GENEVA / WASHINGTON DC, July 15, 2026 — Governments of many countries responsible for the greatest shares of greenhouse gas emissions knew about the dangers of fossil fuel-driven climate change decades before they claimed in court, according to a new report released today by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). Drawing on government archives, … Read More.
GENEVA, July 8, 2026 — At the conclusion of the sixty-second session, the United Nations Human Rights Council appointed Bethanie Carney Almroth as the Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights. David Azoulay, Director of Environmental Health at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), issued the following statement: “We are thrilled that Bethanie … Read More.
NAIROBI, Kenya, July 3, 2026 — At the conclusion of the Heads of Delegation meeting for the International Negotiating Committee (INC) to advance a plastics treaty, Center for International Environmental Law Environmental Health program director David Azoulay issued the following statement: “The plastics treaty negotiations are resuming as trust in multilateralism is faltering. These negotiations … Read More.
BONN, Germany, June 18, 2026 – The latest round of climate negotiations is drawing to a close in Bonn (SB64) today amid growing concerns over the ability of the United Nations climate process to deliver the scale and speed of action required by the climate crisis. As preparations begin for the COP31 climate talks in … Read More.
GENEVA / WASHINGTON / LONDON, June 17, 2026 — Major banks have channeled over US$250 billion into the world’s top fifteen petrochemical companies since 2019, according to a brief released today by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). Deep Pockets, Dirty Profits: How Banks and Investors Are Financing the Global Petrochemical Industry exposes the … Read More.
MOMBASA, Kenya, June 11, 2026 — The 11th Our Ocean Conference, taking place June 16-18 in Mombasa, will bring together heads of state, high-level officials, and civil society representatives, including Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts, around a shared goal: protecting and conserving the ocean. The conference offers a key opportunity for governments to … Read More.
BONN, Germany, June 4, 2026 — Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be in Bonn, Germany, engaging in international climate negotiations during the 64th session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB64) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from June 8–18, 2026, and are available for comment. SB64 marks a critical midpoint … Read More.
NEW YORK, May 20, 2026 – Today, at the United Nations General Assembly, a strong majority of States affirmed simple but powerful truths: the climate crisis is not beyond the reach of justice, the time to act is now, and the rule of law must guide climate action. This resolution marks the next critical step … Read More.
SANTA MARTA (Colombia), April 29, 2026 – The First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, which concludes today in Santa Marta, signals a historic shift from decades of deadlock and debate to coordinated action on a managed and equitable phaseout of all fossil fuels, according to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). More … Read More.
WASHINGTON / GENEVA / SANTA MARTA (Colombia), April 15, 2026 – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts are available to comment on the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels taking place April 24-29 in Santa Marta, Colombia, a landmark moment in international efforts to phase out fossil fuels. The US-Israel war … Read More.
WASHINGTON, March 24, 2026 — Major US and global banks have provided US $133 billion in financing to companies expanding petrochemical production in the United States since 2019 — despite growing evidence that the sector is environmentally destructive, financially unstable, and increasingly exposed to legal liability — according to a new report released today by … Read More.
BRUSSELS, March 4, 2026 – The European Union’s Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), announced today as a measure to boost Europe’s reindustrialization and competitiveness, risks undermining the very climate and environmental goals it claims to advance, according to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). The proposed IAA is a flagship measure of the Clean Industrial … Read More.
WASHINGTON / GENEVA, March 3, 2026 —The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) condemns in the strongest terms the US and Israeli military attacks on Iran, which are in flagrant violation of international law and risk unleashing a prolonged war. These acts of aggression are dangerous, destabilizing, and destructive to human life and the environment. … Read More.
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2026— A judge in North Dakota ordered Greenpeace on February 28 to pay damages of $345 million to pipeline company Energy Transfer. The company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline had sued the environmental group for its role in protest actions in 2016-2017. The order is expected to trigger appeals from both sides, … Read More.
WASHINGTON/GENEVA, February 24, 2026—The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who for four years have resisted Russia’s illegal, fossil‑fueled war of aggression at enormous human, social, and environmental cost, defending their sovereignty and territorial integrity. We once again condemn Russia’s invasion as a grave violation of … Read More.
WASHINGTON, February 13, 2026 – The Trump administration on Thursday repealed a key legal opinion, eliminating federal limits on greenhouse gas emissions that drive the climate crisis in a scientifically baseless and legally indefensible move that sacrifices health and safety, according to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). The resulting federal vacuum could lead … Read More.
Election of Chile’s Julio Cordano marks a critical procedural step forward and offers a chance to revive negotiations GENEVA, February 7, 2026 — The resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.3) to advance a plastics treaty concluded today in Geneva, marking an important procedural step in the ongoing global effort to address … Read More.
Delays and deadlock prevented agreement on the foundational elements needed for the Panel to begin its work. GENEVA, February 6, 2026 — The first session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution has adjourned, having made no progress. The session was intended to finalize the foundational documents necessary to ensure the … Read More.
WASHINGTON, January 8, 2026— The Trump Administration’s sweeping executive order to withdraw the United States from dozens of United Nations bodies and international organizations, as well as a treaty ratified by the United States with the advice and consent of the US Senate, is a targeted assault on multilateralism, international law, and global institutions critical … Read More.
WASHINGTON, January 8, 2026— The United States government’s military attack and ongoing oil grab in Venezuela represents an alarming violation of international law and defies the US Constitution. Unilateral military action, with a stated aim of seizing Venezuela’s oil resources, exercising control of the country, and asserting US dominance over the hemisphere, threatens global stability … Read More.
NAIROBI, December 12, 2025 — The seventh meeting of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) is concluding two weeks of negotiations with the adoption of a number of resolutions and decisions, and many compromises at the 11th hour. UNEA-7 was scheduled to address a wide range of subjects, including nature, chemicals, waste, and items related … Read More.
NAIROBI, December 7, 2025 — At the conclusion of the Open-Ended Committee of the Permanent Representatives meeting ahead of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), the Center for International Environmental Law is expressing concern over the direction of negotiations. The OECPR takes place the week before the Assembly and is the … Read More.
WASHINGTON D.C. December 2, 2025 — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomes the recommendation by New York City Comptroller Brad Lander that the city’s pension systems reconsider BlackRock’s role in managing more than $42 billion in public retirement assets. This follows a review of the asset managers serving the city’s pension funds, which found … Read More.
BELÉM, Brazil, November 22, 2025— The 30th UN Climate Conference (COP30) concluded today in the Amazon with an empty deal that does not halt deforestation, phase out fossil fuels, or deliver climate finance at scale, according to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). As the first climate negotiations to take place after the historic … Read More.
AI Energy Demand Boom Used to Promote CCS Expansion BELÉM, Brazil, November 17, 2025 — A new analysis conducted by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) released today reveals that 531 Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) lobbyists have gained access to the COP30 climate summit in Belém. [1] CCS aims to trap carbon dioxide … Read More.
WASHINGTON, November 4, 2025 — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), a global leader in using the power of law to protect the environment and advance human rights, is pleased to announce the onboarding of three new members to its Board of Trustees: Santiago Canton, Raji Kalra and Katrina Anderson. Together, they bring additional … Read More.
BELÉM, Brazil, October 29, 2025—Experts from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) will participate in the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), COP30, taking place in Belém from November 10-21. They are available to provide media comment and expert analysis on key issues and outcomes of … Read More.
GENEVA / STRASBOURG, October 28, 2025 – The European Court of Human Rights today issued a decision concluding nine years of litigation in a landmark case brought by Greenpeace Nordic, Nature and Youth, and individuals who argued that the granting of oil exploration licenses in the Barents Sea violated Norway’s legal obligations to prevent human rights … Read More.
WASHINGTON, DC, October 28, 2025 — US-Israeli start-up Stardust Solutions plans to begin outdoor experiments of a highly controversial solar geoengineering technology from April 2026, working towards potential deployment this decade, according to a Politico story published on October 24 and recent updates to Stardust’s website. Solar geoengineering deployment is constrained by various norms and … Read More.
