators, as part of its Rivers on the Edge project to restore water flows to English rivers by reducing demand for water. One such scheme, Save Water Swindon is challenging Swindon’s residents to reduce their water use by 20 litres per person per day. However, there is a need for a nationwide approach to ensure that we stop using water wastefully and protect the future security of our water supplies. Rose Timlett adds: “The new government has committed to examining the Walker recommendations and reforming the water industry. WWF looks forward to working with the Government to ensure the new Water White Paper includes a requirement for every home to have a water meter by 2020.” - ends - Editor's notes Figures on water metering: % of household metered Water and sewerage companies            2009/10      by 2014-15 Anglian                                                            63                 81 Dŵr Cymru                                                     29                 41 Northumbrian                                                21                 43 Severn Trent                                                  31                 42 South West                                                    64                 79 Southern                                                        38                 92 Thames                                                         26                 37 United Utilities                                             26                  38 Wessex                                                         44                  58 Yorkshire                                                      35                  48 Water only companies Bournemouth & W Hampshire                53                  66 Bristol                                                           31                  46 Cambridge                                                  61                  70 Dee Valley                                                   46                   58 Portsmouth                                                 12                   24 South East                                                   40                  68 South Staffs                                                 22                  35 Sutton & East Surrey                                  30                  47 Veolia Central                                              36                  44 Veolia East                                                   45                  71 Veolia Southeast                                         45                  90 Industry total                                                 37                  50 Source: Ofwat, 2009. <a href="http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/industry/walkerreview/documents/final-report.pdf">http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/industry/walkerreview/documents/final-report.pdf</a> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. For further information visit <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Water%20Metering')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [4]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(69) "Governments must ramp up climate change talks ahead of Cancun meeting" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4147" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2800) "WWF says governments who participated in the third Bonn climate change talks this week now must ramp up their negotiations, or they will waste a crucial opportunity to move forward in Cancun later this year."Governments can and must make progress on areas such as adaptation, finance and ending deforestation at COP 16 in Cancun," said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF's Global Climate Initiative. "But they will have to increase their efforts now and start seeking areas of convergence in a much more serious way." Reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) is an example where agreements already achieved in Copenhagen have been opened up again on such basic issues as the definition of what it covers. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) inter-sessional in Tianjin, China later this year is the last opportunity for these governments to resolve any outstanding issues in time to agree to a good package to address climate change in Cancun at COP16. Such a package would be a major stepping stone to a legal-framework to be adopted at COP17 next year. "It was worrying to see that the discussions in Bonn that moved behind closed doors did not progress issues adequately. The mitigation discussion even went backwards and became more polarized,” Shepherd said. “We cannot afford these snail-paced negotiations and they must speed up, or we’ll lose all momentum in this process.” "Parties also need to make progress in other areas such as the sources for climate finance and not just wait for the UN Advisory Group on Finance (AGF)," said Shepherd. It is important for governments to move away from the "all-or-nothing"-approach at the UNFCCC, and seek breakthroughs for a balanced Cancun package in areas such as forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action, WWF says. For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK TEL: 01483 412 383 MOB: 07867 697 519 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-08-06" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2800) "WWF says governments who participated in the third Bonn climate change talks this week now must ramp up their negotiations, or they will waste a crucial opportunity to move forward in Cancun later this year."Governments can and must make progress on areas such as adaptation, finance and ending deforestation at COP 16 in Cancun," said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF's Global Climate Initiative. "But they will have to increase their efforts now and start seeking areas of convergence in a much more serious way." Reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) is an example where agreements already achieved in Copenhagen have been opened up again on such basic issues as the definition of what it covers. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) inter-sessional in Tianjin, China later this year is the last opportunity for these governments to resolve any outstanding issues in time to agree to a good package to address climate change in Cancun at COP16. Such a package would be a major stepping stone to a legal-framework to be adopted at COP17 next year. "It was worrying to see that the discussions in Bonn that moved behind closed doors did not progress issues adequately. The mitigation discussion even went backwards and became more polarized,” Shepherd said. “We cannot afford these snail-paced negotiations and they must speed up, or we’ll lose all momentum in this process.” "Parties also need to make progress in other areas such as the sources for climate finance and not just wait for the UN Advisory Group on Finance (AGF)," said Shepherd. It is important for governments to move away from the "all-or-nothing"-approach at the UNFCCC, and seek breakthroughs for a balanced Cancun package in areas such as forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action, WWF says. For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK TEL: 01483 412 383 MOB: 07867 697 519 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources " } [5]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(39) "Progress possible in Bonn climate talks" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4128" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2689) "The odds for progress at the UN climate talks in Cancun this December are still good, says WWF, if governments focus on delivering key ingredients through a “Cancun package” that forms a stepping stone for a legal framework to be finalised at the end of 2011. Delegates gathering for run-up negotiations in Bonn next week and in Tianjin, China, later this year need to take this opportunity to resolve long outstanding open issues.“Cancun won't work if the world expects an all-or-nothing agreement , but it can be a solid stepping stone towards a legal framework for climate action in COP17 next year,” said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative. “This year’s recipe for success includes breakthroughs on forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action.” WWF sees particular potential for progress in negotiations over delivery of the promised US$30 billion per year in fast-start-funding for climate action, and in moves to secure innovative finance sources for long-term climate finance. Such progress could accelerate negotiations on other topics. “A strong REDD mechanism to stop deforestation looks ready for harvest once the brackets around the negotiating text are removed, providing protection for forests and including safeguards for biodiversity and people's livelihoods”, said Shepherd. “In addition, an adaptation framework has been within reach for a while, so talks in Bonn and Tianjin should prepare it for delivery in Cancun. This will provide vulnerable countries with the financial and technical support so that people and nature can continue to thrive and ward off threats.” WWF also highlighted the greenhouse gas gigatonne gap between the emission cuts which countries are currently proposing, and what’s really needed for a smooth transition to a secure low-carbon economy. Solutions to plug the gap are available and governments must get to grips with them quickly. With its domestic bill getting delayed the US may be losing momentum, but agreeing a strong climate deal under the UNFCCC doesn’t depend on just one country. “We can and should still expect the US to meet the commitments it made in Copenhagen in the global fight against climate change. Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd. For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519 " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-30" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2689) "The odds for progress at the UN climate talks in Cancun this December are still good, says WWF, if governments focus on delivering key ingredients through a “Cancun package” that forms a stepping stone for a legal framework to be finalised at the end of 2011. Delegates gathering for run-up negotiations in Bonn next week and in Tianjin, China, later this year need to take this opportunity to resolve long outstanding open issues.“Cancun won't work if the world expects an all-or-nothing agreement , but it can be a solid stepping stone towards a legal framework for climate action in COP17 next year,” said Gordon Shepherd, Leader of WWF’s Global Climate Initiative. “This year’s recipe for success includes breakthroughs on forest protection, adaptation to inevitable threats from climate change, and the beginning of real flows of finance for climate action.” WWF sees particular potential for progress in negotiations over delivery of the promised US$30 billion per year in fast-start-funding for climate action, and in moves to secure innovative finance sources for long-term climate finance. Such progress could accelerate negotiations on other topics. “A strong REDD mechanism to stop deforestation looks ready for harvest once the brackets around the negotiating text are removed, providing protection for forests and including safeguards for biodiversity and people's livelihoods”, said Shepherd. “In addition, an adaptation framework has been within reach for a while, so talks in Bonn and Tianjin should prepare it for delivery in Cancun. This will provide vulnerable countries with the financial and technical support so that people and nature can continue to thrive and ward off threats.” WWF also highlighted the greenhouse gas gigatonne gap between the emission cuts which countries are currently proposing, and what’s really needed for a smooth transition to a secure low-carbon economy. Solutions to plug the gap are available and governments must get to grips with them quickly. With its domestic bill getting delayed the US may be losing momentum, but agreeing a strong climate deal under the UNFCCC doesn’t depend on just one country. “We can and should still expect the US to meet the commitments it made in Copenhagen in the global fight against climate change. Many other countries around the world are moving quickly to make the necessary climate resilient low-carbon transition, said Shepherd. For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519 " } [6]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(50) "New ruling will help protect Russian Tiger habitat" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4125" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3685) "A new ruling by the Russian government to protect the Korean Pine - a key tree species found in the Russian Far East – could help to conserve the endangered Amur Tiger, according to WWF and Traffic.As few as 400 Amur Tigers survive in the native Korean Pine forests of the Russian Far East and north-east China, where the pine nuts are an essential food source for Tiger prey species. However, rising global demand for the pine has led to a massive increase in logging, much of it carried out illegally, in Russia’s remaining temperate forests. To help regulate the logging, Russia has listed the Korean Pine in Appendix III of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).The listing means exports of Korean Pine timber from Russia will now need CITES permits, which will make it harder for the illegal timber trade to carry on. “The fate of the Amur Tiger is inextricably linked to the safeguarding of the Korean Pine,” said Pauline Verheij, joint TRAFFIC and WWF Tiger Trade Programme Manager. “Russia is putting in place the kind of measures that will help with the commitment by Tiger range countries to double numbers of wild Tigers by 2020.” The ruling comes at a key point for tiger conservation. Earlier this month, the 13 countries with surviving Tiger populations drafted a Declaration on Tiger Conservation , which would commit them to doubling the number of remaining wild tigers by 2022. It is anticipated that the Declaration will be formally signed at a Heads of Government summit in Russia later this year. “TRAFFIC and WWF Russia warmly welcome the measures to regulate the trade in Korean Pine timber, which is good news for the local people whose livelihoods depend on the trade in Korean Pine nuts and for Amur Tigers, which live where these trees grow,” said Alexey Vaisman, Senior Programme Officer with TRAFFIC Europe-Russia. “The new measures