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.

IDB Must Guarantee a Responsible Exit from the Hidroituango Project

Ongoing investigation of the project continues regardless of advance repayment of loan The IDB Group concluded the loan for Hidroituango prematurely as they face uncertainty regarding project initiating operations. The investigation process regarding non-compliance with IDB policies in Hidroituango continues, regardless of the early termination of the loan. The construction of the Hidroituango dam, a … Read More.

Over 700 Groups Call for an International Plastics Treaty

Civil Society, Indigenous Peoples, Workers and Trade Unions, Youth, Women’s Organizations Urge UN Member States to Negotiate a Global Legally Binding Agreement to Address the Plastics Crisis. December 14th, 2021 GENEVA — Today, over 700 groups from 113 countries called upon United Nations Member States to agree to establish a legally binding global instrument — … Read More.

New Guide For Making Accountability Mechanisms More Effective

The Good Policy Paper assesses current policy provisions at independent accountability mechanisms, identifying best practices and areas for improvement. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 13, 2021 Washington, DC — The Good Policy Paper: Guiding Practice from the Policies of Independent Accountability Mechanisms, published today, is a roadmap for financial institutions setting up new independent accountability mechanisms … Read More.

Leading Groups From Civil Society, Indigenous People, Workers and Trade Unions and Members of Governments Speak on the Need For a Global Treaty on Plastics

Panels to Discuss the Urgent Need to Establish a New Legally Binding International Instrument to Address the Plastic Crisis.  On Wednesday, December 14th, 2021, members of governments, representative organizations, and groups from civil society, Indigenous People, workers, and trade unions will launch a call to action for United Nations Member States to agree to establish … Read More.

Panama Must Consult with All Indigenous Communities Affected by Infrastructure Project

Any negotiation with the Ngäbe and Buglé Indigenous peoples over Panama’s Fourth Transmission Line must comply with Panamanian and international law (español abajo) November 24, 2021 Last Wednesday, Panama’s state-owned Electrical Transmission Company (ETESA) announced that it had reached an agreement with certain Indigenous authorities to allow Panama’s Fourth Electrical Transmission Line to cross the … Read More.

US Support for Plastic Treaty Welcome, Support for Bold Action Must Follow

November 18, 2021 Washington, DC — Following US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s announcement that the United States supports the development of a global agreement to end plastic pollution, Jane Patton, Plastic and Petrochemical Campaign Manager at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) issued the following statement:  “We welcome the announcement that the United … Read More.

At COP26, A Failure of Vision, Action, Equity and Urgency

November 13, 2021 SCOTLAND – In Glasgow, the 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) failed. It failed to recognize the urgency of the accelerating climate crisis; failed to deliver critically needed finance to the Global South; failed to close massive loopholes in a looming carbon market … Read More.

Latest COP26 draft text failing on human rights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 12, 2021 Glasgow, UK — Governments should not miss their last chance to embed human rights in the outcome text of COP26, according to international charities.  Climate Outreach, ActionAid, CARE, and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) told negotiators they have a responsibility to make sure human rights are not … Read More.

Exclusion of Human Rights from Article 6 “A Dereliction of Duty”

November 10, 2021 Glasgow, Scotland — Following the bracketing of human rights in Article 6 draft text and continued limits on public participation, Erika Lennon, Senior Attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law, issued the following statement:  “With only days left before the end of COP26, any attempt to conclude Article 6 negotiations without … Read More.

Over 700 Civil Society Groups Demand Real Climate Solutions, Not Net-Zero Promises

November 1, 2021 Glasgow — As global climate talks get underway in Scotland, 725 groups from nearly 100 countries are calling on governments and leading international institutions to end reliance on hollow “Net Zero” promises and commit to specific, ambitious, and immediate actions to bring emissions and fossil fuel production down to Real Zero, consistent … Read More.

CIEL Expert Availability at UN Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow

October 26, 2021 GLASGOW, UK / WASHINGTON, DC – Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) experts will be in Glasgow and available for comment during the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) from November 1 – November 12. Originally intended to serve as a litmus test for … Read More.

Plastic Crisis Demands a Response Centered on Human Rights

A comprehensive report from the UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics showcases plastics’ harms to human rights and why global responses must be rights-based. October 20, 2021 New York, NY — Following the release of the Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights, Professor Marcos A. Orellana’s report, “The stages of the plastics cycle and their … Read More.

International Arbitration Tribunal Rules in Favor of a Canadian Company and Puts Foreign Investment Above Colombia’s Legitimate Right to Protect Santurbán

October 12, 2021 (Español abajo) Bucaramanga, Bogotá, Washington, Ottawa — National and international civil society organizations are widely rejecting the decision made by the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) on September 10 in the case of Eco Oro v. Colombia, for at least three reasons: we consider that (i) it is inconsistent … Read More.

Historic Recognition of a New Human Right and Response to Climate Harm

In long-awaited decisions, the UN Human Rights Council recognizes the universal right to a safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment and creates a Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change October 8, 2021 Geneva, CH — From the opening remarks of High Commissioner Michelle Bachelet focusing on the right to a healthy environment to … Read More.

New Report on Formosa Plastics Group Reveals Danger of Plastics Production

From Taiwan to Texas, Cambodia to Cancer Alley; Petrochemical Giant Poses Threat to Communities and the Environment October 6, 2021 Washington, DC — Formosa Plastics Group’s six-decade track record is riddled with environmental, health, safety, and labor violations, including devastating accidents and persistent pollution in multiple countries, according to a comprehensive new report released today. … Read More.

Prosecution of Forest Crimes in Peru and the United States Mark a Crucial Turning Point to Combat Deforestation in the Amazon

September 30, 2021 (Español abajo) Washington, DC — Six years after the start of the largest illegal logging case in Peru’s history, prosecutors are filing criminal charges against those allegedly responsible for having participated in the supply chain of illegal logging and timber trafficking of $1.6 million of Amazonian wood intended for export to the … Read More.

“Investigate ReconAfrica”

Civil society groups ask TSX Venture Exchange to set record straight on oil and gas drilling in the Okavango region September 16, 2021 (Toronto, ON) — Civil society groups have submitted a request to the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) to investigate potential misrepresentations in the disclosures and public communications of Canadian oil and gas company … Read More.

Human Rights Council Must Act Immediately to Establish a New Special Rapporteur

Mandate holder that addresses the link between human rights and climate change is overdue September 15, 2021 Geneva, CH — Following an announcement that a resolution to establish a Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change will come forward during the 48th Session of the Human Rights Council, Francesca Mingrone, Attorney at the Center … Read More.

Time is Now: Recognize the Right to a Healthy Environment

The Center for International Environmental Law calls upon the Human Rights Council Member States to take urgent action in the upcoming weeks September 14, 2021 Geneva, CH — Following an announcement that the Core Group on Human Rights and the Environment is bringing forward a resolution to recognize universally the right to a safe, clean, … Read More.

Over 120 States Affirm: It’s Time for a Global Treaty on Plastic

International NGOs applaud the draft resolution as a significant step in addressing the plastic crisis September 3, 2021 Geneva — The first-ever Ministerial Conference on marine litter and plastic pollution saw the introduction of a groundbreaking draft resolution recommending a legally binding global mechanism addressing the plastic crisis. Now, the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and … Read More.

As Human Rights Organizations Continue to Face Threats and Closures Worldwide, CIEL Stands in Solidarity

August 19, 2021 Geneva — On World Humanitarian Day, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) issued the following statement: “From Nicaragua to Uganda, to Belarus, more and more human rights defenders and civil society organizations (CSOs) are facing unprecedented and increasing threats and closures due to their activities in defense of communities. For years, … Read More.

The Urgency of Now: New IPCC Report Confirms Dangerous Climate Impacts are Here & Only Immediate Action Can Avert Catastrophe

Report exposes how failure to act on the climate emergency has led to permanent climate damage  August 9, 2021 Washington, DC — Following the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Report on The Physical Science Basis of Climate Change —the first part of the Sixth Assessment Report— the Center for International Environmental Law … Read More.

Infrastructure Bill Wastes Billions in Giveaways to Oil and Gas Industry

August 2, 2021 Washington, DC — Following the introduction of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Carroll Muffett, President and CEO of the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) issued the following statement:  “The Infrastructure bill offers minimal support to accelerate the renewable energy transition while squandering tens of billions on carbon capture, fossil hydrogen, … Read More.

It’s Time to End the Carbon Capture of Climate Policy

500+ Organizations Call on US and Canadian Leaders to Reject Carbon Capture and Storage as a False Solution to Climate Crisis   Washington, DC / Ottawa, ON — In an open letter sent today to leaders in the United States and Canada, more than 500 US, Canadian, and international organizations called on policymakers in both … Read More.

New World Bank Group Accountability Reforms Welcome yet Incomplete

As new CAO policy takes effect, IFC and MIGA must also implement reforms to improve accountability and ensure access to remedy  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Español abajo) Washington, DC — Even as a new policy governing the work of the Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), the accountability mechanism of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Multilateral Investment … Read More.