ClientEarth

We're non-profit lawyers for the planet. Now more than ever, the rule of law is essential to keep democracies strong, justice alive, and our rights defended. Become part of our legal fight - join us: https://brnw.ch/21wOrZH

⚖️Real legal impact⚖️ When, a few weeks ago, the European Court of Human Rights ruled that Italy had failed to protect residents in the Campania region who were suffering from the effects of toxic waste burning, it was the first time ever a court had found that failure to protect against pollution violated the human right to life. Now, experts are saying that this ruling will mark the start of a new approach to European states' pollution responsibilities and is likely to boost environmental litigation in Europe. “This ruling means governments will be assessed more rigorously, with less room for discretion", Malgorzata Kwiedacz-Palosz, ClientEarth lawyer. The ECHR's decision could be a real game-changer for environmental and human rights in Europe, and shows the positive ripple-effect that any single ruling can have. This is why we keep fighting to use the power of the law for people and planet.💪

Pressure keeps mounting for EU countries to finally make sure that Marine Protected Areas are truly protected - in name and deed. Our cases against the Dutch, French and Spanish governments can help achieve that. https://brnw.ch/21wQJfh

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The EU deforestation law won't make your chocolate unaffordable. And it won't cost companies a fortune to comply with. A first-of-its-kind report by Profundo shows how much it could really cost to tackle deforestation in EU supply chains:    Only 0.1% of company revenues.    This is how much is needed on average to set up, run and report on the supply chain due diligence systems that will make sure the products we buy in the EU are deforestation-free.    Would you be willing to pay 1 cent more on your 2-euro chocolate to save the world’s forests? Most consumers wouldn’t think twice, especially when compared to the cost of losing our remaining forests and the irreplaceable biodiversity they shelter.   The bottom line? New supply chain laws like the EUDR do not pose any significant cost trade-off with sustainability objectives.     We can save forests and have our chocolate (and coffee) too, if we implement the EU deforestation law now.   Check out the study for yourself: https://lnkd.in/evxF6uWr

We are urging authorities in Poland to take action against illegal imports of teak wood from Myanmar. Teak is logged in Myanmar, destroying forests and habitats for numerous protected species, as well as around 17 million Indigenous Peoples’ homes. The industry is financially supporting the military junta, known for human rights abuses and war crimes. Poland is not taking sufficient action against these imports so we’re urging the country’s Chief Inspectorate of Environmental Protection to carry out inspections, and enforce the ban with real penalties. Teak from Myanmar is one of the most valuable types of wood in the world and is often used in the production of luxury furniture and super yachts.

⚠️Ad agencies beware⚠️ In a first-of-its-kind complaint, the world’s largest ad firm WPP has been reported to the UK branch of the international corporate watchdog OECD, for allegedly failing to meet the OECD's guidelines for corporate responsibility through its promotion of polluting clients. WPP has a client list featuring several of the world’s biggest polluters, including Shell, BP, Saudi Aramco, ExxonMobil and Chevron, as well as other heavy-polluting companies like carmakers, airlines, plastics giants and fossil fuel financiers. Last year, the firm had 79 fossil fuel contracts, which is more than any other advertising company in the world. The complaint was lodged by NGOs Adfree Cities and New Weather Institute. It claims that through working with these companies, WPP “directly increases demand for carbon-intensive products and undermines global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”. It also alleges that this means WPP is failing to meet guideline requirements for corporations to act sustainably and responsibly, as it is failing to prevent the serious adverse impacts on human rights, climate and the environment that result from fossil fuel and plastic pollution. This complaint shows that we shouldn’t only be looking to companies and governments to take meaningful climate action, but to firms who are facilitating the promotion of climate-damaging business practices too. More here: https://brnw.ch/21wQCqN

Corruption is playing a devastating role in the climate crisis, new Transparency International report finds. The new Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) reveals that corruption remains alarmingly high worldwide, with more than two-thirds of countries scoring below 50 out of 100. The report notes that where corruption thrives, climate initiatives often fail. Corruption weakens climate initiatives, obstructing progress at all levels - from global negotiations to local projects that aid vulnerable communities. However, undue influence can happen in countries with both high and low corruption levels. And when this happens in the wealthier, developed countries it can have more far-reaching consequences – not just undermining national and local action but also international ambition and agreements. Notably, several developed nations have experienced significant declines in their CPI scores, including France, Germany, the UK and the US. Now more than ever, the principles of upholding the rule of law, ensuring transparency, facilitating public participation, and maintaining accountability are essential to combat corruption and effectively address the climate crisis. In light of these findings, we reaffirm our commitment to advocate for the adoption and enforcement of comprehensive climate laws across the globe to promote transparency, justice, and effective climate action. Check your country's score here: https://lnkd.in/eMT8Tr3y Read our recommendations for new climate laws: https://lnkd.in/dvTfJppd #ClimateLawsNow #CPI2024

2025 marks the ten year anniversary since the Paris Agreement that set out the foundation for efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C above preindustrial levels. Crucially, it includes a mechanism to build on ambitions for countries in regular climate pledges, more commonly known as ‘nationally determined contributions’ (NDCs). 2024 shattered climate records: extreme floods, fires, droughts and heatwaves. So in 2025 we’re expecting to see progressive and science-driven NDCs submitted, which includes overall emissions reductions. Critically, we need action over words: these plans need to be to be translated into domestic law, with regular targets that are met. The UN Environment Programme’s Emissions Gap Report underlines that while it is still technically possible to meet the 1.5°C goal, this can only happen with an immediate G20-led mobilisation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Disappointingly, 95% of countries have missed today’s UN deadline to submit new 2035 climate pledges. Countries missing the deadline represent 83% of global emissions. As we move towards COP30 in Belem, countries must arrive with certainty on how they will deliver on their promises, accelerate national efforts, and achieve their goals. Every delay costs lives, nature and our economy.

📢Carbon capture is a high-risk strategy📢 A new report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today confirms what we already knew - carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a high-risk technology that can’t be counted on to meet the UK's climate targets. CCS involves carbon dioxide being captured and stored underground. The UK government sees it as 'essential' to reach its legally mandated goal of net zero by 2050. But there are currently no examples of CCS technology operating at scale in the UK. In addition, during its inquiry, the PAC heard that CCS may not capture as much carbon as expected, and international examples show that the government’s expectations for its performance are not at all certain. The UK is currently way off track from meeting its climate targets and carbon capture can never deliver the same benefits as things like home insulation and properly investing in public transport. These measures will not just reduce emissions but tackle the cost-of-living crisis and create jobs across the country. The UK government is taking an extremely risky approach to reaching its vital climate targets by backing expensive, unproven technologies with large amounts of taxpayer and consumer funding. We need to see a new, credible plan for meeting the UK's upcoming climate targets.