🌳 Some of you (especially new folks!) may not know that much of my "previous" work focused on the Amazon rainforest and cooperation between the 9 countries that share it. Since the Amazon Summit is happening now, here is a thread with some of my work on this: 🌳

1️⃣ First up, my book! This provides an in-depth overview of regional cooperation within the Amazon rainforest 🍃 and has a ton of information  about the development of cooperation, comparison between approaches to forest protection and protected areas.
👇
https://www.amazon.com/Regional-Cooperation-Comparative-Environmental-International/dp/9004313494/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3DVW0B1PZUXZT&keywords=regional+cooperation+in+amazonia&qid=1690564979&s=books&sprefix=regional+cooperation+in+amazonia%2Cstripbooks%2C70&sr=1-1

2️⃣ The most recent one, "COVID-19 and Amazonia: Rights-based approaches for the pandemic response" (2021) by @RECIELjournal, centers on the right to a healthy environment and how forests & biodiversity play a vital role in preventing zoonotic diseases.
👇
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/reel.12396

The article explored how Amazon countries jointly tackled COVID-19, showing the power of regional agreements in pandemic prevention. 💪 🍃 I specifically examined States' duties to protect the environment & indigenous communities during the pandemic.

3️⃣ From 2016 (early stages of my career!!), this article on "Cooperation for Climate Mitigation in Amazonia: Brazil’s Emerging Role as a Regional Leader." Published by @TELjournal.
👇
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/transnational-environmental-law/article/abs/cooperation-for-climate-mitigation-in-amazonia-brazils-emerging-role-as-a-regional-leader/1C2CF36A3EB0A85F7215D8D864FE3E7D


🏞️ This one touches on how challenges to climate negotiations center on differing responsibilities under the UNFCCC. It analyzes the principle of CBDR-RC and its role in national obligations to mitigate under NDCs. 🤝

🌳 The article explores emerging economies' role in climate governance.

🌿 Using the Amazon as a case study, I analyze Brazil's role within the region.

📚 The main argument: cooperation is key to effective differentiation, especially for emerging economies with # capacities.

4️⃣ This book chapter, Implementing Constitutional Environmental Rights in the Amazon Rainforest (2019), was my entry-way into environmental rights
👇
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336777918_Implementing_Constitutional_Environmental_Rights_in_the_Amazon_Rainforest#fullTextFileContent

The chapter dives into how Amazon countries implement environmental constitutionalism to protect the rainforest. 🌳 It explores constitutional provisions and their interpretation, reflecting recent trends in environmental protection, and whether these lead to positive changes!

5️⃣ And this one, Building a regional adaptation strategy for Amazon countries (2019), delves into regional and national climate adaptation policies in Amazonia and explores the crucial role of cooperation for transboundary ecosystems.
👇
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10784-019-09443-w

The Amazon rainforest faces severe consequences due to climate change, but are the countries taking necessary steps to adapt? 🌧️ While many studies focus on local and national adaptation policies, this article looks beyond to assess how these fit into a regional context. 🌳

🤔 Curious to hear your thoughts if look into these!

🔮 My next step is to merge these two areas, looking at how climate litigation is responding to challenges in the Amazon rainforest.

💭 If you have thoughts, dm me!

Cooperation in the Amazon Rainforest

📢 Want to understand climate litigation in Latin America? 🌎🔥🔍

Check out this article:
📚 Title: "Climate litigation in Latin America: is the region quietly leading a revolution?"

🔗 Link to the article: https://www.elgaronline.com/abstract/journals/jhre/14/1/article-p67.xml

📑 In this piece, we explore how the region is quietly leading a revolution in climate litigation. #ClimateJustice

👥 Authors: Maria Antonia Tigre, Natalia Urzola, and Alexandra Goodman

A short thread:

Climate litigation is a hot topic worldwide, and Latin America is at the forefront of this movement. 🌍🔥 Despite being overlooked in mainstream climate litigation literature, the region's cases have immense potential to shape climate governance.

