British Government Threatens to Sell English Forests!
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I'm in utter anguish at the British government's proposal to sell off our forests. They're already stealing from the poorest people and now they want to put our national heritage, our trees at risk by selling them. A probability is that rich people and buisnesses will buy them in order to make a profit, such as by chopping them down and replacing them with golf courses!
I'm hearing soothing noises, such as that there will still be protection for the forests but how would they enforce that? It would cost a fortune to police forests, which is in effect what would have to be done if they were owned privately. They're selling them in order to help to pay off the national deficit (I can see some of the money going into MP's pockets), so how likely are they to pay to ensure they're looked after?
38 Degrees, a British organisation similar to the American MoveOn.org and the International Avaaz, are running a petition to show public opposition and outrage. One of those who signed left a message saying 'If you take our forests we'll take parliament!' That's how strongly people are feeling about this stupid, misguided proposal.
It's stupid on many levels, not least because trees soak up carbon dioxide, and so help to mitigate climate change. They're our safety valve, protecting us from devastating environmental changes; our lungs, keeping the atmosphere clean. Here's an excerpt from the Stein review:
'Emissions from deforestation are very significant - they are estimated to represent more than 18% of global emissions, a share greater then is produced by the global transport sector. Action to preserve the remaining areas of natural forest is needed urgently. Largescale national action and international support.'
I simply can't understand why they want to take action that will have terrible consequences for everyone, and for all other species in the long run, when they're aware of the dangers. They know about the negative effects of deforestation and they know that our forests will not be secure if they're owned privately.
I'm incredulous! I'm going to bed. Perhaps I'll wake up in the morning and it will have been a nightmare. One more thing before I sign off. Please sign the petition if you're from the UK and ask everyone you know to. (The petition can be found via the 38 Degrees link below.) Who doesn't love trees (apart from governments)?
If you're not from the UK I urge you to take action to ensure that the forests in your own country are protected because they're your greatest national asset and your children need them in order to survive!
UK protest site:
- 38 Degrees | Save Our Forests
Sign the petition now to stop the UK Government selling off our National Forests including The Forest of Dean, Sherwood Forest and The New Forest
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I know Paraglider, it's breaking my heart! :(
There is only one reason big business would want to buy forests, and that isn't to preserve them. When the cost of buying a forest will be in the many millions, the companies which buy them will want to see a return for their investment. Leaving the trees standing to provide a habitat for wildlife would not be in their interests. Golf courses or housing estates will provide that return. I think it is obvious what the future of our forests will therefore be. The government knows this, but do they care? I doubt it. The Conservative party should change its name, as conservation is the last thing it stands for. The UK is already the least forested country in Europe.
It is a crime. I just found this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmgcabm25B8&feature
Thank you for this hub!
Even though I'm not from UK, that breaks my heart to. Why is it that the worlds government seem to care more about money than having clean air, water, and to preserve our forests. Have to wonder where there priority first lay.
What can we do? It is worldwide, government destroying the world for riches in their pockets and giving no thought of the consequences. It is really maddening and I feel your pain. Is there anything we can do, I often wonder and I ask and no one really wants to talk about it, do they not care? Are they afraid of government? Surely we could find someone willing to lead us and tell us what to do. I have no knowledge on these things but I have the guts to stand up to them and would be a part of protest in a minute. That use to work...does no one do that anymore?
They did in the 70's. I don't know what happened. People have put more value in empty things than natural things that sustains us.
Yes there is something you can do Pollyanalana. Join Avaaz:
They're a world wide organisation who campaign for a more natural world, to stop victimisation and all kinds of important issues. Their petitions are signed by millions and they really make a difference. Last year they had many people in different countries phoning our governments, and jamming the switchboards, to urge them to attend the Copenhagen summit. Our then prime minister spoke to them and announced that they do a huge amount of good!
There's a British one called 38 Degrees:
There's an Australian one that I can't remember the name of and I'm sure there are powerful protest movement groups online from every country.
In the UK we have the Green Party to vote for and I think America has one. You can join Green peace. There's plenty of things you can do if you want to be an activist from home!
Thank you. Will do!
Good for you, and you could tell your friends and family. Spreading the word that we can do something's an essential job.
aslanlight, the good news is that this mad scheme seems to have been put on hold {12th February]due to the opposition it has caused, which has united many conservation groups and the general public alike. Well done for bringing this issue to the attention of a much wider audience.
It's such a relief D.A.L! Now they're thinking of selling other national assets, such as stately houses that are only used by Judges for rests etc. I'm all for it!
This is just so crazy, can't believe that any country could get away with such a thing. As a proud Oregonian, this would make me very angry and sad. I have been around trees here my whole life.
Thanks Fluffy. This has shown that public pressure can change government plans. They've scrapped the scheme. I just hope they don't do it anyway underhandedly!
Deforestation is also a big problem here in the Philippines, aside from mining. Some politicians and businessmen connive in continuing such disastrous acts. Right now, we are collecting 10 million signatures to stop mining in Palawan and other provinces that have vast forest reserves.
All the best with the signature collecting travel man! Public opinion stopped them selling our forests for now so I know people power can work. :)
Hi aslanlight, have signed the petition. No wonder you were so upset when you heard about this. When is all this greed and total indifference to our natural world going to end? It's revolting!
It's not only revolting Seeker, it's frightening! How would the people responsible feel if we stormed into their homes and gardens and proceeded to destroy their surroundings? That is, in effect, what they're doing to us all!
Thanks for signing. The good news is that public outrage got through and they posponed their plans.
I hope that they are not serious about it. There are examples of forest exploitations in my country which have brought some severe disasters.
Really agusfanani, what kind of disasters?
The government backed off from selling the forests because there was such a public outcry! That's not to say they won't do it sneakily and slowly though.
I don't think forests can be valued for money. It is worth more than money for the entire world.
Hi aslanlight,
Really glad that the Government have backed down - for the present at least. But I'm like you, wouldn't trust the -------! an inch!
So eloquently said chamilj, and yeah Seeker I agree...many expletives!
Paraglider Level 5 Commenter 16 months ago
I hadn't heard of this till now. It is outrageous.