Fossil Fuel Lobbyists Outnumber National Delegations, Scientists, and Indigenous Peoples at Plastics Treaty Negotiations

OTTAWA, April 25, 2024 — 196 fossil fuel and chemical industry lobbyists have registered for the critical fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to advance a global plastics treaty. A new analysis from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), in collaboration with the Indigenous Peoples Caucus, Greenpeace, the Break Free From Plastic … Read More.

March to End the Plastic Era, led by Indigenous Peoples and impacted community leaders, exposes how plastic poisons people across its full lifecycle

Break Free From Plastic members and allies peacefully demand a human-rights based approach to the Plastics Treaty ahead of fourth round of negotiations Ottawa, Canada | Traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People, April 21, 2024— Today, hundreds of impacted community leaders and experts from around the world came together in the streets of Ottawa … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability at the Fourth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) for a Plastics Treaty in Ottawa, Canada

OTTAWA, CAN – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be in Ottawa and available for comment during the Fourth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to advance a plastics treaty from April 23-29, 2024.  CIEL experts will closely follow negotiations, tracking progress toward advancing a draft of the treaty text. In particular, they will be … Read More.

Historic Climate Ruling: States Must Step up Climate Action to Protect Human Rights

April 9, 2024 STRASBOURG, FRANCE – Today, the European Court of Human Rights issued a groundbreaking ruling in the Verein Klimaseniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland climate case. The Court found Switzerland in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights for failing to implement sufficient measures to combat climate change. Center for International Environmental … Read More.

Major Milestone Reached in Historic Climate Judgement

March 22, 2024 Amsterdam / Sydney / Suva — Today marks a significant milestone in the historic campaign to take climate change to the world’s highest court, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the deadline for State written submissions closes. This moment follows on from the landmark resolution to seek an advisory opinion from … Read More.

CIEL Joins Roșia Montană Community in Celebrating Historic End to Struggle

March 11, 2024 Washington, DC — In a historic decision by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), Canadian mining company Gabriel Resources lost its damage claim against the government of Romania. The company was ordered to reimburse Romania for the cost of arbitration, as well as a portion of the government’s legal … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability on the Risks of Oil & Gas Activity in the Oceans

CIEL welcomed today’s report by UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Michael Fakhri, and his call for States to reject or suspend any offshore oil and gas activity that deprives small-scale fishers and fish workers of their fundamental human rights. March 7, 2024 GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts … Read More.

SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule Omits Key Risks, Fails Investors and the Public

March 6, 2024 WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) released its long-awaited climate disclosure rule, falling short of the robust standards that investors need and that the agency has the authority and responsibility to set.  SEC Chair Gary Gensler had initially promised a rule that would provide investors with “consistent, … Read More.

WTO MC13 Recognizes the Importance of the Plastics Treaty Negotiations

DUBAI, UAE — The Thirteenth Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) closed with a Ministerial Statement on Plastic Pollution. The Ministerial Statement proposes a series of actions to curb trade in plastics, promotes “alternatives” and “substitutes” to plastics, and recognizes the intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC) process of the plastics treaty as the lead … Read More.

Empty Efforts to Derail Plastics Treaty Negotiations at UNEA-6 Fail

The Mandate to Advance Negotiations for a Plastics Treaty Still Stands — Despite Efforts to Undermine the Upcoming Negotiations   NAIROBI, KENYA, MARCH 1, 2024 — The Ministerial Declaration of the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) was adopted earlier today. The declaration includes a reaffirmation of UNEA resolution 5/14 — the mandate to create … Read More.

Human Rights Court Must Prioritize Corporate Accountability in Climate Opinion

February 29, 2024 San Jose, Costa Rica — The Inter-American Court of Human Rights has formally announced two public hearings regarding their forthcoming Advisory Opinion on State obligations related to the climate emergency and human rights.  The hearings, which will be held in Bridgetown, Barbados (April 23-25), and in Brasilia and Manaus, Brazil (May 24 … Read More.

Climate Vulnerable Nations Reject US-led Push for Solar Geoengineering at UNEA-6

NAIROBI, KENYA, FEBRUARY 29, 2024— Climate-vulnerable states successfully blocked a dangerous push to legitimize solar geoengineering technologies, in a significant development welcomed by the Center for International Environmental Law during the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly, UNEA-6, in the Kenyan capital.  Efforts by Switzerland, Monaco, Georgia, and Israel, which sought to establish an Expert Scientific … Read More.

CIEL Calls for Urgent International Action to Stop Israel’s International Crimes in Gaza

9 February 2024 WASHINGTON, DC—The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) condemns Israel’s declared intention to forcibly transfer more than 1 million civilians from Rafah, Gaza. Forcible transfer of civilian populations is universally recognized as a war crime; and claims that such transfers are intended to protect civilians from hostilities do not withstand scrutiny. CIEL … Read More.

