This
Christmas, Present Aid offers an alternative gift for
chocoholics that is not only calorie
free but also helps poor
farmers
cope with the impact of climate change.

The
chocolate kit, which costs £47 from Christian Aid’s virtual gift
service,
consists of cocoa seedlings and training for
Nicaraguan farmers to help them adapt to global warming by switching
from
growing coffee to cocoa that strives in hot climates.

Fourteen
million people worldwide
depend upon
cocoa for their livelihoods,
almost
90 per cent  of whom are on small family-run farms in developing
countries. Aurora Picado, 45
year
old coffee farmer, said: ‘We just used to grow coffee, now we grow
bananas and
cocoa. Everyone has seen their coffee harvest fall… If it is very hot,
the
plants get many diseases. That is why cocoa is a good alternative. It
likes a
hot climate.’

Other
new Present Aid gifts include a soap making kit from Burkina Faso for £13, equipment that helps women make
high quality
soap to sell; a flooding survival kit in Central America for £20; a nutritious meal for
80 children in Bangladesh for
only
£10; and a school kit for
£22
consisting of exercise books, pencils, pens, and erasers for 30 students for
one year. The Present Aid catalogue and website www.presentaid.org
contain 40 gift ideas, ranging in price from £5 to £1,400.

Ruth
Ruderham,
Christian Aid’s Head of Fundraising, said: ‘Through Present Aid, people
can
purchase unusual and meaningful gifts that make a lasting difference to
some of
the poorest communities in
the world’

As
a Present Aid buyer you receive a card with more
information about the gift
you have
‘bought’ which you can send to your loved one you have bought the
present for, and the actual
gift goes to help someone in a poor
country. The money goes to one of the following
project funds relevant to the gift from where it gets distributed to
Christian
Aid partner organizations:

-         
agriculture
and
livestock

-         
emergency
and
disaster preparedness

-         
healthcare
inc.
HIV/Aids

-         
training
and
education

-         
water
and
environment

The
deadline for Christmas gift
purchases is 15 December. Call 0845 3300 500 to order
a catalogue.

European Commission proposals about how poor countries should be
helped financially to deal with climate change show a ‘serious lack of
ambition’ says Christian Aid.

The Commission said that EU should provide poor countries with
between €2 -15bn annually for both adapting to climate change, and
reducing emissions. Christian Aid and other climate justice campaigners say the
figure should be €35bn a year.

Nelson Muffuh, advocacy coordinator at Christian Aid, said:
‘If this figure is accepted, the goal of limiting global warming to 2^oC
becomes ever more remote.

‘Pollution
from rich countries is already having devastating effects in developing
countries, through droughts, floods and tropical storms. Rich countries have to
face up to their historic responsibility for the emissions that have caused
climate change.’

Christian Aid also criticised the EC’s proposals as relying
too heavily on the carbon market to raise the money. The market, it said, does
not guarantee reliable financial flows and has earlier proved to disadvantage
the poorest nations because of a lack of interest in investing in those
countries.

The charity also attacked an annex to the commission’s
proposal which said some of the money could come from official development
assistance (ODA).

‘This is alarming,’ said Muffuh. ‘In the short
term they seem to want to rely totally on ODA for adaptation support which
threatens the poverty eradication objectives of developing countries by
diverting already meagre resources.

‘For the crucial UN climate change negotiations in Copenhagen
in December to stand any chance of success, industrialised countries must
strongly commit to providing substantial funding to cover the full incremental
costs for sustainable development and adaptation to climate change in
developing countries.

‘Many poorer nations are disappointed at the lack of EU
leadership. After decades of broken aid promises, the trust gap between rich
and poor countries, which it is essential to bridge if we are to counter
climate change, simply widens.

One positive aspect was the EC’s proposal that a specific
climate fund be set up under the UN Convention. ‘This is a good
initiative that we would like to see elaborated further since it would not be a
donor controlled fund,’ said Muffuh.                                                   

Christian Aid
marked the 100 day countdown to December’s crucial UN climate change
summit in Copenhagen on Friday night by staging
a Mass Visual Trespass at an East Shropshire
power plant.

Images of Christian
Aid supporters holding up
climate justice messages directed at Prime Minister Gordon Brown were beamed
onto a cooling tower at the E.ON power station in Ironbridge, Shropshire.

A series of Mass
Visual Trespasses targeting similar landmarks across Britain
will take place over the next four months to highlight Christian Aid’s
demand that the UK
government takes a global lead in the battle against climate change. 

Members of the
public are encouraged to join the trespass by adding photographs of themselves,
and their climate messages, at www.christianaid.org.uk/trespass

‘Climate
change endangers us all. Halting it is urgent – the highest priority any
government should have,’ said one of the participants, the Reverend John
Routh, from Sutton Coldfield.

