Global Concerns Over Marine Geoengineering Echo Worldwide, Signaling United Stand for Regulations

More Than 100 Countries Announced their Intention to Regulate Harmful Technologies GENEVA / BERLIN, October 16, 2023 —The Center for International Environmental Law and the Heinrich Böll Foundation have welcomed a statement that indicates the intention to regulate four highly problematic marine geoengineering technologies. The Parties to the London Convention and Protocol, international treaties that regulate … Read More.

Climate Inaction Discriminates Against Youth, European Court Is Told

  STRASBOURG, France, September 27, 2023 — In a landmark climate lawsuit, the European Court of Human Rights heard today six youth plaintiffs from Portugal who argue that government inaction in 33 countries discriminates against young people and poses a risk to their lives and health.  The first hearing of the historic lawsuit Duarte Agostinho … Read More.

Climate Opinion Awaited as Historic Hearings Conclude at ITLOS

  HAMBURG, Germany, September 25, 2023 —Today, two weeks of public hearings regarding state responsibility for addressing the climate crisis came to a close at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).  More than 50 states and organizations, including the Center for International Environmental Law, weighed in through written submissions and/or oral arguments. … Read More.

CIEL Experts Available to Comment on the Future of Global Chemicals Policy

  BONN, Germany, September 23, 2023 — Experts from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) are available for comment on the future of global chemicals policy and how policymakers worldwide can work toward a toxic-free future. From September 23 to September 29, CIEL attorneys will participate in the negotiations to adopt a new international … Read More.

Misguided Climate Report Sidelines Proven Methods for Speculative Technologies

New ‘Climate Overshoot Commission’ Report Endorses Unproven Carbon Removal, Leaves Door Open to Risky Solar Geoengineering Experiments   NEW YORK, September 14, 2023 – The Center for International Environmental Law today expresses serious concerns about the new report released by the biased “Climate Overshoot Commission.” The Commission itself has been criticized by experts and its own participants. Several … Read More.

MEDIA BRIEF: Geoengineering & Human Rights

Authoritative statements and language from recent human rights expert reports MEDIA BRIEF September 11, 2023 Geoengineering technologies – carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar geoengineering or solar radiation modification (SRM technologies) – pose significant, unprecedented risks to a wide range of human rights. These risks disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized communities, and the technologies remain … Read More.

CIEL Experts Available to Comment on ITLOS Climate Hearing

  HAMBURG, Germany, September 11, 2023 — From September 11 to September 25, experts from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) are following the public hearings at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on its advisory opinion related to state responsibility in the context of climate change and are available … Read More.

Indigenous Leaders Urge Canada to Pull Support for Line 5 Pipeline

  GENEVA, August 29, 2023 – This week, as United Nations Member States prepare to review Canada’s human rights record as part of the Universal Periodic Review, Indigenous communities and their allies are urging the government of Canada to respect their rights and oppose the Line 5 oil pipeline. Owned and operated by the Canadian … Read More.

CIEL Welcomes New UN Guidance on Children’s Rights and the Environment

  GENEVA, August 28, 2023 — CIEL welcomed today’s new authoritative United Nations guidance which recognizes the grave impacts of environmental crises on children’s rights and provides guidance on what governments must do to prevent, mitigate, and remediate such harms as a matter of their legally binding obligations. The UN Committee on the Rights of the … Read More.

UN Expert Calls on Canada to Shut Down Line 5 Oil Pipeline

August 25, 2023 GENEVA, CH — This month, an international human rights expert appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council released a report in which he recommends that Canada “cease construction or operation of the Coastal GasLink, Trans Mountain and Line 5 pipelines, until the free, prior and informed consent of the Indigenous Peoples … Read More.

Legal Principles Shed New Light on Human Rights of Future Generations

The New Principles Clarify and Crystalize International Law As It Applies To The Human Rights of Future Generations  NEW YORK, JULY 13, 2023 — As courts and governments worldwide increasingly grapple with finding a balance between pressing challenges and obligations to future generations, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomes a new set of … Read More.