will need to be backed up with appropriate enforcement action.” The new measures will also benefit the legal pine nut trade in the region which WWF and TRAFFIC have been promoting as a means of providing legal and sustainable income. “We hope the listing in CITES will finally help break the system of illegal logging of Korean Pines and help the survival of trade in alternative, sustainable forestry products from the region,” said Evgeny Lepeshkin, Forestry Projects Co-ordinator with the Amur branch of WWF Russia. ENDS For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> About TRAFFIC TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN and WWF. <a href="http://www.traffic.org">www.traffic.org</a>  " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-29" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3685) "A new ruling by the Russian government to protect the Korean Pine - a key tree species found in the Russian Far East – could help to conserve the endangered Amur Tiger, according to WWF and Traffic.As few as 400 Amur Tigers survive in the native Korean Pine forests of the Russian Far East and north-east China, where the pine nuts are an essential food source for Tiger prey species. However, rising global demand for the pine has led to a massive increase in logging, much of it carried out illegally, in Russia’s remaining temperate forests. To help regulate the logging, Russia has listed the Korean Pine in Appendix III of CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora).The listing means exports of Korean Pine timber from Russia will now need CITES permits, which will make it harder for the illegal timber trade to carry on. “The fate of the Amur Tiger is inextricably linked to the safeguarding of the Korean Pine,” said Pauline Verheij, joint TRAFFIC and WWF Tiger Trade Programme Manager. “Russia is putting in place the kind of measures that will help with the commitment by Tiger range countries to double numbers of wild Tigers by 2020.” The ruling comes at a key point for tiger conservation. Earlier this month, the 13 countries with surviving Tiger populations drafted a Declaration on Tiger Conservation , which would commit them to doubling the number of remaining wild tigers by 2022. It is anticipated that the Declaration will be formally signed at a Heads of Government summit in Russia later this year. “TRAFFIC and WWF Russia warmly welcome the measures to regulate the trade in Korean Pine timber, which is good news for the local people whose livelihoods depend on the trade in Korean Pine nuts and for Amur Tigers, which live where these trees grow,” said Alexey Vaisman, Senior Programme Officer with TRAFFIC Europe-Russia. “The new measures will need to be backed up with appropriate enforcement action.” The new measures will also benefit the legal pine nut trade in the region which WWF and TRAFFIC have been promoting as a means of providing legal and sustainable income. “We hope the listing in CITES will finally help break the system of illegal logging of Korean Pines and help the survival of trade in alternative, sustainable forestry products from the region,” said Evgeny Lepeshkin, Forestry Projects Co-ordinator with the Amur branch of WWF Russia. ENDS For further information: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 383 Mobile: 07867 697 519 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> About TRAFFIC TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, works to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature. TRAFFIC is a joint programme of IUCN and WWF. <a href="http://www.traffic.org">www.traffic.org</a>  " } [7]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(58) "WWF deeply sorry for nameplate incident at climate meeting" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4114" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3702) "Gland, Switzerland, 28.07.10: Global environment organisation WWF apologised unreservedly for the actions of an employee who was involved in an incident at the June meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).The incident was gravely offensive to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the meeting as a whole. It involved the taking and distribution of offensive photographs featuring the official nameplate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The incident was completely unacceptable under the standards of the Convention and the standards of WWF,” said WWF International Director General Jim Leape. “We have apologised formally to the UNFCCC and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The individual responsible has expressed deep remorse and apologised unreservedly for his actions. He is no longer working for WWF.” Another employee of WWF, and an employee of Oxfam, were questioned by UN security investigating the incident. They have both been suspended pending the completion of further investigations. “We are deeply sorry for the offence caused by this incident, which we utterly condemn and cannot excuse,” Mr Leape said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that nothing like this happens again.” Mr Leape has written to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties governing body, the COP Bureau, outlining a new Code of Conduct that all WWF attendees at international meetings would be required to sign. “This will ensure that both UNFCCC protocols and our own internal standards are adhered to,” said Mr Leape. Mr Leape also reaffirmed WWF’s commitment to the UNFCCC process and the continuing negotiations towards solutions to the global issue of climate change. For further information: Martin Atkin | Media Director | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,97,116,107,105,110,64,119,119,102,46,112,97,110,100,97,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">matkin@wwf.panda.org</a> | +41 79698 2985 Phil Dickie | News Editor | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,100,105,99,107,105,101,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">pdickie@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79703 1952 Natalia Reiter | Media Officer | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(110,114,101,105,116,101,114,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">nreiter@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79873 8099 Benjamin Ward | Head of Press | WWF UK | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(98,119,97,114,100,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">bward@wwf.org.uk</a> | + 44 7837 134 193 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3702) "Gland, Switzerland, 28.07.10: Global environment organisation WWF apologised unreservedly for the actions of an employee who was involved in an incident at the June meeting of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).The incident was gravely offensive to the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to the meeting as a whole. It involved the taking and distribution of offensive photographs featuring the official nameplate of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The incident was completely unacceptable under the standards of the Convention and the standards of WWF,” said WWF International Director General Jim Leape. “We have apologised formally to the UNFCCC and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “The individual responsible has expressed deep remorse and apologised unreservedly for his actions. He is no longer working for WWF.” Another employee of WWF, and an employee of Oxfam, were questioned by UN security investigating the incident. They have both been suspended pending the completion of further investigations. “We are deeply sorry for the offence caused by this incident, which we utterly condemn and cannot excuse,” Mr Leape said. “We are doing everything we can to ensure that nothing like this happens again.” Mr Leape has written to the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties governing body, the COP Bureau, outlining a new Code of Conduct that all WWF attendees at international meetings would be required to sign. “This will ensure that both UNFCCC protocols and our own internal standards are adhered to,” said Mr Leape. Mr Leape also reaffirmed WWF’s commitment to the UNFCCC process and the continuing negotiations towards solutions to the global issue of climate change. For further information: Martin Atkin | Media Director | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,97,116,107,105,110,64,119,119,102,46,112,97,110,100,97,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">matkin@wwf.panda.org</a> | +41 79698 2985 Phil Dickie | News Editor | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,100,105,99,107,105,101,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">pdickie@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79703 1952 Natalia Reiter | Media Officer | WWF International | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(110,114,101,105,116,101,114,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">nreiter@wwfint.org</a> | +41 79873 8099 Benjamin Ward | Head of Press | WWF UK | <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(98,119,97,114,100,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20WWF%20Apology')">bward@wwf.org.uk</a> | + 44 7837 134 193 About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. www.panda.org/media for latest news and media resources " } [8]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(44) "Rare giant fish driven to extinction by dams" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4101" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4321) "Wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if hydropower dams planned for the Mekong River go ahead, according to a new report by WWF. The report, River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong, profiles four giant fish living in the Mekong that rank within the top 10 largest freshwater fish on the planet. At half the length of a bus and weighing up to 600kgs, the Mekong River’s Giant freshwater stingray is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. The critically endangered and culturally fabled Mekong giant catfish ranks third at up to 3 metres in length and 350kgs.The Global Top 10 Giant Freshwater Fish -Giant freshwater stingray -Chinese paddlefish -Mekong giant catfish -Wels catfish -Giant pangasius (dog eating catfish) -Giant barb -Arapaima (pirarucu; paiche) -Piraiba (laulau; lechero) -Nile perch -Alligator gar The hydropower dam planned on the Mekong River at Sayabouly Province, northern Laos, is a threat to the survival of the wild population of Mekong giant catfish. The Sayabouly dam is the first lower Mekong River mainstream dam to enter a critical stage of assessment before member countries of the Mekong River Commission advise on whether to approve its construction. To meet immediate energy demands, WWF promotes sustainable hydropower projects on tributaries of the Mekong River, prioritising those that already have hydropower dams developed on them. “More giant fish live in the Mekong than any other river on Earth,” said Mark Wright Conservation Science Advisor at WWF-UK. “A fish the size of a Mekong giant catfish, simply will not be able to swim across a large barrier like a dam to reach its spawning grounds upstream. Any dam built on the lower Mekong River mainstream will block migration routes and lead to the collapse of the wild population of this extraordinary species.” The impacts of lower Mekong River mainstream dams are not restricted to these Mekong giants, they would also exacerbate the impacts of climate change on the Mekong River Delta, one of the world’s most productive regions for fisheries and agriculture. WWF supports a delay in the approval of the mainstream dams, including the Sayabouly dam, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all the positive and negative impacts of their construction and operation. Contact information: Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412383 Email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Rare%20Giant%20Fish')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a> About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources Notes to the Editor For information/images and footage please follow link below: • The River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong report can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba ">http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba </a> • High-resolution photos of these Mekong giants can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a">http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a</a> Please note caption information is saved as the file name. All credits to WWF. • High-quality footage of the Mekong River and Mekong giant catfish can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 ">http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 </a>" ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4321) "Wild populations of the iconic Mekong giant catfish will be driven to extinction if hydropower dams planned for the Mekong River go ahead, according to a new report by WWF. The report, River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong, profiles four giant fish living in the Mekong that rank within the top 10 largest freshwater fish on the planet. At half the length of a bus and weighing up to 600kgs, the Mekong River’s Giant freshwater stingray is one of the world’s largest freshwater fish. The critically endangered and culturally fabled Mekong giant catfish ranks third at up to 3 metres in length and 350kgs.The Global Top 10 Giant Freshwater Fish -Giant freshwater stingray -Chinese paddlefish -Mekong giant catfish -Wels catfish -Giant pangasius (dog eating catfish) -Giant barb -Arapaima (pirarucu; paiche) -Piraiba (laulau; lechero) -Nile perch -Alligator gar The hydropower dam planned on the Mekong River at Sayabouly Province, northern Laos, is a threat to the survival of the wild population of Mekong giant catfish. The Sayabouly dam is the first lower Mekong River mainstream dam to enter a critical stage of assessment before member countries of the Mekong River Commission advise on whether to approve its construction. To meet immediate energy demands, WWF promotes sustainable hydropower projects on tributaries of the Mekong River, prioritising those that already have hydropower dams developed on them. “More giant fish live in the Mekong than any other river on Earth,” said Mark Wright Conservation Science Advisor at WWF-UK. “A fish the size of a Mekong giant catfish, simply will not be able to swim across a large barrier like a dam to reach its spawning grounds upstream. Any dam built on the lower Mekong River mainstream will block migration routes and lead to the collapse of the wild population of this extraordinary species.” The impacts of lower Mekong River mainstream dams are not restricted to these Mekong giants, they would also exacerbate the impacts of climate change on the Mekong River Delta, one of the world’s most productive regions for fisheries and agriculture. WWF supports a delay in the approval of the mainstream dams, including the Sayabouly dam, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of all the positive and negative impacts of their construction and operation. Contact information: Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412383 Email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Rare%20Giant%20Fish')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a> About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources Notes to the Editor For information/images and footage please follow link below: • The River of Giants: Giant Fish of the Mekong report can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba ">http://www.divshare.com/download/11896000-5ba </a> • High-resolution photos of these Mekong giants can be downloaded at: <a href="http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a">http://www.divshare.com/gallery/717190-62a</a> Please note caption information is saved as the file name. All credits to WWF. • High-quality footage of the Mekong River and Mekong giant catfish can be downloaded at <a href="http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 ">http://www.divshare.com/folder/720842-fb0 </a>" } [9]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(47) "£5,000 FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES WELCOMED - WWF-UK" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4126" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1426) "Responding to today's announcement by the UK Government that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards purchase of an ultra-low carbon car from January 2011. [1]Dr Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK said: "Today's announcement is a welcome first step in developing a viable UK market for Electric Vehicles. EVs and other ultra low carbon vehicles will be increasingly important in getting the UK onto a low carbon pathway and reducing our dependence on oil. It is therefore right that the Government has taken early action to support the growth of EVs. We also hope that it will continue to fund the 'Plugged-In Places' initiative to help test and build the infrastructure that EVs will need in order to be successful. "According to WWF-Scotland research, one in ten vehicles will need to be an EV by 2020 and the Committee on Climate Change is recommending a target of 1.7 million EVs for the UK by this date. This autumn, WWF-UK will be launching a report on EVs that will assess the potential of EVs to reduce car emissions and help the UK meet its CO2 reduction targets, as established in the Climate Change Act." ends [1] UK Government press release <a href="http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414706&SubjectId=36">nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1426) "Responding to today's announcement by the UK Government that motorists will receive up to £5,000 towards purchase of an ultra-low carbon car from January 2011. [1]Dr Keith Allott, Head of Climate Change at WWF-UK said: "Today's announcement is a welcome first step in developing a viable UK market for Electric Vehicles. EVs and other ultra low carbon vehicles will be increasingly important in getting the UK onto a low carbon pathway and reducing our dependence on oil. It is therefore right that the Government has taken early action to support the growth of EVs. We also hope that it will continue to fund the 'Plugged-In Places' initiative to help test and build the infrastructure that EVs will need in order to be successful. "According to WWF-Scotland research, one in ten vehicles will need to be an EV by 2020 and the Committee on Climate Change is recommending a target of 1.7 million EVs for the UK by this date. This autumn, WWF-UK will be launching a report on EVs that will assess the potential of EVs to reduce car emissions and help the UK meet its CO2 reduction targets, as established in the Climate Change Act." ends [1] UK Government press release <a href="http://nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx?ClientId=202&NewsAreaId=2&ReleaseID=414706&SubjectId=36">nds.coi.gov.uk/clientmicrosite/Content/Detail.aspx</a> " } [10]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(47) "OIL COMPANIES RISKING BILLIONS IN PENSION FUNDS" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4111" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(8015) " Mandatory carbon reporting needed to show risks say WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services Oil companies such as BP and Shell could be facing billions of pounds in future carbon liabilities as the cost of carbon rises, according to a new report published by WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) today (July 28). Many investors are unaware of these liabilities and the risk they pose due to a lack of carbon reporting. WWF-UK and CFS is therefore urging the Government to push through mandatory carbon reporting. The new report is published on the same day that an open letter, drafted by the Aldersgate Group and signed by the likes of National Grid, Microsoft, Aviva, as well as WWF-UK, CFS and 25 MPs, went to government Ministers highlighting the need for “a clearer, stronger signal for the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting in the UK”. The WWF-UK/CFS report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, shows how oil companies are increasing the carbon emissions of their fuels by developing unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands. Even at a price of £12 per tonne, BP’s total carbon liabilities would hit £7bn – at £75 per tonne the figure rises to £42bn for its proved oil reserves. Shell’s liability could range between £6bn and £36bn. WWF-UK’s head of campaigns, Colin Butfield, said: “While oil prices remain stable at a high level and the cost of emitting carbon remains low, these carbon-intensive fuels remain profitable. However, these conditions are subject to serious doubts. The price of carbon is set to rise, and with as much as £35.5bn of pension assets invested in UK oil and gas stocks, the Government must implement mandatory greenhouse gas reporting as soon as possible.” Paul Monaghan, head of social goals and sustainability at CFS added: “Only once comprehensive and robust greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting methods are in place will investors be able to adequately assess the risk emissions pose to their investments. In the meantime, investors will continue to back carbon intensive projects such as the Canadian tar sands, which could be regarded in the future as ‘sub-prime’ toxic assets. That represents a huge threat to savings, pensions and investments, and diverts finance away from the low carbon alternatives that urgently require investment.” The Climate Change Act 2008 set 1 December, 2010 as a deadline for the government to report back to parliament whether it is going to introduce mandatory carbon reporting regulations for companies. It must make regulations by 2012 or explain why not if it is going to settle for just voluntary guidance. Some 86% of fund managers also want to see mandatory reporting introduced. Oil companies are being forced to find more expensive, risky, and environmentally sensitive oil reserves to feed the world’s fossil fuel addiction. Deepwater drilling, like that at BP’s Deepwater Horizon, is one example, but moves to expand extraction of highly polluting tar sands in Canada and to increase drilling for oil in the Arctic form part of the same shift. WWF-UK’s Butfield added: "As the foray into hard-to-reach sources continues, so the risks to the environment intensify, taking us towards runaway climate change while also escalating the danger to local biodiversity, from the fresh water systems in Alberta and the Bowhead Whale in the Arctic to Salmon spawning habitats around Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia. “The new UK government needs to give the green light to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting if it wants to prevent oil and gas companies causing more environmental and economic damage. Only then can companies provide investors with the information they need to reduce carbon risk and drive the shift to a sustainable low carbon economy.” Notes to editors: The report is available at: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109">http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109</a> For further information contact David Burrows; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,98,117,114,114,111,119,115,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20In%20Penssion%20Funds')">dburrows@wwf.org.uk </a>07917 831640 Details of the Aldersgate Group letter are available through: Victoria Fleming-Williams; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(118,102,119,105,108,108,105,97,109,115,64,97,108,100,101,114,115,103,97,116,101,103,114,111,117,112,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=WWF%20Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20in%20Pension%20Funds')">vfwilliams@aldersgategroup.org.uk</a> 1. The report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, uses a range of indicative prices per tonne of CO2e: £12 (market price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in early 2009); £57 (the full social cost of carbon identified in the 2006 Stern Review); and £75 (one of the prices calculated in the UK Government’s guidelines for using carbon prices in economic appraisal, based on the cost of climate change mitigation). The estimated carbon liabilities data illustrate a range of carbon costs the companies would pay under a range of plausible carbon prices if they had to pay for all their direct emissions. 2. The Toxic Fuels campaign, run by WWF-UK and CFS and launched in February 2009, highlights the environmental and financial risks associated with unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands and aims to help ensure investments move towards projects that will not only provide a stable, low carbon future but also provide people with returns on their money. The first step is to ensure that risks are more transparent, hence the call for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting for businesses, with its introduction for high risk companies such as those in the oil and gas and power sectors, as a matter of urgency. 3. Tar sands are a complex mixture of bitumen, sand, water and clay. The production of synthetic crude oil from tar sands is a polluting and energy intensive process, emitting on average three times more greenhouse gases than conventional oil production. Canada has 175 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in tar sands deposits; this is second only to Saudi Arabia’s conventional oil reserves. Average tar sands production in Alberta, Canada, currently stands at 1.3 million barrels of oil per day. The Canadian Government has granted licenses to increase production to 7.0 million barrels oil per day. More than US$125 billion of tar sand projects have been announced for development by 2015, with the tar sands industry calling for $379 billion to be invested by 2025. Every major oil company has existing or planned operations in Canada’s tar sands, including Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil, Total, Conoco-Phillips and Chevron. 4. In July 2008, the Co-operative and WWF-UK published a report ‘Unconventional oil: scraping the bottom of the barrel’, which found that exploiting the tar sands would increase atmospheric CO2 by up to 12 parts per million, enough alone to take us to the brink of runaway climate change. The report can be downloaded from: <a href="http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels">http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels</a> 5. Tar sands exploitation also destroys pristine boreal forest, a globally important carbon store and habitat, produces huge quantities of toxic waste, pollutes air and water, and adversely impacts upon local wildlife and indigenous communities. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-28" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(8015) " Mandatory carbon reporting needed to show risks say WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services Oil companies such as BP and Shell could be facing billions of pounds in future carbon liabilities as the cost of carbon rises, according to a new report published by WWF-UK and The Co-operative Financial Services (CFS) today (July 28). Many investors are unaware of these liabilities and the risk they pose due to a lack of carbon reporting. WWF-UK and CFS is therefore urging the Government to push through mandatory carbon reporting. The new report is published on the same day that an open letter, drafted by the Aldersgate Group and signed by the likes of National Grid, Microsoft, Aviva, as well as WWF-UK, CFS and 25 MPs, went to government Ministers highlighting the need for “a clearer, stronger signal for the introduction of mandatory carbon reporting in the UK”. The WWF-UK/CFS report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, shows how oil companies are increasing the carbon emissions of their fuels by developing unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands. Even at a price of £12 per tonne, BP’s total carbon liabilities would hit £7bn – at £75 per tonne the figure rises to £42bn for its proved oil reserves. Shell’s liability could range between £6bn and £36bn. WWF-UK’s head of campaigns, Colin Butfield, said: “While oil prices remain stable at a high level and the cost of emitting carbon remains low, these carbon-intensive fuels remain profitable. However, these conditions are subject to serious doubts. The price of carbon is set to rise, and with as much as £35.5bn of pension assets invested in UK oil and gas stocks, the Government must implement mandatory greenhouse gas reporting as soon as possible.” Paul Monaghan, head of social goals and sustainability at CFS added: “Only once comprehensive and robust greenhouse gas monitoring and reporting methods are in place will investors be able to adequately assess the risk emissions pose to their investments. In the meantime, investors will continue to back carbon intensive projects such as the Canadian tar sands, which could be regarded in the future as ‘sub-prime’ toxic assets. That represents a huge threat to savings, pensions and investments, and diverts finance away from the low carbon alternatives that urgently require investment.” The Climate Change Act 2008 set 1 December, 2010 as a deadline for the government to report back to parliament whether it is going to introduce mandatory carbon reporting regulations for companies. It must make regulations by 2012 or explain why not if it is going to settle for just voluntary guidance. Some 86% of fund managers also want to see mandatory reporting introduced. Oil companies are being forced to find more expensive, risky, and environmentally sensitive oil reserves to feed the world’s fossil fuel addiction. Deepwater drilling, like that at BP’s Deepwater Horizon, is one example, but moves to expand extraction of highly polluting tar sands in Canada and to increase drilling for oil in the Arctic form part of the same shift. WWF-UK’s Butfield added: "As the foray into hard-to-reach sources continues, so the risks to the environment intensify, taking us towards runaway climate change while also escalating the danger to local biodiversity, from the fresh water systems in Alberta and the Bowhead Whale in the Arctic to Salmon spawning habitats around Sakhalin Island in the Far East of Russia. “The new UK government needs to give the green light to mandatory greenhouse gas reporting if it wants to prevent oil and gas companies causing more environmental and economic damage. Only then can companies provide investors with the information they need to reduce carbon risk and drive the shift to a sustainable low carbon economy.” Notes to editors: The report is available at: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109">http://www.wwf.org.uk/news_feed.cfm?uNewsid=4109</a> For further information contact David Burrows; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,98,117,114,114,111,119,115,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107,32)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20In%20Penssion%20Funds')">dburrows@wwf.org.uk </a>07917 831640 Details of the Aldersgate Group letter are available through: Victoria Fleming-Williams; <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(118,102,119,105,108,108,105,97,109,115,64,97,108,100,101,114,115,103,97,116,101,103,114,111,117,112,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=WWF%20Press%20Release%20-%20Oil%20Companies%20Risking%20Billions%20in%20Pension%20Funds')">vfwilliams@aldersgategroup.org.uk</a> 1. The report, Toxic fuels: toxic investments, uses a range of indicative prices per tonne of CO2e: £12 (market price of carbon in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme in early 2009); £57 (the full social cost of carbon identified in the 2006 Stern Review); and £75 (one of the prices calculated in the UK Government’s guidelines for using carbon prices in economic appraisal, based on the cost of climate change mitigation). The estimated carbon liabilities data illustrate a range of carbon costs the companies would pay under a range of plausible carbon prices if they had to pay for all their direct emissions. 2. The Toxic Fuels campaign, run by WWF-UK and CFS and launched in February 2009, highlights the environmental and financial risks associated with unconventional fossil fuels such as tar sands and aims to help ensure investments move towards projects that will not only provide a stable, low carbon future but also provide people with returns on their money. The first step is to ensure that risks are more transparent, hence the call for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting for businesses, with its introduction for high risk companies such as those in the oil and gas and power sectors, as a matter of urgency. 3. Tar sands are a complex mixture of bitumen, sand, water and clay. The production of synthetic crude oil from tar sands is a polluting and energy intensive process, emitting on average three times more greenhouse gases than conventional oil production. Canada has 175 billion barrels of proven oil reserves in tar sands deposits; this is second only to Saudi Arabia’s conventional oil reserves. Average tar sands production in Alberta, Canada, currently stands at 1.3 million barrels of oil per day. The Canadian Government has granted licenses to increase production to 7.0 million barrels oil per day. More than US$125 billion of tar sand projects have been announced for development by 2015, with the tar sands industry calling for $379 billion to be invested by 2025. Every major oil company has existing or planned operations in Canada’s tar sands, including Shell, BP, Exxon Mobil, Total, Conoco-Phillips and Chevron. 4. In July 2008, the Co-operative and WWF-UK published a report ‘Unconventional oil: scraping the bottom of the barrel’, which found that exploiting the tar sands would increase atmospheric CO2 by up to 12 parts per million, enough alone to take us to the brink of runaway climate change. The report can be downloaded from: <a href="http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels">http://www.goodwithmoney.co.uk/toxicfuels</a> 5. Tar sands exploitation also destroys pristine boreal forest, a globally important carbon store and habitat, produces huge quantities of toxic waste, pollutes air and water, and adversely impacts upon local wildlife and indigenous communities. For more information visit: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/changing_the_way_we_live/oilsands.cfm</a> " } [11]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(39) "DECC 2050 PATHWAYS REPORT: WWF REACTION" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4107" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(1928) "A set of illustrative scenarios for how the UK could meet its binding 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target was released today by the UK Government. WWF-UK welcomes the scenarios focus on decarbonising the power sector but urges the Government to prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to act now on putting in place CO2 performance standards on power plants which would help steer the transition to a low carbon future.Colin Butfield, WWF-UK Head of Campaigns says: "The power sector needs to be rapidly decarbonised and it is welcome that the Government's pathways recognise this. The UK has vast renewable energy potential that will not only help keep the lights on but will also boost energy security by reducing reliance on costly imported fossil fuels. Combined with a progressive strategy on energy efficiency this is where the Government's priorities must lie, rather than on an energy policy that depends on new unsustainable nuclear power and the waste legacy that it entails." "The forthcoming Energy Bill provides an excellent opportunity to put some of the policies in place which will help transform the power sector and drive emission reductions in homes. It is important that the Green Deal is ambitions enough in scope to incentivise large numbers of homeowners and we also urge the Government to include CO2 performance standards for power plants. An Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) will help drive innovation in the sector and provide long term certainty for investors." ends For further information or comment please contact Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, 01483 412397, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20DECC%202050%20Pathways%20Report')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-27" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(1928) "A set of illustrative scenarios for how the UK could meet its binding 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target was released today by the UK Government. WWF-UK welcomes the scenarios focus on decarbonising the power sector but urges the Government to prioritise renewable energy and energy efficiency measures and to act now on putting in place CO2 performance standards on power plants which would help steer the transition to a low carbon future.Colin Butfield, WWF-UK Head of Campaigns says: "The power sector needs to be rapidly decarbonised and it is welcome that the Government's pathways recognise this. The UK has vast renewable energy potential that will not only help keep the lights on but will also boost energy security by reducing reliance on costly imported fossil fuels. Combined with a progressive strategy on energy efficiency this is where the Government's priorities must lie, rather than on an energy policy that depends on new unsustainable nuclear power and the waste legacy that it entails." "The forthcoming Energy Bill provides an excellent opportunity to put some of the policies in place which will help transform the power sector and drive emission reductions in homes. It is important that the Green Deal is ambitions enough in scope to incentivise large numbers of homeowners and we also urge the Government to include CO2 performance standards for power plants. An Emissions Performance Standard (EPS) will help drive innovation in the sector and provide long term certainty for investors." ends For further information or comment please contact Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, 01483 412397, <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20DECC%202050%20Pathways%20Report')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [12]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(54) "Stamp duty reforms key to home energy savings says WWF" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4096" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2586) "Reforming the current stamp duty rates to reward homeowners whose homes are more energy efficient has been a key ask of WWF and its Great British Refurb Campaign. Although the benefits of a greener home have been well outlined in terms of financial savings and emission reductions – there has been limited take up for green refurbishment, and many homes continue to leak out CO2, raising doubts over the UK’s ability to meet its carbon targets.Stamp duty incentives that impose a higher rate of duty for the most energy inefficient properties will assist in driving improvements in the UK’s 26 million existing homes, many of which require more than cavity wall insulation to keep the draughts out this winter. Currently 20 per cent of homes in the UK are F and G rated for energy efficiency, but could see their Energy Performance Certificate rating increase with simple refurbishment measures. Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK says: “WWF has long campaigned for a package of financial incentives to help drive uptake for green home refurbishment, and we see the reform of stamp duty as an essential part of the Government’s Green Deal package. Financial incentives are essential for triggering the mass-scale take up of green refurbishment that is needed if the UK is to meet its legally-binding carbon target by 2020.” “We have long extolled the long-term cost savings of an energy-efficient home, now an upfront saving on stamp duty should inspire more homeowners to want to live in a ‘Superhome’ that meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. With the right Green Deal in place, homeowners could essentially profit from making their house cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.” - ends - For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, tel: 01483 412397 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Stamp%20Duty%20Reforms')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> Interviews are available with WWF-UK Head of Campaigns, Colin Butfield, and Great British Refurb Campaign Director Simon McWhirter Earlier this year, thousands signed up to a Great British Refurb Campaign call for the Government to introduce more financial incentives for eco-refurbishment. For more information visit <a href="http://www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk">www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-21" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2586) "Reforming the current stamp duty rates to reward homeowners whose homes are more energy efficient has been a key ask of WWF and its Great British Refurb Campaign. Although the benefits of a greener home have been well outlined in terms of financial savings and emission reductions – there has been limited take up for green refurbishment, and many homes continue to leak out CO2, raising doubts over the UK’s ability to meet its carbon targets.Stamp duty incentives that impose a higher rate of duty for the most energy inefficient properties will assist in driving improvements in the UK’s 26 million existing homes, many of which require more than cavity wall insulation to keep the draughts out this winter. Currently 20 per cent of homes in the UK are F and G rated for energy efficiency, but could see their Energy Performance Certificate rating increase with simple refurbishment measures. Colin Butfield, Head of Campaigns at WWF-UK says: “WWF has long campaigned for a package of financial incentives to help drive uptake for green home refurbishment, and we see the reform of stamp duty as an essential part of the Government’s Green Deal package. Financial incentives are essential for triggering the mass-scale take up of green refurbishment that is needed if the UK is to meet its legally-binding carbon target by 2020.” “We have long extolled the long-term cost savings of an energy-efficient home, now an upfront saving on stamp duty should inspire more homeowners to want to live in a ‘Superhome’ that meets the highest standards of energy efficiency. With the right Green Deal in place, homeowners could essentially profit from making their house cheaper to run and more environmentally friendly.” - ends - For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, tel: 01483 412397 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Stamp%20Duty%20Reforms')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> Interviews are available with WWF-UK Head of Campaigns, Colin Butfield, and Great British Refurb Campaign Director Simon McWhirter Earlier this year, thousands signed up to a Great British Refurb Campaign call for the Government to introduce more financial incentives for eco-refurbishment. For more information visit <a href="http://www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk">www.greatbritishrefurb.co.uk</a> " } [13]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(37) "Earn your stripes and save the tiger!" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4068" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3815) "WWF is looking for 18-22 year olds to come to Russia and help save the tiger WWF-UK has launched an exciting new competition offering 18-22 year-olds a once-in-a-life-time chance to travel to Russia for a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok this September. With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, world leaders are meeting up in St Petersburg in Russia this September to draw up vital plans to double wild tiger numbers by 2022. To ensure these leaders realise that future generations are relying on them to act now to stop the decline. WWF is organising a youth summit to take place at the same timeI in the Russian Far East. We are looking for two 18-22 year olds to come to the summit and learn about tiger conservation first hand. The lucky winners, chosen by WWF, will join others the same age from all over the world, in order to see our work for themselves, and to help us spread the word about tiger conservation. Countries where wild tigers live are especially being encouraged to send representatives, as well as young people from other countries that support tiger conservation. “Without decisive global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia. This is a fantastic way for two young dynamic individuals to help make it clear to our world leaders that the next generation is counting on them to save the tiger” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “We are keen to get young people engaged in our work, so they understand the real threats facing some of our most iconic species and habitats, and can help raise awareness of the conservation work WWF does .” Our two winners will get to visit tiger habitats, learn first-hand about the threats facing this iconic species, and find out what WWF is doing to protect it. WWF will ask for them to share their experiences, both during the summit and afterwards, through blogging, tweeting and facebook, to encourage other young people to learn more about our work. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in at the St Petersburg summit in Russia this September. “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public does not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” For more details of the competition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a> To sign the WWF tiger petition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a> Editor’s notes: The deadline for applications for the Tiger Youth Summit is 9am, 21st July. For further information, please contact: Rowan Walker, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Earn%20your%20stripes%20and%20save%20the%20tiger!')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-12" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3815) "WWF is looking for 18-22 year olds to come to Russia and help save the tiger WWF-UK has launched an exciting new competition offering 18-22 year-olds a once-in-a-life-time chance to travel to Russia for a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok this September. With as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild, world leaders are meeting up in St Petersburg in Russia this September to draw up vital plans to double wild tiger numbers by 2022. To ensure these leaders realise that future generations are relying on them to act now to stop the decline. WWF is organising a youth summit to take place at the same timeI in the Russian Far East. We are looking for two 18-22 year olds to come to the summit and learn about tiger conservation first hand. The lucky winners, chosen by WWF, will join others the same age from all over the world, in order to see our work for themselves, and to help us spread the word about tiger conservation. Countries where wild tigers live are especially being encouraged to send representatives, as well as young people from other countries that support tiger conservation. “Without decisive global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia. This is a fantastic way for two young dynamic individuals to help make it clear to our world leaders that the next generation is counting on them to save the tiger” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “We are keen to get young people engaged in our work, so they understand the real threats facing some of our most iconic species and habitats, and can help raise awareness of the conservation work WWF does .” Our two winners will get to visit tiger habitats, learn first-hand about the threats facing this iconic species, and find out what WWF is doing to protect it. WWF will ask for them to share their experiences, both during the summit and afterwards, through blogging, tweeting and facebook, to encourage other young people to learn more about our work. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in at the St Petersburg summit in Russia this September. “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public does not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” For more details of the competition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a> To sign the WWF tiger petition please go to: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/">http://www.wwf.org.uk/how_you_can_help/donate_now/save_the_tiger/</a> Editor’s notes: The deadline for applications for the Tiger Youth Summit is 9am, 21st July. For further information, please contact: Rowan Walker, tel: 01483 412 387 email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,119,97,108,107,101,114,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20Earn%20your%20stripes%20and%20save%20the%20tiger!')">rwalker@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [14]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(53) "Crunch time for tigers, as crucial Bali meeting looms" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4058" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3460) "Senior government officials from the tiger range countries will meet in Indonesia next week, in order to discuss a global action plan to save the tiger. WWF is calling on these governments to make sure this meeting is a key move towards fulfilling their promise of doubling tiger numbers by 2022.“There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began. Without joined up, global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia,” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “This year offers an unprecedented opportunity to put in place a co-ordinated, multi-state plan to save the tiger. There has never before been this level of momentum for action on tigers, and governments must take advantage of it.” The meeting, to be held in Bali from 12-14th July, is the third in less than a year, at which tiger range states will come together to show their mutual concern for the survival of this iconic species. Government representatives from all 13 countries that are home to wild tigers - Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam – will attend the meeting. The aim of next weeks meeting is to lay the groundwork for the first ever global summit on tigers, due to take place in St Petersburg, Russia this September. WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national tiger recovery plans which will be combined to create the global recovery programme. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in to negotiators at the summit in Russia this September. “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public do not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible to sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” To sign up to the tiger petition, please click here: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a> *EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT & IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST* For further information, please contact: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 375 Mob: 07867 697 519 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,115,97,114,103,101,110,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Crunch%20Time%20for%20Tigers')">jsargent@wwf.org.uk</a> Notes to editors: WWF is currently looking for two 18-22 year olds to attend a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, which will run in parallel with the summit in St Petersburg this September. To find out more, click here: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-09" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3460) "Senior government officials from the tiger range countries will meet in Indonesia next week, in order to discuss a global action plan to save the tiger. WWF is calling on these governments to make sure this meeting is a key move towards fulfilling their promise of doubling tiger numbers by 2022.“There are as few as 3,200 tigers left in the wild - the lowest number since records began. Without joined up, global action right now, we are in serious danger of losing the species forever in many parts of Asia,” said Diane Walkington, Head of Species at WWF-UK. “This year offers an unprecedented opportunity to put in place a co-ordinated, multi-state plan to save the tiger. There has never before been this level of momentum for action on tigers, and governments must take advantage of it.” The meeting, to be held in Bali from 12-14th July, is the third in less than a year, at which tiger range states will come together to show their mutual concern for the survival of this iconic species. Government representatives from all 13 countries that are home to wild tigers - Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam – will attend the meeting. The aim of next weeks meeting is to lay the groundwork for the first ever global summit on tigers, due to take place in St Petersburg, Russia this September. WWF is working with governments from all 13 countries, alongside other NGOs and the World Bank to draw up national tiger recovery plans which will be combined to create the global recovery programme. WWF is also calling on the UK public to sign up to a petition to show their support for a united push for tiger conservation. This will be handed in to negotiators at the summit in Russia this September. “If we lose the tiger, not only do we lose one of the world’s top predators, we will lose so much more. By safeguarding their habitats, we will protect hundreds of other species in the process,” said Diane Walkington. “It is vital that leaders at the summit in Russia understand that the UK public do not want to live in a world without tigers, so WWF is asking as many people as possible to sign our petition, which will be added to thousands of voices from all over the world and handed over to negotiators in September.” To sign up to the tiger petition, please click here: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers">http://www.wwf.org.uk/tigers</a> *EXPERTS AVAILABLE FOR COMMENT & IMAGES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST* For further information, please contact: Jo Sargent, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK Tel: 01483 412 375 Mob: 07867 697 519 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,115,97,114,103,101,110,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20-%20Crunch%20Time%20for%20Tigers')">jsargent@wwf.org.uk</a> Notes to editors: WWF is currently looking for two 18-22 year olds to attend a Tiger Youth Summit in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, which will run in parallel with the summit in St Petersburg this September. To find out more, click here: <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm">http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/campaigning/year_of_the_tiger/earn_your_stripes.cfm</a> " } [15]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(40) "The EU finally says no to illegal timber" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4057" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(3173) "Today a majority (644 out of 685 voting MEPs) of the European Parliament has voted for a law that will keep illegal wood and wood products out of the EU market. Such a decision clearly shows that the EU is serious about taking real action against illegal activities that destroy huge areas of global forests every year.If the law is adopted it will mean that from 2012 illegal timber and timber products will be banned from the EU market and that companies importing timber will have to provide information about the country of origin of the timber they use and its legality. However, printed materials have been exempted from the regulation for at least the next five years. The UK is currently the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world after China and Japan. Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said: "After years of campaigning for this legal loophole to be closed we are finally seeing real action to put a stop to this unsustainable trade which is having a devastating effect on forests across the globe and the biodiversity and people that rely upon them. "As we're the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world the UK government needs to take a leading in role in implementing the Regulation. People across the country can do their bit by buying certified wood products, such as FSC." After the EU Parliament, the law will be voted by the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in September and will enter into force. Julia Young, manager of the forest and trade network at WWF-UK, added: “One year ago EU agriculture ministers failed to agree to a strong law. They have now to show that they want to ban illegal activities in the forest sector and properly implement the rules in their countries punishing the companies who are still reluctant to respect the rules.” Further information: Robin Clegg: press team WWF-UK, t; 07771 818 707 e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20EU%20says%20no%20to%20Illegal%20Timber')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a> Notes to editors - A recent WWF and FoE survey carried out with citizens from 14 countries, shows that: 93% of EU polled citizens think it is important that wood and wood based products sold in Europe are legally harvested and traded; 92% think it is important that a EU timber law is introduced and 75% of people don’t believe or don’t know whether nearly all wood products available in Europe are legally harvested and traded. The complete results are available on: <a href="http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM ">http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM </a> - WWF report estimates that 16-19 per cent of wood imports in the European Union in 2006 came from illegal sources - between 26.5 and 31 million cubic meters. - This press release and related material is available on <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-07" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(3173) "Today a majority (644 out of 685 voting MEPs) of the European Parliament has voted for a law that will keep illegal wood and wood products out of the EU market. Such a decision clearly shows that the EU is serious about taking real action against illegal activities that destroy huge areas of global forests every year.If the law is adopted it will mean that from 2012 illegal timber and timber products will be banned from the EU market and that companies importing timber will have to provide information about the country of origin of the timber they use and its legality. However, printed materials have been exempted from the regulation for at least the next five years. The UK is currently the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world after China and Japan. Colin Butfield, head of campaigns at WWF-UK, said: "After years of campaigning for this legal loophole to be closed we are finally seeing real action to put a stop to this unsustainable trade which is having a devastating effect on forests across the globe and the biodiversity and people that rely upon them. "As we're the third largest importer of illegal wood products in the world the UK government needs to take a leading in role in implementing the Regulation. People across the country can do their bit by buying certified wood products, such as FSC." After the EU Parliament, the law will be voted by the Council of EU Agriculture Ministers in September and will enter into force. Julia Young, manager of the forest and trade network at WWF-UK, added: “One year ago EU agriculture ministers failed to agree to a strong law. They have now to show that they want to ban illegal activities in the forest sector and properly implement the rules in their countries punishing the companies who are still reluctant to respect the rules.” Further information: Robin Clegg: press team WWF-UK, t; 07771 818 707 e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20EU%20says%20no%20to%20Illegal%20Timber')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a> Notes to editors - A recent WWF and FoE survey carried out with citizens from 14 countries, shows that: 93% of EU polled citizens think it is important that wood and wood based products sold in Europe are legally harvested and traded; 92% think it is important that a EU timber law is introduced and 75% of people don’t believe or don’t know whether nearly all wood products available in Europe are legally harvested and traded. The complete results are available on: <a href="http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM ">http://www.fao.org/docrep/011/i0350e/i0350e00.HTM </a> - WWF report estimates that 16-19 per cent of wood imports in the European Union in 2006 came from illegal sources - between 26.5 and 31 million cubic meters. - This press release and related material is available on <a href="http://www.wwf.org.uk">www.wwf.org.uk</a> " } [16]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(62) "T4 Presenters Support WWF by Taking Part in The Blue Mile 2010" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4049" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4643) "T4’s Matt & Darren (formerly Max and Ob from Channel 4’s flagship soap Hollyoaks) have signed up to take part in The Blue Mile-Race for the Environment. WWF is the official charity partner for this amazing event taking place in Plymouth, UK on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2010.This first ever unique race is designed to encourage people to complete a mile in, or next to, our wonderful marine environment, and hopes to raise awareness of the threats facing our world’s oceans and the need to protect our seas. “Supporting a charity you really believe in can be done in many ways,” said Matt. “Darren and I love our challenges and kayaking The Blue Mile in support of WWF's marine work is our latest duel. We need to look after our planet, not only the ground we walk on but the seas that surround us. Marine life may not always been seen, but should certainly never be forgotten.” Darren added, “Supporting WWF, by taking part in The Blue Mile to promote the wonders of our seas and the need to protect all that is in them, is a fun way to learn more about our marine environment. What better way to do this than to get out there in the water and take part in the task of kayaking for a mile, it’s a great way to take action for our seas, as well as beat your best mate at another challenge!” The UK is blessed with 20,000km of coastline, and diverse marine life and habitats ranging from deep sea corals to harbour porpoises. However our seas are facing increasing pressures, and now, with the threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we protect our marine biodiversity. By completing a Blue Mile, businesses, schools, and individuals can show they care about our oceans and help raise crucial funding to support WWF’s conservation projects. The course (1,609 metres) will be marked by buoys at regular intervals. It starts at Plymouth’s historic Mayflower Steps and finishes in line with the Chichester monument at West Hoe Pier. Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK said: “The Blue Mile is a fun event which aims to educate and inspire people to value our marine environment. WWF is delighted that Matt & Darren are going to take part in the race and we wish them, and all the other hundred’s of contestants the best of luck!” Editor's notes - ends - Editor's notes The Blue Mile - Race for the Environment is the UK’s newest mass-participation event designed to engage people actively with our blue environment. It will be open to everyone to take part and complete a mile in, on or next to a water environment. The inaugural event will take place in Plymouth in the summer 2010 with additional waterfront cities being invited to take part in future events. The Blue Mile – Race for the Environment aims to increase participation in our natural environment and provide a learning experience to help encourage more people to take steps to care for the health of our planet. For further information and access to high resolution imagery, please contact: Teresa Page Sport Environment Tel: 01752 600111 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,101,114,101,115,97,46,112,97,103,101,64,115,112,111,114,116,101,110,118,105,114,111,110,109,101,110,116,46,99,111,109)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">teresa.page@sportenvironment.com </a> WWF-UK is the UK arm of the WWF Network, the world’s leading environmental organisation founded in 1961 and now active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. Using our unique combination of practical experience, knowledge and credibility, our 300-strong staff work with governments, businesses and communities both here in the UK and around the world so that people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources. For further information, please contact: Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK, t: 01483 412383, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-07-01" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4643) "T4’s Matt & Darren (formerly Max and Ob from Channel 4’s flagship soap Hollyoaks) have signed up to take part in The Blue Mile-Race for the Environment. WWF is the official charity partner for this amazing event taking place in Plymouth, UK on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 July 2010.This first ever unique race is designed to encourage people to complete a mile in, or next to, our wonderful marine environment, and hopes to raise awareness of the threats facing our world’s oceans and the need to protect our seas. “Supporting a charity you really believe in can be done in many ways,” said Matt. “Darren and I love our challenges and kayaking The Blue Mile in support of WWF's marine work is our latest duel. We need to look after our planet, not only the ground we walk on but the seas that surround us. Marine life may not always been seen, but should certainly never be forgotten.” Darren added, “Supporting WWF, by taking part in The Blue Mile to promote the wonders of our seas and the need to protect all that is in them, is a fun way to learn more about our marine environment. What better way to do this than to get out there in the water and take part in the task of kayaking for a mile, it’s a great way to take action for our seas, as well as beat your best mate at another challenge!” The UK is blessed with 20,000km of coastline, and diverse marine life and habitats ranging from deep sea corals to harbour porpoises. However our seas are facing increasing pressures, and now, with the threat of climate change, it is more important than ever that we protect our marine biodiversity. By completing a Blue Mile, businesses, schools, and individuals can show they care about our oceans and help raise crucial funding to support WWF’s conservation projects. The course (1,609 metres) will be marked by buoys at regular intervals. It starts at Plymouth’s historic Mayflower Steps and finishes in line with the Chichester monument at West Hoe Pier. Natasha Barker, Senior Marine Policy Officer at WWF-UK said: “The Blue Mile is a fun event which aims to educate and inspire people to value our marine environment. WWF is delighted that Matt & Darren are going to take part in the race and we wish them, and all the other hundred’s of contestants the best of luck!” Editor's notes - ends - Editor's notes The Blue Mile - Race for the Environment is the UK’s newest mass-participation event designed to engage people actively with our blue environment. It will be open to everyone to take part and complete a mile in, on or next to a water environment. The inaugural event will take place in Plymouth in the summer 2010 with additional waterfront cities being invited to take part in future events. The Blue Mile – Race for the Environment aims to increase participation in our natural environment and provide a learning experience to help encourage more people to take steps to care for the health of our planet. For further information and access to high resolution imagery, please contact: Teresa Page Sport Environment Tel: 01752 600111 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,101,114,101,115,97,46,112,97,103,101,64,115,112,111,114,116,101,110,118,105,114,111,110,109,101,110,116,46,99,111,109)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">teresa.page@sportenvironment.com </a> WWF-UK is the UK arm of the WWF Network, the world’s leading environmental organisation founded in 1961 and now active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. Using our unique combination of practical experience, knowledge and credibility, our 300-strong staff work with governments, businesses and communities both here in the UK and around the world so that people and nature thrive within their fair share of the planet’s natural resources. For further information, please contact: Kellie Hulbert, Press Officer at WWF-UK, t: 01483 412383, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(107,104,117,108,98,101,114,116,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Blue%20Mile%20Press%20Release')">khulbert@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [17]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(78) "Scientific advice on fish stocks shows North Sea cod is not in safe waters yet" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4043" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4627) "New scientific advice on the status of Europe’s fish stocks shows sign of improvement for North Sea cod, but the iconic species is not out of danger just yet, and WWF is concerned that the poor management of stocks threatens to undermine cod recovery.The advice issued today by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) recommends catch levels for restoring fish stocks to their maximum sustainable yield – a level that will sustain a healthy fishing industry. This would be at least a 20 per cent reduction in fishing quotas compared to 2010. The European Commission will need to follow this advice if it is to achieve its commitment of attaining maximum sustainable yield for all European fish stocks by 2015. Whilst numbers of mature North Sea cod show some sign of increasing there are not yet enough fish to maintain healthy stock levels; and a continuing problem with discards – fish thrown overboard – indicates that the current management system for North Sea cod has not been effective in controlling catches. The EU’s cod recovery plan targets for reducing cod mortality cannot be achieved unless catches are significantly reduced. A lack of data on discards from Belgian, Dutch, and French fisheries makes it impossible to accurately assess the problem of discarding. However it is estimated that discards accounted for 30 to 50 percent of the total catch between 2007 and 2009. Cod is often caught as bycatch whilst fishermen are pursuing other fish stocks, and whilst conservation measures exist to prevent this problem, they are not being consistently adopted by the catching sector. Louize Hill, Fisheries Policy Officer at WWF Scotland says: “Although a recovery plan is in place for cod stocks, conservation measures are not being effectively implemented or enforced across the whole fishery, and the problem of discards continue to blight any signs of improvement. The recent signs of recovery in the North Sea must be capitalised upon. Discard reduction measures must be mandatory for the catching sector, and long-term management plans that are fishery-wide must be enforced in the upcoming reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.” WWF is calling for all vessels to fully document their catches, using onboard cameras and catch quotas. Catch quotas limit the amount of fish removed from the sea, rather than recording what is landed. Such an approach has already been trialled by fleets in Scotland, England, and Denmark, and could lead to a marked reduction in discards, as fishermen have a greater incentive to fish more selectively. Louize Hill adds: "The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme is definitely on the right track and this kind of strong co-operation between the fishing industry, governments and conservation groups on protecting stocks needs to be firmly built into the way the reformed Common Fisheries Policy works in future." - ends - Editor's notes ICES Advice can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.ices.dk">www.ices.dk</a> For more information on WWF’s calls for Common Fisheries Policy reform please see <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/">http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/</a> WWF report on the Conservation Credits Scheme: <a href="http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf">http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf</a> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412397, 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20North%20Sea%20Cod')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-30" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4627) "New scientific advice on the status of Europe’s fish stocks shows sign of improvement for North Sea cod, but the iconic species is not out of danger just yet, and WWF is concerned that the poor management of stocks threatens to undermine cod recovery.The advice issued today by the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) recommends catch levels for restoring fish stocks to their maximum sustainable yield – a level that will sustain a healthy fishing industry. This would be at least a 20 per cent reduction in fishing quotas compared to 2010. The European Commission will need to follow this advice if it is to achieve its commitment of attaining maximum sustainable yield for all European fish stocks by 2015. Whilst numbers of mature North Sea cod show some sign of increasing there are not yet enough fish to maintain healthy stock levels; and a continuing problem with discards – fish thrown overboard – indicates that the current management system for North Sea cod has not been effective in controlling catches. The EU’s cod recovery plan targets for reducing cod mortality cannot be achieved unless catches are significantly reduced. A lack of data on discards from Belgian, Dutch, and French fisheries makes it impossible to accurately assess the problem of discarding. However it is estimated that discards accounted for 30 to 50 percent of the total catch between 2007 and 2009. Cod is often caught as bycatch whilst fishermen are pursuing other fish stocks, and whilst conservation measures exist to prevent this problem, they are not being consistently adopted by the catching sector. Louize Hill, Fisheries Policy Officer at WWF Scotland says: “Although a recovery plan is in place for cod stocks, conservation measures are not being effectively implemented or enforced across the whole fishery, and the problem of discards continue to blight any signs of improvement. The recent signs of recovery in the North Sea must be capitalised upon. Discard reduction measures must be mandatory for the catching sector, and long-term management plans that are fishery-wide must be enforced in the upcoming reform of the EU Common Fisheries Policy.” WWF is calling for all vessels to fully document their catches, using onboard cameras and catch quotas. Catch quotas limit the amount of fish removed from the sea, rather than recording what is landed. Such an approach has already been trialled by fleets in Scotland, England, and Denmark, and could lead to a marked reduction in discards, as fishermen have a greater incentive to fish more selectively. Louize Hill adds: "The Scottish Conservation Credits Scheme is definitely on the right track and this kind of strong co-operation between the fishing industry, governments and conservation groups on protecting stocks needs to be firmly built into the way the reformed Common Fisheries Policy works in future." - ends - Editor's notes ICES Advice can be downloaded from <a href="http://www.ices.dk">www.ices.dk</a> For more information on WWF’s calls for Common Fisheries Policy reform please see <a href="http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/">http://wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/policy/wwf_europe_environment/initiatives/fisheries/fisheries_policy/</a> WWF report on the Conservation Credits Scheme: <a href="http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf">http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/scottish_conservation_credits_scheme.pdf</a> WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with almost 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. For further information, please contact: Debbie Chapman, Senior Press Officer, WWF-UK, tel: 01483 412397, 07900 670282, email: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,99,104,97,112,109,97,110,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry%20-%20North%20Sea%20Cod')">dchapman@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [18]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(69) "New threat to Amazon as Brazilian legislators lay siege to forest law" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4041" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(4619) "The Amazon is facing an urgent new threat as legislators allied to agribusiness interests and landowners seek to drastically weaken conservation requirements of the country’s Forest Law.Brazil’s Forest Law determines how much land the landowner can deforest and how much must be kept as a "legal reserve". Currently in the Amazon, the law states that 80% of a property has to remain forested by law but under new proposals, this could be reduced. Brazil's deforestation track record has improved dramatically in the last few years, and even with very patchy enforcement, the Forest Code has been credited with playing major role in bringing down deforestation in the Amazon from the levels that horrified the world in the 1980s. Any change in the law could have an impact on Brazil’s ambitious plans to slash deforestation rates and have the knock on effect of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This would make the country’s action plan on climate change impossible as it relies on continued reductions in deforestation related emissions. Sarah Hutchison, forest programme manager for Brazil at WWF-UK, said: “The Brazilian government implemented progressive measures to start to address the impacts of deforestation, but these proposed changes to the legislation will have major implications for the future of the Amazon rainforest.” The attack on the Forest Code could come to a head today (June 29) in the Congress, with the so-called “ruralist block” (congressmen representing agribusiness and landowners) trying to push for the law to be made more flexible, a move that could result in increased deforestation. In a parliamentary special commission report they claim that this law is holding back economic prosperity. If the Special Committee on Forest Law Change accepts the report, it will then go to the parliament for a vote which is expected to back the need for changes. A presidential veto of the change is considered unlikely in the charged atmosphere of the run-up to Brazilian presidential and legislative elections that will take place in October. According to WWF, Brazilian agribusiness needs to increase its productivity levels rather than continuously deforest new land that is often later abandoned. A report presented by WWF, Greenpeace and other NGOs in May point to the Forest Code not being a barrier to agricultural growth and economic prosperity. It looked at one of the legal reserves required under the Forest Code - the Permanent Preservation Areas - that are required to protect the margins of waterways, and vegetation on steep slopes, on hilltops and in high altitude areas. A detailed analysis conducted by the respected agricultural college of the University of Sao Paulo showed that the existence of these reserves has a negligible impact on agricultural production in some of Brazil's leading coffee, grape, rice and fruit producing areas. And this does not take into consideration the important role these reserves play in protecting river and water quality, and reducing soil erosion and the risk from landslides and floods. While Brazil has had some success reducing deforestation in the Amazon, other lesser known natural habitats are also under threat if the Forest Law is amended. They include the endangered Atlantic Forests and high savannah areas of the Cerrado, headwaters of many significant Amazon tributaries and the source of the springs for the Pantanal wetlands and Paraguay River. If the amendments become law, effective control of deforestation will pass from strong Federal legislative control to a piecemeal state by state approach. Under this scenario, a strong upsurge in deforestation is expected, raising again the spectre of “the Amazon is burning” which became a celebrated cause internationally and helped form the basis of a structure of international environmental conventions and institutions. “Discussions should have been based on science, not on oblique and distorted arguments,” added Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, conservation director of WWF-Brazil. “The scientific community has been very little consulted in the preparation of the parliamentary special commission report.” For further information: Robin Clegg, WWF-UK t: 07771 818707, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a> " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-29" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(4619) "The Amazon is facing an urgent new threat as legislators allied to agribusiness interests and landowners seek to drastically weaken conservation requirements of the country’s Forest Law.Brazil’s Forest Law determines how much land the landowner can deforest and how much must be kept as a "legal reserve". Currently in the Amazon, the law states that 80% of a property has to remain forested by law but under new proposals, this could be reduced. Brazil's deforestation track record has improved dramatically in the last few years, and even with very patchy enforcement, the Forest Code has been credited with playing major role in bringing down deforestation in the Amazon from the levels that horrified the world in the 1980s. Any change in the law could have an impact on Brazil’s ambitious plans to slash deforestation rates and have the knock on effect of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This would make the country’s action plan on climate change impossible as it relies on continued reductions in deforestation related emissions. Sarah Hutchison, forest programme manager for Brazil at WWF-UK, said: “The Brazilian government implemented progressive measures to start to address the impacts of deforestation, but these proposed changes to the legislation will have major implications for the future of the Amazon rainforest.” The attack on the Forest Code could come to a head today (June 29) in the Congress, with the so-called “ruralist block” (congressmen representing agribusiness and landowners) trying to push for the law to be made more flexible, a move that could result in increased deforestation. In a parliamentary special commission report they claim that this law is holding back economic prosperity. If the Special Committee on Forest Law Change accepts the report, it will then go to the parliament for a vote which is expected to back the need for changes. A presidential veto of the change is considered unlikely in the charged atmosphere of the run-up to Brazilian presidential and legislative elections that will take place in October. According to WWF, Brazilian agribusiness needs to increase its productivity levels rather than continuously deforest new land that is often later abandoned. A report presented by WWF, Greenpeace and other NGOs in May point to the Forest Code not being a barrier to agricultural growth and economic prosperity. It looked at one of the legal reserves required under the Forest Code - the Permanent Preservation Areas - that are required to protect the margins of waterways, and vegetation on steep slopes, on hilltops and in high altitude areas. A detailed analysis conducted by the respected agricultural college of the University of Sao Paulo showed that the existence of these reserves has a negligible impact on agricultural production in some of Brazil's leading coffee, grape, rice and fruit producing areas. And this does not take into consideration the important role these reserves play in protecting river and water quality, and reducing soil erosion and the risk from landslides and floods. While Brazil has had some success reducing deforestation in the Amazon, other lesser known natural habitats are also under threat if the Forest Law is amended. They include the endangered Atlantic Forests and high savannah areas of the Cerrado, headwaters of many significant Amazon tributaries and the source of the springs for the Pantanal wetlands and Paraguay River. If the amendments become law, effective control of deforestation will pass from strong Federal legislative control to a piecemeal state by state approach. Under this scenario, a strong upsurge in deforestation is expected, raising again the spectre of “the Amazon is burning” which became a celebrated cause internationally and helped form the basis of a structure of international environmental conventions and institutions. “Discussions should have been based on science, not on oblique and distorted arguments,” added Carlos Alberto de Mattos Scaramuzza, conservation director of WWF-Brazil. “The scientific community has been very little consulted in the preparation of the parliamentary special commission report.” For further information: Robin Clegg, WWF-UK t: 07771 818707, e: <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(114,99,108,101,103,103,64,119,119,102,46,111,114,103,46,117,107)+'?subject=Press%20Release%20Enquiry')">rclegg@wwf.org.uk</a> " } [19]=> array(9) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(49) "Russia puts oil and gas development before whales" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(59) "http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/press_centre/?uNewsID=4034" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(2838) "Russia has refused to comply with repeated calls to postpone a planned seismic survey in the feeding grounds of the critically endangered Western North Pacific Gray Whale, at the 62nd annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, currently taking place in Agadir, Morocco.With just 26 