Another
participant, Natalie Williams, aged 26, from Stourbridge, West
Midlands, said: ‘I’m doing this to raise awareness. Copenhagen isn’t just
a talk. Real decisions need to happen there for a sustainable future, not just
for ourselves, but for our children as well.’

Christian Aid is
calling on Gordon Brown to attend the UN summit in person in December and to
press rich countries to commit to at least 40 per cent carbon emission
reductions by 2020. 

It also wants the
UK government, along with other developed nations, to commit the necessary
support and resources, including technology transfers, to enable developing
countries to reduce emissions, develop in a low carbon way and adapt to climate
change.

In addition,
Christian Aid says no new coal fired power stations should be built in the UK
without carbon capture and storage facilities, which should also be
retro-fitted to all older power stations when the technology is proven.  

Paul Brannen, head of campaigns
at Christian Aid said:  ‘Ironbridge was an appropriate target for
our first Mass Visual Trespass because it is the birthplace of the Industrial
Revolution. It is rich industrialised countries like the UK that are historically
responsible for causing climate change.  They must now demonstrate a new
kind of leadership in dealing with the consequences.

‘Climate
change is already having a devastating effect on the people we work with in
developing countries who have contributed very little to global warming. 
Vulnerable communities are bearing the brunt of unpredictable weather patterns,
droughts, floods, tropical storms and higher incidences of disease. For these
people, climate change is now a matter of life or death.

‘It’s
time for a new revolution, a climate revolution. It’s vital that a fair
and just climate deal is agreed in Copenhagen
to come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol ends in
2012.’

Commuter cyclists with no washing facilities at their place of work are coming up with increasingly imaginative ways of getting clean after their morning ride, the most extreme of which being a shower they build themselves, according to the Environmental Transport Association.

The DIY shower uses items that are readily available on the high street, costs around £50, and once assembled transforms a standard loo into a fully-functioning hot water shower. Once finished with, the shower can be packed away in less than a minute.

Photographs and further details on how the shower is built are posted at www.ilovemybike.co.uk

Director at ilovemybike.co.uk, Andrew Davis said: “The lack of workplace showers is one reason why more people don’t commute by bike – employers should spend Bike Week thinking about what they can do to help.”

No shower at work – how do cyclists manage?

Baby wipes: Many cyclists shower before they set off for work and
then when they arrive, wipe themselves down with disposable baby wipes.

Ride slower: Cyclists in continental Europe tend to ride their bikes
slower when they commute to work – it doesn’t add much to the journey
time and you don’t sweat

Use a local gym: The easiest way to get access to a shower if there are
no washing facilities at your place of work is to join the local gym

Keep a supply of shirts at work: This doesn’t solve the problem of
getting clean, but bringing five clean and ironed shirts to work on a
Monday ensures the commuter cyclist looks smart

A poll conducted on behalf of ilovemybike.co.uk for Bike Week found that over 4 million British motorists would be prepared to cycle
more to cut their motoring costs.

Rich countries
risk wrecking vitally important international talks on a climate agreement,
Christian Aid warns today at the close of the latest UN negotiations in Bonn.

They
have failed to commit to dramatic curbs in their greenhouse emissions, or
recognise the scale of funding poor countries urgently need to cope with the
impacts of global warming.

There
are now just six months to go until the critical UN summit in Copenhagen, at which a new climate deal must
be agreed to come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol ends.

During
the Bonn talks,
it was clear that rich countries plan to continue polluting at levels that will
make dangerous climate change inevitable.

This was
highlighted by Japan’s
announcement of a target to cut its emissions from 1990 levels by only 8 per
cent by 2020. That is a mere 2 per cent more than Japan’s
existing target under the Kyoto
protocol and is entirely inadequate.

‘Developed
countries have been unable to agree on any overall target for their cuts, let
alone one which will hold the global temperature rise below 2^oC
- the point at which scientists predict climate catastrophe,’ says
Nelson Muffuh, Christian Aid’s senior climate
advocate. ‘They are
wrecking the negotiations that are supposed to secure a deal by December.’

Mithika
Mwenda from Kenya,
Coordinator of the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, says rich
countries’ proposed emissions cuts are even weaker than those required by
the existing Kyoto Protocol.

‘I’d
rather see my country refuse an agreement with such low ambition,’ says
Mr Mwenda,  ‘Rich countries’ political will to make up for
their historic responsibility and to safeguard poor people’s lives,
dignity and development is just not there. Things have to change dramatically.’

The lack
of trust has worsened as rich countries drag their feet and demand more action
from the developing world.

Developing
countries are rightly worried about efforts to change the terms of the
negotiations and shift the burden of dealing with climate change onto them.
Their concerns are deepened by rich countries’ failure to deliver on
previous emissions and finance commitments.

Developing
countries are demanding that rich nations admit their responsibility for
causing climate change, through a century and a half of industrialisation.

Pollution
from rich countries is already having devastating effects in developing
countries, through droughts, floods and tropical storms. But during the
negotiations, rich countries including the European Union have refused to
accept their responsibility for such damage.

Mr
Muffuh adds: ‘Without real progress on commitments by the rich world, the
negotiations will collapse. Developed countries should prevent further delays
by immediately committing to urgent, deep emissions cuts.

‘They
must come back to the next round of talks willing to act and to agree to
ambitious, quantified financial support for adaptation and mitigation in
developing countries, as well as technology transfer.

‘Such
action is neither an act of charity nor a punishment against rich countries.
Rather, it is compensation for the damage they have done.’

A
New Start / Potential Plus Network Conference
Manchester,
21st May 2009

This
Masterclass focuses on the use of NLP to enhance daily interactions
with others, to create a step change in the functioning of social
enterprises, community and voluntary organisations.

NLP
(neuro-linguistic programming) is recognised as the premier ‘people
change’ discipline across many diverse fields of endeavour. 
From sporting success to sales and marketing, from board rooms to
family therapy; NLP has been used successfully for decades to help
people to be the best they can be.

Potential Plus Network’s
consultants have been working to apply NLP principles in their work
in the social enterprise and regeneration sector for many years, with
notable successes in the UK and beyond.  They are now working
closely with New Start to offer masterclasses sharing their success
principles with other regeneration practitioners.

This
masterclass focuses on the use of NLP to enhance daily interactions
with others, to create a step change in the functioning of groups,
communities and organisations.

The masterclass will provide an
introduction to some of the underlying principles of NLP, and a
chance for all participants to begin to experience the power of
applying these through interactive learning situations. 
Participants will also take away a suite of practical tools they can
apply in their own workplaces.

Feedback from
participants in past New Start / Potential Plus masterclasses was
overwhelmingly excellent.  Here are just a few of the things
people said:

“It can be applied to my workplace, I will use
in meetings, planning sessions, away days, self reflection,
workshops” (Project Manager, Regeneration Partnership)

“Well
thought through and delivered” (Regeneration Strategic Resources
Manager, City Council)

“I have learnt a lot and will use a
range of techniques when working with students and community groups”
(Executive Director, Training Programme)

“I feel confident
that my productivity will be enhanced and also my people management
skills” (Trustee, Regeneration Programme)

“It was good,
enjoyable, informative” (Project Director, regeneration
programme)

“Thank you for organising a very useful event”
(Capital Projects officer, New Deal for Communities Programme)

Each
delegate will also receive a copy of the NLP Principles Toolkit. 
This includes information about how to apply the principles in your
daily work and a suite of practical tools which you can start using
immediately.

NLP
Principles for Social Entrepreneurs – the Every Day Makes a
Difference Toolkit
New
Start and Potential Plus have now run 4 successful events about using
the tools and techniques of NLP in our sector, and have also
developed the comprehensive Every Day Makes a Difference Toolkit,
which provides you with a suite of ready-made tools for use in
regeneration work you can start using immediately.

The
toolkit includes:

• A
  wide range of practical tools for practitioners

• Photocopyable
  pages to use on your own, with your teams and with partners

• Ideas
  and case studies of how the tools can be used in practice

• A
  further reading list for people who want to expand their knowledge
  of NLP

Every
delegate will receive a copy of the Toolkit as part of their delegate
fee.
 
Join us on 21st May and experience the difference
NLP can make for you and your social business. 
Book online
at www.nlpconferences.co.uk

This
Christian
Aid Week, 10 to 16 May, 300,000
volunteers will pound the pavements of the UK distributing thirteen
million red envelopes and helping to raise £15m for poor communities
in the developing world. Thousands of fundraising events will take
place throughout the week, from the charity’s nationwide
fundraising event QUIZAID
to quirky local initiatives like the 61 year old vicar from Brackley
who will be joining a group of leathered bikers on a sponsored road
run.  If
you haven’t got involved yet, there’s still time! QUIZAID
 - supported this year by soap star Kara Tointon – is taking
place up and down the country, in living rooms, pubs, community halls
and churches, and hopes to raise around £225,000. To find your
nearest QUIZAID
event or local fundraiser this Christian Aid Week log on to
www.caweek.org
and type in your postcode. Or if you’d simply like to make a
donation go to
www.caweek.org
 On her return from a trip in
Zambia with Christian Aid, Kara said: ‘‘it’s really important
to get involved and get quizzing this Christian Aid Week. It doesn’t’
cost much to enter but it can make a huge difference. Having seen
some of Christian Aid’s work myself in Zambia,
where I saw children who have been orphaned by HIV given homes and
care, I know how vital this money is.’

