Laws that listen to nature
- Details
- Published on Sunday, 29 November -0001 16:00
- Written by editor
Donate today! Dear Paov,
And just like that, 2021 is coming to a close.
It’s been a tough year. Many Canadians found climate change knocking at their doors in the form of fires, floods, and heat waves, while the COP26 climate conference deftly reminded us of the need for bolder, more effective climate solutions. The costs of waiting have already proven far too great.
At West Coast, we’re reflecting on what it means to center equity and justice as we recover from these crises and prepare our communities for what’s to come. There’s a lot to do, but change is possible together. Our team is ready to go big and hit the ground running in 2022. Thank you for sharing our vision of a more just and sustainable world.
Recent flooding in southern BC – which brought the return of Semá:th (Sumas) Lake – has made it clear that our decisions are pushing the limits of the ecosystems we’re a part of. The draining of the lake in the 1920s created wealth for settlers, but completely altered the natural environment, destroyed Indigenous economies, and created major flood risks that continue to affect us today. Staff Lawyers Rayanna Seymour-Hourie and Deborah Carlson explain why decision-makers at all levels must take this opportunity to cooperate in building back better after the floods in ways that recognize the history and lessons of the water. From taxation to immigration – Canada’s federal policies need a climate justice lens
The impacts of climate change are already being felt across the country, and especially by populations already vulnerable to social and economic inequalities. Canada’s federal government has pledged to apply a “climate lens” to guide future policies and decisions, but we know that narrowly focusing on climate is not enough.Staff Lawyers Andrew Gage and Erin Gray point out that getting it right means applying a government-wide climate justice lens to all aspects of public policy (not just the environmental file). Find out what this looks like in their new op-ed in Corporate Knights magazine. With more delays from BC floods, it’s time to rethink the Trans Mountain Expansion Project
BC floods washed away any remaining notion that a climate-safe future could involve continued investment in oil pipelines. In the wake of what’s likely to be the costliest climate disaster in Canadian history to date, the Trans Mountain Expansion project (TMX) is now even further delayed and exorbitantly overbudget.It’s not too late to reconsider TMX and redirect billions of public funds into tackling the climate crisis, argues Staff Lawyer Eugene Kung. Unlocking the potential of Marine Protected Areas
Marine protected areas (MPAs) don’t get enough credit as powerful tools in our climate action arsenal. Learn more about how MPAs can protect features that sequester blue carbon, buffer us from the severity of climate impacts, provide safe havens for marine species, and much more.Ocean-based climate solutions made waves at COP26 this year and we hope Canada will be similarly inspired. In the meantime, here’s a status update on Canada's current progress in establishing legal protection for marine areas. Canadian law students – come join West Coast this summer!
Applications are open for Summer 2022 Law Student Placements at West Coast! Each summer we welcome a group of law students who get to dive right into the world of environmental and Indigenous law, and work closely with our experts on exciting projects.Check out what our Summer 2021 students had to say about their experience and be sure to apply by January 7th, 2022.
This holiday season, we hope you will consider West Coast Environmental Law as part of your holiday giving. The West Coast Environmental Law Research Foundation is a charity working hard to protect the environment through law, and we depend on donations. A gift of any size helps us continue our work into the new year. Please consider making a tax deductible gift today.
