Plastic Free July is an initiative by the Plastic Free Foundation and is a worldwide movement, where millions of people join in to be part of the solution to plastic pollution.

Green Party Women #PlasticFreeJuly Top Eco Tips

Throughout the month we have been be sharing resources to support the campaign. We have also been highlighting alternatives to plastics on our social media (X and Facebook).

We have been sharing our own #PlasticFree top eco tips. Some of our members and supporters have been sharing theirs with us too. Below is a selection of those we have highlighted so far.

Do you have a tip of your own that you would like to share with us? If so, email us at info@greenpartywomen.org.uk  with subject title #PlasticFreeJuly, and we will share your tip too.

The post #PlasticFreeJuly 2024 appeared first on Green Party Women.

Established in 2017, by the Rainforest Partnership,, this day emphasises the urgent need for conservation efforts and highlights the numerous benefits rainforests provide to the planet and humanity.

Biodiversity

Rainforests are home to an incredible diversity of life, hosting millions of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms. They harbour approximately 50% of the world’s plant and animal species, many of which are not found anywhere else. This immense biodiversity is crucial for the stability and resilience of ecosystems.

Addressing climate change

Rainforests play a pivotal role in regulating the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. They also act as significant carbon sinks, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide and mitigating the effects of climate change. By regulating temperatures and weather patterns, they contribute to the stability of global climate systems.

Maintaining the water cycle

Rainforests also play a critical role in the hydrological cycle. Through the process of transpiration, they release water vapor into the atmosphere, contributing to cloud formation and precipitation. This process is essential for maintaining regional and global water cycles, which affect agriculture, water supplies, and natural ecosystems.

Soil conservation

The dense vegetation of rainforests helps prevent soil erosion. The roots of trees and plants bind the soil, reducing the risk of landslides and maintaining soil fertility. This is vital for sustaining the health of terrestrial ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

Cultural importance

Rainforests are home to numerous indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with these ecosystems for centuries. Their cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems are intimately linked to the forest. Protecting rainforests is also about preserving the cultural heritage and wisdom of these communities.

The most important rainforests

Here are some of the most significant rainforests:

Amazon Rainforest (South America)

Location: Spans across Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and several other countries.

Biodiversity: The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world and is home to approximately 10% of all known species.

Congo Basin Rainforest (Central Africa)

Location: Extending across several countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.

Biodiversity: The Congo Basin is the second-largest rainforest and is rich in wildlife, including gorillas, elephants, and numerous plant species.

Southeast Asian Rainforests

Location: Spread across countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Biodiversity: These rainforests are incredibly diverse, with many unique species such as orangutans, tigers, and various endemic plants.

Daintree Rainforest (Australia)

Location: Located in Queensland, Australia.

Biodiversity: The Daintree is home to numerous rare and endemic species, including the cassowary and the tree kangaroo.

Central American Rainforests

Location: Found in countries like Costa Rica, Panama, and Honduras.

Biodiversity: These rainforests host a wide variety of species, including jaguars, sloths, and countless bird species.

Madagascar Rainforest

Location: Located on the island of Madagascar off the southeastern coast of Africa.

Biodiversity: Due to its unique biodiversity and high levels of threat from deforestation, Madagascar is a global conservation priority. It is home to the Ring-tailed Lemur, Fossa, and Baobab.

Importance of Conservation

These rainforests are not only vital for their ecological and climatic roles but also for their cultural, economic, and scientific values. However, they face numerous threats, including deforestation, illegal logging, mining, and climate change. Conservation efforts are essential to protect these critical ecosystems and ensure they continue to provide their invaluable services to the planet and humanity. Efforts include establishing protected areas, promoting sustainable land use, enforcing environmental laws, and supporting indigenous communities in their stewardship of the forests.

World Rainforest Day is a crucial observance that brings global attention to the vital role of rainforests and the urgent need for their protection. By raising awareness, promoting conservation actions, and supporting indigenous communities, this day aims to foster a worldwide commitment to preserving these invaluable ecosystems.

Raising awareness

Collective efforts inspired by World Rainforest Day can help ensure that rainforests continue to thrive and provide essential benefits for the planet and future generations. Various activities and initiatives take place globally to engage and inspire people. These include:

• Educational Campaigns: Schools, universities, and environmental organisations conduct educational programs, workshops, and webinars to spread knowledge about rainforests and their importance.
• Tree Planting Events: Community groups and organisations organise tree planting events to restore degraded forest areas and promote reforestation.
• Fundraising: Fundraising campaigns are launched to support conservation projects, research, and the work of organisations dedicated to rainforest protection.
• Advocacy and Policy: Environmental activists and organisations use this day to advocate for stronger environmental policies, legal protections, and enforcement measures to safeguard rainforests.
• Social Media Campaigns: The use of social media platforms to share information, success stories, and calls to action helps to reach a wider audience and amplify the message of rainforest conservation.

The post World Rainforest Day appeared first on Green Party Women.

Green Party Women have pledged to join the Restore Nature Now March on Saturday June 22. We would like as many of our members and supporters to pledge to come and join us.

Why join the Restore Nature Now march?

In the UK all our native species are at risk due to rivers and seas being polluted. According to the march organisers wildlife numbers are in a downward spiral. 1 in 6 British species at risk of extinction, and floods and droughts becoming more extreme as we see the escalating effects of climate change.

The UK is set to fail to meet its own legal targets to restore nature and reduce climate emissions.

Green Party Women along with a wide range of groups, from leading nature charities like the RSPB to environmental activists like Extinction Rebellion, are urging everyone who cares for nature to march with us to make a simple demand to all political parties: Restore Nature Now.

The demonstration aims to be the biggest gathering of people for nature and climate that the UK has ever seen.

Where to join us

We will be meeting at Hyde Park Corner at 12.00pm. Look out for the Green Party Women Banner to find us.

Follow us on X and we can DM you details if you’re lost!

View on map.

WHO has pledged to join the Restore Nature Now March?

Below is a selection of our committee and members who have pledged to join us.

The post Restore Nature Now March appeared first on Green Party Women.

Drought, desertification, and land degradation

Climate change and its effect on drought, desertification, and land degradation poses an escalating threat to the planet and its inhabitants. Globally, over 2 billion hectares of land are degraded – an area nearly equivalent to the combined size of India and the Russian Federation. Annually, around 12 million hectares of land are lost to degradation, significantly impacting global food and water supplies. Each year, 55 million people are directly affected by droughts, making it the most severe hazard to livestock and crops in nearly every region of the world.

The global role of women

In developing countries, women constitute 45% of the agricultural labour force, with their participation ranging from 20% in Latin America to as high as 60% in parts of Africa and Asia. This substantial involvement underscores the critical role women play in agriculture and ecosystem management. Involving women in ecosystem restoration is essential for several reasons:

• Women often possess extensive knowledge about local ecosystems and sustainable agricultural practices, which can be pivotal in restoration efforts. Their involvement ensures that restoration projects are more attuned to the unique environmental and social contexts of their communities.
• Empowering women through active participation in restoration promotes equality and enhances community resilience.
• Women are also more likely to invest their earnings in their families and communities, leading to improved health, education, and economic outcomes.

Moreover, when women are included in decision-making processes, the strategies for ecosystem restoration are more comprehensive and inclusive, addressing the needs of all community members. This inclusivity enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of restoration initiatives. Therefore, the success of ecosystem restoration efforts is intricately linked to the active and meaningful participation of women. Women’s involvement is not only beneficial but indispensable.

Relevance to the UK

In the UK, this day also provides an opportunity to highlight specific national concerns. These include our habitat destruction, air pollution and plastic waste.

One of the most pressing issues in the UK is air quality. Despite improvements over the past few decades, air pollution remains a significant health threat. Cities like London frequently exceed safe air pollution levels, leading to thousands of premature deaths each year. World Environment Day helps to spotlight these issues, fostering public understanding and prompting governmental action.

Promoting sustainable practices

World Environment Day helps to encourage individuals and organisations to adopt more sustainable practices. In the UK, this translated into increased efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote renewable energy. This led to the current government setting legally binding targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This goal requires substantial changes across various sectors.

Businesses and individuals alike are encouraged to reduce waste, conserve energy, and embrace sustainable alternatives. For example, many UK supermarkets have pledged to eliminate single-use plastics and increase the use of recyclable materials. Initiatives like these gain additional momentum and public attention around World Environment Day, driving further progress towards sustainability goals.

Encouraging community involvement

World Environment Day also emphasises the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation. Across the UK, numerous events and activities are organised to engage local communities. From tree planting drives to beach clean-ups, these activities not only improve the local environment but also foster a sense of community and shared responsibility.

In Cornwall, for example, community groups regularly organise beach clean-ups to tackle marine litter, a significant problem affecting the UK’s coastlines. These initiatives, often highlighted on World Environment Day, not only help to protect marine ecosystems but also raise awareness about the broader issue of plastic pollution. In 2021, the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) charity when it set up the Million Mile Clean reported that volunteers removed over 12,000 kg of litter from UK beaches.

Every day should be World Environment Day

Below is a selection of statements by our current committee and members about what this day means to them. However, here at Green Party Women we think every day should be World Environment Day.

Daily awareness and action are crucial in combating climate change, reducing pollution, and preserving biodiversity. By integrating sustainable practices into our own everyday routines, we can collectively make a significant difference. Continuous environmental consciousness also fosters a culture of responsibility and stewardship, ensuring that we protect natural resources not just for ourselves but also all other species. Making every day World Environment Day would encourage ongoing commitment to a healthier, more sustainable world.

Why World Enviroment day important to us

The post World Environment Day 2024 appeared first on Green Party Women.

Preserving Earth’s Hidden Carbon Sinks

World Peatlands Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of peatlands and to promote their conservation. Peatlands, often overlooked ecosystems, play a crucial role in global climate regulation, biodiversity conservation and water management. This day serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect these vital landscapes from degradation and to recognise their value in sustaining life on Earth.

What Are Peatlands?

Peatlands are a type of wetland characterised by the accumulation of organic matter, primarily plant material, which decomposes slowly in waterlogged conditions. This process leads to the formation of peat, a rich, carbon-dense soil. Peatlands are found across the world, from the tropical peat swamps of Southeast Asia to the expansive bogs of Canada and Russia. Despite covering only 3% of the Earth’s land surface, peatlands store nearly one-third of the world’s soil carbon, making them essential for climate stability.

In the UK, peatland accounts for 10% of the overall land area (approx. 3 million hectares). Peatland habitats are found in both remote area of the country and near major centres of human population.

A wide range of impacts from human activity over time have led to severe degradation of habitat and erosion of peat soil and an estimated 80% of UK peatlands are currently considered to be damaged. Drainage for agriculture, forestry, and peat extraction, along with overgrazing and burning, has led to habitat loss and the release of stored carbon. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering precipitation patterns and increasing the risk of wildfires.

Ecological Importance

Peatlands are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare and endangered. These ecosystems provide crucial habitats for birds, insects, and mammals. Additionally, peatlands are vital for water regulation; they act like natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing flood risks, while also maintaining water quality by filtering pollutants.

Climate Change and Peatlands

The role of peatlands in climate regulation cannot be overstated. They are significant carbon sinks, storing more carbon than all the world’s forests combined. When drained or degraded, the stored carbon is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas. This process contributes significantly to global warming. Conversely, protecting and restoring peatlands can help mitigate climate change by preventing carbon emissions and enhancing carbon sequestration.

Threats to Peatlands

Despite their importance, peatlands face numerous threats. Agricultural expansion, forestry and peat extraction for horticulture and energy are major drivers of peatland degradation. In many regions, they are drained to convert them into arable land, leading to significant carbon emissions and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, peatlands are vulnerable to climate change which can alter their hydrology and increase the risk of fires.

Conservation Efforts and Global Initiatives

World Peatlands Day highlights the need for concerted global efforts to protect and restore peatlands. Several international initiatives and agreements aim to promote peatland conservation, including the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, the Global Peatlands Initiative, and the Bonn Challenge. These efforts focus on raising awareness, supporting sustainable management practices, and fostering collaboration among governments, NGOs, and local communities.

In the UK, the government has recognised the importance of peatland conservation and has introduced several policies and funding initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring these ecosystems. Key efforts include:

• The Peatland Code
• The Nature for Climate Fund
• Scotland’s Peatland Action Programme
• Welsh Peatlands Sustainable Management Scheme

Innovative Peatland Restoration Projects

Several innovative projects across the UK are making significant strides in peatland restoration. These include:

• The Great North Bog Initiative
• Flow Country Restoration
• Moors for the Future Partnership

Community Involvement and Education

Community involvement is a key aspect of successful peatland conservation. Many projects engage local communities through volunteering opportunities, educational programs and citizen science initiatives. Raising awareness about the importance of peatlands and the benefits of their restoration helps to foster a sense of stewardship and support for conservation efforts.

How You Can Get Involved

There are many ways in which individuals can contribute to peatland conservation. Supporting organisations dedicated to wetland protection; advocating for sustainable land use practices and spreading awareness about their importance are all valuable actions.

A complete ban on the sale of peat-based compost in the UK is due in 2030. In the meantime, you can reduce demand for peat by only using and purchasing peat free compost products for your garden. Visit here for a list of UK retailers who currently sell peat free compost.

On World Peatlands Day, participating in events, workshops and educational activities can also help amplify the message and inspire collective action.

The post Celebrating World Peatlands Day appeared first on Green Party Women.

Conference voted unanimously to fully support the Truth About Zane Campaign’s call for ‘Zane’s Law’. Well done to everyone who has campaigned for this for such a long time

GPEW proposes that the following measures be adopted into legislation by Government, to prioritise the protection and safety of people and planet.

The Legislation if passed would include:

1.    Each relevant Local Authority must keep a full, regularly updated Register of Land that may be contaminated within their boundary.

2.    The Environment Agency must keep a full, public ‘National Register of Contaminated Land’ to be regularly updated by information from Local Authorities.

3.    All above mentioned Registers of Land must be accessible and available for inspection by the General Public.

4.    Relevant Local Authorities must fully inspect any land registered that may be contaminated and must fully remediate or enforce remediation of any land which poses harm to public safety, or which pollutes controlled waters*

5.    Relevant Local Authorities must be responsible for inspecting previously closed landfill sites and fully remediating them, or enforcing their remediation when they pose a risk of significant harm to people or controlled waters.

6.    The Government must take full responsibility for providing the necessary funds for Local Authorities to meet these new requirements, following the ‘polluter pays’ principle: to recover costs as appropriate where those responsible for the pollution can be identified.

These measures are not all in place currently and would require significant investment and full funding from the Government to be implemented. Other statutory requirements (such as data protection provisions) would need be taken account of.

* Controlled waters are groundwater or surface water intended for human consumption

Truth About Zane article written for Green Party Women website by Elizabeth Mansfield – Lewes District Green Party, Truth About Zane Campaign Committee, GPW Committee Co-chair.

I’m so pleased to have been invited to write about the Truth About Zane (TAZ) Campaign for the Green Party Women (GPW) website. One of GPW’s key aims this year is raising women’s voices. Excellent. I’m raising my voice for Zane.

Truth! Justice! No More Deaths from Toxic Waste! Three urgent demands we’re crying out to be heard in the name of Zane Gbangbola, son of Kye and Nicole, who died in February 2014, when he was only 7-years-old, during terrible flooding at his home in Chertsey, Surrey.

Yet it wasn’t floodwater that carried this much-loved little boy away, but Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) poisoning, detected at high levels in his home by the HAZMAT Fire and Rescue team on the night he died. His Daddy, Kye, is now  a rest-of-his-life wheelchair user, with a diagnosis of ‘Rhabdomyolysis due to Hydrogen Cyanide’, from the same incident – a diagnosis made by his Consultant Clinical Neurophysiologist.

So, why at Zane’s Inquest, held two years after his death, did the coroner find that Zane died of carbon monoxide poisoning from a faulty petrol pump? Good question. The Fire and Rescue team did find a petrol pump at Zane’s home that night, but they logged it in the National Incident Recording System as having been found ‘cold and unused’. They had also tested for Carbon Monoxide (CO), but none was detected, which fact they also logged.

Despite this clear evidence, on the morning after Zane died, the police publicly announced that CO poisoning from a faulty petrol pump was the most likely cause of Zane’s death. The announcement came hard on the heels of an urgently called emergency COBRA meeting, and before any investigation had begun.

The CO/ faulty pump theory continued, unswervingly, to be the authorities’ official ‘line’ right the way through to the coroner’s verdict, given in 2016, which confirmed the same. Kye and Nicole (Zane’s Mummy) were not listened to when they repeatedly said that they had not used the petrol pump, that it was faulty (a fact confirmed by the coroner’s own pump expert at the inquest) and that they’d only hired it as a back-up. Their statements were ignored, and they were accused of lying. Worse still, the implication that they were ’negligent parents’ was stuck on them. Disgraceful! Nothing could have been further from the truth.

More and more evidence has since emerged that the land next to Zane’s home was a historic landfill site, and that the land is contaminated. Post-war, it was commandeered by the MOD for amphibious tank testing (munitions), and in the 1960s thousands of tons of experimental waste were dumped there.

Kye and Nicole also discovered, shockingly, that the local authority knew all this, and that four years before Zane died, they’d advised the Environment Agency to put a gas proof membrane into a new property they were building, right next door to Zane’s home. The gas proof membrane was recommended following a report made from a desk top study, assessing the land, which had concluded that the land posed an ‘Unacceptable risk’ with a ‘high risk of migrating landfill gasses’, capable of causing ‘significant harm, serious injury and capable of causing death.’  The local authority kept quiet about the report, refused to test the land further, which had been strongly recommended, and failed to inform local residents that they were at risk. Now, that does sound like negligence!

None of this crucial evidence, however, was heard at Zane’s inquest. The coroner had determined that Zane’s death did not touch on ‘matters of public interest’ and therefore did not warrant an Article 2 type inquest, which would have required a jury, and would have put the verdict on Zane’s death into the jury’s hands. By making this decision, he awarded himself, as coroner, absolute power to determine which evidence was heard at the inquest and which was not. There was zero ‘parity of arms’. Kye and Nicole were denied legal aid three times in the period leading up to the inquest, while all other parties were represented by top QCs, including the coroner himself.

The Fire Brigade Union have stood solidly next to Kye, Nicole, and the TAZ Campaign, questioning the coroner’s verdict and calling for a full and fearless Independent Panel Inquiry to determine the truth of what happened to Zane. So have many other organisations and political parties, including the Green Party, trade unions and thousands of individuals. Our petition calling for an Independent Panel Inquiry for Zane, was delivered by Kye and Nicole, together with Matt Wrack (then General Secretary of the FBU), to No.10 Downing Street, in October 2022, on what would have been Zane’s 16^th birthday. The petition, signed by over 117,000 people, has been completely ignored by the government.

Andy Burnham’s (Mayor of Manchester) ‘Hillsborough Law’, now the ‘Public Authority Accountability Bill’, would reform coronial law, preventing the cruel injustices that have been perpetrated on the Hillsborough families, and now on Zane’s family. The Bill is still waiting to be passed into law. We can only hope that if Sir Keir Starmer becomes PM at the next election, he will do the right thing at last – speed the passage of this Bill and immediately grant an IPI to uncover the truth about Zane and the landfill next to his home.

No More Deaths from Toxic Waste!

Natalie Bennett has been supporting TAZ since I invited her to meet Kye and Nicole in 2016. She’s attended many events we’ve organised since then, including one she arranged herself, at the House of Lords. At Cop 26, together with Kye and Nicole, Natalie launched a new branch of the TAZ campaign ‘Zane’s Law’, at a Peace and Justice event hosted by Jeremy Corbyn.

‘Zane’s Law’ aims to close loopholes in the Environment Act 2012, by tightening up authorities’ obligations in relation to the registration and remediation of landfill sites and public health safety. And the law would require the government to provide the necessary funding and resources, following the polluter pays principle, to enable this work to be carried out. Zane’s law would be the first progressive UK law in decades to provide enforceable protection for local communities endangered or harmed by toxic landfill and polluted waters: A law to protect our children now, and in the future, from the dangers of contaminated land.

I tabled a motion to define and support ‘Zane’s Law’ for the October 2023 GPEW conference. The motion made it onto the agenda but wasn’t debated. However, I succeeded in getting the ‘Campaigns Committee’ on board, who have been immensely supportive in helping to promote ‘Zane’s Law’ as a GPEW national campaign. We created a resources pack, a dedicated website, and I set up a ‘Make Toxic Landfills Safe’ petition. Tom Scott’s support (chair of the committee) was especially invaluable. We included the as yet unheard ‘Zane’s Law’ conference motion in the resources pack, as a ‘model motion’ for campaigners/councillors to present to their local councils.

In Lewes, where I live, 17 Green councillors form the majority on Lewes’s Tory-free District Council. With the resources pack now launched, and the website and petition live, my friend and colleague, Councillor Imogen Makepeace* (see note at end of article), took the motion forward and it was included for debate at a full Lewes District Council meeting on Monday 19^th February.

Kye travelled to Lewes to be with us for this momentous occasion. Imogen spoke brilliantly, the motion was carried unanimously, and a standing ovation from all the other councillors followed… it was a very emotional moment I can tell you!

Since then, four more councils have passed the motion and hopefully there’ll be more to come. Special tribute to Green Cllr Kerry Pickett at Brighton & Hove City Council, Green Cllr Gabe Crisp at Adur Council, Green Cllr Rebecca Aldham at Stroud Council and Green Cllr Polly Gray at Rother District Council. Thank you!

Since I launched the petition, which now has over 3,500 signatories, people with concerns about contaminated land and water have been getting in touch with TAZ, rather like the postmistresses and masters who came forward when Mr Bates put out a call to them, during the Post Office Scandal. As a result of this, Kye has recently launched l ‘UK Landfill Campaigns’, a supportive network and resource for campaigners, through which people can connect, learn, and empower each other. Together we are stronger!

I’ve known Kye and Nicole for over 10 years now. I was living not far away from them at the time of the tragedy, and I also experienced that terrible flooding in 2014. I met them at a huge ‘post flood’ meeting held at the Spelthorne Leisure Centre, in Staines, and it was here that I first heard the shocking news of what had happened to Zane. I’ve come to know, love, respect and admire them both. They are amazing people, whose love for their beloved son blazes through them as strongly as does their grief and despair at his loss. They are fearless, brave, courageous campaigners, who will not rest until Zane has the justice he deserves, and until UK landfills and water supplies are made safe for people, for our environment, and for our beautiful planet.

Little Zane had helped to set up an ‘Eco Team’ at his school. And when he was asked about why sustainability is important, he carefully explained how much he and his family liked to look after their own garden… but that the world is one big garden and that we’re all responsible for looking after it together.

Rest in peace Zane, we heed your words.

What can you do?

Find out more about the Truth About Zane here: www.truthaboutzane.com

Find out about Zane’s Law here: www.zaneslaw.co.uk

Sign the petition here: Make toxic landfills safe – Support ‘Zane’s Law’! | 38 Degrees

Help get my Zane’s Law motion onto the agenda for the upcoming September conference, by clicking ‘Like’ (at the bottom of the motion) on Green Spaces here: spaces.greenparty.org.uk/content/perma?id=230661

• Find out about and connect with any local campaigns about landfill and/or contaminated water in your area and connect with the ‘UK Landfill Campaigns’ network by emailing truthaboutzane@gmail.com.
• Bring up the ‘Truth About Zane’ and ‘Zane’s Law’ in your local party. You could suggest a showing of these excellent films, with a discussion to follow:
• If you have a Green Councillor, talk to them about getting the model motion put forward at a council meeting. The Zane’s Law resources pack, including the model motion, is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Vv0c1vef0LhhmZXutFH2j-_PIqhzlgm/view?usp=sharing

Further information

Kye Gbangbola speaking about the need for Zane’s Law – (3.5 mins)

Paul Mobbs – Forgotten but not Gone: Contaminated land, climate change and government inaction (18 mins)

The Truth About Zane – a film (11 minutes)

*Imogen Makepeace

Not long after that victorious night, when Imogen successfully moved the first ‘Zane’s Law’ motion ever to be passed by a local Council, she was put on a ‘No Fault Suspension’ by the Deputy Chairs of the Disciplinary Committee, on what I consider to be spurious grounds. As a result, Imogen has now resigned from the Green Party. This has been a huge loss to our local party. We have been very upset and we rallied to support her at an EGM. Imogen’s ‘No Fault Suspension’ is, again in my opinion, an indictment of the Green Party’s disciplinary processes, which have been much used and abused of late. The Green Party’s loss, however, is Lewes’s gain – Imogen Makepeace was elected Mayor of Lewes on Thursday 9^th May.

The post Zane’s Law appeared first on Green Party Women.

“Be part of the Plan”, is this year’s theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB). It is a call to action for all of the world to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity by supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also referred to as the Biodiversity Plan.

The Biodiversity Plan offers opportunities for cooperation and partnerships among diverse groups including governments, indigenous peoples, local communities, non-governmental organisations, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, encompasses the myriad of species, genes, ecosystems, and ecological processes that make up our planet’s intricate web of life. It is the foundation of the ecosystem that supports all life, survival and well-being. Despite its critical importance, biodiversity is under threat due to human activities. Understanding and protecting biodiversity is not just a matter of preserving nature for its own sake but is crucial for the health, stability, and resilience of ecosystems that we all depend on.

Ecosystems and Ecological Balance

Biodiversity plays a fundamental role in maintaining ecological balance. Each species, no matter how small, has a role in the ecosystem, contributing to processes such as pollination, nutrient cycling, soil formation, and water purification. For instance, bees and other pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants, including crops that constitute a significant part of the human diet. Healthy ecosystems regulate climate, control floods, and purify water, providing essential services that support life on Earth.

Resilience to Environmental Changes

Ecosystems with high biodiversity are generally more resilient to environmental changes and disturbances. A diverse ecosystem can better withstand and recover from events such as extreme weather, disease outbreaks, and human impacts. This resilience is crucial in the context of climate change, where rapid changes in temperature and weather patterns can severely disrupt ecosystems. Biodiversity acts as a buffer, helping ecosystems adapt and maintain their functions under changing conditions.

Threats to Biodiversity

Despite its importance, biodiversity is facing unprecedented threats. Habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overexploitation, and invasive species are driving a rapid decline in biodiversity worldwide. The loss of biodiversity not only undermines ecosystem services but also jeopardises human health and livelihoods. It is estimated that species are being lost at a rate 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate.

Conservation Efforts

Protecting biodiversity requires concerted global efforts. Conservation strategies include establishing protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, and promoting sustainable practices. International agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, aim to coordinate global actions to preserve biodiversity. Additionally, raising public awareness and engaging local communities in conservation efforts are crucial for ensuring the long-term success of these initiatives.

Be part of the plan

“Be part of the Plan” reminds us, that as stewards of the planet, it is our responsibility to preserve its precious diversity for future generations of all life on earth. The time to act is now, before the tapestry of life unravels beyond repair.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of steps you can take as an individual to be part of the Plan:

• Moderate your consumption of meat and fish to reduce pressure on natural resources.
• Consume fruit and vegetables in season and try to shop locally to reduce transport emissions. 
• Reduce waste by shopping sensibly.
• Compost food waste.
• Repair, re-use and recycle anything from home appliances to clothing. 
• Learn how your use of chemicals (example: chemicals contained in detergents, pesticides and cosmetics) affects biodiversity and use this knowledge to adopt environmentally friendly alternatives.
• Choose fresh produce from local markets and support bio-products. Look out for products with fair trade certifications or eco-friendly labels when making purchasing decisions.
• Enquire about corporate social responsibility policies before buying a company’s products.
• Support and promote ecological tourism. Your next adventure does not have to leave a giant carbon footprint: consider nearby destinations.
• Avoid activities that disturb fauna and flora. 
• Explain the value of biodiversity to those around you.
• Engage with political officials from your region and/or with local representatives (example: the Member of Parliament for your region and/or the mayor of your city) and request information on what your local authorities are doing to implement the Biodiversity Plan. 

The post International Day for Biological Diversity 2024 appeared first on Green Party Women.

The vital role of bees in our ecosystem and the threats they face

Bees play a pivotal role in the balance of the earth’s ecosystem and it is only right that we celebrate and highlight their importance on World Bee Day.

At the heart of that importance, lies their role as pollinators. Bees are indispensable for the reproduction of many flowering plants, including crops that sustain human life. It is estimated that one-third of the world’s food supply depends on pollination, with bees being the primary contributors. Their diligent work in transferring pollen from one flower to another facilitates the fertilisation process, ensuring fruit, vegetable and seed production.

Biodiversity boosters

Beyond their agricultural significance, bees also contribute to the overall biodiversity of ecosystems. By pollinating a wide variety of plants, they support the growth of numerous species, from wildflowers to trees. This, in turn, creates habitats for other organisms, forming intricate food webs and promoting genetic diversity within plant populations. Bees serve as a linchpin species, influencing the health and stability of our entire ecosystems.

Threats to bee populations

Despite their crucial role, bees are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten their existence and the delicate equilibrium of the natural world.

One of the most significant threats is habitat loss. Urbanisation, industrial agriculture, and deforestation have encroached upon bee habitats, diminishing the availability of food and nesting sites. Pesticide use, particularly neonicotinoids, pose another grave threat. These chemicals, intended to control pests, inadvertently harm bees by impairing their navigation, foraging abilities, and immune systems.

Climate change

Climate change exacerbates these challenges, altering flowering patterns and disrupting the synchrony between bees and their food sources. Additionally, the spread of pathogens and parasites, such as Varroa mites, further weakens bee colonies, making them more susceptible to environmental stressors. Collectively, these factors contribute to the alarming decline in bee populations observed worldwide, a phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder.

Protecting our pollinators

Addressing the plight of bees requires concerted efforts at local, national and global levels. Conservation initiatives aimed at preserving and restoring bee habitats are crucial. This involves creating pollinator-friendly landscapes, safeguarding natural areas, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices that minimise pesticide use and provide diverse foraging opportunities for bees.

Education and awareness are also vital in fostering appreciation for bees and their importance to ecosystems. By raising public consciousness about the threats they face and the actions individuals can take to support bee populations, we can inspire collective action and protection.

Cherishing and safeguarding our bees we help to secure a brighter future for both bees and ourselves.

