Category: Advocacy

Millions March Around the World to Demand End to Fossil Fuels

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Map showing global marches between On September 15-17, 2023 demanding an immediate, equitable end to fossil fuelsOn September 15-17, millions marched around the world demanding an immediate, equitable end to fossil fuels.

On September 15-17, millions marched around the world demanding an immediate, equitable end to fossil fuels. This global movement peaked with the March to #EndFossilFuels in New York City on September 17, which preludes the first United Nations Climate Ambition Summit on September 20. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres pressed global leaders to commit to phasing out fossil fuels.

The backdrop for these mobilizations is the intensifying climate crisis, evidenced by recent extreme heatwaves, floods, and severe weather events. As the climate threat grows, so does the worldwide movement for climate justice. These initiatives oppose the fossil fuel industry and its proponents, calling for swift transitions to greener alternatives. They called for a just transition to a renewable energy future that generates millions of jobs while supporting workers’ and community rights, job security, and employment equity.

Over 20,000 demonstrators took to the streets in Manhattan, including a 50-member delegation from New Mexico comprising Indigenous, environmental, youth, and frontline advocates. New Mexico, the second-largest oil producer in the U.S., has witnessed the country’s most significant oil production growth in the past three years. Bernal, Pueblo Action Alliance’s executive director, highlighted the collaboration of New Mexican grassroots movements with global initiatives. Their shared objective is to spotlight the financial exploitation and commodification of natural and cultural assets, demanding that leaders pursue genuine climate action, void of the damaging extraction that has marred their ancestral lands for centuries.

New Mexican representatives also presented a grassroots climate justice declaration to global, national, and state leaders. Supported by over 20 Indigenous and environmental entities, it lists imperative actions that are needed now to ensure a sustainable future. The demands encompass an end to new fossil fuel initiatives, immediate fossil fuel phase-outs, rejecting unproven solutions, emphasizing Indigenous ecological wisdom, and declaring a climate emergency to facilitate a fair transition.

Fridays for Future NYC, a youth-led climate activist group, mobilized high school students for the event. Despite juggling school, SATs, and college applications, these young activists dedicated their summer to organizing, recruiting hub captains from various schools, and expanding youth turnout. Even with the vast coalition for the march, Fridays for Future NYC focused on its community-based approach, ensuring young voices were heard.

The NYC March was supported by 500 organizations, including the NAACP, Sierra Club, the Sunrise Movement, the Center for Biological Diversity, Center for Popular Democracy, Climate Organizing Hub, Food & Water Watch, Fridays For Future USA & NYC, Earthworks, Greenfaith, Indigenous Environmental Network, New York Communities for Change, Oil Change International, and Oil & Gas Action Network.

The climate crisis is urgent, and we cannot afford to wait any longer. We must take action now to end fossil fuels and build a just and sustainable future. Join the movement for climate justice, and let your voice be heard.

Rising hope worldwide: ecocide law gains momentum in recent developments

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nature-clouds-hdr-phenomenon, 19 August 2014, 20:21, Wikimedia Commons
nature-clouds-hdr-phenomenon, 19 August 2014, 20:21, Wikimedia Commons

Global ecocide law movement promises a sustainable tomorrow

The growing global momentum for an ecocide law reflects a heightened awareness of the imperative to protect the environment for future generations. As nations unite to combat ecocide, hope for a sustainable and secure future strengthens.

Netherlands proposes ecocide law

In the Netherlands, Member of Parliament Lammert van Raan of Partij voor de Dieren (Party for the Animals) has introduced a law proposal to criminalize ecocide. The proposal, which aims to hold individuals accountable for serious environmental damage caused by human actions or inaction, is currently undergoing a four-week public consultation period. If approved by Parliament, the bill will become law, reflecting the growing social opinion on the importance of protecting the environment. This move is seen as a significant step towards preventing ecocide globally, with various organizations, including Stop Ecocide NL and Stop Ecocide International, supporting the initiative.

