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Newsletter
Climate protest defense strategy hits a legal wall in England and Wales
Climate activists in England and Wales face a significant setback as a key legal defense is stripped away.
In short:
- The Court of Appeal has ruled against the use of the "consent" defense by climate activists, a strategy that has led to several acquittals since 1971.
- This decision follows governmental concerns over the effectiveness of legal guidance for future environmental protests.
- The ruling is seen as a victory for political influence over legal proceedings, further limiting protestor rights and defenses.
Why this matters:
Climate activists are increasingly finding themselves embroiled in legal battles as they push for more aggressive action on climate change. These challenges manifest in various forms, from lawsuits aimed at compelling governments to adopt stricter emissions targets to legal actions against major fossil fuel companies for their role in climate change.
In 2021, Douglas Fischer wrote about four community activists lauded in the fight for environmental and racial justice.
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Credit: Markus Spiske/Unsplash
Election outcomes won't shift climate goals, Cop29 leader says
At the upcoming UN climate summit, Cop29, the newly elected leaders around the world will be expected to uphold the same stringent climate commitments as their predecessors, emphasizing the universal urgency of addressing global warming.
In short:
- Cop29, slated for November in Azerbaijan, comes after a pivotal election year globally, stressing the continuity of climate obligations regardless of political changes.
- Mukhtar Babayev, the incoming president of Cop29, remains optimistic about maintaining progress on climate objectives, urging for global cooperation and commitment.
- Amidst increasing global temperatures, the summit aims to keep the focus on the crucial 1.5C goal, highlighting the role of both public and private sectors in achieving a green transition.
Key quote:
“I don’t think that any election will change the policy of any countries to move forward the consolidation of these issues [on the climate].”
— Mukhtar Babayev, incoming president of Cop29
Why this matters:
The insistence on holding newly elected governments to their climate commitments reflects the global consensus on the imperative to combat climate change. This stance, especially in a year marked by significant elections and potential political shifts, emphasizes the continuous effort required to achieve and sustain global environmental goals, directly impacting health outcomes by mitigating the effects of climate change.
Be sure to check out EHN’s audio diaries from COP28: Part 1 and Part 2.
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Credit: Ashraf Chemban/Pixabay
Understanding the crucial role of Georgia's public service commission in energy regulation
Georgia's youth are stepping up to influence the Public Service Commission's stance on clean energy.
In short:
- The Georgia Public Service Commission, a powerful entity overseeing the state's energy decisions, is facing public pressure to shift towards renewable energy sources.
- This commission, composed of elected officials, holds significant authority over Georgia Power's operations and rate settings, impacting the state's environmental and economic landscape.
- The commission's decisions directly affect greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs, highlighting the importance of its regulatory role in the transition to clean energy.
Key quote:
“The generation of energy… using fossil fuels has become an existential threat to our safety due to the undisputed impacts of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet.”
— Aurora Gray, college student
Why this matters:
This story is pivotal for understanding how regulatory bodies like the Georgia Public Service Commission can direct significant changes in energy consumption patterns, with implications for health due to the environmental impact of energy sources. The commission's actions contribute to the larger national discourse on clean energy and climate change mitigation.
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Credit: Amelia Martin/Big Stock Photo
Government scrutiny of anti-pipeline activists revealed in FBI documents
Newly released FBI documents uncover early government surveillance of Keystone XL pipeline protesters, highlighting a decade-long campaign against environmental activism.
In short:
- The FBI began monitoring Native groups opposing the Keystone XL pipeline as early as 2012, a year earlier than previously known.
- Documents suggest a broad law enforcement strategy to counter civil disobedience against fossil fuel extraction, with young Native activists among the first targets.
- The surveillance extended to various federal agencies, indicating a comprehensive approach to monitoring environmental protests.
Key quote:
“The threat emerging … is evolving into one based on opposition to energy exploration related to any extractions from the earth, rather than merely targeting one project and/or one company.”
— FBI document
Why this matters:
This revelation underscores the intersection of environmental activism and government surveillance, raising concerns about the balance between national security and the right to protest. It also highlights the ongoing struggle for environmental justice and the protection of Indigenous rights in the face of large-scale energy projects.
How Native tribes, hell-raisers and lawyers have combined to battle pipeline projects.
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Credit: Suzy Brooks/Unsplash
Climate group gains attention through direct action and White House engagement
In a notable shift within the climate activism landscape, the group Climate Defiance has rapidly gained prominence by employing peaceful yet confrontational tactics to challenge leaders and institutions on fossil fuel dependency.
In short:
- Climate Defiance, a new climate activism group, uses non-violent yet disruptive actions to confront influential figures and organizations over their fossil fuel ties.
- The group has successfully engaged with high-level officials and influenced decisions, gaining notoriety and support rapidly.
- Despite their confrontational approach, Climate Defiance has drawn attention and funding, challenging traditional activist norms and showing the effectiveness of direct action in climate advocacy.
Key quote:
“You’re burning my future."
— Michael Greenberg, co-founder, Climate Defiance
Why this matters:
Climate Defiance's approach underscores a growing impatience and urgency among activists, particularly young people, in addressing the climate crisis. Their success in drawing attention and influencing policy decisions reflects a significant shift in the dynamics of environmental activism, highlighting the potential of direct action in driving change. This matters for health outcomes as it directly challenges the status quo of fossil fuel reliance, aiming for more rapid and effective climate action.
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Shell faces shareholder rebellion over climate activist resolution
Shell’s board faces a shareholder rebellion as large investors including the UK’s biggest pension scheme prepare to back a climate activist resolution.
How this climate activist justifies political violence
“The reason that people contemplate escalation is that there are no risk-free options left,” says the author of "How to Blow Up a Pipeline."
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