Following the Trump administration’s termination of the climate.gov website, a team of climate communication experts is working to resurrect its content through a new organization, climate.us. This new platform will not only offer accessible interpretations of climate science but may also provide climate-related services, such as aiding local governments. Led by former climate.gov managing editor Rebecca Lindsey, the team, composed of volunteers, is leveraging outside support and developing a crowdsourced fundraising drive. The goal is to provide the public with essential climate literacy, independent of government agencies, and continue the vital work that was previously accessible.
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Paul Watson, founder and President of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, was photographed participating in a demonstration. The demonstration was held in Berlin, Germany on May 23, 2012. The protest was aimed against the Costa Rican government during a visit by President Laura Chinchilla. The photograph depicts Watson’s involvement in the demonstration against the Costa Rican government near Germany’s Presidential residence.
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A tree-sitter has been protesting a Washington Department of Natural Resources timber sale in the Elwha River watershed for over two weeks, refusing to descend from their 80-foot perch. A judge denied an injunction to halt the sale, intended to fund public schools, despite concerns from environmental advocates about the logging’s impact on a rare ecosystem and recent river restoration efforts. The tree-sitter’s elaborate rigging system poses safety concerns, and the Earth Law Center is appealing the sale and seeking additional records from the DNR. The DNR maintains that no old-growth trees are involved and that its logging policies comply with state regulations.
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A North Dakota jury awarded Energy Transfer $660 million in its lawsuit against Greenpeace, finding the environmental group liable for defamation and other claims related to 2016-2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Greenpeace denies the claims, asserting the lawsuit aims to suppress peaceful protest and free speech, a concern echoed by constitutional rights experts. The verdict, which Greenpeace plans to appeal, raises significant concerns about the chilling effect on activism and the fairness of the trial given the jury’s composition and alleged bias. The case is viewed by many as a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP), intended to silence critics.
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Rajan Naidu, 73, and Niamh Lynch, 22, have been charged with destroying or damaging an ancient protected monument and causing a public nuisance after allegedly throwing orange paint powder at Stonehenge during a Just Stop Oil protest. The incident occurred at the UNESCO World Heritage site, prompting images of protesters at the ancient stones to circulate widely. The Crown Prosecution Service authorized the charges, and both Naidu and Lynch have been bailed to appear in Salisbury Magistrates’ Court on December 13.
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It’s truly disheartening to see the Just Stop Oil activists being jailed for throwing soup over Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. While I understand the frustration and urgency behind their actions in highlighting the dire need for climate action, attacking valuable cultural artifacts is not the way to go about it. The artwork itself may have been unharmed, hidden safely behind glass, but the implications of their protest are far-reaching.
The discussion around political activism, both past and present, needs to evolve beyond these extreme measures that can easily turn public opinion against the cause. Yes, the suffragettes and other historical movements employed drastic tactics to be heard, but we must adapt to the times and find more effective ways to garner support without alienating the masses.… Continue reading
I can’t believe that Paul Watson, a veteran environmental activist and anti-whaling campaigner, has been arrested in Greenland on an international arrest warrant issued by Japan. The fact that he may be extradited to Japan is deeply troubling to me. Watson has dedicated his life to fighting against the ruthless slaughter of whales, using direct action tactics that have drawn both support and controversy. His efforts have even been featured in the reality television series “Whale Wars.”
I am in shock at the possibility that a man who has dedicated his life to such a noble cause could face extradition to a country that continues to engage in the barbaric practice of whaling.… Continue reading
The recent news of Just Stop Oil activists spray-painting orange paint over Stonehenge has left me feeling a mix of frustration and disbelief. Stonehenge, dating back to the late Neolithic period, is not just an ancient relic but also a World Heritage Site and a symbol of immense historical and religious significance. So, why would anyone think defacing such a monument would further their cause?
The tactics employed by Just Stop Oil activists raise questions about the effectiveness of such public stunts in raising awareness about environmental issues. The use of orange paint, or in this case colored cornflour, on Stonehenge might wash away with the rain, but the damage caused by their actions is more than just superficial.… Continue reading
As I read about the recent incident involving a Priest, 82, and a retired teacher, 85, smashing a case holding an original copy of the Magna Carta in an environmental protest, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, it’s inspiring to see individuals of such advanced age still passionate about making a difference in the world. However, the method these seniors chose to express their environmental concerns left me conflicted.
The Magna Carta, a historic document symbolizing the rights and freedoms of individuals, seems like an odd target for an environmental protest. The Magna Carta set the legal precedent for “the rights of man,” so it’s perplexing to see it destroyed in the name of environmental activism.… Continue reading
I have been following the news surrounding Greta Thunberg’s recent encounter with Swedish police, forcibly removing her from the entrance to parliament. It’s interesting to see her name back in the headlines again, especially in the same breath as another controversial figure, Tate. The fact that 2023 was declared the warmest year on record underscores the importance of individuals like Greta who are willing to step up and demand action on climate change.
It’s commendable that Greta is using her platform to raise awareness about ecological issues. Rather than causing disruptions that inconvenience random people, she is targeting those in power who have the ability to enact significant change.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker