£98.50

Big thank you to all the bakers and buyers for supporting the Fairtrade bake sale today, we raised £98.50!

All proceeds has now been donated to our school charity, Mary's Meals.

Yummy!

Fairtrade Fortnight 2012

Monday 27th February ~ Sunday 11th March

Step this way...

...and be one of the very first to make your step for Fairtrade count by adding it to our marvellous Step-o-meter below! We’re aiming for 1.5 million steps for Fairtrade by the end of 2012. Each one supports farmers and workers take their own steps towards a brighter future. A step can be anything you do to support Fairtrade, from swapping your sugar to Fairtrade, to hosting your own chocolate tasting event!

Let's KIVA!

KIVA Info Sheet

What is Micro Finance?


Story of Pedro and his family


A fistfull of dollors

A Fistful Of Dollars: The Story of a Kiva.org Loan from Kieran Ball on Vimeo.

Desk to door:

From Desk To Door: Kiva's Microloan Delivery Service from Kieran Ball on Vimeo.

S1 PSE - Inequalities

S1 PSE - Inequalities -

Worst of Each Inequality

Education is the key - Young campaigners for education win award

Education is the key, a photo by Miss Tomitaka on Flickr.

A special issue of the Guardian helped to win this year's Steve Sinnott award for young campaigners:



article from: http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2011/dec/19/global-campaign-for-education?newsfeed=true by Alice Woolley

How about these for a few headlines that nobody would complain about: "Malaria wiped out"; "World population levelling off"; "Last shanty towns demolished in Mumbai"; and even: "Everyone in the world now earns at least $5 a day". These were the stories in a special issue of the Guardian – dated 31 December 2025 – created by Eilidih Naismith and Billy Davidson, students at Hutchesons grammar school, Glasgow.

Their vision of how the future could look by 2025 if all children in the world were receiving a primary education by 2015 helped to win them the Steve Sinnott award for Young Global Education Campaigners of the year. They had identified universal primary education as the most important of the eight millennium development goals agreed by world leaders back in the year 2000 – and they were buzzing to spread the message.

"Education is the key to all the world's problems", said Billy, and his T-shirt backed him up. The judges were unanimously convinced by Eilidih and Billy, both 15, who showed that they had researched the issues meticulously, as well as demonstrating real passion for the cause.

The two students had also dreamed up some imaginative ways to spread the message in the UK about the importance of the millennium goals, including a schools advertising competition in which famous company slogans could be hijacked for the Send My Friend to School campaign: "Because we are worth it" and because "Every little helps".

"Eilidih and Billy were so passionate, innovative, enthusiastic and knowledgeable in making their presentation that they stood out in a very strong field," said Mary Sinnott, one of the judges. "I believe they will be tremendous ambassadors."

The award was set up in memory of Steve Sinnott, Mary's late husband, the general secretary of the National Union of Teachers, who died in 2008. He had been a passionate advocate of the Global Campaign for Education, which is supported by an umbrella body of charities including ActionAid, and by the NUT.

In February, the two students will travel to Malawi with ActionAid and the Global Campaign for Education to meet children who do not have a place at school, or who struggle to attend. When they arrive home, they will speak in the House of Commons and to the teaching unions, and create films and blogs, all as part of their new job as young ambassadors.

The runners-up were Tanisha Patel and Jasmin Sahota, of Soar Valley college, Leicester, Alexander Cotter and Bobo Kalungu-Banda, of Blessed George Napier school, Banbury, and Hannah Copeland and Reece Beale, from The King John school, Benfleet, Essex.

Next year, Send My Friend to School is inviting UK pupils to take part in a special Olympic-themed campaign. More information at sendmyfriend.org

Alice Woolley

• Alice Woolley, editor of Education Guardian, was on the judging panel for the Steve Sinnott award

2011

Now you decide- Which school do you want to support?

Mary's Meals - Vote

View more presentations from Akiko Tomitaka.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Vote now: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5TGTWN6

Tips on how to run a brilliant campaign!

We will be taking part in "Send my sister to school" campaign this year.

