Op-Ed: Stand Up for Snohomish River by Seeking Legal Rights

by Rachel KurtzEcosystem Watch Washington, US News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

The editorial “Stand Up for Snohomish River by Seeking Legal Rights” highlights the urgent need to grant legal standing to the Snohomish River Watershed. This initiative, driven by Standing for Washington‘s “Standing for the Snoho” campaign in Everett, aims to counteract the recent weakening of federal environmental protections following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to …

Read more “Op-Ed: Stand Up for Snohomish River by Seeking Legal Rights”

A Legal Voice for Nature: Everett’s Groundbreaking Initiative for the Snohomish River Watershed

by Rachel KurtzUS News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In a bold move to protect the environment, the political action committee Standing for Washington has launched a signature-gathering campaign for a local rights of nature initiative. This initiative seeks to grant legal standing to the Snohomish River watershed, allowing it to be defended in court if harmed or damaged.

Should Plants be Given Rights? What New Botanical Breakthroughs Could Mean

by Rachel KurtzRiights of Nature Law and TheoryPosted on Comments are Disabled

In a thought-provoking article from The Guardian, the question of whether plants should be granted rights is explored in light of recent botanical breakthroughs. The piece delves into the fascinating world of plant behavior research, revealing that plants are far more complex and capable than we’ve traditionally believed.

If Corporations Are People, Then Animals Should Be Too

by Rachel KurtzGlobal News, US NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In a thought-provoking article from The New Republic, the author delves into the concept of extending legal personhood to nonhuman entities as a means to protect them before it’s too late. The piece begins by confronting the harsh reality of the climate and mass extinction crises, emphasizing our lack of understanding of the full scope of what we stand to lose.

This Saltwater Lagoon is Legally a Person. Here’s Why That Could Help it Survive.

by Rachel KurtzGlobal NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In an inspiring victory for environmental justice, Teresa Vicente has been awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize for her relentless campaign to protect the Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon. Her efforts culminated in the passage of a groundbreaking law in September 2022, which granted the lagoon unique legal rights, marking a historic moment in the Rights of Nature movement.

Cape Cod Town Adopts Resolution Recognizing The Rights Of Nature

by Rachel KurtzUS NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In a landmark decision, the town of Falmouth, Massachusetts has officially adopted a resolution that recognizes the rights of nature, marking a significant shift in environmental governance. This pioneering move places Falmouth at the forefront of a growing global movement that seeks to redefine the legal status of natural entities.

Protecting Herring, a Beloved Fish: The Mashpee Wampanoag Youth’s Quest

by Rachel KurtzUS NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In the heart of Mashpee, a group of determined Wampanoag youths are championing a cause that is both a return to their ancestral stewardship and a step forward in environmental activism. Their focus is on the herring, a fish that is not only crucial for their tribe’s diet, fertilizer, and bait needs but also holds profound spiritual and ecological significance.

Empowering Nature: The Deschutes Watershed Rights Initiative

by Rachel KurtzUS News, Washington NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In a groundbreaking move, the political action committee Standing for Washington has launched a citizen-led initiative to recognize legal rights to the Deschutes Watershed. This initiative, which began gathering signatures in April 2024, aims to establish a set of rights for the watershed within the jurisdictions of Olympia and Tumwater.

San Francisco Attorney Advocates for Forests’ Legal Rights

by Rachel KurtzUS NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

In a bold move to protect the environment, San Francisco attorney Missy Lahren is championing the legal rights of forests. With over three decades of experience in environmental law, Lahren has been at the forefront of the fight for nature’s legal recognition. At the heart of her mission is the concept of “Rights of Nature,” a legal tool that gives natural entities like forests a voice in the courtroom. This approach treats forests as individuals with the right to be represented in legal matters. Lahren’s efforts have seen success internationally, and she’s now focusing on local challenges.

Grand Traverse Band Could be First Michigan Tribe to Give Nature Legal Standing

by Rachel KurtzUS NewsPosted on Comments are Disabled

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians is poised to become the first tribal nation in Michigan to formally recognize the legal rights of nature. This groundbreaking resolution would grant legal standing to non-human entities such as water, land, plants, and animals, reflecting the tribe’s deep-rooted beliefs and connection to the environment.