CIEL Reacts to EU Climate and Security Statement

Europe’s Response to the Threat of Solar Geoengineering Must Uphold the Precautionary Principle and Strengthen Restrictive Governance  GENEVA / BRUSSELS, June 29, 2023 — The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy adopted on 28 June, 2023 a Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council laying … Read More.

UN Climate Process Stalled by Delay & Denial

Despite Mounting Pressure and Momentum for Fossil Phaseout Globally, Once Again, the Talks Failed to Advance Urgent, Ambitious, and Equitable Climate Action BONN, Germany, June 15, 2023 — Governments at the climate negotiations at the 58th session of the Subsidiary Bodies to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (SB58) shamefully failed to reflect the urgent … Read More.

CIEL Experts Available to Comment on UN Climate Talks (SB58) in Bonn

  BONN, Germany, June 1, 2023 —  Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts are in Bonn, Germany, engaging in international climate negotiations during the 58th session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB58) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from June 5 to June 15, and available for comment. The climate talks in Bonn … Read More.

Plastics Treaty Negotiations Move Out of Deadlock, but Core Issues Remain Unsettled

  PARIS, May 31, 2023 — Following the adoption of the Rules of Procedure of the Second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) to develop the future plastics treaty, David Azoulay, Director of the Environmental Health Program at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), issued the following statement:  “We have lost a day and a half of … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability at the Second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) for a Plastics Treaty in Paris, France

PARIS, May 24, 2023 — Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts are in Paris and available for comment during the Second Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) to advance a plastics treaty from May 29th – June 2nd.  CIEL experts will closely follow negotiations, tracking progress toward establishing a mandate for developing a zero draft of … Read More.

Reykjavik Summit Delivers a Roadmap to Protect the Right to a Healthy Environment

  STRASBOURG, France, May 17, 2023 — This week, Council of Europe (CoE) nations gathered for a once-in-a-generation summit in Reykjavik, Iceland. To demonstrate their unity in the face of the devastating Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, European governments met to reaffirm their commitment to core European values, including the rule of law, democracy, and human … Read More.

UNEP Announcement Curtails Public Participation in Upcoming Plastics Treaty Negotiations

  WASHINGTON, May 16, 2023 — Today’s announcement that UNEP will limit observer participation at the upcoming second intergovernmental negotiations committee to advance a plastics treaty (INC-2) was immediately met with objections from civil society organizations.  Jane Patton, Plastics and Petrochemicals Campaign Manager at the Center for International Environmental Law, issued the following statement:  “Observer … Read More.

UN Chemicals & Waste Negotiations Make Key Advances, Delay Already Overdue Protections, and Offer Lessons for Future Plastics Treaty

  GENEVA, May 12, 2023 — States at the United Nations Triple Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs) made progress on key issues related to chemicals management. Parties voted to ban three highly toxic chemicals and introduce compliance mechanisms after more than 15 years of inaction. However, they once … Read More.

Thousands of Individuals Urge the International Finance Corporation to Guarantee Justice for Communities Harmed by Development Projects

April 13, 2023 WASHINGTON, DC — This week, 4,577 individuals from around the world demanded that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) guarantee justice for communities harmed by international development projects. An alliance of civil society organizations (CSOs) hand-delivered the thousands of signatures in a petition to the IFC Board. The call echoes a similar statement … Read More.

UN Warns of Violations of Indigenous Peoples’ Rights in Panama

UN Treaty Bodies express concern about Panama’s Fourth Electrical Transmission Line Project, call on Panama to respect Indigenous peoples’ right to free, prior & informed consent April 11, 2023 (español aquí) GENEVA (CH) — In March, two United Nations bodies issued their findings about the situation of human rights in Panama, revealing that the Panamanian … Read More.

IPCC Sums Up Latest Climate Science: Rapid Fossil Phase-out is Surest Path to Avoiding Climate Catastrophe, No Time For False Solutions

March 20, 2023 Geneva and Interlaken (CH) – The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) — the UN body responsible for climate science — released its latest Synthesis Report, including a Summary for Policymakers, summarizing key findings from six major IPCC reports published since 2014.  In this latest report, the IPCC once again unequivocally warns … Read More.

