activism
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Activists demand halt to uranium mining near Grand Canyon
Environmentalists and tribal members are urging Arizona officials to end uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, citing health and environmental risks.
In short:
- Activists delivered a petition with over 17,500 signatures to Governor Katie Hobbs, calling for the closure of the Pinyon Plain Mine.
- Uranium mining poses significant health risks and threatens water sources critical to the Grand Canyon's ecosystem and local communities.
- The governor’s office acknowledged receipt but has yet to take action on the petition.
Key quote:
“The safe thing to do, the prudent thing to do, is to avoid that risk altogether and close the mine.”
— Taylor McKinnon, director of the Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
The Grand Canyon has long been a battleground for conservation efforts. Uranium mining, with its potential to contaminate water sources and disrupt ecosystems, adds a new layer of urgency to these efforts. The Havasupai Tribe, whose ancestral lands lie within the Grand Canyon, has been vocal about the threats posed to their health and way of life. Contaminated water sources could have devastating effects on both human populations and the diverse wildlife that call the canyon home.
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Activists urge Louisiana to reject 2,400-acre plastics plant permits
Environmental advocates want Louisiana to block air permits for a planned 2,400-acre plastics facility due to new federal air quality standards and concerns over toxic pollution.
In short:
- EarthJustice and six environmental groups argue the Formosa Plastics project in St. James Parish would violate EPA standards for particulate matter, also called "soot" and dust.
- EarthJustice submitted a letter urging the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality to deny Formosa’s permit renewal, arguing it would exacerbate the already poor air quality in the communities of the corridor between New Orleans and Baton Rouge known as “Cancer Alley.”
- The U.S. EPA and local residents are also pushing for an investigation into mercury-laden dust from the Atalco Gramercy refinery.
Key quote:
“When they get this application, they need to reduce Formosa Plastics emissions so that it isn’t worsening the problem.”
— Mike Brown, senior attorney with EarthJustice.
Why this matters:
The proposed plastics plant could worsen air quality in an area already plagued by industrial pollution. Advocates are particularly concerned about "Cancer Alley," a stretch of the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans known for its high concentration of petrochemical plants and elevated cancer rates. They worry that adding another massive facility to this already burdened region would exacerbate existing health disparities.
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Environmental activists face increasing repression and criminalization
Environmental protests are increasingly met with severe repression and criminalization, threatening democracy and human rights, according to UN special rapporteur Michel Forst.
In short:
- Europe has seen a surge in police brutality and heavy-handed legal measures against environmental defenders, often using outdated or new restrictive laws.
- Public discourse often labels environmental activists as "eco-terrorists" or "green Talibans," inciting public and media hostility.
- Countries like Italy, Germany and the UK employ laws to criminalize peaceful protests, with harsh sentences and severe legal penalties.
Key quote:
"In terms of freedom of speech and the right to protest, certainly in regards to climate change, the world is moving in the wrong direction."
— Michel Forst, UN special rapporteur on environmental defenders.
Why this matters:
The repression of environmental activists undermines basic human rights and stifles efforts to address climate change. This atmosphere of fear can stymie broader civic engagement and deter necessary actions to address environmental crises. At a time when urgent action is needed to combat climate change and environmental degradation, silencing activists could have negative consequences for the planet and future generations.
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A new wave of young eco-activists running for EU Parliament seats
A generation of young Europeans who began their activism in school is now running for the European Parliament to influence climate policies.
In short:
- Young Europeans, previously involved in Fridays for Future protests, are now candidates in the European Parliament elections from June 6-9.
- These candidates, like Petr Doubravsky from Czechia and Lena Schilling from Austria, aim to enact climate protection policies amidst opposition from right-leaning parties.
- They represent a new wave of political activists determined to shape EU climate and energy policies by 2030.
Key quote:
“In 2019, we heard that we should calm down, that we should stay in school, that we should wait until we are adults. And that time has now come.”
— Petr Doubravsky, Czech Green Party candidate
Why this matters:
The presence of these young activists in the political sphere is more than symbolic. It highlights the growing influence of environmental activism in shaping policy and the increasing recognition that the climate crisis requires immediate and innovative solutions. If successful, these young politicians could play a crucial role in steering Europe toward a greener, more resilient future, ensuring that the environment remains at the forefront of legislative priorities.
The question remains: will it be enough to counter the rising far-right movement in Europe?
Related EHN coverage:
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German climate activists face charges for 'forming a criminal organization'
Five members of the German climate group Letzte Generation have been charged with "forming a criminal organization," potentially setting a precedent for criminalizing climate protests.
In short:
- Five activists are charged under section 129 of the German criminal code for actions against oil refineries, an airport, and a museum.
- The activists claim their protests were non-violent and open, arguing that such charges threaten democratic rights to peaceful protest.
- Amnesty International warns that a conviction could criminalize any support for Letzte Generation, escalating the criminalization of climate protests.
Key quote:
“This charge is meant for mafia and organised crime. This charge criminalises every act of support towards the group Letzte Generation. This creates an immense chilling effect on all climate protests in Germany.”
— Mirjam Herrmann, Letzte Generation activist
Why this matters:
The charges against Letzte Generation could deter future climate activism by equating non-violent protest with organized crime. This could undermine democratic freedoms of speech and assembly, setting a troubling legal precedent.
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Biden faces pressure from activists to halt deepwater oil export plans
Environmental groups urge the Biden administration to stop new deepwater oil-export facilities and maintain a pause on gas-export licenses.
In short:
- A coalition of 20 environmental groups has asked the Biden administration to freeze new deepwater oil-export facilities.
- Activists want the current pause on new liquified natural gas (LNG) export licenses to be extended indefinitely.
- Over 200 additional groups are calling for an end to federal funding for fossil fuel extraction on public lands and waters.
Key quote:
“Congress has coddled the fossil fuel industry for decades, scarring millions of acres of public lands in the process.”
— Ashley Nunes, public lands policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity
Why this matters:
Deepwater oil facilities pose significant risks to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, while the expansion of gas exports could lock in long-term reliance on fossil fuels, hindering progress toward a sustainable energy future.
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Global K-pop fan activism is influencing environmental policies
K-pop enthusiasts worldwide leverage their community power to advocate for environmental changes, influencing significant corporate and public decisions on climate issues.
In short:
- Kpop4Planet, started by fans in 2021, effectively engaged in environmental causes, including a significant petition against Hyundai over coal energy usage.
- The group's efforts have prompted changes in the entertainment industry towards more sustainable practices, including eco-friendly album productions.
- K-pop fans, known for their organizational skills on social media, are now recognized as a potent force in climate activism, advocating for broader environmental awareness and policy shifts.
Key quote:
"I spotted how K-pop fans can be seen as a potential power. We think we can harness that power for climate change action."
— Nurul Sarifah, co-founder of Kpop4Planet
Why this matters:
K-pop fans have organized themselves into a force capable of mobilizing quickly and effectively. They've flooded social media platforms with campaigns urging major companies to adopt more sustainable practices or to reconsider their environmental impacts. This activism extends to pressuring governments to implement stricter environmental regulations, demonstrating their commitment to leveraging pop culture for the greater good.
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