World Refugee Day – Angelina Jolie’s Speech

In Washington D.C. UNHCR Goodwill ambassador Angelina Jolie speaks out about how refugees have impacted her own life.
World Refugee Day: Angelina Jolie calls for greater understanding of the plight of refugees.
18 June 2009

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About Woomera – Journeyman Pictures

Australia’s detention centre at Woomera was hailed as the new way of dealing with illegal immigration. This is a sneak peek at a definitive story of the controversial camp. The compound gained notoriety for its riots, protests and breakouts and became a damning indictment of Australian immigration policy. And whilst detainees lived in atrocious conditions, the American backed company running the centre siphoned off millions in profits. It’s a story of lies, cover-ups and relentless trauma. Produced by ABC Australia.

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Pacific Despair – Journeyman Pictures

An exclusive report filmed in the Australian asylum processing centre, where detainees have seized control of the camp and driven out their guards.
The isolated pacific island of Nauru seemed the perfect place to detain and process asylum seekers. Denied access to lawyers or journalists, detainees have been interned in a state of limbo for over 16 months. On Christmas Eve, a riot broke out at the camp that left many of the guards injured. Since then, all services and personnel have been withdrawn and the asylum seekers left to fend for themselves. “We can’t take it anymore. It’s been a month since we had food or water,” despairs one detainee. Mothers have been reduced to drinking rainwater and feeding their children expired milk. Access to medical services are severely restricted and the overwhelming feeling in the camp is one of despair. “I want to die. I don’t have any future,” states one inmate. Unless the Australian government reassesses its policy, the plight of these asylum seekers can only worsen.
Produced by SBS/Dateline 2003

To go to this clip – click on the image below.

The Real Woomera - Journeyman Pictures

What really went on at the notorious Woomera detention camp?
“I saw so many people break down to a level that you would find hard to believe,” confides camp doctor Simon Lockwood. There were numerous suicide attempts and incidents of self harm. Staff were affected by the inmates’ trauma and also suffered from depression.
Produced by ABC Australia, January 2005.

To go to this clip – click on the image below.

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New Zealand House of Representatives

Keith Locke’s proposal that New Zealand accept some of the 78 Sri Lankan Tamil refugees on the ship Oceanic Viking, who sought to enter Australia. House of Representatives, 19 November 2009.

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Sri Lankan Asylum Seekers in Limbo – AlJazeera

For more than five months a group of nearly 240 Sri Lankan asylum seekers have been stranded in an Indonesian port.
The stand-off began when their boat was intercepted by the Indonesian navy following a tip-off from Australia.
The boat people, who are virtually cut off from outsiders, say they want to be resettled in Australia or overseas.
But Australia argues that the boat was intercepted in Indonesian waters so the people are Indonesia’s problem.

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To The Australia Day Hypocrite – a poem

“And dont you love these wankers who in a patriotic voice,
Want bring immigration to a halt,
But mostly those who get here become Australian out of choice,
If youre born here youre only Aussie by default…

…Those who truly love this country do more than wave our colours,
Self infatuation is not in their routine,
Theyll sacrifice their spare time in the pursuit of helping others,
And in the limelight theyre very rarely seen.”

www.vagmag.org

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Is your superannuation supporting companies like this?

CRUDE – Official Trailer

An inside look at the infamous $27 billion Amazon Chernobyl case, CRUDE is a real-life high stakes legal drama set against a backdrop of the environmental movement, global politics, celebrity activism, human rights advocacy, the media, multinational corporate power, and rapidly-disappearing indigenous cultures. Presenting a complex situation from multiple viewpoints, the film subverts the conventions of advocacy filmmaking as it examines a complicated situation from all angles while bringing an important story of environmental peril and human suffering into focus. From acclaimed filmmaker Joe Berlinger is the epic story of one of the largest and most controversial legal cases on the planet.

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Ethical Investing: An idea whose time has come

Ethical Investment Services is a financial planning firm that advises individual clients who wish to invest ethically. We help you build your wealth by investing in companies that are developing products and services that contribute to a better world and we believe that together we can make a difference by supporting companies that take environmental and social issues into account.
Operating since 1992 from our offices in Kew, Melbourne, and servicing clients Australia wide, we are Australia’s largest specialist firm advising on ethical investment.
www.ethicalinvestments.com.au Phone: 03 9853 0995

Clip Produced by ABC Australia.

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Error104 – An Error in the System

Error in the system. Will you change the system or will it change you?
This economic crisis provides a unique opportunity to mobilize and achieve real change in the financial system. Governments shouldn’t be offering blank cheques to institutions involved in arms trafficking and exploitation of poorer countries. Now is the time to change the system with Ethical Finance. Do something about it!