S3 PSE Information sheets

International Debt Information Sheet

Publish at Calaméo or browse others.

Gender inequalities information booklet

Publish at Calaméo or browse others.

International Aid Information Booklet

Publish at Calaméo or browse others.

International Trade information booklet

Publish at Calaméo or browse others.

You are one in a 7Billion.

The World at 7 Billion

The world’s population will top seven billion people in October 2011. This unique moment in human history represents both an achievement and a challenge, and will have an impact on every single person on the planet. A world of seven billion has implications for sustainability, urbanization, access to health services and youth empowerment – however, it also offers a rare call-to-action opportunity to renew global commitment for a healthy and sustainable world.

As the United Nations agency responsible for marking this milestone, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is leading an innovative global campaign—7 Billion Actions—to build awareness around the opportunities and challenges of a world of seven billion people. UNFPA has enlisted a wide group of corporations, organizations, and individuals to deliver this unique initiative, using online, mobile and offline actions to tell the story of the people behind the number.

The initiative – Objectives

7 Billion Actions aims to achieve two key objectives:

• Building global awareness around the opportunities and challenges associated with a world of seven billion people.
• Inspiring governments, NGOs, private sector, media, academia and individuals to take actions that will have a socially positive impact.

Themes

The campaign will build awareness around seven key issues, then count the activities the campaign stimulates to address them. The issues are:

• Poverty and inequality;
• Women and girls empowerment;
• Reproductive health and rights;
• Young people;
• Ageing population;
• Environment;
• Urbanization.

http://7billionactions.org/stories/new/

You are One in a 7 Billion - S3 PSE Assembly

S3 PSE Assembly

View more presentations from Akiko Tomitaka.

You are One in a 7 Billion

What is your story? http://www.7billionactions.org/stories/new/

What is your talent? http://www.7billionactions.org/music

http://www.7billionactions.org/film

The Seven Billionth Baby’s Expected Due Date: October 31st

http://7billionactions.org/

A world of 7 billion people poses many challenges – and countless opportunities to make a positive difference. 7 Billion Actions, established by the United Nations Population Fund, inspires change that will make a difference by highlighting positive action by individuals and organizations around the world.

World Food Day

http://www.1billionhungry.org/
Put Food First - Every day nearly 1 billion people go to bed hungry. Rising and volatile food prices are causing pain and suffering for poor people around the world, driving 44 million people into extreme poverty in recent months. We need to find solutions to ensure everyone has enough nutritious food now and in the years to come.

Justice and Fairness competition final

ACHIEVING THE MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS DEFEATS INJUSTICE AND CONFLICT

Video from: UNDP website: http://www.beta.undp.org/undp/en/home/mdgoverview.html
The J8 Group Booklet

Our school charity for 2011-2012 is Mary's Meals

http://www.marysmeals.org.uk/

Life in a Day

What a cool Geography and very J8 film! enjoy the trailer :)



Also, 25% of your ticket price does to your chosen charity, see the link for more information: http://www.lifeinadayuk.me/lifeinaday/

S1 Assembly - The Challenge -

S1 the Challenge

Taste Survey

Shop Survey

Entry Advice (1)

S2 Assembly - The Challenge -

A girl can do amazing things


Sign our petition @ http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/send-my-friend-to-school.html

S2 Challenge Doc:
S2challenge

Petition:
Petition

Entry advice:
Entry Advice

#quakebook

Just bought Songs for Japan from iTunes.

You also buy the #quakebook soon.

#quakebook featuring Scala & Kolacny Brothers and Kings of Leon from Quakebook on Vimeo.

ICS: International Citizen Service

Leaving school this year? Want a gap year worth doing? watch the video and visit their website for more information: http://www.facebook.com/#!/ics



update on 14th April:

"International Citizen Service (ICS)
For volunteers wanting to go overseas in the summer, many of the participating programmes are closing applications in the next week, starting from today. Look under discussions for closing dates... but don't worry, applications will still be open for placements after the summer period."

World Walks for Water

Next thing to do!