EPA Petitioned to Halt Export of U.S.-Banned Pesticides to Developing Countries Unless Approved by Their Governments

Export of Toxic Pesticides Harms Indigenous Peoples, Vulnerable Populations March 8, 2023 WASHINGTON (US) — The Center for Biological Diversity and the Center for International Environmental Law filed a legal petition today urging the Environmental Protection Agency to forbid the export of pesticides banned in the United States to any country without prior consent of … Read More.

Center for International Environmental Law Staff React to Developments During the Latest Negotiations for a Toxic-Free Future

March 3, 2022 NAIROBI (KE) — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomed the incremental steps taken by States and stakeholders to establish a new framework to promote global chemical safety at United Nations negotiations this past week. The resumed fourth meeting of the intersessional process considering the Strategic Approach and sound management of chemicals … Read More.

CIEL Welcomes the Backing by 105 States of Far-Reaching UN Resolution Demanding a Statement on Climate Justice from the World’s Highest Court

March 2, 2023 GENEVA (CH) — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) celebrates yesterday’s announcement that 105 countries co-sponsored a UN resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on human rights and climate change. The advisory opinion was initially requested following an initiative by the island country Vanuatu. CIEL’s … Read More.

CIEL Welcomes Presentation of UN Resolution Seeking a Legal Advice from the World’s Highest Court on Human Rights and Climate Change

February 21, 2023 GENEVA (CH) — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomed the tabling of a UN resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on human rights and climate change, which had been requested following an initiative by Vanuatu. CIEL’s Climate and Energy Program Director Nikki Reisch said: … Read More.

Resignation of World Bank President Provides Opportunity for Action on Climate, Remedy

February 16, 2023 WASHINGTON, DC — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomes the announcement that the Trump-appointed president of the World Bank, David Malpass, is resigning from his position. In response, Carla García Zendejas, the Director of People, Land, and Resources at CIEL issued the following statement:  “The World Bank’s credibility has been … Read More.

Center for International Environmental Law Staff React to Developments During Early Negotiations on the Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution Prevention

February 3, 2022 BANGKOK (TH) —The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomed steps taken by States gathered in Thailand to advance the establishment of a new Science-Policy Panel on the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution. Despite a limited agenda and some challenges in the run-up to the meeting, States … Read More.

CIEL Welcomes Mexican Government Announcement on Solar Geoengineering Ban

January 17, 2023 WASHINGTON, D.C. / GENEVA (CH) – The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) applauds the Mexican government’s announcement that it will not permit solar geoengineering experiments and deployment on its national territory. The announcement follows a private, US-based company’s (‘Make Sunsets’) recent unauthorized experimental solar geoengineering flights in Mexico. CIEL calls on … Read More.

The Biden Administration Must Denounce Violent and Repression in Peru

WASHINGTON, DC — In just one month since the Dina Boluarte government came to power, at least 48 civilians have been killed in the context of social protests, 41 of them as the result of wounds caused by gunfire. Human rights groups have sharply criticized Peruvian security forces, which appear to be responsible for most … Read More.

TIAA, World’s 4th Largest Holder of Coal Bonds, Evades Climate Accountability After Complaint by 800 Academic Clients

PRI accountability mechanism fails, enables greenwashing by trillion dollar pension fund  December 13th, 2022 New York (US) – The Board of the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) confirmed its decision to dismiss a complaint filed against the $1.2 trillion pension fund Teachers Insurance & Annuity Association (TIAA) by nearly 800 TIAA clients—faculty from a wide … Read More.

Center for International Environmental Law Staff Respond to Developments During First Round of Plastics Treaty Negotiations

PUNTA DEL ESTE (UY) — This week, States and stakeholders from around the world gathered in Uruguay to begin the negotiations to advance an international plastics treaty.  While the agenda for the first meeting of the intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC-1) appeared to be full of procedural matters, critical decisions ranging from the composition of the … Read More.

