Search Climate Insights Directory

Four conservation groups—Friends of the Earth, the National Parks Conservation Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, and The Wilderness Society—condemn a secret policy rewrite by Paul Hoffman, deputy assistant secretary of the Department of Interior. They argue the proposal departs from the stewardship ethic of the National Park Service and could harm parks such as Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

Friends of the Earth President Brent Blackwelder calls for President Bush to commit to specific actions following Hurricane Katrina, including funding a $14 billion wetlands restoration program, reforming the Army Corps of Engineers, and increasing fuel economy standards for vehicles. The statement argues that the president must address the "calculated neglect" of poor and minority communities and acknowledge the link between global warming and increased hurricane intensity to justify immediate greenhouse gas reductions.

Friends of the Earth argues that major oil companies are receiving billions in taxpayer-funded subsidies and tax cuts despite reporting record profits, which the organization claims hinders the transition to renewable energy and conservation.

The author contends that nuclear power is an unsuitable solution for global warming due to the catastrophic precedent of Chernobyl and ongoing risks. Key concerns include the lack of permanent repositories for high-level nuclear waste, the vulnerability of spent-fuel storage to terrorism, and the risk that civilian nuclear programs serve as covers for weapons proliferation. The document suggests that investing in end-use energy efficiency is seven times more cost-effective at reducing demand than nuclear power.

Friends of the Earth welcomes the Supreme Court's decision to review a 2003 EPA ruling that denied the agency's authority to regulate carbon dioxide as a pollutant. The organization argues that the lack of regulation has coincided with a 16 percent increase in global warming emissions since 1990 and contributed to severe weather events and economic losses, such as the $57.6 billion in insurance losses from 2005 hurricanes.

Friends of the Earth argues that President Bush's claims regarding a debate over man-made global warming contradict IPCC findings and that his reliance on oil, coal, and nuclear power as solutions is ineffective and dangerous.

The statement highlights recent oil spills in the Indian Ocean, the Philippines, and Lebanon, as well as leaks in Alaska, to illustrate the environmental risks and pollution associated with oil production and use.

Friends of the Earth President Brent Blackwelder describes President Bush's global warming strategy as a "complete charade" designed to avoid curbing emissions. The organization argues that the United States, which produces 25 percent of global greenhouse gases, is failing its moral responsibility to lead the fight against global warming by attempting to derail U.N. talks and G8 discussions.

Friends of the Earth opposes a proposed $10 billion compromise and mandates for liquid coal in the U.S. Senate's energy policy debates, claiming that liquid coal is incompatible with global warming reduction goals and would represent a failure of leadership by Democrats.

Friends of the Earth-U.S. condemns President George W. Bush's 'major emitters' summit as a 'go-it-alone strategy' that prioritizes voluntary measures over the United Nations framework, claiming this approach isolates the U.S. and risks a 'global warming catastrophe'.

Friends of the Earth has released a report titled “Voices from Communities Affected by Climate Change,” documenting first-hand experiences of climate impacts from diverse groups including indigenous peoples and small-scale fisherfolk across multiple continents. The organization uses these testimonies to call for a roadmap toward a post-Kyoto agreement in 2012, emphasizing that wealthy nations must lead in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and financing adaptation for poorer communities. The document highlights the need for climate justice through a moratorium on fossil fuel extraction, the promotion of energy sovereignty, and the fulfillment of UNFCCC obligations for wealthy countries to fund adaptation in developing nations, which may require an additional $50–100 billion annually.

Friends of the Earth calls for the resignation of EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, citing a pattern of ignoring scientific recommendations, violating legal mandates regarding greenhouse gas emissions, and retaliating against whistleblowers.