#FairTrade Daily

Send My Friend To School Presentation - Josh and Sarra

Josh and Sarra Video for Send My Friend to School

One Water

BBC documentary Liquid Gold – airing at 9.00 pm tonight (23/11/2010) on BBC2 – examines the phenomenal growth of the multi-billion pound bottled water industry from Perrier to Dasani and beyond, assessing the health and lifestyle messaging communicated to consumers, the debate over bottled and tap water, and the future for the industry.
Part of that debate focuses on One Water, the non-profit ethical bottled water brand created by Global Ethics Limited.

Video for Steve Sinnott Award - By Josh Lewis

Africa United - VIP African Premiere @ Kigali

For more pictures from the night go to: http://www.facebook.com/#!/africaunitedmovie

Haiti Update

According to a BBC report the death toll from the Haiti cholera outbreak has reached 544. Some 8,000 people are reported to be ill with cholera and being treated with fears shifting to whether the outbreak will blight the capital, Port-au-Prince.

If so, this crisis could worsen significantly and challenge the Haiti earthquake for devastation. Currently 1.3 million Haitians are still living in temporary camps in and around Port-au-Prince, after their homes were destroyed by the earthquake in January this year.

30 cases have already been reported in the city and it is very likely this will rise dramatically before it falls. Just like for the earthquake appeal, the UN is appealing for aid, $19 million to be exact. But is the world listening? After the devastating earthquake does the world still care about Haiti and is it willing to help them through another crisis? We hope the answer is yes but so far it hasn't gathered nearly the same media support and Haiti is still waiting.

The ONE Toilet Tissue

Firstly a huge thank you for helping us to change lives – 1.4m to date. In fact thank you for helping us to fund 742 water projects, 153 HIV clinic days, 36 community veggie gardens and - most recently - 4 school loo block projects in Malawi. And you have achieved all this just by changing your everyday grocery purchases to One branded water, loo roll, soap, snacks, condoms and shopping bags. Simple, life-changing stuff...

One Toilet Tissue


Unlike other loo rolls, One Toilet Tissue doesn’t just take care of your bum. It also helps thousands of people in developing countries who don’t have access to basic handwashing facilities, as we give away all our profits to fund hygiene and sanitation projects.


Did you know that over 5,000 children die each day from waterborne diseases? This is such a shocking fact that we decided to do something about it. Which is why when you buy One Toilet Tissue, you are directly helping to improve the lives of people who really need it.

All our profits from sales of One Toilet Tissue fund:
•Education in basic hygiene

•Teaching in the safe handling and storage of food, including education on preventing the spread of diseases

•The creation of local hygiene and sanitation committees to ensure sustainable solutions

•The training of people in good siting and maintenance of sanitation facilities

•Building of latrines

You can find One Toilet Tissue in most Sainsburys, Waitrose, The Co-Operative and Morrisons stores around the UK.

MDG - You can do make a difference!

Oxfam Glasgow Conference- Tackling Global Poverty Together-

Oct 30 Mitchell Library, Glasgow
(North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN, Phone: 0141 287 2999, Fax: 0141 287 2815)

Tackling Global Poverty Together 10.30-4.30

Why don’t we live in a fair and just world? Who has the power to change things- world leaders or you and me?

Come along to learn more and meet other young people who care. The conference is free and lunch is provided. If you’d like to come along, contact scowan@oxfam.org.uk or click here for : http://www.oxfam.org.uk/education/resources/regional_conferences/

This year’s conferences will lead to a better understanding of global poverty and its links to climate change, and will inspire and engage young people to take action for a more just and sustainable world.
Here is a short video about what they did last year at the conference.

Africa United- Out today!!!

I hope everyone enjoyed the film preview on 7th October.
Just to let you know that ticket sales for Africa United brought in £610. We had to pay Pathe/the cinema £300, so we made £310 for the school charity. In addition S5j8 sold pick 'n' mix to the pupils going to the cinema at £1 per bag. They managed to make £265.08 in about 15 minutes.
Thanks to everyone for their support.
The film is on general release today.