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Investing in Eco-friendly Companies

Green investing: How to invest in eco-friendly companies
If you want to do well by doing good, you may want to start with your superannuation. Bestselling personal finance author David Bach says there’s lots of green to be made by investing in green companies.

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Green Investing

NBC – How green investing can make you rich and benefit the planet at the same time.

Heaps more to watch on youtube! Go find it!

killercoke

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The Netherlands – Fight for Sustainable Fishing

Fishermen often throw half of their catch back into the sea — because the fish are small and therefore not as profitable as their larger counterparts and because the fishermen want to keep within their EU fishing quotes. Slowly, it is now becoming accepted wisdom that this is also one reason for the dwindling fish stocks. At fish auctions in the Netherlands a seal of approval has been introduced to indicate the use of sustainable fishing practices. We visit a Dutch fisherman who is currently in the process of modifying his fishing equipment so that less small fry gets caught up in his nets. September 03, 2009

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Demand For Sushi is Affecting Tuna Stocks

Sky News goes fishing off Sardinia to find out why stocks of Bluefin Tuna are dwindling and why campaigners are calling for a boycott on Tuna produce.

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BBC – An end to Tuna

BBC London feature on the plight of tuna and their last days on the sushi plates.

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The End of the Line – Theatrical Trailer

The End of the Line is a powerful film about one of the world’s most disturbing problems – over-fishing. Advances in fishing technology mean whole species of wild fish are under threat and the most important stocks we eat are predicted to be in a state of collapse by 2050. The film points the finger at those most to blame, including celebrity chefs, and shows what we can do about it. This is not just a film, it is also a campaign – for sustainable consumption of fish, for marine protected areas to allow the sea to recover, and for a new ethic of responsible fishing.
www.endoftheline.com

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THE COVE – Theatrical Trailer

In this pulse-pounding eco-thriller, a crack team of divers, activists and special effects experts infiltrate a secret cove in Japan to expose one of history’s most shocking and unimaginable crimes against nature. Winner of the Audience Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.

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How to protect the oceans - Sylvia Earle

Legendary ocean researcher and TED Prize Winner, Sylvia Earle shares astonishing images of the ocean — and shocking stats about its rapid decline — as she makes her TED Prize wish: that we will join her in protecting the vital blue heart of the planet.

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Shark finning in the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The Australian Government still allows unsustainable shark fishing to occur in the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef. Currently 600tonnes of shark (over 70 000 sharks) are legally killed each year in the Great Barrier Reef, most of which are slaughtered for their fins which are then exported to the Asian market for shark fin soup. It is unacceptable that the Australian Government allows this unsustainable and unethical practice to continue.
Shark finning at sea, where the fins are cut off the shark and the carcass is thrown overboard, is banned in Australia (thanks to the Australian Marine Conservation Society). However, shark fin fishing continues. Sharks are still being targeted for their high value fins although their carcasses are now kept and sold on the domestic market as ‘flake’ or sold as low value waste products.
Sharks are extremely vulnerable to fishing impacts. This is because their biology is more like whales and dolphins than other fish. Sharks are slow growing, have extremely low reproductive rates (producing very few young) and are mostly long lived. This means that they are very slow to recover from impacts on their populations. Many shark fisheries around the world have collapsed.
Sharks are apex predators, helping to control populations of prey species. Consequently, reducing the number of sharks may have significant and unpredictable impacts on other parts of the ecosystem.
For more information or to help the Australian Marine Conservation Society stop shark fishing, visit www.marineconservation.org.au

February 24, 2009

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Marine Reserves Are the Answer

A growing body of scientific evidence that demonstrates what we at Greenpeace have been saying for a long time: that the establishment of large-scale networks of marine reserves, urgently needed to protect marine species and their habitats, could be key to reversing global fisheries decline.

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The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Rupert Howes, CEO of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC),  focuses on reversing the decline in global fish stocks through MSC’s marine certification and eco-labeling programs. Today 500 MSC-labeled products from 22 certified fisheries are sold in 26 countries.

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Meet Barry Wrasse

Protect Our Coral Sea – Barry the Wrasse thinks you should talk to Mr Rudd.

The Coral Sea is a tropical marine jewel which lies east of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Its one of the last places on Earth where large marine animals can still be found in great numbers. Yet less than 1% of this Serengeti of the Seas is protected. Right now the federal government is considering the future of the Coral Sea within Australian waters. Help make the Coral Sea a safe haven for marine life. Sign our petition. Tell your friends. Pass on the message.Can you make a difference? You bet your Wrasse you can.

Sign the petition at www.protectourcoralsea.org.au

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www.shrimpsuck.org

A US site based around educating people on shrimp fishing practices.