Vanuatu, on Behalf of a Diverse Group of Countries, Tables UN Resolution Calling for World’s Highest Court to Clarify States’ International Legal Duties in the Face of Climate Change

November 30th, 2022 GENEVA (CH) — In October, Vanuatu announced its initiative to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on human rights and climate change at the opening of the 77th session of the UN General Assembly. Today a core group of eighteen regionally diverse countries tabled a draft resolution … Read More.

EU Commission Publishes CO2 Removals Proposal –  Real Zero Europe Reacts

November 30th, 2022 BRUSSELS (BE) — The European Commission today delivered a proposal for a new legislative framework to certify carbon removal offsets.  Members of Real Zero Europe, a coalition campaign that together with over 200 European and international organizations, issued a statement on Monday highlighting the danger of the EU net zero strategy’s reliance … Read More.

“Full of red flags” – Real Zero Europe campaigners slam EU carbon removal proposal

Over 170 civil society organizations, led by a coalition campaign Real Zero Europe, have slammed the European Commission’s leaked proposal for EU carbon removal, stating it is “full of red flags.” 28th November 2022 Brussels (BE) — The criticism comes just days ahead of the Commission’s expected legislative proposal for a new Carbon Removals Certification Framework, which outlines the … Read More.

At COP27, Long-delayed Action on Loss and Damage but Continued Inaction on the Fossil-Fuels Causing that Loss and Damage

November 19, 2022 WASHINGTON, DC — In the months preceding COP27, unprecedented climate disasters around the globe were coupled with near-universal recognition that climate action must urgently accelerate to avoid even more catastrophic temperature increases. At the same time, the international community has increasingly recognized that the continued use of fossil fuels is incompatible with … Read More.

Center for International Environmental Law Staff Respond to COP27 Developments

November 19, 2022 WASHINGTON, DC— As COP27 draws to a close, negotiations have centered around topics including fossil fuels, loss and damage, Article 6, public participation, and States’ climate ambition. Members of the Center for International Environmental Law COP delegation had the following responses: Nikki Reisch, Director of Climate & Energy on fossil fuels: “The … Read More.

Global Leaders Must Deliver: Phase Out Fossil Fuels Now

November 16, 2022 Sharm El-Sheik — In the middle of the overlapping UN climate negotiations and the G20 summit, Carroll Muffett, President and CEO of the Center for International Environmental Law issued the following statement:  “Amidst an accelerating climate emergency and rapidly shrinking window to stay below 1.5 degrees of warming, it is time to … Read More.

COP27: Carbon Removals are not Emissions Reductions

November 7, 2022 Sharm El-Sheik — Following COP26, the Article 6 Supervisory Body had two tasks: develop methodologies for the overall carbon market mechanism, and second provide recommendations related to the removals. During the opening days of COP27, the Supervisory Body proposal, Removal activities under the Article 6.4 mechanism was released. Center for International Environmental Law … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability at UN Climate Conference (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh

October 31st, 2022 SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EG / WASHINGTON, DC – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be in Sharm El-Sheikh and available for comment during the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) from November 6 – November 18.  COP27 is taking place as climate impacts … Read More.

Trillion-Dollar Pension Fund TIAA Faces Climate-Washing Complaint Brought by Hundreds of Professors and Scientists

October 19, 2022 New York, NY — Nearly 300 clients of the $1.2 trillion retirement giant TIAA filed a formal complaint today with the UN-sponsored Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) initiative, alleging TIAA’s substantial investments in fossil fuels and deforestation violate TIAA’s climate pledges and commitment to the six Principles for Responsible Investment. TIAA participants, … Read More.

Fossils, Fertilizers, and False Solutions: Agrochemicals Are Propping up the Fossil Economy

October 6, 2022 Washington, DC — Chemical fertilizers derived from fossil fuels (“fossil fertilizers”) are an underrecognized driver of climate change, biodiversity loss, and toxic pollution, and yet the fertilizer industry is increasingly portraying itself as part of the solution to these converging planetary crises. Together with oil and gas companies, agrochemical producers are promoting … Read More.