Pictures from the advanced viewing can be found on: http://www.flickr.com/photos/misstomitaka/sets/72157625091374297/

If you want to know more about the film go to: http://www.africaunitedmovie.com/

KIVA for S4 Assembly and PSE

Thank you very much for listening to the KIVA presentation at Pastoral assembly - it was a shame that the sound stopped working for the video. I hope all you of will come up with good case to invest $25.

Here's a copy of the assembly PPT and copy of the video.

Kiva Assembly

View more presentations from Akiko Tomitaka.

From Desk To Door: Kiva's Microloan Delivery Service from Kieran Ball on Vimeo.

Introduction and Instruction

Introduction to KIVA

Tasks


Miss Tomitaka

Malaria Town

On Friday Channel 4's Unreported World covered a story surrounding Apac, the "malaria capital of the world", in northern Uganda. The town was completely hemmed in by a massive swamp, perfect conditions for malarial mosquitoes to thrive.

Many other diseases, like Polio, have not been completely eradicated but combating the disease has been so effective that in 2001 only 483 cases were reported a year compared with 350,000 in 1988. The average cases per year has recently settled around the 1,000 mark. Fighting malaria has not been nearly as effective.

It is estimated that 1 million people die every year due to malaria and the vast majority of cases occur in children under 5. Unlike the other African plague, HIV/AIDS, malaria is totally curable and preventable, so what's the problem? As Unreported World discovers, the battle against malaria isn't being lost solely to the mosquito, but the corruption at the heart of the Ugandan health system.

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/unreported-world/4od

Stopping The Bite

View more presentations from João Paulo Alves.

Something for the J8 Green Agenda and Eco-school.

Ecosia: The eco-friendly search engine from in60seconds on Vimeo.

Africa United - Tickets are available from the Geography Department Room A30

http://www.globalstudentforum.org/gsfafricaunited


Stills from the film can be found on:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=239964&id=129447788129

If you want to know about the film makers:

UN Summit - MDG -World Leaders, Keep your promises!!!

Millenium Development Goals for 2015

In the year 2000, 189 leaders from around the world met at the historic Millenium Summit in New York.

According to the then Secretary-General of the UN, Kofi Annan, the UNs role for the next millenium will be crucial; making it a focal point for joint efforts in a world that presents worrisome statistics that endanger the perpetuation of generations to come.

• 1.2 billion people live with less than US$1.00 per day.
• 800 million people are malnourished.
• 153 million children are below their ideal weight.

• 115 million children are not enrolled in school.
• 97% of these children are in developing countries.

• 64% of the worlds illiterate population are women.
• 80% of the worlds refugee population are women.
• 60% of children not enrolled in primary school are women.

• Every year 10 million children die of preventable diseases.
• 30 thousand deaths per day.

• Anually, 500 mil thousand women die when giving birth or during their pregnancy.
• In Africas Sub-Saharan region 1 in 16 women die in these conditions.
• In countries of the OCDE this same proportion is of only 1 in every 2800 women.

• In the year 2000, 22 million people had died of AIDS.
• 13 million children lost their parents to the HIV virus.
• 40 million people live with the virus.
• Anually, 300 million cases of malaria are detected.
• Anually 60 million people are infected by tuberculosis.

• In the year 2000 1 billion people in developing countries didnt have access to drinkable water.
• 2.4 billion people didnt have access to sanitary services.
• 14% of the worlds population (in the developed world) produces 44% of the yearly CO2 total.

• US$ 100 billion are necessary for acheiving the MDGs.
• 0.5 of the GDP of developed countries is necessary for raising that amount.

The result of this meeting?

A commitment, with a set deadline; 2015.

Erradicate extreme poverty and hunger.

Achieve universal primary education.

Promote gender equality and empower women.

Reduce child mortality.

Improve maternal health.

Combat AIDS/HIV, malaria and other diseases.

Ensure environmental sustainability.

Develop a global partnership for development.

I CAN, YOU CAN, WE CAN!

You can take action by going to: http://www.un.org/en/mdg/summit2010/getinvolved.shtml



You can take action by going to: http://mdg.epetitions.net/

To sign petition to get your politicians listening!