LIMA, Peru, October 27, 2025 — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is participating in the 63rd Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) — the UN body responsible for climate science — in Lima from October 27-30, with CIEL experts available for comment. The IPCC meeting in Lima resumed negotiations on … Read More.
LONDON / WASHINGTON, DC, October 16, 2025 — A new report published today charts potential locations for high-risk marine geoengineering experiments, illustrating the alarming scale of proposed interventions. The report, ‘A Gathering Storm: How Marine Geoengineering Threatens All Ocean Basins,’ shows that proposals for open-ocean experiments are growing despite significant scientific, legal, and ethical barriers. … Read More.
GENEVA, October 7, 2025 — Following The Guardian story that announced that Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso, chair of the intergovernmental negotiating committee to advance a plastics treaty (INC), is stepping down from his position, Andres del Castillo, Senior Attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law, issued the following reaction: “We welcome Chair Luis Vayas’ … Read More.
NEW YORK, September 22, 2025— As world leaders gather in New York for the High-Level segment of the UN General Assembly, the urgency to uphold the international rule of law is more important than ever. The ongoing genocide in Gaza presents a profound challenge to the integrity of that legal order and demands the collective … Read More.
GENEVA, August 15, 2025 — The fifth resumed session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee to advance a global plastics treaty (INC-5.2) ended in a failure of process, with talks collapsing shortly after dawn. While the goal of INC-5.2 was to advance a clean text for adoption, Member States rejected two drafts presented by the chair, … Read More.
GENEVA, August 15, 2025 — Following the conclusion of the fifth resumed session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee to advance a plastics treaty (INC-5.2), the Center for International Environmental Law Environmental Health Program Director and Head of Delegation, David Azoulay, issued the following statement: “Make no mistake, INC-5.2 has been an abject failure. When faced … Read More.
GENEVA, August 15, 2025 — After the Chair for the resumed fifth session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee to advance a plastics treaty (INC-5.2) released a middle-of-the-night text, Center for International Environmental Law Environmental Health Program Director and Head of Delegation, David Azoulay, released the following statement: The Secretariat and Chair are using a tried-and-true … Read More.
GENEVA, August 13, 2025 — Upon release of an updated draft plastics treaty text from the chair, Center for International Environmental Law Head of Delegation and Environmental Health Program Director issued the following reaction: “The new chair’s text makes a mockery of a three-year-long consultative process that showed broad support for an ambitious plastics treaty … Read More.
GENEVA, Aug 8, 2025 — The Center for International Environmental Law joined networks and organizations from around the world in releasing the following statement: Four days into the final Global Plastics Treaty negotiations, we are not on track to deliver a treaty that will protect people and nature. Enough is enough; something must change. On … Read More.
GENEVA, August 7, 2025 — Civil society, scientists, and Indigenous Peoples representatives at the resumed fifth session of the intergovernmental negotiating committee to advance a plastics treaty (INC-5.2) discussed an analysis of negotiation participants, which reveals that at least 234 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists who have registered for the negotiations. The analysis comes … Read More.
Industry Presence Threatens Plastics Treaty Integrity at INC-5.2 GENEVA, Switzerland, August 7, 2025 — At least 234 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists — a new high compared to the 221 identified by CIEL at INC-5 — have registered to participate in the fifth and final scheduled session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) of … Read More.
WASHINGTON, DC, Aug. 6, 2025— A new analysis by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) reveals that several companies granted air pollution regulation exemptions by the president are also planning to expand petrochemical production — even at the same facilities — posing significant risks to public health and the environment. These rollbacks grant temporary exemptions … Read More.
THE HAGUE, July 23, 2025 — The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued today a landmark opinion affirming that States have a binding legal duty to prevent climate harm and protect human rights from the impacts of climate change. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) applauds the court’s historic affirmation, which declares the era … Read More.
GENEVA, Switzerland, July 16, 2025 — Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be in Geneva, Switzerland and available for comment during the Resumed Fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) to advance a plastics treaty from August 5-14, 2025. CIEL experts will closely follow negotiations, tracking progress toward finalizing the text of the future plastics … Read More.
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2025—Two recent events demonstrate an alarming escalation in the trend of State efforts to undermine human rights obligations and international law relating to free speech and the right to protest. The UK government’s decision to ban the non-violent protest group ‘Palestine Action’ under anti-terror laws represents a deeply disturbing attack on fundamental … Read More.
BRUSSELS, July 8, 2025 – European chemical proposals unveiled today reflect a flawed process unduly influenced by industry interests, and risk harming people’s health and the environment, according to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). Today, the European Commission presented its ‘European Chemicals Industry Action Plan’ and the latest in a series of … Read More.
THE HAGUE, July 8, 2025 — The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue its long-awaited Advisory Opinion on States’ legal obligations in relation to climate change on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 3 pm CEST. Experts from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) will be available for comment before and after the decision … Read More.
A version in English is available here. SAN JOSÉ , COSTA RICA/WASHINGTON, 3 de julio del 2025 — El Centro para el Derecho Internacional Ambiental (CIEL por sus siglas en inglés), celebra la histórica Opinión Consultiva emitida hoy por la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (Corte IDH), que afirma que los Estados y las empresas … Read More.
Una version en español está disponible aqui. SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA / WASHINGTON, DC, July 3, 2025 — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) applauds today’s historic Advisory Opinion from the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which affirms that States and corporations have binding obligations under international law to address the climate crisis as a … Read More.
BRUSSELS, July 2, 2025 — Amid record-breaking heat across the continent, the European Commission today unveiled a dangerous new proposal that backslides on climate ambition, embraces loopholes like carbon offsetting, and compromises the integrity of the EU’s climate goals, according to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). The new proposals to amend the European … Read More.
Media Brief GENEVA, June 30, 2025 — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has applauded the groundbreaking report, The Imperative of Defossilizing our Economies, by the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Elisa Morgera. Prof. Morgera presented the report to the UN Human … Read More.
COP30 Can and Must Redefine the Rules BONN, Germany, June 26, 2025 – The UN climate talks in Bonn concluded after two weeks with no sense of urgency, as countries struggled to make meaningful progress ahead of COP30 in Belem, Brazil, this November. Years of insufficient progress under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change … Read More.
BONN, Germany, June 23, 2025 – As climate negotiators gather in Bonn for the second and last week of talks leading up to COP30 in Brazil this November, more than 200 civil society and Indigenous Peoples groups have put forward bold reform proposals to make the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) more effective … Read More.
PUNTA DEL ESTE, URUGUAY, June 20, 2025 — The negotiations to establish a Science-Policy Panel on chemicals, waste, and pollution concluded today. Over the last three years, Member States have been negotiating the details of how the Panel — originally envisaged as an IPCC for chemicals and waste, and pollution prevention — will operate. However, … Read More.
Una version en español está disponible aqui. WASHINGTON, June 18, 2025— The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is expected to issue a groundbreaking Advisory Opinion clarifying the obligations of States under international human rights law in the face of the climate emergency as early as the first week of July. Experts from the Center for … Read More.
BONN, Germany, June 16, 2025 — As the climate movement gathers in Bonn for the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB62) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) condemns the hypocrisy of the German government hosting a forum for international law related to the climate while … Read More.
But the ‘Nice Wake Up Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty’ Establishes Red Lines Ahead of Key Plastics Treaty Talks NICE, France, June 13, 2025 — World leaders gathered at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which is closing today in Nice, have missed a crucial opportunity to take concrete action to make the ocean fossil … Read More.
BONN, Germany, June 12, 2025 — Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts are in Bonn, Germany, engaging in international climate negotiations during the 62nd session of the Subsidiary Bodies to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from June 16–26 and are available for comment. The Bonn negotiations will shape expectations for and … Read More.