Fossils, Fertilizers, False Solutions: Agrochemikalien stützen die fossile Wirtschaft

6 Oktober 2022 Washington, DC — Chemische Düngemittel, die aus fossilen Rohstoffen gewonnen werden (“fossile Düngemittel”), sind ein weitestgehend unterschätzter Treiber für Klimawandel, Artensterben und Schadstoffbelastungen. Dennoch stellt sich die Düngemittelindustrie zunehmend als Teil der Lösung dieser konvergierenden planetarischen Krisen dar. Gemeinsam mit Öl- und Gasunternehmen werben die Hersteller von Agrochemikalien für die Kohlenstoffabscheidung und … Read More.

Ahead of a Winter Energy Crisis, the EU Needs to Cut Plastic Production

New report reveals the urgency to cut plastic production to reduce the European Union’s dependence on fossil fuels and Russian oil and gas September 27th, 2022 BRUSSELS (BE) – As the EU faces a looming gas shortage, EU countries are looking to consumers to shoulder the brunt of reductions and are pursuing deals to secure new … Read More.

Groundbreaking Human Rights Decision Holds Australia Accountable for Climate Inaction

September 23rd, 2022 GENEVA – Today, the UN Human Rights Committee issued a watershed decision finding that Australia’s inadequate action on climate change violates the rights of the Torres Strait Islanders and requesting that the State provide full reparation for the climate-related harms suffered, including adequate compensation and measures to prevent future violations.  In response … Read More.

Banks Cannot Evade Their Climate Commitments

Washington, DC — Following reporting that JPMorgan Chase & Co., Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, and other US banks are threatening to leave the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) over strengthened criteria that would hamper and limit their fossil fuel financing. Center for International Environmental Law Senior Attorney Hana Heineken issued the following … Read More.

Louisiana Court Delivers Major Victory in Fight Against Formosa Plastics

September 14, 2022 Washington, DC / New Orleans, LA — Today, a Louisiana District Court threw out the air permits issued by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) to FG LA, a Formosa Plastics Group company, for the construction of a massive new petrochemical complex in St. James Parish, Louisiana. The court determined that … Read More.

CIEL Welcomes Michelle Williams as New CFO

September 12, 2022 Washington, DC — Today, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomes Michelle Williams as its new Chief Financial Officer. Michelle brings over twenty years of experience as an accounting specialist with a commitment to the nonprofit sector, having led financial teams at multiple non-profit organizations, including those working in social service, … Read More.

Solidarity with Environmental Defenders in the Santurbán Páramo

August 15, 2022 Washington, DC —The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) expresses its solidarity with the Comité de Santurbán. We are deeply concerned to learn of reprisals, including death threats against union workers from the Sindicato del Acueducto de Bucaramanga SINTRAEMSDES for their relentless work in defending the Santurbán Páramo in Colombia. Páramos (high … Read More.

Remembering Sandra Smithey

The Center for International Environmental Law mourns the passing last week of our dear friend and colleague Sandra Smithey. Sandra was a beloved member of the CIEL family, a keystone in the global fight to make development finance just and sustainable, a strategic partner, board member, mentor, and friend. In her two decades as a … Read More.

US Senate Locks in a Generation of Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

August 7th, 2022 Washington, DC — Following the Senate’s passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) Senior Attorney Steven Feit issued the following response: “Solving the climate crisis requires eliminating fossil fuels, and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 simply does not do this. The investments in renewable … Read More.

Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Advances Inconsistent Climate Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28th, 2022 Washington, DC — Following the announcement that US Senators Chuck Schumer and Joe Manchin reached a deal on a spending and revenue bill that includes $369 billion for climate and energy programs, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) Senior Attorney Steven Feit said the following: Policymakers are heralding the … Read More.

CIEL Statement on the US Supreme Court Decision in the West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency Case

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2022 – Washington, DC. (United States) — Today the US Supreme Court limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants under the Clean Air Act.  The decision in West Virginia v. EPA undermines efforts to reduce climate-warming pollution from coal and gas-fired power plants. Nikki … Read More.

