OPEN LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON
We wrote a response the Open Letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson with the hope he will carry our message to the governments of G7.
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Dear Prime Minister,
“Surely we have a responsibility to leave for future generations a planet that is healthy and habitable by all species” Sir David Attenborough
We are delighted to receive the Points of Light award in the name of all Clean Ocean Sailing volunteers who work tirelessly to help improve the planet we live on by removing plastic pollution from our shores with minimal impact on wildlife by rowing, paddling, and sailing.
It is heartwarming that you have a programme which recognises examples of individual effort. For small volunteer groups like ours, it is encouraging that we are seen and the work of each volunteer is valued. We thank you for recognising our efforts and hope that in giving this award the government is finally putting the climate emergency as a bigger priority on the agenda. We cannot ignore anymore that we are in an ocean and climate emergency. In order to address this enormous task properly, individual action is not enough and all governments need to overhaul the system that creates and perpetuates disastrous environmental impact.
Call to action!
The government's involvement in this issue is crucial to help turn the tide on plastic pollution and promote the health and longevity of our oceans. Biodiversity loss and climate change are the greatest issues humankind faces and any actions which help towards governments of the world addressing the environment as the highest of all priorities is vital.
Surprising news on World Ocean Day!
We have been recognized by the government with regards to our voluntary work setting up Clean Ocean Sailing and running eco sailing expeditions around Cornwall and UK, collecting over 50 tons of plastic waste from remote areas of our coastline.
Plastics are not the only pollutant in our seas and freshwaters. Pesticides, herbicides, detergents, industrial chemicals, oil, and sewage also make their way into our waters, as well as soil eroded from the land by human activities. Rubbish floating in our seas is the most transparent and visible of these pollutants. It is estimated that 300 kg of plastic enters the world’s ocean every second and this manifests how unhealthy and vulnerable our planet is.
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We have become dependent on plastics in our everyday life. It makes sense to stem the tide of plastic pollution by starting with the producers. The governments need to insist companies to do more to reduce the impact of their products on the environment, make them easier to recycle, and foot more of the bill for recycling costs. More research and development into substitutes to plastic is needed.
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We believe that the restoration of our planet is a monumental task and we all need to work together to find nature balance once again. Every individual, family, school, business, organization, government should play a role to restore our world.
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Governments of G7 have a huge opportunity this weekend in Cornwall, to lead the world out of this climate crisis by shining a light on the main ecological problems we have to solve in the next decade by rewilding, setting up no fish zones – protected areas, capturing carbon, using 100% renewable energy, changing habits of consumption.
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In this context, the G7 really must add the “Ecocide Law” on their agenda. Using criminal law to draw moral lines. Ecocide is defined as a criminalized human activity that violates the principles of environmental justice, by substantially damaging or destroying ecosystems or by harming the health and well-being of a species.
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The new Ecocide Law unites all environmental concerns and is the missing international law which can send a powerful message to all our businesses across the globe, that business activity must be done sustainably or regulation will enforce. Put the ecocide on the agenda for G7 and be the change.
Here in Cornwall, we can start writing a new chapter in human history. There are many organizations and individuals who are protecting wildlife directly or by educating our children. Listen to their knowledge and wisdom. We believe that the location of the G7 meeting was chosen for good reason and Cornwall can offer inspiration for the action. We have to strongly protect what we have got left and start putting things right for the next generation to come. It's fading far too quickly.
Yours Sincerely.
Steve Green
Monika Hertlová
and Clean Ocean Sailing crew
Simon Green
Ula Green
Benny Green
Charlie Green
Anita Dhillon
Helen Chadwick
David O Boyle
Dara Harkin
Elsje Kichenbrand
AmyJames-Collins
Adam James-Collins
Morgan James-Collins
Drake James-Collins
Amy Bray
Carol Hurst
Chloe Hurst
Isobel MacQueen
Lee Smith
Jed Ardren
Jess Clayton
Hannah Brigham
Sarah MacQueen
Alan Green
Carol Green
Emma Steedman
Maddie Kirby
Gill Thomas
Adi Thomas
Charlotte O’Neill
Imogen Salmon
Stuart Woodman
Anna Lempriere
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