Practical ways to help

Make a bee hotel

Set up a ‘nectar café’ in your garden for bees and other crucial pollinators

Help hibernating bumblebees

Pledge to bee the change

Carry a Bee Reviver Kit to save tired bees Demonstrated by Green Party Women’s very own Jessica Goldfinch below.

Further resources

Know your bees

Planet Bee Foundation’s resource hub

The post World Bee Day 2024 appeared first on Green Party Women.

Today, we are celebrating International Dawn Chorus Day. This year, it’s being held on Sunday 5th May but any morning is a good one to take time out and just listen. Whether you are an early bird or know nothing about bird songs, visit the Wildlife Trusts website to find out more.

In the tranquil hours of early morning, you should be hearing a symphony of chirps, trills, and melodies. This natural orchestra, known as the dawn chorus, has been a cherished part of the British countryside for generations.

Dawn Chorus Decline

In recent years, this dawn chorus has been fading, mirroring a troubling trend in the decline of bird species throughout the UK.

Habitat loss, driven by urbanisation, intensive agriculture, and deforestation, has significantly reduced the spaces where birds can thrive. Pesticides and pollutants further exacerbate the problem, contaminating food sources and causing harm to bird populations. Climate change, with its unpredictable weather patterns and shifting ecosystems, adds another layer of challenge for these already struggling creatures.

One of the most iconic symbols of the declining bird population is the once-ubiquitous house sparrow. Once a common sight in gardens and urban areas, according to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) the house sparrow has experienced a dramatic decline, with numbers plummeting by over 47% in urban areas and 60% in rural areas since the 1970s, and has been on the UK Red List since 2002. Other species, such as the skylark, lapwing, and corn bunting, have also suffered significant declines, their dwindling populations serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for conservation efforts.

The loss of bird species not only represents a loss of biodiversity but also has broader ecological implications. Birds play crucial roles in ecosystems, acting as pollinators, seed dispersers, and controllers of insect populations. Their decline can disrupt delicate ecological balances, leading to cascading effects throughout entire ecosystems.

Conservation efforts, such as habitat restoration, creation of wildlife corridors, and initiatives to reduce pesticide use, are essential steps in reversing this trend of bird decline. Additionally, raising awareness about the importance of birds and their habitats can inspire individuals and communities to take action to protect these precious creatures.

Green Witchers

You can also find out more about birds and wildlife at our monthly Green Witchers Zoom hosted by Green Witcher and Green Party Women committee member Anne Baker. Our next meeting will be on 14th May (joining details to follow).

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Ella Roberta was a funny, busy, clever, curious, sporty and musical child. She was born in Lewisham Hospital and was a healthy, young girl until just before her 7th birthday she began to develop, what was later confirmed at her inquest, rare and life threatening asthma.

The inquest into the cause of her death at 9 years old has concluded with the ruling that dangerously high levels of air pollution in London made a “material contribution” and will be recorded as a medical cause of her death in 2013.

The inquest was possible thanks to the extraordinary campaign led by Ella’s mum, Rosamund Kissi-Debrah, now a World Health Organisation advocate for health and air quality. Rosamund set up the Ella Roberta Family Foundation after the death of her beloved daughter. The aim of the foundation is to improve the lives of children affected by asthma in South East London by raising awareness of asthma, campaigning for better treatment and for clean air.

Rosamund is featured in the Women’s Hour Power list. Listen to the interview.

Green Party Women April 2020 Conference on Air Pollution and Covid

Rosamund and researchers from the Cambridge University Toxicology department spoke about Air Pollution and Covid at the conference.

Extract of Rebeka Popovic and Dr. Lisa Selly on Air Pollution & Raised Covid-19 Infection Risk

“We explored potential links between the major air pollutants that are released during fossil fuel combustion and COVID-19 in England. Looking at the effects on both population and individuals, we showed that the levels of some air pollutants are linked to the risk of being infected as well as chances of dying from COVID-19. We also identified which sources were contributing most to levels of these air pollutants in England. Our results emphasise the importance of strengthening efforts to tighten air pollution regulations”

Rebeka Popovic is a PhD student at the MRC Toxicology Unit. Her research explores why and how air pollutants cause harm to the body, focusing on the biological changes that they create in the lungs as well as their role in promoting airway infections.

Liza’s projects are based on pollutants that currently have little or no government regulation. These include non-exhaust traffic emissions like brake dust, biodiesel exhaust and aviation emissions

View the full presentations.

Some short extracts from Rosamund are here:
How Many Die From Air Pollution
I Knew Air Was Filthy
Why So Many BAME Deaths
Why So Many Bus Drivers Die From Air Pollution.

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