Credit Rating Agencies Miscalculating Climate Risks – Report Warns that Business as Usual Could Repeat Global Credit Crisis

For Immediate Release: June 24, 2015 Washington, DC – A new report launched today, (Mis)Calculated Risk and Climate Change – Are Rating Agencies Repeating Credit Crisis Mistakes?, demonstrates that by not adequately accounting for climate risks, rating agencies could be repeating the mistakes of the credit crisis where risk was underestimated to the detriment of … Read More.

A Historic Compromise – CIEL responds to Senate’s Fast Track vote

For immediate release: June 23, 2015 Washington, DC – Today, the US Senate passed a procedural motion on a Fast Track bill that limits Congressional authority and oversight over international trade deals like the massive Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. Statement from CIEL President & CEO Carroll Muffett: Today’s vote on Fast Track represents a … Read More.

House Vote Reflects Massive Public Opposition to Fast Track

For Immediate Release June 12, 2015 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congress voted against Trade Adjustment Assistance program, a program that would not sufficiently protect workers who lose their jobs due to trade. Because of this vote, the “fast-track” trade package is temporarily stopped. In response, CIEL President and CEO Carroll Muffett released the following statement: … Read More.

CIEL Reaction to the June UN climate intersessional meeting Bonn, Germany

June 11, 2015 – With less than six months before countries agree on a new climate agreement, the path for addressing short and long-term climate action is unclear. Countries spent two weeks trying to “streamline” a 90-page negotiating text and made very little progress on negotiating substance. Key issues related to increasing short-term actions to … Read More.

Independent report finds Dutch and German development banks failed to comply with environmental and human rights standards in financing the Barro Blanco dam in Panama

Indigenous communities and civil society shocked by the banks’ inadequate response to the findings For Immediate Release June 1, 2015 Kiad, Panama/Amsterdam/Bogota – Last Friday, a long-awaited report by an independent panel found that FMO and DEG, the Dutch and German development banks, violated their own policies by failing to adequately assess the risks to … Read More.

Statement by CIEL President & CEO Carroll Muffett on the Blocked “Fast Track” Trade Promotion Authority Bill

For Immediate Release May 12, 2015 Today, Senate Democrats stood up for democracy and the public interest by blocking progress of a bill that would grant fast track trade negotiating authority to the President. Under fast track, environmentally destructive trade deals such as the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) … Read More.

Indian Communities Suffering from Destructive Coal Plant Sue the IFC in U.S. Courts

For Immediate Release April 23, 2015 Today, Indian fishing communities and farmers represented by EarthRights International (ERI) are suing the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private lending arm of the World Bank Group, in United States federal court in Washington, D.C. The plaintiffs allege that the IFC, which provided a critical loan for the Tata … Read More.

TTIP leak: EU proposal undermines democratic values

For Immediate Release April 20, 2015 Press contact: David Azoulay, [email protected], 011 41-22-789-0500 According to a leaked European Commission proposal in the ongoing EU-US Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations, EU member state legislative initiatives will have to be vetted for potential impacts on private business interests. The proposal forms part of a wider … Read More.

Fast tracked trade deals rush us toward a toxic partnership

For Immediate Release April 16, 2015 Press Contact: Amanda Kistler, [email protected], +1 202-742-5832 Today, Senators Hatch (R-Utah), Wyden (D-Ore.), and Ryan (R-Wis.) introduced the Trade Promotion Authority legislation (TPA-2015), which would extend “fast track” negotiating authority for trade deals, including the controversial Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). With fast-track, … Read More.

International Coalition Warns: World Bank Driving Hazardous Development

April 14, 2015 WHAT: Demonstration – Civil society groups encircle the World Bank in “Caution” tape, demanding strong human rights safeguards WHEN: Friday April 17, 10:00 – 11:30am WHERE: Edward R Murrow Park, in front of World Bank, H St and 18th St NW Washington DC – As finance ministers from across the globe gather … Read More.

CIEL’s Reaction to the US Climate Commitment

For Immediate Release March 31, 2015 Washington DC – Today, the United States announced that it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26-28% below 2005 levels in 2025 as part of the new international climate agreement to be adopted in Paris this December. Climate & Energy Program Director Niranjali Amerasinghe said: As the country that … Read More.

UN registered Barro Blanco Hydroelectric Dam temporarily suspended over non-compliance with Environmental Impact Assessment

For Immediate Release February 10, 2015 Press Contacts: Eva Filzmoser, Carbon Market Watch, + (32) 499212081 Kathrin Petz, Urgewald, + (49) 15202149341 María José Veramendi Villa, AIDA, + (51) 954114393 Alyssa Johl, CIEL, +(1) 5104356892 Tania Arosemena Bodero, CIAM, + (507) 236-0866 PANAMA CITY, Panama and GENEVA, Switzerland In a landmark decision, Panama’s National Environmental … Read More.

