Friends of the Earth - Canada
Organization profile published 1978
http://www.foecanada.org/
http://www.connexions.org/Groups/Subscribers/cxg4207.htm
Publisher: Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsility, Montreal, Canada
Year Published: 1978
Resource Type: Organization
Cx Number: CX675
Abstract:
Connexions has published numerous abstracts on the Friends of the Earth.
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This abstract was published in Connexions Digest in 1978:
In mid-May of this year, a number of environmental groups met in the Gatineau region of Quebec to lay foundations for Friends of the Earth Canada. Various planning stages have occurred since last summer largely through delegates from the Canadian Environmental Advisory Council groups. Friends of the Earth Canada will become the Canadian section of Friends of the Earth International (FOE), a collection of national groups concerned with three major efforts: 1) stopping the spread of nuclear power, with particular emphasis on stopping reprocessing plants and breeder reactors, 2) Supporting the development of soft-energy paths, including strong efforts both to limit if not reverse the growth of energy consumption and to encourage the use of renewable energy sources. Recently FOE announced a grant to provide coordination among the many soft energy path studies and workers around the world. Canada will be included in this effort. 3) Protection of wildlife and natural regions. This work includes the promotion of nature conservancies, challenges to resort developments and support for endangered species, notably whales.
Friends of the Earth International does not have a secretariat or formal structure apart from the meetings that take place annually. It seeks to achieve cooperation from its various sections not through structure but through the issues and the network/ FOE encourages all decisions to be taken at the lowest grassroots level possible. This means, in effect, that a FOE local group can speak for FOE International.
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This abstract was published in Connexions Digest in 1981:
Friends of the Earth (FOE) Canada, founded in 1978, describes itself as an environmental group seeking to establish a strong national voice in the interests of environmental protection. FOE maintains energy and resources, and opposing waste, pollution and destruction of the environment.
FOE Canada, a number of Friends of the Earth International, is fighting for the soft energy path, resource conservation and the environment. Soft energy emphasises conservation and renewable energy sources. To carry on the struggle, FOE has developed a program aimed at monitoring government activities, supporting environmental groups and informing the public. Most of the major environmental groups in Canada are members of FOE. This organization has published a number of materials. Alternatives: A Journal of Friends of the Earth is its official journal, and focuses on the environment. InforEarth is the name of its book distribution service; FOE is also building a national library of resource materials for environmental groups.
There are now FOE groups in 20 countries. Each national organization is a fully independent, voluntary associate of Friends of the Earth International.
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This abstract was published in 1984:
Friends of the Earth is a federation of 20 Canadian environmental groups working towards a conserver society for Canada. Its objectives are to take a leadership role in national environmental issues, such as renewable energy and toxic chemicals, to raise environmental concerns with the federal government, and to facilitate communication among environmentalists within Canada and between them and environmentalists throughout the world.
The Soft Path Study by FRIENDS (written by David Brooks, John Robinson, and Ralph Torrie) is part of the continuing work to show that Canadians can have economic development while preserving the environment. The study was undertaken by researchers from across the Canada and over a period of two years. It demonstrates that Canada does not need the hydro dams, nuclear power plants, and Arctic oil drilling which threaten the environment. It shows that a Canadian energy strategy based on conservation and renewable energy resources is technically feasible and economically sound.
FRIENDS is pressing, in its meetings with government official and MPs, for implementation of the Soft Energy Path as part of government policy. As well, the group is publicizing the findings through a paperback version of the study entitled Life After Oil (available from the above address for $13.40, postage included).
Friends of the Earth has developed a comprehensive programme to address the most serious environmental problem of the 1980s: toxic chemical pollution. The federation is also actively campaigning for the elimination of lead from gasoline and for more stringent automobile emission standards. In a brief to the government supporting a phased elimination of lead from gasoline, the group drew attention to the potential hazards of the manganese based lead substitute, MMT.
Friends of the Earth is taking a close look at the link between two important issues: nuclear power and nuclear weapons. The results of this investigation into the means by which the "peaceful" use of atomic power is fuelling the arms race will be published in book form in future.
Publication of the group's quarterly journal, Alternatives, provides in-depth analysis of the environmental issues such as acid rain, toxic wastes, and environmental ethics.
Ottawatch is a bi-monthly publication of news about the federal government's environmental activities. It aims to inform environmentalists of opportunities to make their views known to the federal government on issues of mutual concern.
A quarterly publications of news and scientific information on toxic chemicals, InFOEtox, is published as part of the group's toxic chemicals programme.
As well, the group has a publication and distribution service, "InfoEarth", which specializes in books on energy and the environment.
