Blog

Wednesday 18th November, 7pm – Ghana farmers vs. global corporations – the battle for who controls food and how agroecology tackles climate change

Global Justice Now campaigner Heidi Chow will show two short films and talk about Ghana farmers’ campaign to prevent their government from pushing through pro-corporate seed regulations, and show some encouraging examples their of agro-ecological farming practices.

Refreshments available from 6:45pm.

Venue: Central United Reformed Church, 60 Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB

More information: In May, Heidi visited Ghana and met with small-scale farmers and civil society groups who are on the front line of defending their rights to control their resources to grow food, so she brings you their own voice.

She will be speaking about the corporate takeover of food in Africa and in particular how this is playing out in Ghana. She will also explain what food sovereignty is, how it is already being successfully practised by family farmers, and how it is not only a fairer framework for our food but also plays a vital role in tackling climate change.

The talk will include two short videos so that you can see for yourself.

Having led the successful campaign to limit financial speculation on food commodities, Heidi is now working in solidarity with African activists against the corporate takeover of Africa’s food system – Global Justice Now’s latest food campaign.

Flier: Ghana’s Family Farmers vs. Global Corporations

Saturday 12th December

The UN climate negotiations will happen in Paris in November and early December, and show no sign of being less dominated by corporate interests than the last ones.

However, a big coalition of French organisations is mobilising to challenge the corporate agenda and use the moment to build a stronger climate justice movement. They have called for a mass protest in Paris at the end of the talks, on 12 December, and there will be lots of other things going on in the two weeks prior to this.

We think it is a priority to get as many people as possible to go to Paris. Come along.

Paris protest option 1: We are working with Friends of the Earth and other allies to organise a train to Paris from London on 11 December, and coming back on 13 December, plus accommodation organised through the French coalition. Please email activism@globaljustice.org.uk if you are interested in this option. By block booking we hope to make this a relatively cheap journey, but we need an idea of numbers interested. You’re not committing to anything by expressing interest.

Paris protest option 2: Some Global Justice Now staff will be present in Paris throughout the talks, especially from the middle weekend (5 and 6 December) which will see a festival of alternatives and other events. There will be daily assemblies throughout the second week and protests to get involved in. If you want to really get stuck in, let us know and we can help you find accommodation. There may also be a collective transport organised. Again, email activism@globaljustice.org.uk.

Sheffield Climate Conference: 11am – 4pm 

In this crucial year for climate campaigning, help to build a powerful climate movement – join us or this national conference organised by the Campaign Against Climate Change Trade Union Group and Sheffield Climate Alliance.
Hear a report back from the major international conference called by the One Million Climate Jobs campaign and the International TUC.

Speakers and workshops on the connections between divestment from fossil fuels and investment in climate jobs to create warm, healthy homes, public transport with low fares and renewable energy infrastructure. Build campaigns in the run up to the Paris COP, and with your local council and pension fund.

Confirmed speakers include:
Louise Haigh MP
Asad Rehman, International Campaigner of Friends of the Earth
Suzanne Jeffrey, Chair, Campaign Against Climate Change
Danielle Paffard of 350.org

Venue: The Sheffield College, Granville Road, Sheffield S2 2RL

For more information, email kenmontague@msn.com or visit www.campaigncc.org & www.sheffieldclimatealliance.net

Following international protest, the Romanian government has decided not to proceed with a destructive gold mine that would destroy four mountains, forcibly displace two entire villages and create a toxic cyanide lake in the Roșia Montană region.

But now, the mining company behind the mine, Gabriel Resources, is suing Romania for billions of dollars through a secret corporate court established in a treaty with the UK. It is the same kind of corporate court that would be included in the EU-US “trade” deal, TTIP.

Please stand with the people of Roșia Montană against this attack on democracy, and tell David Cameron to review and stop the case.

 

Thursday 1st October, 7pm-9pm
Our monthly meeting to discuss and plan upcoming events and campaigns. Main business: finalising the publicity and arrangements for the Wed. 18th Nov. public meeting, “Ghana’s Family Farmers vs. Global Corporations…”; the plans for a programme of talks to TUs and other groups on the proposed TTIP trade deal between the US and the EU; and plans for our stall at the 7th Nov. Peace and Craft Fair in the Town Hall. New members welcome.

Venue: Quaker Meeting House, 10 St. James Street, Sheffield S1 2EW (nr Sheffield Cathedral)

Saturday 17 October, 10am-6pm (Manchester)

Global Justice Now has teamed up with War on Want and other partners in the Economic Justice Project to organise a full day of skills workshops at a sustainable conference centre in Manchester. Expect to choose from a wide range of workshops such as how to get local press coverage, using social media effectively, making an impact with a street stall, creative actions, strategies for influencing politicians, facilitating effective meetings and more. We will also have a few more cerebral workshops, such as an introduction to critical economics. Fantastic cheap food will be provided by Manchester Real Junk Food project.

You’ll be able to book your place soon via globaljustice.org.uk/skillup or email activism@globaljustice.org.uk straight away. Places will be limited, so you will need to book in advance.

Venue: MERCi, Manchester M4 7HR (trams from both Piccadilly and Victoria Stations to venue)