Update
This is an email I sent to DOW. I'm awaiting a response and will post it here when it comes along.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I recently came across the Live Earth, Run for water campaign. I applaud your involvement in this campaign but am wondering what you are doing to help ensure that the people of Bhopal, India are also being given the chance to access clean water and live free from the effects of the union carbide gas leak in 1984. I understand that DOW took over Union Carbide back in 1999 and yet the people of Bhopal are still suffering from the after effects of the pollution caused by the leak.
I would appreciate your response.
Thank you
I'm just back from Pakistan and Dubai and had lots to write about. Then I came across this story about Live Earth and it made me really mad. I know it's hard to always stand by your principles...I know I've boycotted Starbucks for ages but have now caved in a few times...but charities have an obligation to make sure they have robust policies in place when dealing with any partnerships.
If you go onto www.liveearth.org 'Run for water' campaign page, you will see a link to its event partners including DoW. The blurb for DoW is as follows:
"With sales of $58 billion in 2008 and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is a diversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technology with the "Human Element” to constantly improve what is essential to human progress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services to customers in approximately 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with the principles of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, food and pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. On April 1, 2009, Dow acquired Rohm and Haas Company, a global specialty materials company with sales of $10 billion in 2008 and 15,000 employees worldwide"
Pretty impressive, especially the bit about 'human progress'. Tell that to the thousands of people in Bhopal, India, affected by the Union Carbide chemical leak in 1984. Dow owns Union Carbide, albeit the acquisition was after the disaster. When you buy a company you take on the good and the bad. Take a look at www.bhopal.org if you want to see how 'bad' it is.
What makes this partnership even more disgusting is that Live Earth's campaign is about access to clean water for people.
This is the blurb from their website:
"The Dow Live Earth Run for Water – to take place April 18, 2010 – will consist of a series of 6 km run/walks (the average distance many women and children walk every day to secure water) taking place over the course of 24 hours in countries around the world, featuring concerts and water education activities aimed at igniting a tipping point to help solve the water crisis"
I wonder whether they're going to have an event in Bhopal???
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