September Surges: A Wrap-Up of Global Good News

Greenpeace Reports Notable Wins in the Climate and Environmental Justice Space

Brazil’s Supreme Court Protects Indigenous Rights

On September 21, Brazil’s Supreme Court made a significant decision by voting against the controversial Marco Temporal bill. This bill aimed to impose a cutoff date on Indigenous People’s claims to their ancestral lands. The court’s ruling was a major win for Indigenous People and civil society, as it prevents land grabbers from encroaching on these critical territories. Moreover, it is instrumental in the fight against the global climate and biodiversity crisis since Indigenous Territories are essential for the protection of the Amazon forest.

However, the fight is not over. A project law with similar language is currently being pushed forward in the Senate, putting the Indigenous Peoples’ rights to their traditional land at risk once again. It is crucial to continue advocating for the protection of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and ensure that setbacks are addressed effectively.

Denmark Takes Action Against Pig Factory Farms

In Denmark, a new bill proposed by the Minister of Environment, Magnus Heunicke, has closed a loophole that allowed factory farms to divide their livestock production between two plots of land to increase pollution. This victory comes after a long and challenging battle against the pig industry, with Denmark being home to over 3,000 pig factories in 2020, the highest number per capita in the world. The closure of this loophole is an important step towards curbing the environmental impact of factory farming and protecting Danish ecosystems and local rural communities.

TSMC Commits to Renewable Energy Transition

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (TSMC), one of the world’s largest semiconductor manufacturers, has announced its commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy (RE100%) by 2040, with a mid-term target of 60% by 2030. This announcement comes after Greenpeace East Asia’s campaign urging TSMC to reconsider its renewables target, highlighting the carbon emissions associated with the tech supply chain. Given TSMC’s significant energy consumption, switching to renewables would be a substantial step towards a cleaner and greener future.

A Victory Against Deforestation in Indonesia

The Awyu Indigenous landowners of Papua, Indonesia, supported by Greenpeace Indonesia, secured a major win when the court rejected a lawsuit by two palm oil companies. This victory prevents further deforestation beyond the 8,828 hectares of Indigenous forestland already cleared for palm oil plantations. It has the potential to save 65,415 hectares of pristine rainforest, which is almost the size of the Jakarta region. However, the fight continues as West Papua’s Indigenous Peoples face ongoing challenges in defending their customary forests from land grabbing by plantation companies.

Thai Court Enforces New Pollution Regulation

In Thailand, a court ruled that the Ministry of Industry must implement the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) within 60 days. PRTR is a crucial tool for providing public access to pollution data from various industries. This ruling stems from the efforts of the #RightToCleanAir coalition, which includes Greenpeace Thailand. The implementation of PRTR marks a significant step toward addressing the PM2.5 crisis and ensuring the public’s right to clean air and water.

Colombia Achieves Lowest Deforestation Rate in Nine Years

Colombia has managed to reverse the trend of increasing deforestation, with forest loss in 2022 being 29% less than the previous year and the lowest figure since 2013. Colombia had committed to reducing deforestation to at least 100,000 hectares per year by 2025. While this reduction is historic, Colombia still needs to fulfill the national government’s proposal to protect 30% of its territory and continue working towards the goal of zero deforestation.

Editorial

These notable wins showcased in Greenpeace’s report offer a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing climate and environmental challenges we face. Protecting Indigenous rights, curbing pollution, transitioning to renewable energy, and halting deforestation are all critical steps towards creating a better, greener, and fairer world for all.

The victories in Brazil and Denmark highlight the significance of upholding Indigenous Peoples’ rights and combating environmentally harmful industries. Indigenous Territories play a crucial role in preserving biodiversity and mitigating climate change, making their protection essential in our fight against the ecological crisis.

The commitments made by TSMC in Taiwan and the enforcement of pollution regulations in Thailand demonstrate that major corporations and governments can and should take responsibility for their environmental impact. Transitioning to renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing transparency are all necessary for a sustainable future.

Colombia’s achievement in reducing deforestation is commendable, but more work lies ahead. Safeguarding forests and protecting biodiversity are paramount in our efforts to combat climate change and preserve the natural resources that sustain our planet.

Advice

While these wins are cause for celebration, it is crucial not to become complacent. The fight for environmental justice must continue on multiple fronts. Here are a few recommendations for individuals, governments, and corporations:

Support Indigenous Rights

Advocate for policies that respect and protect the rights of Indigenous Peoples. Collaborate with Indigenous communities and organizations to ensure their voices are heard and their lands are preserved.

Promote Sustainable Agriculture

Encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices, such as regenerative agriculture, and support local farmers who prioritize environmental stewardship and animal welfare.

Transition to Renewable Energy

Governments and corporations should prioritize the transition to renewable energy sources. Invest in research and development for clean technologies, provide incentives for clean energy adoption, and phase out the use of fossil fuels.

Regulate Pollution

Enforce strict regulations on pollution, holding industries accountable for their environmental footprint. Implement and support tools such as Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers to ensure transparency and empower the public to make informed decisions.

Protect Biodiversity

Preserving forests and biodiversity is crucial in combating climate change and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Support efforts to establish protected areas and promote sustainable land use practices.

In conclusion, the victories highlighted in Greenpeace’s report offer hope and inspiration, but the work is far from over. It is imperative that individuals, governments, and corporations continue to take action and work together to create a more sustainable and equitable world. Through collective efforts, we can build a future that respects the rights of all people and safeguards our planet.

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