In this month’s update, we’re focusing on protecting wildlife in the UK and beyond from habitat destruction, pollution, pesticides and poaching. Take a look at the links below and take action where you can.

Rang-tan: the story of dirty palm oil
Greenpeace recently released an animation of an orangutan whose home has been destroyed to clear the way for palm oil. The story really hits home and shows just how much damage is being caused to wildlife through the use of palm oil. You can watch the animation on their website using the link below, and sign the petition which calls for big brands to stop using palm oil from forest destroyers.
Read more: https://secure.greenpeace.org.uk/page/s/rang-tan-video

Plastic bag charge
Another recent announcement was that of the plastic bag charge being doubled to 10p and rolled out across all retailers in the UK – not just shops that employ more than 250 people. The announcement has been met with differing views – some believing that it is ‘about time’ more was done to tackle the high levels of plastic we use in the UK, while the Chancellor claims the increased charge will be seen as ‘profiteering’. What do you think?

WWF: Take action to stop ivory trade
Around 20,000 elephants are killed each year for their ivory tusks. WWF are urging the government to take a stand by banning the elephant ivory trade in the UK and calling for harsher sentencing for wildlife trade criminals.
Read more here: https://www.wwf.org.uk/campaigns/stopivorytrade

WWF: Join our fight to end illegal wildlife trade
The illegal wildlife trade is destroying some of the world’s most iconic species including elephants, rhinos and tigers. WWF are inviting people to help put a stop to this horrific trade. Read more and sign the petition: https://www.wwf.org.uk/updates/join-our-fight-end-illegal-wildlife-trade?utm_campaign=IWT&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=homepage#webform-submission-iwt-petition-2018-paragraph-92621-add-form

Friends of the Earth: Help protect our wildlife
The natural world is in serious trouble. Bees, birds, butterflies and other wildlife are in decline. One of the main reasons? Pesticides. Friends of the Earth are calling on you to help make the countryside a safer place for wildlife by signing their petition: https://act.friendsoftheearth.uk/act/shape-future-our-countryside

The Wildlife Trusts: Help bring our seas back to life
The Wildlife Trusts are campaigning for more Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) in the UK, which will help to protect areas of the sea that are proven to benefit marine wildlife. Read more and take action: http://action.wildlifetrusts.org/page/24160/-/1



If you’ve come across a campaign or petition that you think deserves a mention, please let us know by emailing production@thelocalanswer.co.uk



Note: the above information was sourced in advance of publication so some campaigns/petitions may be out of date.