African NGOs call for moratorium on biofuels

afrol News - African NGOs call for moratorium on biofuels: "Uproar is slowly spreading among African civil society organisations and scientists, fearing that the biofuel revolution will bring more food insecurity, higher food prices and hunger to the continent. A petition calling for a 'moratorium on new agrofuel developments in Africa' has so far been signed by over 30 NGOs all over the continent.

Biofuels have already revolutionised agriculture in the US, Brazil and parts of Asia, and if EU energy commitments are lived up to, soon will do so in Europe. Now, foreign investors are queuing at African government offices to realise giant biofuel projects on this fertile continent, promising a new 'green revolution', greater independence from the oil market and even fuel export possibilities."

Patrick Moore - environmental prophet or Judas?

VISIT of DR. PATRICK MOORE TO SOUTH AFRICA

3 MARCH - 7th MARCH 2008.

At the invitation of the Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa (NIASA) in association with the Universities of Witwatersrand, Pretoria, North-West, Western Cape and Stellenbosch as well as the MTN Science Centre in Cape Town, Dr. Patrick Moore, world-renowned ecologist, environmentalist and co-founder of Greenpeace, will tour South Africa during the week of 3-7 March 2008 to present a series of insightful public lectures on "Global Warming and the Search for Sustainable, Clean Energy."

Dr Moore, once an ardent opponent and activist against nuclear energy will discuss the impact of global warming and present his views on the challenges and the respective roles that nuclear power, renewable sources and energy efficiency can play in producing a cleaner electricity supply and ensuring a sustainable energy future.

Dr Moore now spends much of his time with his team from Greenspirit Strategies Ltd. advising industry, environmental and social agencies and governments around the world, about sustainable and environmentally safe, alternative energy supplies - refer to the attached biography.

The schedule of public meetings is as follows:

Monday 3 March: 18:00	Great Hall, University of Witwatersrand
Tuesday 4 March: 15:00	Sanlam Auditorium, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus
Wednesday 5 March: 14:00	Aula, University of Pretoria
Thursday 6 March: 17:00	Main Auditorium, University of the Western Cape, Belville
Thursday 6 March: 19:30	Auditorium, MTN Science Centre, Century City, Cape Town
Friday 7 March: 13:00	University of Stellenbosch, Jannasch Hall, Conservatoire of Music, Victoria street, Stellenbosch

The public meetings are free and open to the public.

Earthlife Africa wishes to draw our attention to the following

Patrick Moore, former member of Greenpeace turned Industry voice for hire, about whom the following has been said

"Judas Iscariot had the decency to hang himself after betraying Jesus. Moore...can't even be persuaded to shut his mouth" Paul Luke, Business Reporter, the Province Newspaper, BC

"Patrick Moore has gone from being the guard dog of the environment to the lap dog of industry" Tseporah Berman, Greenpeace International

(for more info visit www.fanweb.org/patrick-moore/quotes.html

He is being brought out by the Nuclear Industry Association of South Africa, but he is known as a supporter of several other kinds of environmental atrocities e.g Timber Plantations, GMO's, Mining etc.

It will be important to counter the misconception that Patrick Moore has any concern for the environment and for environmental justice and to shed light on the many ways in which he sells himself to the highest industry bidder by being present at one or both of these talks and protesting his gobbledygook.

If you are interested in participating in Earthlife Africa activities in this regard, please contact us (numbers appear below).

Maya Aberman
Campaign Co-ordinator
Earthlife Africa
021 447 4912