10:10:10

10:10 has joined forces with international campaign group 350.org to co-ordinate 10:10:10, the biggest-ever day of positive action on climate change, on Sunday 10 October, 2010. From sumo wrestlers cycling to training in Japan to 10,000 schools planting trees in Croatia and Russia. From a carbon-cutting telethon on national TV in the Netherlands, to the president of the Maldives installing solar panels on his roof, events are already planned in over 140 countries.

http://www.1010global.org/101010

10:10:10 A GLOBAL DAY OF DOING from 10:10 on Vimeo.


What will you do?

Africa United - Raise Awarness and Money!

What do you think J8ers?

GSF and Pathé Productions are offering five GSF partner schools the opportunity to use a local cinema for an advance screening of Africa United. These schools will promote the screening to students and other members of their local communities who can help promote the film and the issues it raises. The schools will set their own admission prices (minimum of £2.00 per ticket), guaranteeing the first £300 raised from ticket sales as a contribution to the costs of the screening, with the remainder going to support a development project of the school's choice.

Screenings will take place at a time and date of the school's choice between Monday 4th October and Thursday 21st October 2010.

http://www.globalstudentforum.org/gsfafricaunited

Love to shop - Green Chic Video from Oxfam -

If you care about what you wear as well as how you look- People Tree is a great clothes company. Happy Shopping :)

Legacy of SA 2010

Foreign fans watching at home and in South Africa itself may well remember the 2010 World Cup for its vuvuzelas, flags, mirror socks, friendliness of the South African people and of course some football. But to South Africa, its leaders and its people the football was far, far more than just a game.

South Africa is a country of contrasts with people enjoying first world lifestyles while others endure the hardships of the third world. The World Cup, President Zuma and all South Africans hoped, would change the country forever.

And in a country just free from the grip of the racist white regime which implemented apartheid, it was brilliant to see South Africans of all races - Black, White, Coloured and Asian - getting behind Bafana Bafana and uniting behind the new South Africa. The era of Mandela may be fading into in the past and with it its aura of hope and new beginnings, but the World Cup breathed badly needed new life and faith into South Africa.

Practical lessons in security were also learned from hosting the event and the country is definitely more experienced and better equipped to deal with its own problems in future. And lets not forget the economic benefits of tourism and business in future too.

But in truth South Africa has not changed enough and the new schools, roads and hospitals which the World Cup was supposed to provide are unlikely to change South Africa either. The party is over and the hangover is going to be hairy. Already South African public sector workers are rejecting a 7% pay rise and striking, leaving schools and hospitals without staff.

Even if the ruling ANC fix this short term headache, it has to deal with failing schools, inadequate hospitals, rampant crime and unemployment, the huge wealth gap and of course HIV and AIDS. And because such a good job was done by authorities during the World Cup expectations are high for things to continue the way they were going. Sadly it seems that South Africa's problems are just too big and too numerous to be fixed by a few weeks of football.

Top 5 eco gadgets of 2010





1.Samsung’s Blue Earth

The phone is eco-friendly, with integrated solar panels, a body made from recycled plastic and a pedometer.
The solar panels are on the back, and the front is a full touch screen.
This phone would be ideal for any eco warrior but especially campers, hillwalkers etc as it’s easy to recharge at any point during the day.


To see more go to http://www.samsung.com/us/aboutsamsung/news/newsIrRead.do?news_ctgry=irnewsrelease&news_seq=14986



2. The sporty green Brabus (by Smart)

Cars aren’t normally perceived as being at all eco-friendly- with the exception of electric cars. Many electric cars seem to be lacking in style but the latest model from Smart has proved an exception to the rule.
Not only does its green and white leather interior look attractive, it's not harming the environment at all as there are no carbon dioxide emissions.

