Friends of the Earth Birmingham Action Briefing Apr/May 98

Jubilee 2000 Coalition

'Third World' debt is inextricably linked to environmental degradation. Producers from indebted countries are essentially forced to produce crops and use farming practices which are environmentally destructive.

The Jubilee 2000 Coalition is campaigning for perhaps the most positive way to celebrate the millennium possible - cancelling the backlog of unpayable debt owed by the world's poorest countries.

Is there anything we can do about this? Yes!

Here in Birmingham, on 16 May 1998, the leaders of the world's most powerful countries meet at the G8 Summit. These leaders have the power to determine the level of debt relief for indebted countries, a decision which affects the lives of millions of the world's poorest people, and the environment in which they live and work.

The Jubilee 2000 Coalition is calling for thousands of supporters to link hands in a human chain around the Summit, holding on until the leaders accept what is hoped to be the world's largest ever petition, requesting "a debt free start for a billion people".

Also on that day, there will be a programme of events which are currently being organised. For more details about the human chain and how to help with the petition, contact the Coalition office at:

Jubilee 2000 Coalition,
Carrs Lane
Church Centre,
Carrs Lane,
Birmingham.
B4 7SX.

Tel: 0121 631 2076; Email: j2000c@gn.apc.org

Ben & Barbara FOE Birmingham members