[SGRupdate] SGR annual appeal

[Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR)]

Dear friends and colleagues

SGR has been very active recently – and it’s essential we continue to be with
so many government and corporate activities undermining peaceful and
sustainable uses of science, design and technology. A donation from you now
would really help SGR to continue its important work -
http://www.sgr.org.uk/pages/donate-sgr

Together we can make a difference!

Your past generosity has been vital in advancing the cause of ethical science,
design and technology. For example, in the last few months SGR has:

- Launched our new in-depth report, Offensive Insecurity, which uncovers
disturbing new data on the UK’s military R&D programmes, and makes the case
for a major shift in spending towards R&D that tackles key drivers of
conflict, such as climate change. It has received wide media coverage,
including articles in The Guardian, the science and engineering press, and the
‘green’ media.

- Held a successful conference entitled Security and sustainability: the role
of science, design and technology, which discussed science and security,
nuclear weapons, and sustainable energy. It was attended by over 60 people.

- Moved the SGR office into an eco-renovated, community-run building near
Lancaster. The building’s insulation has been upgraded and its heat and
electricity is supplied by renewable energy technologies, including a biomass
boiler and solar panels. This move will enable SGR to promote sustainable
energy and low carbon living more effectively.

- Given lectures and presentations to a range of audiences, including senior
security analysts, scientists and engineers, senior military figures,
politicians, leading peace/environment campaigners, trade unionists and
students. Topics have included the threat from nuclear weapons, military
involvement in R&D, and climate change and conflict.

Your donation will help us to maintain this level of activity and to develop
SGR for the future. Our plans include:

- Publishing a new briefing critically examining shale gas and fracking as the
government increases its support for this controversial industry.

- Running educational activities to promote careers in science, design and
technology that are orientated towards peace and the environment as an
alternative to mainstream science fairs sponsored by arms and fossil fuel
companies.

- Continuing to disseminate the findings of our latest reports on nuclear
weapons and military R&D to help the move to a more peaceful future.

- Continuing our existing campaign work towards a more ethical agenda right
across science, design and technology, on issues such as climate change,
cleaner and more secure energy, corporate and military influence on science,
and emerging technologies.

With the government rapidly cutting back its environmental commitments, yet
actively promoting the expansion of military industry, it is more important
than ever that we speak out for a more ethical future. As an organisation of
professionals in key sectors, SGR has a coherent reform agenda that unites
science, design and technology with peace, social justice and environmental
sustainability. But effective campaigning costs money. To continue to promote
this agenda among like-minded professional organisations, policy-makers, peace
and environment groups, trade unions, the renewable energy industry, etc., we
need your support!

We look forward to hearing from you soon – your help is vital in keeping up
our important work and any donation you make will be very gratefully received
- http://www.sgr.org.uk/pages/donate-sgr

Yours sincerely

Dr Philip Webber, Chair, and Dr Jan Maskell, Vice-chair