How Green is your Money? Rowan Harding, the ethical financial advisor, who spoke at our November meeting, explained clearly the power that money has, and how that power can be harnessed to either harm or help the planet and its people. Money in our bank accounts and pensions is all being invested on our behalf and it is important for us to be aware whether that is being used for good or ill. In her slides, she showed us clearly how our money can have 21x more impact on our carbon footprint than any other behavioural changes we can make. Here is the link to Rowan’s excellent slide presentation. It will only be available for one month on line but it is well worth watching: https://web.tresorit.com/l/vd49U#xJ5rDgHYbWGvBmRu4O4-Ow. ————————— Next meeting – Wednesday 29 January Please put the date in your diary and I will give more information in our January newsletter. ————————— Request for help Could you keep our website up to date? No former knowledge about websites is required. Could you help with publicity? Could you write articles, take photos, put up posters or do social media? Have you any suggestions for subjects for future meetings? ————————— Seasons greetings However you are celebrating, I would like to wish you a very happy festive break.   With best wishes from Jackie Oversby Co-ordinator, Global Justice Reading

Wednesday 23 October 7.30pm

At RISC, RG1 4PS

STOP ARMING ISRAEL

Join us to discuss how to pressure the UK government to end ALL arms sales to Israel

In June, the British government announced that it had granted over 100 new arms licences to Israel since October. Not a single arms licence has been rejected in this time, despite Israel currently being under investigation for genocide at the International Court of Justice.
By continuing to arm Israel, even as its military targets civilians, bombing hospitals, schools and aid convoys in Gaza, the UK is complicit in these war crimes.

Join Global Justice Now to hear from international speakers about the back ground to the UK’s arms trade with Israel, the student encampment protests in the UK and the US, and about how to bring a total end to the UK’s collusion in Israel’s genocidal war.

Speakers: Nour, Codepink, US Palestine encampment and Iran campaigner.

Martha Charles, Reading Uni encampment rep.

Jonathoan Purcell, International Centre of Justice for Palestinians

Hareen Ghani, Global Justice Now Gaza campaigner

‘A crude mistake? Uganda’s oil rush and the fight for climate justice.’ 

We screened this at our October meeting and It is well worth watching. You can find it at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlPBEXflUX8

The film investigates the pros and cons of the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) the longest heated oil pipeline in the world. If completed, EACOP will displace communities, endanger wildlife and tip the world closer to full-blown climate catastrophe. We need to #StopEACOP. Find details of the international #StopEACOP campaign at www.stopeacop.net/go-global . There are a number of quick actions you can take there.

At our meeting we raised £70 to support local Ugandans who have managed to get their case against the pipeline to the East African Court of Justice. The judges want to hear their stories but the court is far away and many of them can’t afford the bus.

Does military defence have to wreck the planet?

Wed 24th July 7.30 pm at RISC 35-39 London St, RG1 4PS

Dr Stuart Parkinson: Scientists for Global Responsibility will look at the threat to the climate from the world’s armed forces, whether militaries could really ‘go green’ or if there are better options.

Kirsten Bayes, Campaign Against the Arms Trade, will explain how her organisation is working towards a Just World where conflict is resolved without the use of force.

Hot drinks and biscuits will be available.

Now we need to talk to our MPs:

A National Lobby of MPs

Friday 17 May

Our aim is to get the UK government to endorse the Treaty. The treaty is proposing a path to a fast, fair and properly financed energy transition. This would involve committing to its three pillars:

1. End fossil fuel expansion
2. Fairly phase out existing use of fossil fuels
3. Accelerate a just and equitable transition

Global Justice Now’s main campaign briefing explains this in more detail, as does their shorter MP briefing.

Please contact your MP and ask them to endorse the Fossil-Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. If possible, arrange a meeting. Otherwise write a letter or email.

Can you help at any of our stalls this summer? 

We have a very busy June

Saturday 8 June: Waterfest 11am – 5pm

Saturday 15 June: Winnersh Summer Fete 1pm – 4.30pm

Friday 21 June: Stall to raise awareness of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty in Broad Street – with XR 10.30 – 1pm

Sunday 23 June: East Reading Festival 12 noon – 6pm

Saturday 3 August : Earley Green Fair 10am – 3pm