Many climate cases in Latin America go beyond direct climate-change-related claims. They touch on peripheral issues that have a significant impact on climate governance, such as biodiversity protection in the Amazon basin and addressing air pollution.

It's not just about climate arguments; innovative approaches like invoking #RightsofNature or #IntergenerationalEquity are emerging in LatAm's climate litigation landscape. Cases challenge our understanding of the human-nature relationship and its impact on climate governance.

By looking closely, we can uncover the vast array of cases in Latin America that have the potential to inform climate governance at both regional and international levels. It's time to recognize the region's pivotal role in shaping the fight against climate change.

Our article delves into these fascinating climate-related cases, drawing on a wealth of examples from Latin America. Through our analysis, we aim to shed light on the region's significant contribution to the global climate litigation landscape.

We believe that understanding and amplifying the role of Latin America in climate litigation is essential for promoting climate justice and effective climate governance worldwide.

🌎🤝 Join us in exploring the revolution of climate litigation in Latin America! Read our article and let's continue the conversation on how the region can lead the way towards a more sustainable future. #ClimateLitigation #LatinAmerica #ClimateJustice

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/toniatigre/QIVjYhf

Climate Litigation in Latin America: Leading a Quiet Revolution

📢🌍 ¡Feliz de compartir que @Aidaespanol ha traducido nuestro informe sobre litígios de la transición justa al español! #TransicionJusta @Pedrocig @NataliaUrzola @RiccardoLupori1 @SabinCenter

#CambioClimatico #JusticiaSocial #DerechosHumanos
https://litigioclimatico.com/es/noticia/los-dilemas-de-la-transicion-energetica-que-significa-que-sea-justa-que-rol-juega-el

🌍🔥 Debemos transformar los sistemas energéticos para evitar dañar la atmósfera y calentar el planeta. Es un hecho comprobado por la ciencia. Si no actuamos, nuestro hogar ya no será seguro. #CrisisClimatica

💡💔 La transición no es simple. Cortar la dependencia de los combustibles fósiles es difícil y debemos considerar más que lo energético. Estamos atrapados en un modelo que separa a la humanidad, vulnerando los derechos humanos. #JusticiaSocial

❓¿Qué es la transición justa? No hay un concepto único, pero para nosotros, debe ser equitativa, inclusiva y reconocer que los impactos del cambio climático no se distribuyen de manera uniforme. Algunos grupos se ven afectados desproporcionadamente. #Equidad

💔🌍 Estamos enfrentando múltiples crisis interconectadas: cambio climático, contaminación, pérdida de biodiversidad, pandemias y crisis democráticas. Todo esto está impulsado por la desigualdad social. Necesitamos abordar estas crisis juntas. #Desigualdad

💪✊ La transición justa requiere abordar la desigualdad económica, género, derechos laborales, derechos indígenas y empoderar a las comunidades. No podemos enfocarnos solo en el medio ambiente, también en los derechos humanos. #DerechosHumanos

⚖️📚 El litigio juega un papel en la transición energética, pero no todos los casos son regresivos. Debemos analizar cada caso. El litigio por la transición justa es una nueva categoría que busca una transición energética y resiliente al clima. #LitigioJusto

🌍🤝 La transición energética nos ofrece la oportunidad de construir un nuevo sistema que nos una a todas las personas y seres vivos del planeta. Necesitamos proyectos, políticas y acciones enfocadas en el ambiente, los derechos humanos y de género. #Justicia

🔁🚀 Cambiar nuestros sistemas energéticos es una necesidad imperiosa y una oportunidad para construir un futuro mejor. #TransiciónJusta

#CambioClimatico #TransicionEnergetica #JusticiaSocial #DerechosHumanos #MedioAmbiente #Genero #Litigio

📚📢 Puedes acceder a él aquí y explorar más sobre la importancia de la transición justa hacia un sistema energético sostenible y equitativo.

https://litigioclimatico.com/sites/default/files/2023-06/litigio-de-transicion-justa-en-america-latina.-aida-espanol.pdf

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/toniatigre/sDPEjEP

Translation of Report on Just Transition Litigation

📢 New Blog Post Alert! 📢 by @antoine_despi

📝 Swiss Fairness Commission finds FIFA guilty of misleading and unfair advertising for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. The claims of carbon neutrality were deemed greenwashing. Let's dive into the key takeaways! 👇

https://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2023/07/03/the-2022-qatar-world-cup-was-greenwashed-the-swiss-fairness-commission-finds-in-favor-of-six-ngos-alleging-misleading-and-unfair-advertisement-by-fifa/

📝 Summary Thread: Swiss Fairness Commission finds FIFA guilty of misleading and unfair advertising for the 2022 Qatar World Cup, specifically regarding its claim of carbon neutrality. #FIFA #Greenwashing #ClimateLitigation 👇

http://climatecasechart.com/non-us-case/klimaallianz-v-fifa/

🔍 Five NGOs filed complaints against FIFA, alleging greenwashing. The Swiss Fairness Commission examined the case, reinforcing the fight against #greenwashing. #FIFA #ClimateLitigation

🌍 NGOs argued that FIFA's carbon neutrality claim was misleading, as it overlooked the event's full climate impact and the efficacy of mitigation measures. 🚫⚽️



A side note: check out this study by @grist: [https://grist.org/article/qatar-claims-the-2022-fifa-world-cup-is-carbon-neutral-its-not/]

⚖️ Swiss Fairness Commission ruled FIFA's statements as advertisements, subjecting them to stricter standards for environmental claims. FIFA failed to substantiate its claims, resulting in a verdict of misleading and unfair advertising. 🚫📺

💡 Commission advised FIFA to refrain from making unsubstantiated claims in the future and drop the carbon or climate neutrality assertion for the 2022 Qatar World Cup. 🔄🌿

🔁 FIFA has the option to appeal the decision, but if confirmed, it will strengthen the fight against greenwashing and contribute to the #ClimateLitigation movement. #TransparencyMatters

📚 The ruling's semantic effects are significant. It shifts the burden of proof to organizations like FIFA, impacting debates on environmental messaging regulations like the proposed Green Claims Directive in the EU. 📢🌍

⚖️ While the Commission's decisions are not enforceable, the ruling may lead to further legal action, including potential criminal proceedings under the Swiss Federal Act on Unfair Competition. ⚖️🔍

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/toniatigre/LcyzUpp

The 2022 Qatar World Cup: Greenwashing Claims Uncovered

📢 Excited to share our recent article written with @NataliaUrzola and Alexandra Goodman! 🌎🔥🔍

📚 Title: "Climate litigation in Latin America: is the region quietly leading a revolution?"

🔗 Link to the article: https://www.elgaronline.com/abstract/journals/jhre/14/1/article-p67.xml

Climate Litigation in Latin America: Leading a Revolution

🌍📚 Twitter Thread 📚🌍

Let's talk about why climate litigation in South Africa matters, as highlighted recently in the @SabinCenter blog post by Chris McConnachie. 🇿🇦🔥 #ClimateLitigation

https://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2023/06/21/why-climate-litigation-in-south-africa-matters/

🇿🇦 South Africa faces numerous challenges that mirror global climate change issues: carbon-intensity, social inequality, vested interests, energy insecurity, and climate vulnerability. These challenges make it a "microcosm" of the global response to climate change. 🌡️💔

With its high greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on coal-fired power stations, South Africa's transition to renewable energy is crucial. However, without proper management, it could result in further inequality and instability for workers in the coal sector. ⚖️💼

A successful just transition in South Africa could serve as a blueprint for similar efforts in other countries, while a failure could hinder progress. The stakes are high. 🏭📈

South Africa's progressive constitution, with justiciable environmental and socio-economic rights, along with a strong tradition of public interest litigation, creates fertile ground for climate litigation. 📜⚖️