A Nice Wake Up Call for an Ambitious Plastics Treaty provides more granular detail on how countries will deliver an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty NICE, JUNE 10, 2025 — Today, over 90 UN Member States issued a declaration on the margins of the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC). The Nice Wake Up Call for an … Read More.
NICE, France, June 4, 2025 — Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be in Nice, France, from June 9 to June 13, participating in the third UN Ocean Conference and available for comment. This gathering of over 10,000 participants will address critical issues of ocean health, funding, protection, and sustainable development. Co-hosted by … Read More.
HAMM, Germany, May 28, 2025 — The Higher Regional Court of Hamm today delivered a landmark climate ruling which sets a historic precedent opening the path to hold fossil fuel polluters accountable globally for climate-related harms, according to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). Commenting on the ruling, CIEL Senior Attorney, Sébastien Duyck, issued … Read More.
Bucaramanga, Colombia, 20 de mayo de 2025 —El pasado 6 de marzo, las Relatorías Especiales de la ONU sobre defensores de derechos humanos, medio ambiente sano, agua y saneamiento, y el Grupo de Trabajo sobre empresas y derechos humanos enviaron comunicaciones a los gobiernos de Colombia, Canadá y Emiratos Árabes Unidos, así como a las empresas Aris Mining y MDC Industry Holding Company … Read More.
Bucaramanga, Colombia, May 20, 2025 — On March 6, 2025 the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on human rights defenders, a healthy environment, water and sanitation, and the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights sent formal letters to the governments of Colombia, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as to the companies Aris … Read More.
Dangerous US Legislation Would Fast-Track Fossil Fuel Projects and Strip Public Protections WASHINGTON, May 14, 2025—Today, US House Republicans advanced a sweeping and dangerous bill that would accelerate fossil fuel development, gut critical climate and renewable energy programs, and threaten the foundations of civil society and public participation. Steven Feit, Senior Attorney and Legal and … Read More.
LUXEMBOURG, May 14, 2025 — Today, the Council of Europe’s 46 member states missed a key opportunity to start the negotiations to legally protect the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all in Europe, according to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). The Council of Europe (CoE) gathered for a Committee … Read More.
GENEVA, May 9, 2025 — At the 2025 session of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS), UN Member States made progress on toxics reform, refusing proposals that would have weakened the conventions. Still, due to continued efforts to stymie progress, they ultimately fell short of truly ambitious action needed to protect human health and the … Read More.
LONDON, May 7, 2025 – The United Kingdom’s Research and Development funding agency ARIA today unveiled information about the first projects to receive funding under its controversial £56.8 million solar geoengineering program. The Center for International Environmental Law has cautioned that these risky initiatives, including five different projects conducting outdoor experiments, could violate the precautionary … Read More.
GENEVA (CH)—CIEL experts are participating in and tracking the United Nations chemicals and waste negotiations at the Triple Conferences of the Parties of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs) in Geneva from April 28 to May 9, 2025, and are closely monitoring progress toward the sound management of chemicals and waste. During the … Read More.
WASHINGTON, DC, April 21, 2025 — On April 3, responding to intense sustained advocacy efforts by project-affected communities and civil society organizations, the respective Boards of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the private sector arms of the World Bank Group, approved their long-awaited Interim Remedial Action Framework (RAF) … Read More.
GENEVA, April 3, 2025 – The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) warmly welcomes today’s United Nations Human Rights Council adoption of a resolution on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment focused on ocean protection and plastic pollution. The resolution, adopted by consensus, is the first time that the Human Rights … Read More.
WASHINGTON, April 1, 2025 —A new investigation by Stand.earth Research Group (SRG) and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) exposes the toxic supply chain fueling global plastic production, shedding new light on the critical players driving the plastics and climate crises. The research reveals that some of the world’s largest household brands are driving … Read More.
A New EPA initiative seeks to exploit a Clean Air Act loophole, letting petrochemical and coal plants bypass limits on hazardous air pollution. WASHINGTON, March 28, 2025—In a move that undermines clean air protections and public health, the Trump administration’s US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled an initiative that attempts to exploit a narrow exemption … Read More.