A UN Chemicals Negotiations Dance: one step forward, one step back

A BRS Cha-Cha: UN Chemicals Negotiations Make Some Key Advances, Delay Already Overdue Protections, and Offer Lessons for Future Plastics Treaty FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, June 17, 2022 Geneva, Switzerland — At the conclusion of the United Nations Triple Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs) today, Parties made critical … Read More.

New Meeting, Old Problems: Delay & Denial Stymie Climate Talks in Bonn

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 16 June, 2022 Bonn, Germany, — The climate negotiations at the 56th session of the Subsidiary Bodies to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (SB56) yet again failed to reflect the urgent reality of billions of people suffering from climate inaction and climate-induced loss and damage. Just days after the United … Read More.

Indigenous Communities in Panama Succeed in Holding World Bank to Account

Following a historic investigation of a transmission line project in Panama, the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation must address its failures to ensure Indigenous Peoples’ right to free, prior, and informed consent   FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (español abajo) June 16, 2022 In a historic investigation published Friday, the independent accountability mechanism of the World Bank’s International … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability at the UN Negotiations on the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste in Geneva

Center for International Environmental Law Experts Will Be Attending the United Nations Triple Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions in Geneva  GENEVA, CH, June 3rd, 2022 – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be attending the upcoming United Nations chemicals and waste negotiations at the Triple Conferences of … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability at UN Climate talks (SB56) in Bonn

BONN, GE / GENEVA, CH, June 2nd, 2022 –  Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be attending the upcoming climate negotiations at the 56th session of the Subsidiary Bodies to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (SB56) in Bonn, Germany, from June 2 to June 16. These experts will be available for … Read More.

CIEL Welcomes Lili Fuhr as Climate and Energy Deputy Director

GENEVA, CH, June 1st, 2022, — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomes Lili Fuhr as Deputy Director of the Climate and Energy Program. Lili brings more than fifteen years of experience working in the fields of international environmental and climate policy, having devoted her career to protecting the planet and advancing economic and … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability at Upcoming Plastics Treaty Negotiations in Dakar, Senegal

Center for International Environmental Law Experts Will Be Attending the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) to Prepare for the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on a Plastics Treaty DAKAR, SE / GENEVA, CH, May 25th, 2022 – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be following upcoming plastics treaty negotiations at the Ad Hoc Open-Ended … Read More.

Colombian High Court to Decide on Access to Justice in Santurbán Case

CIEL joins Colombian organizations to file an intervention supporting the Committee of Santurbán’s case before a Colombian High Court (Español abajo) May 18th, 2022 Bogotá, Colombia — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is joining Colombian NGOs and legal clinics in filing an intervention (coadyuvancia) supporting a rights-based legal action (tutela) filed by the … Read More.

Philippines Commission on Human Rights Releases Systematic and Searing Indictment of the Carbon Majors; a Stark Warning to the Financial Sector; and a Vital New Tool for Courts and Human Rights Bodies

May 6, 2022 – Nearly seven years after initiating its landmark National Inquiry on Climate Change, the Philippines Commission on Human Rights (CHR) released its final report. The original petition, filed by Greenpeace Southeast Asia and individuals from across the Philippines, asked the Commission to examine the impacts of climate change on the human rights … Read More.

CIEL Statement on California AG Investigation into Plastics and Petrochemical Companies

Today, California State Attorney General Rob Bonta announced an investigation into the role ExxonMobil and other plastics and petrochemical companies have played in the mounting plastics crisis, including evidence that the industry intentionally misled consumers and the public about plastics recycling.  Carroll Muffett, President of the Center for International Environmental Law, issued the following statement: … Read More.

Advisory: Risks to Climate and Communities from Gulf Coast CCS

CIEL President to testify on the risks and impacts of carbon capture and storage along the US Gulf Coast during upcoming House Subcommittee hearing   Washington, DC — Tomorrow morning, the Center for International Environmental Law will provide expert testimony on the profound limits and growing risks of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) before the … Read More.