Rights of Present and Future Generations at Risk After Lima

For Immediate Release December 2014 Press Contact: Amanda Kistler, [email protected], 202.742.5832 Lima, Peru – Climate talks in Lima ended today, squandering the opportunity to set the stage for an ambitious 2015 climate agreement and for more urgent action to protect the rights of peoples and communities impacted by climate change. The Lima conference was an … Read More.

CIEL to Attend Climate Conference in Lima

For Immediate Release December 1, 2015   The 20th Conference of the Parties (COP20) for the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Lima, Peru represents a crucial moment for policymakers to commit to ambitious action to address the climate crisis. COP20 is the last decision-making meeting before next year’s COP in Paris, where … Read More.

CIEL statement on release of TTIP chemicals documents by European Commission

November 21, 2014 The negotiations between the EU and US on the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) stand to fundamentally change the ways in which states, countries, and regions reflect the preferences of their citizens when regulating toxic chemicals in their food, homes, workplaces, and environments. While CIEL welcomes the disclosure of these documents … Read More.

CIEL Reaction to the US’ Green Climate Fund Pledge

November 14, 2014 Washington DC – Shortly after announcing a new bilateral climate deal between the US and China, President Obama is expected to commit $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund at the G20 Summit this weekend. CIEL’s Climate & Energy Program Director, Niranjali Amerasinghe, said: The US has obligations to lead in the … Read More.

Leaked TTIP draft for chemicals sector reveals a toxic partnership

For Immediate Release 1 October 2014   A leaked restricted access text for the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) from August 2014 from the European Commission confirms that negotiations continue to favour business interests over the protection of citizens’ health and of the environment. The Commission’s text, previously accessible only to members of the … Read More.

CITES failing to adequately protect endangered Afrormosia tree

For Immediate Release July 14, 2014 Geneva – International trade in Afrormosia wood should be suspended and a drastic improvement in enforcement is required if the species is not to remain at great risk of overexploitation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) according to Greenpeace International and the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). … Read More.

TTIP crosses the line on toxic chemicals for 111 NGOs

For Immediate Release July 10, 2014 (Brussels/Washington DC) – Analysis published today shows that government proposals for the chemical sector under a potential Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) agreement reflect those of the chemical industry, which would enable a Toxic Partnership on both sides of the Atlantic. The report coincides with a letter sent … Read More.

Statement on Appointment of Baskut Tuncak as UN Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes

For Immediate Release June 30, 2014   Geneva, Switzerland — The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) welcomes the appointment of Baskut Tuncak as the next UN Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. The vacancy arose due to the untimely and … Read More.

Executives facing climate denial-related claims could be personally liable – NGOs

For Immediate Release May 28, 2014   Corporate executives of major fossil fuel companies could face personal liability for funding climate denialism and opposing policies to fight climate change, say NGOs. Greenpeace International, WWF International and the Center for International Environmental Law have written to the executives of large insurance corporations as well as fossil … Read More.

Logging Concessions Enable Illegal Logging Crisis in the Peruvian Amazon

For Immediate Release April 17, 2014   WASHINGTON, DC (April 17, 2014)—The megadiverse Peruvian Amazon is a globally important arena when it comes to promoting sustainable logging. Despite efforts to achieve sustainability, including a modern Forestry Law and an important Forestry Annex in the US–Peru Trade Promotion Agreement, illegal logging continues to plague the region. … Read More.

CIEL & partners* publish recommendations for the safer development of nanotechnology for the EU’s REACH regulation implementation

*ClientEarth, The European Environmental Bureau, European citizen’s Organization for Standardisation, The European consumer voice in Standardisation –ANEC, and Health Care Without Harm, Bureau of European Consumers April 2014 Nanomaterials are different from their bulk counterparts. They are specifically engineered to exploit the novel properties deriving from their size. The European Commission’s 2012 Second Regulatory Review … Read More.

Civil Society calls on the World Bank to address human rights violations associated with World Bank funded development projects

For Immediate Release April 7, 2014 Three recent World Bank funded projects cases demonstrate the catastrophic consequences of World Bank failures to conduct adequate assessments prior to approving and implementing projects. In 2012, the World Bank approved a $40 million loan to the Uzbek government for a project that directs funds to Uzbekistan’s agriculture sector. … Read More.

Chemical industry secretly manipulating US-EU trade negotiations (TTIP)

For Immediate Release March 10, 2014   (Brussels/Washington DC) – A leaked document from the December 2013 round of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations exposes the extent of chemical industry influence over secretive ongoing US-EU trade negotiations. Chemicals industry proposals to TTIP would have a chilling effect on the regulatory environment, slowing … Read More.

Statement in Support of the Independent Expert on Human Rights and Environment

March 11, 2014   Dr. Marcos A. Orellana from the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) presented a statement at the United Nations Human Rights Council during the interactive dialogue that followed the second report by Professor John Knox, the Independent Expert on Human Rights and the Environment. The statement was delivered on behalf of … Read More.

European Bank for Reconstruction and Development: Draft Environment and Social Policy Retreats on Human Rights

Joint Statement by Accountability Counsel, Amnesty International, ARTICLE 19, CEE Bankwatch Network, Center for International Environmental Law, Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO), and Human Rights Watch March 5, 2014   The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s new draft Environment and Social Policy weakens the Bank’s existing safeguards on human rights, according to … Read More.

Groups Appeal to UN to Halt Imminent Forced Evictions of Indigenous Ngöbe Community

Washington, February 20, 2014 – Environmental and human rights organizations submitted an urgent appeal to United Nations Special Rapporteurs on behalf of members of the indigenous Ngöbe community – the community faces imminent forced eviction from their land for the Barro Blanco hydroelectric dam project in western Panama. The eviction would force Ngöbe communities from … Read More.

As Epidemic Sweeps Nicaragua, Government Denies Construction of Life-Saving Clinic

For Immediate Release February 11, 2014 Managua, Nicaragua – Over a thousand people call on Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega to approve the construction of a renal clinic in Chichigalpa to provide life-saving dialysis treatment for those suffering from an epidemic of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the region. Through negotiations, ASOCHIVIDA, an association of more … Read More.

9 Groups react to retrograde fossil fuel support in Omnibus Appropriations legislation

January 15, 2014 Washington, D.C. — Polluter-funded politicians are attempting to use Omnibus Appropriations legislation to increase taxpayer support for building coal plants overseas. This would undermine President Obama’s new climate policy, which stops many of these dirty subsidies through U.S. development and trade finance agencies — the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and the Export-Import … Read More.

The Guide for Potential Amici in International Investment Arbitrations

January 29, 2014 Today, the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) and the International Human Rights Program at the University Of Toronto Faculty Of Law announce the publication of a new tool to aid non-governmental organizations defending  the public interest in international investment litigation. The Guide for Potential Amici in International Investment Arbitrations explains when … Read More.

World Bank forced to admit failings on controversial human rights scandal

January 23, 2014 The World Bank has been forced to backtrack on a controversial investment in Corporación Dinant, a palm oil company implicated in serious human rights abuses in Honduras. Following the January 10th release of one of the most damning investigations ever issued by the Bank’s internal watchdog, the Office of the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman … Read More.

World Bank funding a company implicated in human rights abuses in Honduras

World Bank funding a company implicated in human rights abuses in Honduras For Immediate Release January 10, 2014 An internal investigation has revealed that the World Bank has invested in a palm oil and food company implicated in serious rights abuses in Honduras. The investigation is one of the most damning ever issued by the … Read More.

In Warsaw: Low Ambition, High Risk

November, 2013 UN CLIMATE TALKS: WARSAW, POLAND – Despite some modest gains, countries again failed to set a clear and ambitious path for taking the urgent action that is needed to address climate change. Nations adopted a last-minute plan for the future climate agreement that invites governments to make “nationally determined contributions” without a meaningful … Read More.

CIEL Reaction to Carbon Majors Report

November 22, 2013 Groundbreaking new research published today in the journal Climatic Change traces nearly two-thirds of all industrial emissions of greenhouse gases to just 90 entities that have been the largest producers of fossil fuels and cement. The result of more than eight years’ research by Richard Heede at the Climate Accountability Institute, the … Read More.

CIEL statement on the signing of the mercury treaty

October 11, 2013 Washington, D.C. – In Minamata, Japan, a city whose residents still suffer the devastating effects of mercury pollution from the 1960s, 92 countries have signed a new global treaty to address mercury pollution. The Minamata Convention on Mercury reflects a global consensus on the threat posed to human health and environment by … Read More.

Statement of CIEL President Carroll Muffett on the Release of the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report

For Immediate Release September 27, 2013 The scientific case for taking urgent action to address climate change has been beyond dispute for at least two decades. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Fifth Assessment Report, released today, confirms with greater certainty what communities around the world know from first-hand experience: “Human influence on the climate … Read More.

