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Should Plants be Given Rights? What New Botanical Breakthroughs Could Mean The Consciousness of Plants: A New Frontier in Rights and Intelligence 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. Researchers have discovered that plants can communicate with each other about threats, manipulate animals to their advantage, and even react to the sounds of predators. Remarkably, some plants have the ability to count, such asRead More →

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If Corporations Are People, Then Animals Should Be Too Enshrining the rights of nonhuman entities in law would help us protect them before it’s too late. 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. The article argues that the law is the most powerful tool we have to safeguard the living world.Read More →

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This Saltwater Lagoon is Legally a Person. Here’s Why That Could Help it Survive. A Triumph for Nature: Teresa Vicente’s Crusade for Mar Menor’s Legal Rights 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. The Mar Menor, a jewel of Spain’s Mediterranean coast, had suffered extensive pollution due to mining, urban development, andRead More →

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Cape Cod Town Adopts Resolution Recognizing The Rights Of Nature Falmouth Embraces Nature’s Legal Rights: A Revolutionary Step Forward 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. The resolution acknowledges that ecosystems and natural communities possess the right to exist, thrive, and evolve. Moreover, it grants them legal standing, allowing nature to be represented in court. This is not merely a symbolic gesture;Read More →

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Protecting Herring, a Beloved Fish: The Mashpee Wampanoag Youth’s Quest 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. Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Peters noticed something alarming: the herring’s roe was discolored and polluted, a stark indicator of the ecosystem’s distress. This discovery prompted him to take action and reach out to the Tribe’s Natural ResourceRead More →

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Empowering Nature: The Deschutes Watershed Rights Initiative Standing for the Deschutes 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. The proposed ordinance is rooted in the emerging legal concept that nature, akin to humans, possesses inherent rights. It seeks to endow the Deschutes Watershed with the right to exist, regenerate, and flourish. These rights extend to the watershed’s ability to naturally recharge, flow,Read More →

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San Francisco Attorney Advocates for Forests’ Legal Rights 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.Read More →

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Grand Traverse Band could be first Michigan tribe to give nature legal standing 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. Councilor Tina Frankenberger expressed the sentiment that this action is a true representation of their identity and aligns with their historical treaties. The resolution draws from tribal teachings, science, and treaty rights, potentially fortifying environmental protection efforts inRead More →

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With States Banning Rights of Nature laws, Activists Need to Move Fast In a striking turn of events, as the Great Salt Lake faces an ecological crisis, Utah has enacted a law that bans the recognition of legal personhood for natural entities. This legislation comes in direct response to the rights of nature movement, which has been gaining momentum in the state. The Great Salt Lake, one of Utah’s most iconic natural landmarks, is on the brink of collapse. Despite this, on March 20, 2024, Governor Spencer Cox signed a law that prevents state and local governments from granting legal rights to animals, plants, orRead More →

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A Glacier for President? Iceland’s Chilling Political Campaign In a move that’s as refreshing as a crisp Arctic breeze, Iceland’s political scene is witnessing an unprecedented campaign: a glacier is being nominated for the presidential race. The candidate in question is Snæfellsjökull, a 700,000-year-old glacier that sits atop a volcano and is visible to half of Iceland’s population. The brainchild of Angela Rawlings, the campaign began as a whimsical idea in 2010 but has since crystallized into a serious bid for office. Rawlings, who has legally adopted Snæfellsjökull as her middle name, serves as a proxy for the glacier, allowing it to meet the candidacyRead More →