If Finance Institutions Cause Harm, They Must Provide Remedy

Washington, DC — Today, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) Director of People, Land, and Resources, Carla García Zendejas responded to the US Supreme Court’s decision to reject Petitioners’ writ for certiorari in Budha Ismail Jam, et al v. IFC. Previously, the US Supreme Court in this case found that the International Finance Corporation … Read More.

Political Pressure on IPCC Mitigation Report Can’t Mask the Science: Rapid Fossil Fuel Phaseout is Essential to Averting Climate Catastrophe

Washington, DC — The release today of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Working Group III report on mitigating climate change again affirms that the immediate and dramatic reduction of emissions this decade, through the accelerated phaseout of all fossil fuels, is essential to avert catastrophic and irreversible impacts of global warming. Both in … Read More.

Decision to Revoke Legal Status of Nicaraguan CSOs is Appalling

WASHINGTON, DC — Following the Nicaraguan national assembly’s official decree revoking the legal status of 25 civil society organizations, citing administrative matters, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) People, Land & Resources Program Director, Carla García Zendejas, issued the following statement: “We are appalled by the Nicaraguan National Assembly’s decision to revoke the legal status … Read More.

Environmental defenders testify before the IACHR about the risks they face in Panama

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (español abajo) March 17th, 2022 On Friday, Panamanian environmental defenders will testify before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) about the risks, dangers, and threats they face when denouncing violations of the right to live in a healthy environment. This IACHR hearing comes at a critical moment for environmental defenders in … Read More.

Historic Victory for West African Forests

Parties at the 74th Standing Committee meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) took decisive action to address illegal trade of rosewood. Lyon, France — The 74th Standing Committee meeting of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) took … Read More.

1000+ Environmental, Legal, and Peacebuilding Experts and Organizations Warn of Russian Invasion’s Environmental Costs

Fire at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, Other Environmental Impacts Could Magnify Impacts on Human Rights and Lives In an urgent open letter, more than 900 international law, environment, and peacebuilding experts and more than 155  organizations from more than 75 countries warned that Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine poses profound risks not only to the sovereignty … Read More.

UNEA 5.2: Historic Advances on Global Plastics Treaty, Chemicals

NAIROBI, KENYA — The second part of the Fifth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) concluded on Wednesday night, with the historic passage of a mandate to advance an international treaty on plastic production, the establishment of an Intergovernmental Panel on Chemicals, and a wide variety of measures to address chemicals and waste.  Despite the hybrid … Read More.

New IPCC Report Confirms Increasing and Irreversible Damage from Climate Impacts & Intolerable Risks of Overshooting 1.5°C

The need for near-term emissions reductions and human-rights based approaches has never been clearer Washington, DC — The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Report on Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability — the second part of the Sixth Assessment Report — released today confirms that irreversible damage is already occurring to natural ecosystems, communities, and human rights, … Read More.

CIEL Statement in Solidarity with the People of Ukraine

Washington DC/Geneva — The Center for International Environmental Law stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and we condemn all Russian military action within Ukraine’s borders. Russia’s aggressive use of force in the territory of another State is a clear and grave violation of the United Nations Charter and of international law, a violation … Read More.

Decision by Arbitral Tribunal on Deep Sea Mining Impacts Mexican Fisherfolk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (español abajo) Washington, DC, USA / Baja California Sur, Mexico — Last week, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes’ Arbitration Tribunal announced their rationale for a decision to reject a non-disputing party submission (amicus curiae) filed by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the Sociedad Cooperativa de Producción … Read More.

US-France Commitment to Full Life Cycle Plastic Treaty ‘Welcome’ Announcement

WASHINGTON, DC — Following France and the United States’ declaration of support for a full life cycle approach to a plastics treaty, Jane Patton, Plastics & Petrochemicals Campaign Manager at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), issued the following statement: With today’s announcement, France and the United States echo what countries, scientists, academics, businesses, … Read More.