As part of our United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) commitment to respect human rights, Article 13 supports the Poverty and Homeless Action Week (PHAW) 2009, which runs from the 31 January to 8 February 2009. This year, Article 13 contributed to PHAW through volunteering a member of staff to St Paul’s homeless drop-in shelter in Kensington, which ran between the hours of 12pm and 4pm on the 28th of January 2009.

The volunteer dealt with the diverse needs of over 70 clients. There
were about 18 volunteers to offer a range of services, which included a
wide range of activities, such as:

• Preparing/ serving tea, coffee and nutritious meals for the service users. 

• Cleaning the kitchen and general eating area.

• Offering a vital source of support for the staff and those who use St Paul’s shelter.

• Listening to, sharing stories and building relationships with
  customers that have a diversity of skills, experiences and emotions.

• Working with customers in the designated art and music areas.

• Making the atmosphere fun, informal, safe, comfortable and an inviting place for vulnerable homeless people to spend time.

• Supporting customers through being there for them.
  

Article 13 wanted to add value to their in-house participation goals,
build interest for volunteering amongst staff and help meet the needs
of the homeless and disadvantaged at the grassroots level. This
participative action will be a part of our yearly commitment to the
homeless.

Daniel Francis, research assistant for Article 13, said: “Participating
at St Paul’s homeless drop-in shelter was really rewarding, through
offering a valuable service to a wide variety of people and listening
to amazing heart filled real life stories. It was a really humbling
experience!”

For more information please contact Fiona Banyard on fionab@article13.com or call 020 8840 4450. Please also see Article 13’s website www.article13.com

Want to pledge your love to something that really deserves it this valentine’s day? Then take the Copenhagen pledge and show the planet you really care.

Rhian Beynon, campaigns manager for Christian Aid, says: ‘2009 is a crucial year for making real progress on climate change. World leaders will meet in Copenhagen at the end of this year to negotiate an international climate change deal. 

‘We are calling for industrialised countries to pledge to reduce their CO2 emissions by 80 per cent by 2050. Without this commitment it’s impossible to keep the global temperature rise below 2˚C and prevent climate catastrophe. As a result, 30 million more people could go hungry, 18 per cent of Bangladesh will be underwater and up to 3 billion people could face acute water shortages.’

Taking the Copenhagen pledge includes a commitment to:

• Reducing your personal carbon footprint through recycling, reusing and reducing consumption
• Writing to the Prime Minister and speaking to your local MP to let them know you expect the UK Government and other world leaders like Obama to work for a new international climate change agreement that is fair to poorer countries
• Encouraging friends and family to sign up to the pledge

Take the pledge > > >

For more information contact Emma Wigley ewigley@christian-aid.org or call 020 7523 2452

Duncan Bannatyne, entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den tycoon, said:  ‘When I employ someone I look for initiative and drive; someone who is a self starter and can work well as part of a team.  Volunteering for a programme like Platform2 demonstrates these young people have the desire to do something extra with their lives and help others in the process.  These are qualities employers are looking for on a CV and show more about a person than their qualifications alone.’

Platform2 is a free global volunteering scheme funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) and run by Christian Aid, BUNAC and Islamic Relief.  Open to 18-25 year olds who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to volunteer abroad, it offers the chance to spend 10 weeks living and working in a poor community in countries like Ghana, South Africa, Peru or India.

The scheme gives volunteers the chance to learn about development issues as part of a diverse team, experience new cultures and improve their practical, communication and organisational skills.

On their return to the UK, participants attend a three-day workshop where they devise interesting _and exciting ways of communicating what they have learnt about global issues with friends, family and their local community. They will continue to build on their life and employment skills by making videos, writing blogs and songs, organising talks, putting on exhibitions and getting local press coverage.

Zina Lewis, a Platform2 volunteer from London who has just returned from Ghana, said:  ‘It’s a life-changing experience…..It will be very helpful when it comes to getting jobs because it was quite character-building and shows a lot about you: that you’ve donated your time and gone to live with a group of people that you don’t know, Big Brother-style; that you’re a team player who can work with others and that you have social skills.’

Mark Vyner, Platform2 Head of Programme, said:  ‘Employers have told us that volunteering on a CV looks good – it shows someone has initiative, drive and will have a level of maturity above those coming straight from education. Platform2 offers all participants a great experience and will help them stand out from the crowd in the job market.’

For more information on how to apply for Platform2 visit www.myplatform2.com