WASHINGTON, DC, March 26, 2025 — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) management has voluntarily and enthusiastically recognized CIEL Unite, the CIEL staff union which represents workers across the United States and Switzerland. The recognition comes after a supermajority of CIEL workers announced their intent to unionize in partnership with the Washington Baltimore News … Read More.
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2025— In a case that put the right to free speech on the line, a jury in North Dakota today found Greenpeace liable for hundreds of millions of dollars in damages claimed by Energy Transfer— the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline— which sued the environmental group for its role in protest … Read More.
Hamm, Germany, March 19, 2025 — This week the Higher Regional Court of Hamm heard the highly anticipated climate case brought by Peruvian farmer mountain guide Saúl Luciano Lliuya against the German energy company RWE. A decision is expected on April 14, 2025. By reaffirming the polluter pays principle, the Court shifted the legal dial, … Read More.
The latest leak detected at a gas project off West Africa and the recent North Sea collision of an oil products tanker underscore that the dangers of offshore oil and gas activity abound but too often go unrecognized. WASHINGTON, March 19, 2025 — As fossil fuel companies take their operations to ever deeper waters, a … Read More.
WASHINGTON, March 17, 2025—US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin has proposed the wholesale dismantling of environmental protections in America through regulatory rollbacks that would increase pollution and endanger people and the planet. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) issues the following statement: “The EPA cannot remove protections for clean air and water … Read More.
Organizaciones de la sociedad civil celebran la medida tomada por el Ministerio de Ambiente de Colombia, la cual implica la suspensión por dos años del proyecto de megaminería de oro de la canadiense Aris Mining en el páramo. Bogotá, Colombia. La Asociación Interamericana para la Defensa del Ambiente (AIDA), el Institute for Policy Studies … Read More.
WASHINGTON, March 3, 2025 — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), a global leader in defending the right to a healthy planet, is excited and honored to announce the appointment of Rebecca Brown as its new President and CEO. With CIEL’s mission to use the power of law to protect the environment, promote human … Read More.
BRUSSELS, February 26, 2025 — Today, the European Commission unveiled the Clean Industrial Deal, a controversial strategy intended to support struggling European industries while supposedly cleaning them up to make them fit for the green transition. Responding to calls from the industrial sector, particularly energy-intensive industries such as petrochemicals, the Clean Industrial Deal includes a … Read More.
HANGZHOU, China, February 19, 2025 — Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be in Hangzhou, engaging in the 62nd Session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) — the UN body responsible for climate science — from February 24 to 28 and are available for comment. The IPCC meeting in Hangzhou aims … Read More.
Dangerous race to commercialize solar geoengineering technology accelerated WASHINGTON, February 12, 2025 — Last week, US-Israeli start-up Stardust Solutions cited and endorsed on its website a report describing its plans to develop and commercialize a highly controversial solar geoengineering technology. This would be a likely violation of the de facto moratorium on geoengineering at the … Read More.
WASHINGTON, February 6, 2025— The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) calls on world leaders to unequivocally denounce United States President Donald Trump’s unlawful proposal to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza. Such actions are blatant and in direct violation of international law. CIEL also decries the US withdrawal from the Human Rights Council and other … Read More.
Washington, DC, January 20, 2025—Today, as the 47th President of the United States is sworn into office, he vows in his inaugural speech that his administration will move to dismantle critical environmental protections and human rights safeguards through executive orders on his first day in office. The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) issues the … Read More.
THE HAGUE, December 13, 2024 — The International Court of Justice (ICJ) today concluded its historic hearings on the world’s biggest problem: climate change. Over the past two weeks, 15 judges heard arguments from over 100 countries and International organizations on the legal obligations of States in the context of the climate crisis and the … Read More.
BRUSSELS, December 3, 2024 — In anticipation of forthcoming scientific advice on solar radiation modification from the Group of Chief Scientific Advisors to the European Commission, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) has urged the Commission to recognize the unacceptable risks posed by solar geoengineering and support the growing political momentum for an international … Read More.