Groups Support Challenge to Dam Project in Panama for Violating Indigenous Rights

For Immediate Release August 29, 2013 Panama City, Washington D.C. – Civil society organizations filed an amicus brief yesterday in Panama’s Supreme Court of Justice in support of a challenge by indigenous people to the environmental review of the Barro Blanco hydroelectric dam. Supporting a lawsuit filed by the Environmental Advocacy Center, Panamá (CIAM), the … Read More.

Suit charges taxpayer-backed US Export-Import Bank with failure to assess environmental impacts of its coal exports

For Immediate Release July 31, 2013 SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Environmental groups today filed the first-ever lawsuit challenging the federal government’s financing for the export of Appalachian coal from the United States. The U.S. government approved this financial support for coal exports without considering the increased toxic air and water pollution that could affect communities … Read More.

The World Bank’s new energy strategy is both a valuable step and a missed opportunity towards alleviating poverty, tackling climate change, and investing in truly sustainable development

May 28, 2014 Corporate executives of major fossil fuel companies could face personal liability for funding climate denialism and opposing policies to fight climate change, say NGOs. Greenpeace International, WWF International and the Center for International Environmental Law have written to the executives of large insurance corporations as well as fossil fuel and other carbon … Read More.

Update from Vienna +20 Human Rights Conference

July 2013 In June 2013 CIEL joined the Vienna+20 Conference: “Strengthening the Human Rights Movement Globally”. The Conference adopted the Vienna+20 CSO Declaration, which identifies the shortcomings in the implementation of the Vienna 1993 Programme of Action. The Vienna+20 Conference also identified today’s challenges in respecting, protecting and fulfilling human rights. In regards to human … Read More.

Ontario Securities Commission asked to Investigate Tahoe Resources After Wiretap Evidence Implicates Employees in Violence at Guatemala Mine

June 3, 2013 Toronto/Ottawa, June 3, 2013 – On Friday, the Justice and Corporate Accountability Project (JCAP) submitted a complaint to the Ontario Securities Commission regarding Tahoe Resources’ (TSX: THO; NYSE: TAHO) poor disclosure about violence in connection with the company’s only mine project in southeast Guatemala. On April 27, security personnel shot and wounded … Read More.

US Court of Appeals Rules in Government Secrecy Case

Decision allows US trade agency to continue denying public access to document related to protection of environment and public health June 10, 2013 WASHINGTON, D.C. — A panel of federal judges last week ruled that the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) was justified in keeping secret a document that set out US positions on the interpretation … Read More.

US unable to follow suit as global community agrees to eliminate toxic chemical

May 14, 2013 Geneva, Switzerland – Over 160 countries attending the 6th Conference of Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have agreed to phase out hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD or HBCDD) – a highly toxic brominated flame retardant. HBCD is widely used in building insulation, upholstery and electronics around the world.  The chemical … Read More.

CIEL Supports Introduction of the 2013 Safe Chemicals Act

April 10, 2013 Washington, D.C. – Today, Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced the 2013 Safe Chemicals Act in the U.S. Senate. The Safe Chemicals Act would provide necessary reform to America’s woefully outdated Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by establishing stronger laws to protect people and the environment from exposure to hazardous chemicals. A CIEL … Read More.

Climate Legal Action on Behalf of Youth in the Philippines

April 22 2013 Washington, D.C. – On Earth Day 2013, youth leaders and a team of climate lawyers are gathering on Bantayan Island in the Philippines to take legal action on behalf of youth and future generations. Frustrated by the failure of the present generation to take meaningful action to address the climate crisis, these … Read More.

Early Warning System Launched to Alert Communities to Investments that may Affect their Rights

For Immediate Release April 18, 2013 Media Contact: Amanda Kistler, Center for International Environmental Law, [email protected], 202.742.5832 Washington, D.C.. Today, the Center for International Environmental Law and International Accountability Project launched the beta version of a new online tool that alerts communities to projects funded by multilateral development banks (MDBs) that could affect their rights. … Read More.

Mining license approved in wake of violence, investigation into murder pending

For Immediate Release, April 8, 2013 Media contacts: Amanda Kistler: Center for International Environmental Law, [email protected], +1 202-742-5832 Ellen Moore: Network in Solidarity with the People of Guatemala, [email protected], +1 510-868-0612 UPDATE: Call for investigation and company departure in response to recurring violence in area of Canadian-owned silver project (Washington, D.C.) – After more than … Read More.

