The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) celebrated its 30th anniversary with a Council Session focused on strengthening environmental justice through community empowerment. The session highlighted successful projects, emphasized the importance of inclusion and equity, and outlined future priorities for tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Grassy Narrows First Nation, located in northern Ontario, has filed a lawsuit against the Ontario and Canadian governments for their failure to address and remediate mercury contamination in the English-Wabigoon river system. Despite decades of mercury poisoning, the governments have allegedly failed to safeguard the community’s right to fish safely and have authorized industrial activities that have exacerbated the contamination.
The Supreme Court of India has extended the constitutional rights to life and equality to include the right to be free from the negative effects of climate change. This landmark judgment has the potential to create positive change, but it also contains some flaws that could undermine its impact. The Court’s focus on mega-solar and wind energy projects without considering the negative impacts they can have on the environment and local communities is a major concern. Additionally, the Court’s failure to address the potential of alternative energy sources and demand management strategies is a missed opportunity. Despite these flaws, the judgment has the potential to be a positive step towards climate justice in India if the Court takes further steps to address these concerns.
At an Earth Award ceremony, environmental justice advocate Dr. Robert Bullard highlighted the decades-long efforts of grassroots organizations and frontline communities in advancing environmental justice. Dr. Bullard emphasized the need to center the experiences of those most affected by climate change in finding solutions and emphasized that the movement is far from over, despite progress made since the landmark case he supported in 1979.
Same-sex couples in the United States are more vulnerable to climate change threats compared to heterosexual couples, according to a report from the UCLA School of Law. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on LGBTQ+ communities, particularly in coastal and urban areas with inadequate infrastructure and fewer resources. The researchers emphasize the need for disaster relief policies that are inclusive and non-discriminatory, ensuring access to essential services and financial support for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Additionally, they recommend expanding federal and local surveys to collect data on a wider range of sexual orientations and gender identities to better assess climate risks and inform policies.
A staggering 131.2 million Americans face unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to the American Lung Association’s annual report. This increase of nearly 12 million compared to last year highlights a concerning trend. People of color bear the disproportionate burden, representing over half of residents in counties with failing grades for air quality measures.
Environmental experts emphasized the need for an equitable transition to clean energy, acknowledging that communities disproportionately affected by pollution should benefit from the transition. The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated funds for equitable transition, and international cooperation is crucial for supporting countries vulnerable to climate change impacts.
The Gullah Geechee, descendants of enslaved people living along the Southeast coast, face threats to their homeland and traditions from climate change. Queen Quet, their chieftess, has raised awareness of these dangers and urged action to protect them. The Biden administration and NOAA have invested in coastal communities like the Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor to strengthen resilience against sea level rise and erosion, supporting projects such as living shorelines and oyster reef restoration.
Climate change poses significant threats to urban trees, with native species and non-native species facing unique challenges. To ensure resilient urban forests, cities must consider diverse tree populations, prioritize stress-tolerant species, and address the needs of marginalized communities. By collaborating with researchers and urban foresters, cities can identify and plant trees that will thrive in changing environmental conditions and continue to provide critical benefits for urban residents.
Oil and gas flaring, plastics pollution, and climate change are exposing Indigenous communities in the Arctic to toxic chemicals, leading to respiratory issues, cancer, and other health disparities. The upcoming Plastics Treaty negotiations in Ottawa are crucial for protecting human health and the environment, especially for Indigenous peoples who bear the brunt of environmental injustices. A treaty that controls plastic production and eliminates toxic chemicals would rectify these injustices and benefit fenceline communities and all who are exposed to toxic chemicals.