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BBC Earth Report – Sustainable Fishing & Stolen Fish

Part 1 of 4, a documentary report from BBC Earth Report on the problem of sustainable fishing, and the problem of illegal fishing fleets.

Heaps more to watch on youtube! Go find it!

The Vagabond   www.vagmag.org

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Tony & The Chocolate Factory – Trailer

The film is based on the real events of Tony, who discovers the truth about the chocolate industry and decides to prosecute himself for being involved as a consumer in the crimes of slavery. Tony goes on to start his own chocolate company, Dutch Tony’s Chocolonely.

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World Vision – Don’t Trade Lives Campaign

SUNDAY Channel 9 News

Tim Costello of World Vision goes to West Africa to validate claims that Australian chocolate is coming from child labour. Covered on Sunday program Channel 9 News.

Bubbles of Nothing – Big Chocolate, Just Say YES

The chocolate industry has repeatedly failed to adequately tackle labour exploitation in West African cocoa fields… bubbles of nothing. Big Chocolate, just say YES and stop using child labour in cocoa production.

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BBC World – Survivor’s Guide

There are over a quarter of a million children who work in the cocoa plantations of West Africa. It’s hazardous work, which exposes children to highly toxic pesticides. This episode of the BBC World TV series “Survivors Guide” goes to Cameroon, where the International Labour Organization has been working to eliminate child labour from cocoa production and help children return to school. Produced by Rockhopper TV in cooperation with the ILO.

Part 1 of 3

Part 2 of 3

Part 3 of 3

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Divine Fair Trade Approach

Divine Chocolate UK show how fair trade chocolate can remove poverty from cocoa farmers.

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ARE YOU IN?

Environment Victoria – The 5 Million Victorians For Green Action Campaign

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RUN FOR A SAFE CLIMATE

A team of 25 trained runners from the various emergency services will run in a relay over 6000 kilometres to link Australia’s unique, world-renowned natural icons. All this to highlight the need for action in tackling climate change.

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JUICE MEDIA RAP NEWS

Copenhagen is debated by Al Gore and Lord Monckton through the medium of rap. Created by Juice Media, good food for thought.

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SWITCH OFF HAZELWOOD

Community action to highlight the need for Renewable Energy in Victoria. Switch Off Hazelwood – Switch Off Coal sees a large number of people peacefully trespassing onto Hazelwood Coal Fired Power Station land as a physical statement that change is needed. The organisers collaborate with the Victorian police and provide toilets, doctors and a fast legal team. www.switchoffhazelwood.org

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CLIMATE CAMP AUSTRALIA

Australia’s first Camp for Climate Action was an incredible moment, a source of inspiration and learning experience for future action on climate change. Over 1600 people participated in the camp across five inspirational days. Students, mothers, fathers, coal miners, unionists and members of the local community were there. Together we talked up a storm, ate amazing meals, created a community based on direct democracy, laughed and then pulled off the largest non-violent direct action in the Australian climate movements history. Put simply, we were building a vibrant, strategic, climate justice movement. And still are!    www.climatecamp.org.au

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DON’T BE STUPID

Featured in recent film ‘The Age of Stupid’, kids talk about the International Copenhagen Climate Negotiations.

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350 THE DAY OF INTERNATIONAL ACTION

On 24 October, people in 181 countries came together to speak with one voice on the most urgent issue of our times: the climate crisis. Through www.350.org, people in every corner of the planet coordinated the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet’s history.  At over 5200 events around the world, people gathered to call for strong action and bold leadership on the climate crisis. By the days end, it was clear: people of all kinds in just about every place on earth are calling for a fair, ambitious, and binding global climate treaty.

BILL MCKIBBEN OF 350

Bill KcKibben at The University of Sydney. The creator of the 350 campaign talks about the power of community movements and the change in society due to climate change. From the Australian media to bush fires to connected Africans to creative action. First half of the clip is his speech and the second is questions from the audience.

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SOLAR SPAIN

Torresol Power is currently building a massive concentrating Solar Power Station in Seville, Spain.

SOLAR SPAIN

Another large scale solar power project currently active in Spain through Andasol Solar.

chjhj

SOLAR U.S.

A promise from Solar Reserve of reliable 24 hour dispatchable Solar Power after their 4 years of success on sites in the US.

SOLAR U.S.

Solar Reserve explain the advancements in storing energy through molten salt. Entertaining advertising from Solar Reserve.

SOLAR U.S.

Large scale solar power projects in the Nevada Desert since 2007.  ACCIONA promotion.

SOLAR U.S.