Second Science Policy Panel Talks Demonstrate Substantial Progress

December 15, 2023 NAIROBI — The second session of the Ad hoc Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG-2) on the Science-Policy Panel — to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution — has ended with Member States taking promising steps toward creating the Panel. OEWG-2 has been tasked with preparing … Read More.

Global Coalition Makes History: First to Receive UN’s Top Human Rights Honor

December 15, 2023 New York — Today the Global Coalition of Civil Society, Indigenous Peoples, Social Movements, and Local Communities for the Universal Recognition of the Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment accepted the prestigious 2023 United Nations Human Rights Prize. This month also marks the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of … Read More.

475 Carbon Capture Lobbyists at COP28 Exposes Fossil Fuels’ Grip

December 9, 2023 DUBAI—A new analysis conducted by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) uncovered the presence of at least 475 lobbyists at COP28 specializing in Carbon Capture (Utilization) and Storage (CC(U)S) projects. This analysis comes three days after the Kick Big Polluters Out Coalition reported a record 2,456 fossil fuel lobbyists gaining access … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability During COP28 in Dubai

November 22, 2023 Dubai, UAE – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be available for comment during the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, COP28, from November 30 – December 12 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. CIEL experts will be closely following the negotiations and in particular … Read More.

Ambition Meets Inertia in Third Session of Global Plastic Treaty Talks

Absent a Major Course Correction, Ottawa will host a “Polite but Massive Failure.” NAIROBI — A week of negotiations in Nairobi left all options on the table for a proposed Global Plastic Treaty but fell far short of the progress needed to deliver an ambitious treaty on an equally ambitious timeline. Governments that began the … Read More.

Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage: No Solution to Fossil Fuel Pollution

New report exposes offshore CCS as a dangerous distraction from real progress on climate change November 16, 2023 WASHINGTON, DC –Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is no solution to fossil fuel pollution, according to a new report from the Center for International Environmental Law. Deep Trouble: The Risks of Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage … Read More.

CIEL Stands in Solidarity with the Peaceful Protests in Panama; Calls for Respect for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the Effective Implementation of the Escazú Agreement.

November 15, 2023 WASHINGTON, DC —The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) stands in solidarity with partners, colleagues, and all of those who have  peacefully demonstrated in Panama. Thousands of people in both urban and rural areas of Panama have taken to the streets to demonstrate their rejection of metallic mining in response to g … Read More.

CIEL se une en solidaridad a las protestas pacíficas en Panamá; pide respeto a los derechos de los Pueblos Indígenas y la aplicación efectiva del Acuerdo de Escazú

15 de noviembre de 2023 WASHINGTON, DC —El Centro para el Derecho Ambiental Internacional (CIEL, por sus siglas en inglés) se une en solidaridad con compañeros, compañeras, colegas, y todos aquellos quienes se han manifestado de forma pacífica en Panamá. Miles de personas tanto en las ciudades como en zonas rurales de Panamá, han salido … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability at the Third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) for a Plastics Treaty in Nairobi, Kenya

NAIROBI, KEN – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be in Nairobi and available for comment during the Third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) to advance a plastics treaty from November 13 – 19.  CIEL experts will closely follow negotiations, tracking progress toward adopting a mandate to advance the draft of the future plastics … Read More.

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

More Than 100 Countries Announced their Intention to Regulate Harmful Technologies October 16, 2023 Geneva, Switzerland / Berlin, Germany —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 … Read More.

Climate Inaction Discriminates Against Youth, European Court Is Told

September 27, 2023 STRASBOURG, FRANCE — 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 v. … Read More.

Climate Opinion Awaited as Historic Hearings Conclude at ITLOS

September 25, 2023 HAMBURG, GERMANY —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

September 23, 2023 BONN, GERMANY – 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 framework … 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 September 14, 2023 New York, NY – 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

September 11, 2023 HAMBURG, GERMANY –  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 for … Read More.

Indigenous Leaders Urge Canada to Pull Support for Line 5 Pipeline

August 29, 2023 Geneva, CH – 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

August 28, 2023 GENEVA (CH) — 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 … 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  JULY 13, 2023, NEW YORK CITY (US) — 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 … 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  June 29, 2023 Geneva (CH) / Brussels (BE) — 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 … 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 June 15, 2023 Bonn (GE) — 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 … Read More.

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

June 1, 2023 BONN, GE, –  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.

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

PARIS, FR – 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 the treaty … Read More.

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

May 17, 2023 STRASBOURG (FR) –  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, DC — 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 participation is not … Read More.

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

May 12, 2023 Geneva (CH) — 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 … 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.