Environmental Defense Fund

The Inter-American Court of Human Rights issued a landmark ruling strengthening protections for Indigenous Peoples living in voluntary isolation in Ecuador. This decision is a game-changer—not only for the Tagaeri and Taromenane peoples but for Indigenous rights and environmental justice across Latin America.    By affirming that extractive activities in their territories violate fundamental rights, the ruling sets a powerful precedent for safeguarding Indigenous lands and biodiversity.     Santiago García Lloré and David Cordero-Heredia have more about this pivotal case and its implications. https://www.edf.org/Z6Du  

On this #InternationalDayofForests , let’s remember forests are the backbone of our planet’s well-being. 🌳 Forests support 80% of terrestrial biodiversity 🌳 Forests provide livelihoods for over one billion people, including food, shelter, water, and medicine 🌳 Forests are economic powerhouses. They support over 45 million jobs and contribute significantly to the world’s GDP. 🌳 Forests are vital to global health. 25% of our modern medicines originate from the rainforest; 70% of anti-cancer drugs come from natural sources, including plants. And… who would want to live in a world without healthy forests? https://bit.ly/41Mbex9

Proponents of gutting environmental protections claim cost savings. The data tells a different story. By EPA’s own estimates, every $1 spent on meeting U.S. air quality regulations returns $9 in benefits. A recent EDF analysis found that U.S. climate and clean air actions over the last four years will save nearly 190,000 lives and deliver up to $4.3 trillion in health and climate benefits by 2055. “Investing in clean air is not just good for public health – it’s good for the economy.” This time-honored axiom is why air quality regulations remain “one of the greatest policy success stories in American history.”

“This approach ignores the science that clearly shows how all wetlands, especially those that would be most likely to lose protections, provide essential flood reduction, water quality and ecologic benefits.” 👉 Dr. Adam Gold discusses a recent EPA announcement about plans to redefine which wetlands, rivers, streams and lakes are protected under the Clean Water Act, potentially limiting federal protections. https://bit.ly/4bCqqkV

Healthier animals are key to healthier people AND a healthier planet. As we work to unlock solutions for the interconnected climate and hunger crises, animal health improvements — like preventative care and disease management — are a relatively simple way to create a rapid, meaningful impact. The bottom line: Investing in animal health is a win for livelihoods, for our health and for climate action. Keep reading: https://lnkd.in/eFUEiXEK

As global temperatures increase, we’re seeing bigger, more frequent and severe wildfires harm communities across the globe. But with FireSAT, fire managers will have the tools they need to spot and track wildfires faster and more accurately than ever before. FireSAT is a cutting-edge satellite constellation focused on detecting and monitoring wildfire in near-real time. This transformative technology will help firefighters, researchers and decision-makers better protect people and the planet. The future of fire management is here, and with FireSAT in orbit, it’s already brighter. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eg7ti7WC

Meaningful climate solutions can’t come at the expense of livelihoods or communities—we need approaches that work for people while protecting the planet. It's not easy, but it’s where the real impact lies. From #CutMethane strategies to India’s climate tech industry, Amanda Leland and Hisham Mundol explain: https://lnkd.in/eCBFVtGU

It takes the most advanced science and technology, coupled with transformative partnerships, to solve the world’s most advanced problems. With support from Bezos Earth Fund and other partners, we put MethaneSAT in space — to detect the undetectable on Earth and stop the waste of a valuable resource: methane. The latest data show how MethaneSAT is indispensable for meeting the demands of energy security, efficiency, and reducing pollution. https://bit.ly/3FC1Lkj

The EPA’s offices of environmental justice have spent 30 years fighting for healthy, vibrant communities—until now. The Trump administration’s reckless decision to eliminate these vital offices puts all Americans at risk, especially communities experiencing disproportionate exposure to pollution. To secure the strongest possible future for generations to come, we cannot accept this. The bottom line: It’s time for leaders to prioritize people over polluters. Margot put it best: “This decision confirms that President Trump’s agenda is working for corporate polluters, not American families. This administration is turning its back on people closest to the sources of pollution – the people we should stand behind as we work toward a healthier future.” 

A lot has changed politically over the last six months — but what has not changed is the science. Our Fred Krupp joined panelists from The Oil & Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC) & EFI Foundation at #CERAWeek to discuss the state of global climate priorities. Spoiler ➡️ acting to #CutMethane is imperative.   Country and company attentions are refocusing on energy access, affordability, and security. But this is not an 'either or' situation. "Failure to address the climate crisis only makes the global economic and social volatility worse."   Methane is a key opportunity that helps our energy check all of these boxes: abundance, affordability, security AND sustainability. It is the "fastest, most cost-effective way to slow global warming." And keeping methane in the pipes is good for business.   "The momentum of this energy transition is real," OGCI Chairman Bob Dudley said. "All the companies remain committed to it."   "When we take time to talk to each other, we can find ways to co-optimize for the different objectives: energy security, affordability, access, and stability of the climate," Krupp said in his closing remarks. "It all has to be one conversation together."   Visit us at the Methane Innovation House @ CERAWeek to learn more 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gvZrHKsX