Environmental racism remains a pressing issue in the United States, highlighted by a series of modern-day examples that underscore systemic inequalities.
2023 Has Been A Big Year for Climate Accountability in the Courts
In 2023, climate litigation witnessed significant milestones globally. The United States saw a groundbreaking ruling in Held v. State of Montana, where the state's support for fossil fuel development was deemed unconstitutional. Meanwhile, in Europe, a Belgian court ordered the government to cut carbon emissions by 55%, marking the second instance of a court imposing binding emission targets on a country. Climate accountability lawsuits targeting oil and gas companies also advanced in the U.S., with the Hawaii Supreme Court upholding the trial court's decision against industry defendants. The European Court of Human Rights heard historic climate cases, including KlimaSeniorinnen v. Switzerland and Carême v. France. New climate cases emerged worldwide, such as Multnomah County, Oregon, suing oil companies for damages from a deadly heat dome. The article concludes with a preview of upcoming climate lawsuits in 2024, indicating a continued surge in legal actions addressing climate change.
A lawsuit filed by a coalition of advocates and inmates against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) over extreme temperatures in state prisons
President Joe Biden has announced the opening of applications for the American Climate Corps, aiming to enlist 20,000 individuals in its inaugural year.
Reuters reports that the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will announce its plan on May 13 to expedite the development of long-distance transmission lines to accom
Over $300 million is being directed towards addressing the migrant crisis while longstanding issues of poverty in their communities have been overlooked for decades.
Newsweek reports that the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center forecasts a months-long drought in western Texas, exacerbating concerns about water scarcity.
The activism of Black-led environmental organizations, such as Outdoor Afro and Justice Outside, in combating environmental racism and advocating for marginalized communities
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has granted Houston an extension to utilize or reimburse $5.7 billion earmarked for Hurricane Harvey housing recovery
Efforts by the Texas Land Office and Houston City Council to locate 900 households owed relocation assistance due to the buyout of four low-income housing complexes following Hurr
A new study published in Nature revealing that climate change-induced extreme weather events could lead to a substantial reduction of approximately 19% in global income by 2050.
Daji Aswad reports on the launch of a pollution tracker by Lone Star Legal Aid, enabling Houston residents to report environmental issues directly.
FEMA's enforcement of the 50 percent rule, which mandates the rebuilding of flood-damaged homes above flood level, has sparked controversy in Lee County, Florida.
Yahoo Finance, delves into the natural gas surplus gripping the US, particularly in Texas.
As preparations for COP29 ramp up, the debate over the financial commitments of wealthy nations to support developing countries in decarbonization and disaster recovery intensifie
The United States Department of Justice issued an amicus brief supporting claims from a Wisconsin tribe that Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline is trespassing on tribal lands.