Guatemala’s Highest Court Denies Justice to Indigenous Peoples Affected by Mining

For Immediate Release March 15, 2013   Contacts: Amanda Kistler – Center for International Environmental Law: [email protected], 202-742-5832 Jen Moore – MiningWatch Canada: [email protected], 613-569-3439 (Washington, D.C./Guatemala City/Ottawa) – On March 1, Guatemalan national press reported that the country’s highest court upheld the 1997 Mining Law against a constitutional challenge brought by the Western Peoples’ … Read More.

Stronger Laws for Hazardous Chemicals Spur Innovation

For Immediate Release February 2013 Washington, D.C. – A new report released by The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) illustrates how stronger laws to regulate hazardous chemicals spur innovation, with potential benefits for national economies, as well as human health and the environment. Driving Innovation: How stronger laws help bring safer chemicals to market … Read More.

U.S. Court of Appeals Hears Government Secrecy Case: U.S. trade agency continued secrecy denies public access to document related to protection of environment and public health

U.S. Court of Appeals Hears Government Secrecy Case U.S. trade agency continued secrecy denies public access to document related to protection of environment and public health For Immediate Release February 21, 2013 Contact: Martin Wagner, Earthjustice, (510) 917-0434 Kari Birdseye, Earthjustice, (415) 217-2098 Carroll Muffett, Center for International Environmental Law, (202) 425-2934 Amanda Kistler, Center … Read More.

The World Bank’s private sector financing arm doesn’t know the environmental and social impacts of nearly half its portfolio

For Immediate Release February 8, 2013   Campaigners are calling for a fundamental overhaul of World Bank lending to financial markets actors, following the publication of an Ombudsman audit. The World Bank’s Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) released an audit earlier this week (5) showing that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) “knows very little” about the environmental … Read More.

At Doha Climate Talks: Failed ambition and unfulfilled promises

For Immediate Release December 9, 2012   Contact: Niranjali Amerasinghe, +1-202-288-2204, +974-6646-9833, [email protected] Alyssa Johl, +1-510-435-6892, [email protected] DOHA, QATAR—Today, countries again recognized the need for urgent action to respond to climate change, and again failed to take that action, says the Center for International Environmental Law. The last-minute deal lacks meaningful commitments and leaves critical … Read More.

EC Breaches International Law on Ship Recycling File, Independent Lawyers Say

NGO Platforms Calls for Public Disclosure of European Council Legal Analysis   17 December 2012 (Brussels) – The European Commission’s proposed regulation on ship recycling is illegal, according to two independent legal experts whose legal opinions were publicly released today. The NGO Shipbreaking Platform, a global coalition of environmental, human rights and labour rights organisations, … Read More.

Doha 2012: Act NOW, the climate won’t wait

CIEL’s Climate Change Program will be in Doha, Qatar for negotiations under the UNFCCC and Kyoto Protocol Nov 26 to Dec 7, 2012   Update: For CIEL’s analysis of the Doha outcome, view Human Rights Analysis of the Doha Gateway (UNFCCC 18th Conference of the Parties), April 2013 Update: At Doha Climate Talks: Failed ambition … Read More.

International Organizations Call for Better Protection for Human Rights Defenders in Guatemala

For Immediate Release November 21, 2012 Contacts: Amanda Kistler – Center for International Environmental Law: [email protected] Kelsey Alford-Jones – Guatemala Human Rights Commission: [email protected] (Washington, D.C.) – In the context of growing threats against human rights defenders, particularly those working in defense of the rights of indigenous peoples and the right to a healthy environment, … Read More.

CIEL and its partners express deep concerns about the result of the EU Commission review of the legal framework for nanomaterials

For Immediate Release 23 October 2012 CIEL, together with a broad coalition of environmental, consumer and labor organizations, expressed deep concerns today about the conclusions of the second regulatory review of nanomaterials, published by the European Commission on October 3rd. Today, in the open letter sent to the European Commission, CIEL and partner non-governmental organizations … Read More.

CIEL advocates for transparency in investment arbitration at UNCITRAL negotiations

October, 2012   From the 1-5th of October 2012, the UNCITRAL Working Group II on arbitration and conciliation (WG) met in Vienna to negotiate a legal standard on transparency in treaty-based investor-state arbitration. The WG continued with the second reading of the draft rules on transparency currently under consideration. Argentina, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Norway, South … Read More.

Global chemicals conference moves forward on nanotechnology and endocrine disrupting chemicals

For Immediate Release September 23, 2012 For more information, please contact: In Geneva, Switzerland: David Azoulay: +41-75 78 75 756 (mobile); or [email protected] In Washington, D.C, USA: Baskut Tuncak: +1 206 669 7203; or [email protected] (Nairobi, Kenya) – Late Friday night, over 540 participants, representing more than 150 governments, and other SAICM stakeholders from international … Read More.