Find more information on the new Smart at http://green.autoblog.com/tag/brabus+smart/

3. The ENVI

The ENVI is an energy monitor connected to your electricity supply to provide you with information on your usage. It allows you to track energy usage up to 30 meters away from it.
It can help you to pick out the devices in your home consuming the most electricity so you can use these less, or upgrade them to more energy efficient models. Through learning more about exactly how electricity is being used within a household you can find ways of reducing your electricity usage and in doing so lower your energy bills.

The ENVI Energy Monitor costs £39.95 – to buy it go to http://www.electricity-monitor.com/wireless-energy-monitors-current-cost-c-37_57.html

4. Eco Showerdrop meter

Official water-meters are expensive to fit, but they do save water. This gadget is far cheaper, and serves the same purpose; it tells you when you’ve got through the recommended amount of water per shower, or each day. It can be bought cheaply at only £12.67.

To find out more visit http://www.naturalcollection.com/

5. Puma Glow Rider

Puma’s glow-in-the-dark bicycle is great for those who want to make their trips to and from work eco-friendly, but are worried about cycling home at night on busy roads. The glow-in-the-dark body (with lights) is more effective than a simple headlight. The bike also folds neatly in half so it can be stored easily.

For more info go to http://www.hanon-shop.com/news/68/Puma-Glowrider.html

Deal in the Desert

America are angry at BP, we all know that. After all, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill does happen to be the biggest environmental disaster in US history. But now the US and its cowboy political leaders are chasing BP over the Scottish Government's decision to release the Lockebrie bomber Albdelbaset al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds last August.

How could the two possibly be linked, I hear you ask? Well the Americans have certainly found a way to do so!

BP don't deny lobbying the British government over a Prisoner Transfer Agreement (PTA) with Libya, most likely to gain oil contracts which it did get. Perhaps Tony Blair did do a deal in the desert with Gaddafi. But whatever lobbying and deals done in deserts there were could not have swayed the decision to release Megrahi, as it was taken by the Scottish Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill. In fact the Scottish Government denied the prisoner transfer application because they smelt something dodgy about it. Megrahi was released firmly on Scottish terms.

Maybe the Americans are just confused about the relationship between Scotland, England and Britain as they always seem to be? Because any lobbying of the UK government BP did could have had no effect on the Megrahi decision. It seems likely that America are looking for scapegoats. With the convicted , albeit on extremely suspect and selective CIA evidence, terrorist now free BP are an easy target for America's politicians to score some points with the voters over, it seems, any issue whatsoever.

Megrahi was released because he was dying of terminal cancer and no other reason. Compassionate release is something unique to the Scottish justice system and doesn't in any way overturn his conviction - he is still, by law, guilty. Predicting death isn't an exact science and he may still be alive now but he's not free when he's tied to his bed unable to breathe for himself. BP shouldn't be America's scapegoat and they shouldn't take the wrap for a Scottish Government decision, a decision which I believe was correct and had every right to be taken. For other leaders to call it wrong and question Scotland's authority I think is inappropriate and arrogant.

Is it fair to make BP pay?

It has been one of the biggest environmental disasters of recent times and most have come to the conclusion that if the devil was a global energy company he would be BP. But not many have stopped or dared to stop and ask whether it is actually fair to let BP alone take the blame? Was it entirely and completely BP's fault?

On the one hand, you have the argument that yes it is their fault which is supported by about 99.9% of the US population. If BP had done its job properly it should have made their operations safer and then the initial explosion which claimed 11 lives should never have happened. Furthermore they had no contingency plans for a disaster of this scale - a serious failing. If they'd had one and stopped the spill quickly the 11 dead would have been mourned for and BP would not have been reprimanded for the massive catastrophe which has developed. It's largely their own fault they're in this mess. But these are all "ifs" and because BP did cause the biggest environmental disaster in US history and damaged the Gulf coast wildlife and economy severely they now have to pay financially and politically.

But how can it be blamed solely on BP? They were not the only party involved and in the modern world nothing is controlled and run by one party alone. The rig was built by Hyundai, owned by Transocean which leased it to BP and Dick Cheney's Haliburton was even involved at some point. Investigations even found that it could have happened to any of the major oil companies like Shell and Chevron so to victimise BP and let these other corporations off the hook is not fair. Due to BP's plain silly levels of unpopularity in America it has become politically popular to want to rip BP to shreds. Obama, who is struggling at home with some unpopularity is perhaps using BP as a scapegoat to distract Americans from his lack of grasp on the situation. And because so many British pensions depend on BP's success it seems unfair to hurt these people in the process of getting justice for the Gulf coast residents.