THE HAGUE, December 2, 2024 — Over 100 countries and international organizations will deliver their arguments on States responsibilities for climate change under international law during the International Court of Justice (ICJ) climate hearings between December 2-13. The Court’s advisory opinion will provide clarity on the legal duties of nations to safeguard people and the … Read More.
Majority of Countries Stand Strong Against Petrostate Pressure, But Negotiations Stall Yet Again BUSAN, Republic of Korea, December 2, 2024 — Plastics treaty negotiations have concluded in Busan after a week of largely closed-door sessions. The fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to advance a plastics treaty (INC-5) was meant to deliver what would … Read More.
BUSAN, Republic of Korea, November 29, 2024 — A broad coalition of observer organizations held a press conference outside of the fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) to advance a plastics treaty. The organizations demanded that negotiators come together to show courage and not compromise in the final days of the negotiations. The organizations delivered the … Read More.
BUSAN, Republic of Korea, November 27, 2024 — More than 220 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists have registered to participate in the fifth and final scheduled session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) to advance a global plastics treaty. The negotiation is expected to develop and deliver the final text of the future … Read More.
THE HAGUE, November 26, 2024— Experts from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) will closely monitor the climate hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), scheduled to take place from December 2 to 13 in The Hague. They are available for comment on the proceedings, which will bring together some of the world’s … Read More.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 23, 2024 —The 29th UN Climate Conference (COP29) concluded today, with an atrociously inadequate new climate finance goal of $300 billion, after wealthy nations refused to pay up in line with their legal obligations to provide sufficient climate finance to the Global South—say experts at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). … Read More.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 16, 2024— At least 480 lobbyists for companies and groups that advocate for a misguided technology that prolongs fossil fuel use have gained access to the COP29 climate talks, according to a new analysis* conducted by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). The number of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage lobbyists is … Read More.
BUSAN, Republic of Korea, November 13, 2024 — Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be in Busan, Republic of Korea and available for comment during the Fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) to advance a plastics treaty from November 25 – December 1, 2025 CIEL experts will closely follow negotiations, tracking progress toward finalizing … Read More.
THE HAGUE, November 12, 2024 – The Court of Appeal in The Hague today delivered its ruling in Milieudefensie et al. v. Shell plc. This case, originally decided in 2021 by The Hague District Court, had ordered Shell to reduce its global carbon emissions by 45% by 2030, relative to 2019 levels, to align its … Read More.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 11, 2024—At the opening plenary of the 29th Climate Conference (COP29), States took the unprecedented decision to approve dangerous rules on carbon markets early and without due process. At its meeting in October, a small technical committee mandated to supervise carbon markets (the Article 6.4 Supervisory Body) took the unprecedented move of finalizing and … Read More.
WASHINGTON, November 6, 2024 — Donald J. Trump has been reelected to serve as the 47th President of the United States, promising an assault on environmental protections, immigrant communities, and fundamental rights. His agenda — now backed by significant control of the government — includes a reversal of climate-related regulations, undertaking the most extensive deportation … Read More.
CALI, Colombia, November 2, 2024 — The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) closed in the early morning hours today in Cali, marking a pivotal moment for global biodiversity protection with a historic decision on participation of Indigenous Peoples and People of African descent. In … Read More.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 30, 2024 — Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be available for comment during the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP29, November 11 – 22 in Baku. CIEL experts will monitor and engage in negotiations, particularly at the intersection of climate justice, … Read More.
GENEVA, October 29, 2024 —The Ethical Framework Principles for Climate Intervention Research, released last week by the American Geophysical Union (AGU) “as a guide to responsible decision-making and inclusive dialogue about geoengineering research,” represents yet another attempt at voluntary self-governance—which has historically proven ineffective, according to the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). Commenting on … Read More.
COP16 Can and Must Address Oil & Gas to “Make Peace with Nature” CALI, Colombia, October 17, 2024 – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will closely monitor the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) negotiations in Cali and are available to comment. Government … Read More.