Friends of the Earth has a new Executive Director. His name is Andy Atkins and he has led a range of campaigns on environmental and social issues.

Andy joins Friends of the Earth from development charity Tearfund. He launched their work on climate change and persuaded UK development charities to work on climate change as a poverty issue. Andy has also campaigned for human rights in Chile and has worked for development charity CAFOD. Read more about Andy.

Under Andy’s leadership, Friends of the Earth will continue to push for political action to tackle environmental challenges. Our work will focus on climate change and biodiversity loss.

Andy replaces Tony Juniper, who is standing down after 18 years at Friends of the Earth.

Among many other achievements, Tony headed up Friends of the Earth’s Big Ask campaign, which with the support of over 200,000 people has led to a world-first climate change law.

Local group members will have a chance to see Andy, and say goodbye to Tony, at Conference in September. If you can't make it to Conference, you can send a goodbye message to Tony via byebyetony@foe.co.uk

On July 21st in Westminster there will be a special advance screening for MPs of Age of Stupid - the new cinema documentary from the director of McLibel and the Oscar-winning Producer of One Day In September.

The film features Pete Postlethwaite as a man living alone in the devastated world of 2055, compiling ‘archive’ footage from 2008 and asking "Why didn't we stop climate change when we had the chance?".

The screening will be introduced by Pete and Friends of the Earth Parliamentary Campaigner Martyn Williams, who will be reminding MPs of the need for a strong Climate Bill. If you'’d like to invite your MP to attend the screening then please download the invitation letter. It would be really great if a lot of MPs went along so please do encourage them to attend the screening.

For a fascinating insight into our outgoing Executive Director, watch this interview by Adam Vaughan from Smart Planet.

Local group members can now get a 30% discount off everything in our Shop, so you can order online whenever it’s convenient for you. Still the great range of environmental books, but at even less cost to you! We are offering even more generous discounts if you order multiple copies of any item.

Find out how to apply for the discount here.

The Bill is being debated in the House of Commons right now. We need to put pressure on those MPs who signed EDM 736 to support amendments that strengthen the Bill.

We’ve put together an action guide with what you could do at the different stages. If you want to know more and have some time to lobby your MP then you can and download our action guide at http://community.foe.co.uk/campaigns/climate/summer08.html

We are especially targeting MPs who have signed EDM 736.

Friends of the Earth’s new book, How Can I Stop Climate Change?, takes you one step further towards doing something about climate change and engaging with Friends of the Earth’s vision for a cleaner, greener future.

It’s upbeat and packed with great case studies which showcase solutions - technical, social and personal – including some featuring local group members! Starting with the science, the book takes the reader on a journey through using cleaner fuels, how we can make change happen, and what you can do – at home, while on the move, at school, at work and in your neighbourhood.

Download the foreword, and read an exclusive interview and extracts from the book at www.foe.co.uk/living

Friends of the Earth local group price just £9.99! Call Steve Cain on 0207 490 1555 to order your copy.

We’ve produced a colour flyer to promote the book, with 15 top tips on the back. The ideal resource for handing out to the public to show them how easy it can be to save energy (and sometimes save cash too!). To order some flyers, email rita.marcangelo@foe.co.uk