Green jobs through new Solar production line in US. Similar to here in Australia, Solar Systems in Abbotsford has a production line for their state of the art Solar technology. However due to the Australian Government refusing to move away from coal power, Solar Systems is being forced to shut down.

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ECO TALKS TO THE U.N. (1992)

In 1992, Severn Suzuki (12 years old) brought world leaders to tears with a speech at the first Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in which she chastised them for failing to protect her and her friends from the looming environmental catastrophe.

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POLAR TALKS

A cartoon on climate change

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Tuvalu – Islands on the Frontline

Photography by Robin Hammond, this multimedia piece looks at the island nation of Tuvalu, as the Tuvaluan people become some of the first environmental refugees, a direct result of man-made climate change.

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www.vagmag.org

Equal Love : Equality – You’re Doing It Wrong

In trying to convince Equality that they really are compatible, the Australian Government is confronted by the fact that not only is he trailing countries like Norway, Spain, Canada and South Africa, he’s even way behind Iowa.

Equal Love : A Childish Response

The Australian Government faces an even tougher critic, an eight year old who wants to know why his two mothers cant get married. And coming up with a better answer than because its the way weve always done it proves to be an insurmountable challenge.

Equal Love : Apathy

You’re either part of the solution or youre part of the problem. Equality reminds a supporter of same-sex marriage that if he stays home on August 1 his silence is interpreted as a lack of support for change. Reluctant to become part of the Australian Governments imagined majority, he declares I will be there!

Equal Love : Marriage – It’s Not To Much To Ask

As the Australian Government and Equality look on a same-sex and a heterosexual couple compare notes on their relationships. They come to realise the only real difference is the way their government treats them. The wake-up call to the Australian Government finally begins to sink in and he acknowledges that the time has come for a better law.

Equal Love : Nothing Less Than Marriage Is Equality

“Can you be just a little bit equal?” The “Australian Government” and “Equality” debate recent changes to Australian laws and whether or not one can have true equality unless all citizens are given the same rights, including the right the marry whom they love.

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LATELINE – Part 1

Over 200 couples have used a legal loophole to form civil partnerships in Australia. Greens Senator Bob Brown and Jim Wallace from the Australian Christian Lobby join Tony Jones on Lateline.

LATELINE – Part 2

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Always Coca-Cola

June 2006

As a principal sponsor of FIFA, Coca-Cola is keen to trade in on the World Cup’s image of fair play and good sportsmanship. But many believe its business practices make a mockery of this reputation.

For thirsty fans at the World Cup, there’s only one choice of soft drink available. Whether it’s Coke, Sprite or Bonaqua, all the brands on sale belong to coca-cola. Many of theses drinks are produced in India, where Coca-Cola’s business practices have elicited widespread condemnation. “The coca cola factory ruined my life,” despairs one farmer. Producing 0.33L of coke requires 1L of water. In some villages near cola factories, water levels have dropped by 60m. Harvests have fallen by more than 40% because there is not enough water to irrigate fields. But Coca-Cola denies all responsibility. “We are not the problem”, states spokesman Rajiv Singh. “There are simply too many people living here who are wasteful with water.” Coca-cola also stands accused of pollution and union busting. Many workers in their factories receive around 50 cents for a 12 hour shift. They have no unions and sometimes receive no compensation for injuries sustained. As Bhagwab Das Yadav states: “All we want is for coca cola to respect India’s labour laws.”

28:35mins    Click here or on the image above to view this Documentary on Coca-Cola.

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The Coca-Cola Case – A documentary film about Coke and labour rights in the bottling plants.

You’ll never look at a can of Coke the same way after seeing this documentary film.

Directors German Gutierrez and Carmen Garcia present a searing indictment of the Coca-Cola empire and its alleged kidnapping, torture and murder of union leaders trying to improve working conditions in Colombia, Guatemala and Turkey. The filmmakers follow labour rights lawyers Daniel Kovalik and Terry Collingsworth and an activist for the Stop Killer-Coke! Campaign, Ray Rogers, as they attempt to hold the giant U.S. multinational beverage company accountable in this legal and human rights battle.

Trailer – 02:13mins

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killercoke

Advertising for the killercoke.org campaign

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“An astonishingly wide-ranging film.  An informed and heartfelt examination of the tug of war between public health and private interests.”
- New York Times

Irena Salina’s award-winning documentary investigation into what experts label the most important political and environmental issue of the 21st Century – The World Water Crisis. Salina builds a case against the growing privatization of the world’s dwindling fresh water supply with an unflinching focus on politics, pollution, human rights, and the emergence of a domineering world water cartel. The film introduces many of the governmental and corporate culprits behind the water grab, Coca-Cola and Nestle to name a few, while begging the question “CAN ANYONE REALLY OWN WATER?”

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