I'm not denying BP caused this environmental catastrophe but I think it is more complicated than bad BP and I certainly think that BP is not the only party to blame.

What did you do for Earth Hour?

Did you do your bit? Maybe you swept about the house in true eco-warrior style, switching off sockets and pulling out the batteries of everything you’ve ever owned. Maybe you half-heartedly turned off the TV, the toaster and a couple of lights. Or maybe you forgot about the entire thing and sat back to watch CSI, wondering why all your neighbours were enduring an hour-long power cut.
Maybe you’ve absolutely no idea what this article is on about, in which case I’ll fill you in.
Earth Hour is organized by WWF. It took place on Saturday 27 March, 2010 at 8.30pm and was a global call to every individual, every business and every community throughout the world. It was a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future. Important landmarks around the world were dimmed-the statue of liberty, the Acropolis and the Eiffel Tower, to name but a few. People across the world from all walks of life turned off their lights and joined together in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common – our planet.
Because the truth of the matter is that we don’t have long to act. New economic modelling shows that the world has just five years to start a low carbon industrial revolution before climate change becomes almost inevitable. But it’s not too late. We can still make a change.
Even if you missed Earth Hour –out of forgetfulness or maybe even complacency- don’t give upon the idea of taking a stance! Have your own ‘switched-off’ evening, or change to an eco-friendly energy supplier. It might not seem like a big gesture, but it makes a difference.
Let’s make 2010 an eco-friendly year.

For more info on Earth Hour, go to http://www.earthhour.org/

Where do the parties stand on International Development?

Labour:

When Tony Blair came to power in the 1997 landslide for Labour, the Department for International Development (DfID) was born, carved out of the Foreign Office, showing a new commitment in UK policy in terms of humanitarianism. Since then, Labour claim they have tripled the DfID's budget in cash terms but in real terms, this figure may be lower. The UK is also now the world's second largest bilateral humanitarian aid donor. But where the UK's money is spent has been criticised. For instance, £300 million has been spent in Malawi since 2003 but real evidence of progress has yet to be seen. In terms of policy for the general election, Labour say they will stop aid being tied to commercial interests and say they are strongly committed to the 2015 Millennium Goals, as well as providing £30 million for bednets to prevent 165,000 children from getting malaria.

Conservative:

Are the Tories really committed to International Development? They want to set up and independent watchdog for the department but is this to find improvements in the DfID's management and policy or to assess whether the department is worth the money? After all the DfID is essentially a Labour Party project. Perhaps that is a touch unfair. They have pledged £500 million in the fight against malaria, want to empower the people receiving aid to make decisions about what to do with it and want to seek conflict resolution to stem poverty arising. They do, however, want to be more selective about where the country's money is spent and give British people a vote on where their money is spent, showing again that perhaps they are slightly reserved or sceptical about the DfID as an independent government department.

Liberal Democrats:

The Lib Dems are the only party to have advocated real progress in achieving the Millennium Goals by 2015 as they want reform of the World Bank to include a remit to deliver on the Millennium Goals. They would also like to prevent actions of so called "vulture funds" and reform of the EU to merge the European Commission Humanitarian Office with EuropeAid to make the EU's strategy more effective. The Lib Dems are also the only party to mention the environment as an issue in global development wanting UK money going to environmentally sustainable projects and to help developing nations in dealing with climate change. As the election outsiders it can be argued that they can afford to be more adventurous with their pledges and whether they would be able to carry them out in power is another matter.

It would be silly to vote for a party simply based on their international development policy but it should be taken into consideration. Unfortunately because of the economic crisis it is not top priority and the money may not be there to adequately fund it. But whoever wins they will have a big job on their hands and the world is counting on them to deliver. :)