known breeding females of the Western Gray Whale population remaining, seismic blasts in the Russian Far East where females and their calves are trying to feed, has led the IWC’s Scientific Committee to express “serious concerns about the potential impact on Western Gray Whales” and to “strongly recommend” that the Rosneft seismic survey be postponed. “The scientific recommendation and statements by several governments here at the IWC should have served as a wake up call to Russia” said Wendy Elliott of WWF. “This whale population is on the brink of extinction, yet oil and gas exploration in its only feeding ground is increasing.” “This is absolutely scandalous and completely ignores sound scientific advice,” Elliott said. “Russia must reconsider its position on allowing the Rosneft seismic testing to go ahead this year.” “In addition to scientific advice of IWC, a Russian scientific body has also raised concerns about the Rosneft survey” said Aleksey Knizhnikov, WWF-Russia Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Officer. “Furthermore, this survey will be undertaken inside the proposed whale reserve that Russian government are currently considering establishing.” Countries that took the floor to support the Scientific Committee recommendation that the survey be postponed included United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Monaco. Russia responded by stating that they believed the seismic survey was due to take place as planned. For further information: Ian Morrison, + 41 798746853 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(105,109,111,114,114,105,115,111,110,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?')">imorrison@wwfint.org</a> About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources " ["dc"]=> array(2) { ["date#"]=> int(1) ["date"]=> string(10) "2010-06-24" } ["summary#"]=> int(1) ["summary"]=> string(2838) "Russia has refused to comply with repeated calls to postpone a planned seismic survey in the feeding grounds of the critically endangered Western North Pacific Gray Whale, at the 62nd annual International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, currently taking place in Agadir, Morocco.With just 26 known breeding females of the Western Gray Whale population remaining, seismic blasts in the Russian Far East where females and their calves are trying to feed, has led the IWC’s Scientific Committee to express “serious concerns about the potential impact on Western Gray Whales” and to “strongly recommend” that the Rosneft seismic survey be postponed. “The scientific recommendation and statements by several governments here at the IWC should have served as a wake up call to Russia” said Wendy Elliott of WWF. “This whale population is on the brink of extinction, yet oil and gas exploration in its only feeding ground is increasing.” “This is absolutely scandalous and completely ignores sound scientific advice,” Elliott said. “Russia must reconsider its position on allowing the Rosneft seismic testing to go ahead this year.” “In addition to scientific advice of IWC, a Russian scientific body has also raised concerns about the Rosneft survey” said Aleksey Knizhnikov, WWF-Russia Oil and Gas Environmental Policy Officer. “Furthermore, this survey will be undertaken inside the proposed whale reserve that Russian government are currently considering establishing.” Countries that took the floor to support the Scientific Committee recommendation that the survey be postponed included United States, the United Kingdom, Mexico and Monaco. Russia responded by stating that they believed the seismic survey was due to take place as planned. For further information: Ian Morrison, + 41 798746853 <a href="javascript:void(location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(105,109,111,114,114,105,115,111,110,64,119,119,102,105,110,116,46,111,114,103)+'?')">imorrison@wwfint.org</a> About WWF WWF is one of the world's largest and most respected independent conservation organizations, with more than 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries. WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world's biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption. <a href="http://www.panda.org/media">www.panda.org/media</a> for latest news and media resources " } } ["channel"]=> array(14) { ["title#"]=> int(1) ["title"]=> string(31) "Press and media centre RSS feed" ["description#"]=> int(1) ["description"]=> string(81) "News, publications and job feeds from WWF - the global conservation organization " ["managingeditor#"]=> int(1) ["managingeditor"]=> string(25) "WWF - no_reply@wwf.org.uk" ["link#"]=> int(1) ["link"]=> string(21) "http://www.wwf.org.uk" ["tagline#"]=> int(1) ["tagline"]=> string(81) "News, publications and job feeds from WWF - the global conservation organization " ["subtitle#"]=> int(1) ["subtitle"]=> 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Salmon and Trout Association is calling on people to take part in the first ever Our Rivers Awards by going online and voting for the 'best' or 'worst' river in England and Wales. This could be any river from a picturesque chalk steam to a waterway teeming with native wildlife, or a river plagued by pollution and ruined by water abstraction. The first person to cast their vote for the Our Rivers Awards was television presenter and producer and keen conservationist Philippa Forrester who is currently appearing in Halcyon River Diaries on BBC1. Other river enthusiasts, chef Tom Aiken and wildlife writer, Steve Backshall have also named their favourite rivers. Phillipa Forrester said: "Living close to a river I get to see an amazing array of life from the emergence of mayflies in Spring to the darting flash of a hunting kingfisher and the secretive habits of the water vole. It may be small but my vote has to go to the river which runs close to my home, the real star of the Halcyon River Diaries, because it is a very special place for me." “We have to do all we can to protect these vital wildlife habitats and I hope the Our Rivers awards will highlight the pressures these waterways, and the life they support, are facing.” Tom Aikten has cast his vote for the River Yare in Cringleford near Norwich and Steve Blackshall nominated the Upper Dart in Dartmoor. The Our Rivers campaign was launched last year to campaign for clean, healthy rivers across England and Wales. Soon after, a Government report on the state of the country’s rivers found that 74 per cent are failing to meet European environmental targets. The report found that just five per cent of rivers in England and Wales remain in pristine condition. The rest face a variety of pressures including; run off pollution from fertilisers and poorly designed urban drainage, invasive riverbank species like signal crayfish and American mink and low water levels caused by over abstraction. Ralph Underhill, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “This is the first time the public has had a chance to vote for the river which is closest to the nation’s heart. This award will be a great celebration of one of our richest wildlife habitats – and one that everyone can enjoy because no-one is more than a few minutes from a river, stream or brook. We want to celebrate the amazing rivers we have in England and Wales, whilst raising awareness of the threats they face. By casting your vote, you are speaking up for Our Rivers.” To cast your vote visit the Our River campaign website at <a href="http://www.ourrivers.org.uk">www.ourrivers.org.uk</a>. Voting remains open until the end of British Summer Time on the 31st October 2010. -Ends- Editor's notes: A recent Environment Agency assessment listed 26 per cent of rivers as ‘Good’ status. This means 74% of rivers are failing – including 117 rivers (2%) which are classified as ‘Bad’ making them among the worst in Europe. The EU Water Framework Directive requires the UK to bring all of its rivers up to ‘Good’ status or above by 2015. Current draft plans mean the UK will fail to reach this target. Our Rivers is supported as part of the HSBC Climate Partnership (HCP). The HCP is a US$100 million, five-year partnership funded by HSBC, working with the Climate Group, the Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. Launched in May 2007, the HCP will: Help to protect four of the world’s major rivers – the Amazon, Ganges, Thames, and Yangtze from the impacts of climate change, benefitting the 450 million people who rely on them. Make some of the world’s great cities – Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Shanghai cleaner and greener, which the partners will promote as models for the world; Create ‘climate champions’ worldwide who will undertake field research and bring back valuable knowledge and experience to their communities; Conduct the largest ever field experiment on the world’s forests to measure carbon and the effects of climate change. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.hsbc.com/committochange">www.hsbc.com/committochange</a> Halcyon River Diaries, written by award-winning wildlife writers and photographers Philippa Forrester and Charlie Hamilton James is the story of one family’s year living by a West Country river. Get Out! – and Explore your Local River, also written by Philippa, is an activity book which engages children on everything to do with wildlife in streams and rivers . Both books are available now. 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For more information contact: Rowan Walker, Press Officer, WWF-UK tel: 01483 412 387/07986 463 767 Ralph Underhill, Water policy officer, RSPB, tel: 01767 693444 Janina Gray , Salmon & Trout Association tel: 07889603030 " ["post_excerpt"]=> string(6055) "With only 5 per cent of rivers in England and Wales described as being in a pristine condition a new survey has been launched by a coalition of conservationists to celebrate and bring attention to some of Britain's best loved and long forgotten rivers.The Our Rivers Campaign which includes the RSPB, WWF-UK, the Angling Trust and the Salmon and Trout Association is calling on people to take part in the first ever Our Rivers Awards by going online and voting for the 'best' or 'worst' river in England and Wales. This could be any river from a picturesque chalk steam to a waterway teeming with native wildlife, or a river plagued by pollution and ruined by water abstraction. The first person to cast their vote for the Our Rivers Awards was television presenter and producer and keen conservationist Philippa Forrester who is currently appearing in Halcyon River Diaries on BBC1. Other river enthusiasts, chef Tom Aiken and wildlife writer, Steve Backshall have also named their favourite rivers. Phillipa Forrester said: "Living close to a river I get to see an amazing array of life from the emergence of mayflies in Spring to the darting flash of a hunting kingfisher and the secretive habits of the water vole. It may be small but my vote has to go to the river which runs close to my home, the real star of the Halcyon River Diaries, because it is a very special place for me." “We have to do all we can to protect these vital wildlife habitats and I hope the Our Rivers awards will highlight the pressures these waterways, and the life they support, are facing.” Tom Aikten has cast his vote for the River Yare in Cringleford near Norwich and Steve Blackshall nominated the Upper Dart in Dartmoor. The Our Rivers campaign was launched last year to campaign for clean, healthy rivers across England and Wales. Soon after, a Government report on the state of the country’s rivers found that 74 per cent are failing to meet European environmental targets. The report found that just five per cent of rivers in England and Wales remain in pristine condition. The rest face a variety of pressures including; run off pollution from fertilisers and poorly designed urban drainage, invasive riverbank species like signal crayfish and American mink and low water levels caused by over abstraction. Ralph Underhill, Our Rivers campaigner, said: “This is the first time the public has had a chance to vote for the river which is closest to the nation’s heart. This award will be a great celebration of one of our richest wildlife habitats – and one that everyone can enjoy because no-one is more than a few minutes from a river, stream or brook. We want to celebrate the amazing rivers we have in England and Wales, whilst raising awareness of the threats they face. By casting your vote, you are speaking up for Our Rivers.” To cast your vote visit the Our River campaign website at <a href="http://www.ourrivers.org.uk">www.ourrivers.org.uk</a>. Voting remains open until the end of British Summer Time on the 31st October 2010. -Ends- Editor's notes: A recent Environment Agency assessment listed 26 per cent of rivers as ‘Good’ status. This means 74% of rivers are failing – including 117 rivers (2%) which are classified as ‘Bad’ making them among the worst in Europe. The EU Water Framework Directive requires the UK to bring all of its rivers up to ‘Good’ status or above by 2015. Current draft plans mean the UK will fail to reach this target. Our Rivers is supported as part of the HSBC Climate Partnership (HCP). The HCP is a US$100 million, five-year partnership funded by HSBC, working with the Climate Group, the Earthwatch Institute, Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and WWF. Launched in May 2007, the HCP will: Help to protect four of the world’s major rivers – the Amazon, Ganges, Thames, and Yangtze from the impacts of climate change, benefitting the 450 million people who rely on them. Make some of the world’s great cities – Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York and Shanghai cleaner and greener, which the partners will promote as models for the world; Create ‘climate champions’ worldwide who will undertake field research and bring back valuable knowledge and experience to their communities; Conduct the largest ever field experiment on the world’s forests to measure carbon and the effects of climate change. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.hsbc.com/committochange">www.hsbc.com/committochange</a> Halcyon River Diaries, written by award-winning wildlife writers and photographers Philippa Forrester and Charlie Hamilton James is the story of one family’s year living by a West Country river. Get Out! – and Explore your Local River, also written by Philippa, is an activity book which engages children on everything to do with wildlife in streams and rivers . Both books are available now. 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