The landmark Thabametsi judgment in 2017 recognized the direct threat of climate change to constitutional environmental rights. It set an important precedent for subsequent climate litigation in the country. 🌍👥

http://climatecasechart.com/non-us-case/4463/

The litigation against coal-fired power projects such as Thabametsi, Khanyisa, and KiPower has resulted in court orders invalidating their environmental authorizations. This litigation has prevented the emission of millions of tons of carbon dioxide and other pollutants. 🛑🌬️

Other climate cases, like Phillipi Horticultural Association and Sustaining the Wild Coast, have also successfully challenged development projects with inadequate climate change impact assessments.

http://climatecasechart.com/non-us-case/philippi-horticultural-area-food-farming-campaign-et-al-v-mec-for-local-government-environmental-affairs-and-development-planning-western-cape-et-al/

These cases demonstrate the importance of proper assessment and environmental protection. 💧🌿 However, there have been some losses and ongoing challenges, including the need to address new coal-fired power plans.

The African Climate Alliance has initiated youth-led climate litigation, challenging the government's procurement of new coal-fired power. 🌱💡

http://climatecasechart.com/non-us-case/africa-climate-alliance-et-al-v-minister-of-mineral-resources-energy-et-al-cancelcoal-case/

South African climate litigation has shown that a rights-based approach, anchored in human rights obligations, can be powerful. Timing, climate science, international pressure, and lessons from public interest lawyering have all contributed to early successes. ⏰🤝

While litigation alone cannot solve South Africa's complex transition challenges, it can be a significant tool when used responsibly in support of a broader climate movement. 🌍🤲

🇿🇦 Check out all South African cases in the database here: http://climatecasechart.com/non-us-jurisdiction/south-africa/

Read more about why climate litigation in South Africa matters in Chris McConnachie's blog post: https://blogs.law.columbia.edu/climatechange/2023/06/21/why-climate-litigation-in-south-africa-matters/ 📖✨

#ClimateLitigation #SouthAfrica #JustTransition #RenewableEnergy #ClimateJustice

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/toniatigre/YRalpG7

Climate Litigation in South Africa: A Microcosm of Global Challenges

Have you seen the updates to the database this month? 📊🌍📆

The @SabinCenter has released the latest updates to the Climate Case Chart for June 2023. The database continues to expand with new cases and developments worldwide! 🌐📈

https://rb.gy/ym0v7

The Climate Case Chart is a valuable tool that tracks and summarizes climate litigation worldwide. It provides detailed information on the cases, including location, legal claims, and current status. It's an essential resource to stay informed! 💼📑🌡️
#ClimateLitigation

The June 2023 updates to the Climate Case Chart include new cases, advancements in existing cases, and significant developments in climate jurisprudence. It's fascinating to see how climate litigation is evolving and setting legal precedents! ⚖️🔍🔬

Here are a few highlights:

🇺🇸 The Montana Supreme Court declined to intervene in the constitutional climate case brought by youth plaintiffs against the state defendants. Trial began on Jun 12, addressing claims challenging Montana's Energy Policy and a provision of the State Environmental Policy Act. 🔥🌎

🇺🇸 In Juliana v. United States, the Oregon Federal Court allowed plaintiffs to amend their complaint to rectify a deficiency identified by the Ninth Circuit. The court emphasized that it wouldn't shut the courthouse doors and recognized the plaintiffs' new factual allegations.

The amended allegations aim to provide partial redress for climate change-related injuries under the Declaratory Judgment Act. The court found that granting a declaration of constitutional rights violation would be significant relief within the court's power. #ClimateJustice 🌎✍️

🇨🇴 The Colombian Constitutional Court is asked to decide if REDD+ projects violate indigenous groups' human rights to self-determination and cultural integrity. #IndigenousRights

🇨🇴 The Pirá Paraná Indigenous Council and ACAIPI filed a tutela, arguing that the projects disregard #humanrights due diligence and fail to protect their fundamental rights.

