DURING the next few weeks politicians will be knocking on doors. So this is a good time to ask them whether their policies on trade take the environment into account.
Many politicians support the idea of free trade without seriously considering the environmental and social consequences.
For example, free trade does not support conservation of scarce natural resources. Free trade may force local communities from their land to make way for multinational companies intending to extract and sell raw materials. Farmers may be forced to grow cash crops rather than grow food for local consumption.
Friends Of The Earth wants politicians to support new trade rules so that protection of the planet and local communities takes priority over free trade, and multinational companies become responsible for their social, and environmental, impact worldwide.
Let candidates know how you feel about free trade.
Guy Wallbanks,
Coordinator,
York and Ryedale Friends Of The Earth,
Kingsway West, York.
Updated: 10:07 Friday, April 15, 2005
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