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Wealthy nations criticized for limiting climate protests despite promoting rights globally
Governments in wealthy countries are clamping down on climate protests with harsh measures, while criticizing similar actions in less developed regions, according to a new report.
In short:
- A report from Climate Rights International shows a rise in crackdowns on climate activists in countries like the U.S., UK and Germany.
- These nations, which promote free speech and protest globally, impose lengthy prison sentences, preemptive arrests and new restrictive laws on their own citizens.
- The report urges governments to view climate activists as allies in the fight against environmental collapse, not as threats.
Key quote:
“Governments should see climate protesters and activists as allies in the fight against climate change, not criminals.”
— Brad Adams, director of Climate Rights International
Why this matters:
Restricting peaceful protests undermines democratic values and discourages action on climate change. These tactics, if unchecked, could set a precedent for authoritarian governments to follow suit.
Related:
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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has seen a surge in police brutality and heavy-handed legal measures against environmental defenders, often using outdated or new restrictive laws.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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Polish farmer protest movement reveals far-right connections
A new Polish farmers' group with far-right ties has gained political attention after protesting against EU climate policies and Ukrainian food imports.
Marta Kasztelan, Clare Carlile, and Phoebe Cooke report for DeSmog.
In short:
- Orka, a recently formed farmers' group, suspended a hunger strike after securing talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda.
- The group has ties to the far-right Confederation Party, raising concerns about its political motivations.
- Protests have emerged across Poland against EU environmental regulations, with Orka aiming to discard the EU's Green Deal.
Key quote:
“It’s very difficult to fight this kind of misinformation.”
— Krzysztof Cibor, head of campaigns, Greenpeace Poland
Why this matters:
The rise of Orka reflects how populist and far-right parties can leverage local discontent to challenge EU policies, potentially destabilizing political landscapes and undermining efforts to combat climate change.
For more aboutthe rise of the far-right in Europe:
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Farmers' protests challenge EU's climate policies
Protests by European farmers are intensifying, challenging the EU's efforts to implement sustainable agricultural reforms under its Green Deal.
In short:
- European farmers are protesting against new environmental regulations, fearing loss of subsidies and increased governmental control.
- These protests have effectively stalled significant parts of the EU's Green Deal, particularly the Farm to Fork strategy aimed at reducing agricultural emissions and pesticide use.
- Amidst these tensions, the EU faces mounting pressure from both farmers and right-wing political factions, complicating the implementation of its climate agenda.
Key quote:
“Instead of being seen as heroic producers of a vital commodity, they are increasingly described as environmental villains and climate destroyers.”
— Alan Matthews, an Irish economist and expert on the CAP
Why this matters:
The EU's strategy involves a delicate balancing act: achieving environmental benefits while also ensuring that farmers receive adequate support and incentives. This includes financial aid, access to new technologies, and training to adapt to more sustainable farming methods.
Recent electoral successes of right-wing parties are expected to influence the European Union's political priorities and policy initiatives, with potential shifts toward more conservative positions on various environmental policies.
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Farmers' revolt in Europe questions future of agriculture and politics
As Europe's farmers grapple with the dual pressures of stringent environmental regulations and economic hardship, their protests signal a deeper crisis in the continent's agricultural heartlands and political arenas alike.
In short:
- European farmers, burdened by regulations and rising costs, are leaving agriculture, leading to a significant cultural and economic shift.
- Protests against environmental regulations are reshaping the political landscape, with the far-right capitalizing on farmer grievances.
- The debate highlights the challenge of balancing sustainability with the economic realities of farming, amid concerns over competition and subsidy reductions.
Key quote:
“There’s no point talking about farm practices that help save the environment, if farmers cannot make a living. Ecology without an economy makes no sense.”
— Arnaud Rousseau, head of the FNSEA, France’s largest farmers’ union
Why this matters:
European farmers have been voicing their discontent through widespread protests across the continent, responding to a variety of regulations and economic pressures that they argue threaten their livelihoods and the agricultural sector's stability.
Be sure to read this EHN piece as legendary scientists weigh in on converging crises threatening future food security
.
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European farmers' protests halt climate policy changes
In a wave of protests, European farmers challenge new climate policies, leading to policy reversals.
In short:
- Farmers across Europe, frustrated with new climate regulations, have initiated widespread protests.
- These demonstrations have caused the European Union to reconsider its agricultural climate goals.
- The situation underscores the complexity of balancing environmental policies with the economic needs of farmers.
Key quote:
“Farmers are increasingly fed up with being seen as the whipping boy of food-systems emissions.”
— Tim Benton, director of research on food production and the environment at Chatham House
Why this matters:
This development highlights the delicate balance between implementing climate policies and addressing the economic concerns of those directly impacted. It's a reminder that effective environmental action requires inclusive planning that considers all stakeholders, especially when it involves essential sectors like agriculture.
Be sure to read: Earth Day 2021: Looking back at an unprecedented year for the planet.
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The Trans Mountain pipeline project, explained
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