🇨🇴 The case's outcome could set a precedent for Indigenous communities' rights in #carbonemission and climate change mitigation activities. The Court aims to provide clear guidelines on project implementation and the adequacy of tutela as a challenge mechanism. 🌿🤝🏞️

🇩🇪 German Constitutional Court dismisses complaint on standardizing decarbonization pathways, ruling that claimants failed to substantiate considerable restrictions on fundamental freedoms. Speed limit implementation not shown as necessary means. Individuals v. Germany.  🚗📜🔐

🇩🇪 DWS, Germany's largest investment fund company, issues cease-and-desist declaration ahead of court hearing on misleading advertising and greenwashing. Lawsuit by consumer protection association challenges climate change claims without evidence. DWS Greenwashing. 🌿💼❌

🇩🇪 German Const Court declares section of Thuringian Forest Act prohibiting wind turbine construction in forest areas null and void. Forest property owners seek alternative land use, challenging law's interference with property rights. Private Forest Owners v. Thuringia. 🌳⚖️💨

🇩🇪 Court rejects challenge to coal mine operation and excavation, upholding legislature's compatibility with climate protection requirements. Applicants' claims lacked evidence and basis in current law. Addressed as policy demands to legislature. Homeowners v.  Arnsberg. 🏠🔥🛠️

🇯🇵 Citizens appeal court decision denying injunction against coal-fired plant construction in Kobe, Japan. Plaintiffs argue violation of personal rights, clean environment, climate targets. Court ruled no concrete danger to health or climate stability, dismissing injunction. 🏭🚫

🇨🇳 Mediation agreement reached in a court battle between Friends of Nature Institute and Gansu State Grid. Gansu State Grid to invest in clean energy, connect renewables to the grid, and disclose consumption information. A positive step for renewable energy in China. 🌬️🔌💡

🚨 Now moving on to New Climate Litigation Updates 🌍🔥

🇮🇹 Italian citizens & NGOs sue ENI & majority shareholders for climate change contribution & human rights violations. They demand decarbonization measures in line with Paris Agreement.

🇩🇪 Pensioner funds sue Volkswagen AG in Germany, seeking disclosure of lobbying activities aligning with climate goals. Church of England Pensions Board et al. v. Volkswagen AG (Braunschweig, Germany)

🇩🇪 Environmental Action Germany challenges German govt.'s climate protection measures as insufficient. Deutsche Umwelthilfe v. Germany (LULUCF) (Baden-Württemberg, Germany)

🇩🇪 Climate activists challenge German court decision on entering Lützerath for lignite mining protests. Court rules entry cannot be justified by climate emergency. Climate Activists v. Govt. of Heisenberg (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany)

🇩🇪 Friends of the Earth Germany files claim for emission targets in building & transport sectors, demands emergency climate programs. BUND v. Germany (Berlin-Brandenburg, Germany)

🇪🇺 ClientEarth challenges EU Commission's labeling of bioplastics & forest biomass as "green investments" under Taxonomy Regulation. ClientEarth v. Commission (General Court, EU)

🇪🇺 Austria challenges EU's qualification of fossil gas & nuclear energy as "environmentally sustainable" under Taxonomy Regulation. Austria v. European Commission (General Court, EU)

🇧🇷 NGO seeks annulment of environmental licenses for thermoelectric projects in Macaé, Brazil, citing climate change concerns. Instituto Internacional Arayara v. IBAMA et al. (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

If you haven't checked out the June updates on the Climate Case Chart yet, I encourage you to do so. Discover the latest cases and trends in climate litigation worldwide. It's a valuable tool for researchers, professionals, and climate advocates! 🌎📊🔎

Link to the database: http://climatecasechart.com/

#ClimateLitigation #Database #ClimateCaseChart #Updates

You can read the unrolled version of this thread here: https://typefully.com/toniatigre/YoGx84b