A Dutch appeals court has overturned a 2021 ruling that required Shell to reduce its emissions by 45% by 2030, upholding the company’s appeal. While acknowledging climate change as a human right, the court determined that Shell, while responsible for emission reductions, has the right to decide how those cuts will be made. Although the court acknowledged the need to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, it deemed Shell’s existing emissions reduction plans sufficient. Friends of the Earth Netherlands, the organization that initiated the lawsuit, expressed disappointment but maintains its commitment to holding major polluters accountable for their role in climate change.
Read More
As someone who is currently enrolled in the SAVE plan and facing thousands of dollars in student debt, the recent ruling by the US appeals court to block all of Biden’s student debt relief plan hits close to home. The uncertainty of whether I will have to start making monthly payments when I currently pay nothing due to my financial situation is not only concerning but also frustrating. The thought of having to suddenly pay hundreds of dollars a month when I am barely making ends meet is daunting and adds an additional burden to an already stressful situation.
It’s disheartening to see the disparity in how financial relief is handled in this country.… Continue reading
US Court Bans Three Weedkillers and Finds EPA Broke Law in Approval Process
The recent news of a US court banning three weedkillers and finding that the EPA broke the law in the approval process is both shocking and alarming. As someone who strives to maintain a safe and clean environment, it is disheartening to learn that these products were allowed on the market without undergoing proper scrutiny. The names of the weedkillers in question are XtendiMax, Tavium, and Engenia.
This is not the first time that these particular weedkillers have faced bans. Back in 2020, the ninth circuit court of appeals issued a ban, only to have the Trump administration reapprove them shortly after.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker