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.
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.
In a compelling blend of ancient wisdom and modern legal frameworks, the Rights of Nature movement is gaining traction, inspired by Indigenous principles. A recent article highlights how this movement is taking shape in North Carolina and beyond, with a focus on the Haw River.
In a landmark decision, whales and dolphins have been recognized as “legal persons” in a new treaty formed by Indigenous leaders from the Pacific. This historic treaty, known as He Whakaputanga Moana, is a declaration that acknowledges these majestic creatures of the sea as legal entities, allowing humans to take legal action on their behalf.
In a groundbreaking initiative, Indigenous leaders from New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, and the Cook Islands have come together to sign a treaty granting legal personhood to whales. This historic move, led by the Hinemoana Halo Ocean Initiative, aims to provide whales with rights that include freedom of movement, natural behavior, and a healthy environment.
Aruba is on the verge of a historic environmental milestone with the proposed constitutional amendment to recognize the Rights of Nature. This initiative, led by Minister of Nature Ursell Arends, aims to enshrine in law the protection, conservation, and restoration of Aruba’s ecosystems and biodiversity, as well as the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.
CBS News, a mainstream television network, had a great story on their popular Saturday Morning show about the growing movement around the world acknowledging that nature has the same rights as humans. This movement has led to new legislation in some countries, notably Panama, which has implemented a country-wide rights of nature law. The law was instrumental in shutting down one of the world’s largest copper mines, highlighting its effectiveness.
Pope Francis urges for stronger action on climate change. He discusses the latest climate science and his disappointment with the lack of progress on the Paris Agreement. He also criticizes the denial of climate science. The pope calls for binding commitments to reduce emissions and to help those who are already being affected by climate change.
Florida voters could have the chance to vote on a right to clean water amendment in the 2024 election. The Florida Rights of Nature Network (the main inspiration for the Rights of Nature Initiative) is collecting signatures to get the amendment on the ballot. The amendment would create a fundamental right to clean water for all state residents and allow individuals, businesses, and other organizations to take legal action against any state agency that fails to protect water resources.
Tired of constantly battling to protect nature, Abi Ludwig, cofounder of the Olympia group Rights of Nature Initiative (RONI) said they’re “going on the offense.” “We’re at that point where nature has to fight back and we’re ready to take that on from the community level,” said Rachel Kurtz, president and cofounder of RONI. Kurtz and Ludwig are part of a growing movement to establish rights for nature to exist and thrive.