OSCE calls for international ecocide law

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has made a groundbreaking endorsement, urging its participating States to incorporate ecocide as a concept in national and international law. This endorsement, part of the Final Declaration from the 30th Annual Session in Vancouver, highlights the rising concern over microplastic and nanoplastic pollution and calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions according to the Paris Agreement. Jojo Mehta of Stop Ecocide International welcomes this intervention, emphasizing that recognizing ecocide as a crime in both peacetime and conflict can effectively deter severe and long-term environmental harm.

Global Greens Congress backs ecocide law

At the Global Greens Congress in South Korea, representatives from Green Parties, Indigenous communities, civil society, and NGOs from around the world formally endorsed the establishment of an international crime of ecocide. The endorsement statement by the Global Greens emphasized the urgent need for legal recognition and a global framework to address ecocide. This move aims to shift attitudes, policy decisions, and cultural behavior toward protecting vital ecosystems and endangered species. The endorsement marks a collective effort to strengthen legal frameworks and accountability in environmental protection.

Kakhovka Dam destruction: A case of ecocide

In southern Ukraine, the breach of the Kakhovka Dam has caused devastating consequences for both humans and the environment. The ecological impacts of this disaster have been likened to “ecocide,” highlighting the gravity of the situation. Ukraine called on the international community to provide expertise and assistance to assess the full extent of the damage suffered. With the recognition that crimes of this scale require independent international investigations, Ukraine seeks cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The incident underscores the urgency of recognizing ecocide as a standalone crime, applicable in both wartime and peacetime, to prevent severe and widespread environmental harm.

The global momentum behind the push for an ecocide law signifies the increasing awareness of the need to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of the planet for future generations. As nations and organizations come together to address ecocide, the hope for a sustainable and ecologically secure future grows stronger.

Join the global movement: Combat plastic pollution this World Environment Day, June 5th

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Theme:Finding solutions to plastic pollution
Date:June 5th, 2023
Host:Côte d’Ivoire in collaboration with the Netherlands
Hashtags:#BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay

June 5th, 2023, will mark the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day, which was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1973. This year, the event is anticipated to attract tens of millions of participants both online and through in-person activities, embodying the spirit of environmental advocacy.

Addressing plastic pollution

This year’s theme is focused on finding solutions to plastic pollution. The occasion underscores the consequences of actions and inaction taken by individuals, businesses, and governments in response to plastic pollution. It also highlights the pressing need to amplify these efforts and transition towards a circular economy. To assist in these efforts, a Beat Plastic Pollution Practical Guide is available, outlining steps to halt and reverse the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

An urgent need

Our planet is in crisis, besieged by the overwhelming weight of plastic waste. Despite its numerous applications, plastic has become detrimental due to our dependence on single-use plastic products, which cause significant environmental and health issues.

As per the UN, globally, one million plastic bottles are bought every minute, up to five trillion plastic bags are used each year, and 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually. Approximately 36% of all plastic is used for packaging, including single-use items for food and beverage containers. Sadly, around 85% of these items end up in landfills or as unregulated waste. Less than 10% of the seven billion tonnes of plastic waste generated worldwide has been recycled. The most prevalent types of plastic waste found in the environment include cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles and caps, grocery bags, straws, and stirrers.

Environmental harm

Plastic waste can persist in the environment for centuries due to its durability and resistance to degradation. Nearly all single-use plastic products are manufactured from fossil fuels, contributing to the escalation of greenhouse gas emissions. Most plastic items merely break down into smaller microplastics, which can infiltrate the human body and accumulate in various organs. The impact of this phenomenon on human health remains largely unknown. Microplastics are now ubiquitous and are a part of the Earth’s fossil record. They have even led to the creation of a new marine microbial habitat, known as the “plastisphere.”

How you can help

Urge your local and national leaders to take decisive action by eliminating problematic plastic packaging, redesigning products for sustainability, and promoting transparency in sustainability information. Additionally, you can participate in beach or river clean-ups, shop sustainably, adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, advocate for change, choose sustainable fashion, and opt for plastic-free personal care products.

Spread awareness and inspire others via social media using the hashtags #BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay.