We are living in a moment of transformative change. Our world is in the midst of an accelerating climate crisis, an ongoing global pandemic, rising threats to democracy and human rights, and the growing recognition that we cannot address any of these challenges without confronting the legacy and ongoing impacts of systemic racism and oppression. Yet against this urgent backdrop, the last year has witnessed undeniable progress and important milestones on our work towards environmental justice and for a livable planet.
As the year comes to a close, we’re struck by how much we accomplished together in 2021, in spite of all the challenges. We secured a series of wins that demonstrate powerful momentum behind our work for a more just and sustainable world, and we could not have done it without you. This year, with your support, we…
Secured the Right to a Healthy Environment
In coalition with over 1,000 organizations from around the world, we won the UN Human Rights Council’s recognition of the right to a clean, safe, healthy, and sustainable environment.
The CIEL team risks arrest at the People vs. Fossil Fuels Week of Action in DC.
Built Momentum for a Treaty on Plastics
We helped unite more than 160 countries from every region of the globe around a global treaty that addresses plastic’s full, polluting life cycle.
Strengthened Chemical Regulations
We contributed to research and analysis that led the European Union to adopt landmark new regulations to limit endocrine disrupting chemicals.
CIEL staff and partners call for an end to toxic exposure.
Exposed New Dimensions of Fossil Fuel Industry Denial
We expanded our investigations to reveal automakers participated in climate denial, how fossil fuels impact our global health, and how oil industry propaganda extended into classrooms.
Challenged Oil & Gas Expansion
We supported frontline partners — from Uganda and Mozambique to Argentina — in a growing, interconnected movement fighting fossil fuel expansion.
CIEL and partners call on negotiators to prioritize human rights at COP26 in Glasgow.
Amplified Indigenous Voices in Panama
We expanded access to participation for Indigenous leaders in Panama to advocate for their rights and the environment.
Exposed the Dangers of Plastic Production
We exposed the global impacts of Formosa Plastics’ environmental, health, safety, and labor violations.
CIEL’s partner, RISE St. James, leads a demonstration at the proposed site for the Formosa Plastics plant.
©2019 Julie Dermansky
Confronted a Toxic Waste Trade
We equipped decisionmakers with novel legal arguments to prevent wealthy nations from dumping their toxic waste in the Global South.
Protected Tropical Forests
We provided a roadmap for protecting forests and halting the trade of illegally harvested timber in Malawi and Thailand.
Each of these wins is significant in its own right, but together, they are more than just moments. They become momentum. Building on this momentum is vital to our collective future.
Please make a year-end gift today to support future victories in the year ahead.
Your gift powers CIEL’s work to develop innovative legal strategies to protect people and the planet; deploy novel arguments and research to make the law more just and more effective; build bold, high impact campaigns that connect movements around the globe and create more robust, strategic, and unified movement partners; and equip frontline partners to effectively advocate on their own behalf. Donate here: ciel.org/give2021
