Your brand already speaks for itself, and the truth is that it is one of the most prestigious environmental organizations in the world. ClientEarth is a non-profit organization that uses the power of the law to protect the environment and tackle climate change. Founded in 2007 in London by lawyer James Thornton, ClientEarth is one of the first organizations in the world to combine law and environmental activism. Since its inception, it has expanded its reach across Europe, Asia, and America, addressing environmental issues through innovative legal actions, international collaborations, and public policy advisory.
The idea for ClientEarth emerged from Thornton’s vision, who identified a lack of effective global environmental protection and decided to use the law as a powerful tool to drive change. With a team of lawyers, economists, and scientists, ClientEarth has become an influential organization that employs strategic litigation, as well as policy advice, to ensure that environmental laws are respected and evolve. Since its creation, the organization has grown in size and scope, opening offices in Brussels, Berlin, Warsaw, Beijing, and Madrid, and expanding its network of collaborators globally.
Over the years, it has achieved significant milestones, including:
Air quality in Europe
ClientEarth has led several successful lawsuits against European governments for failing to meet the European Union’s air quality standards. Notably, they secured a ruling from the UK Supreme Court requiring the British government to take immediate action to reduce air pollution. These lawsuits have forced governments to implement stricter policies and plans to improve air quality in cities like London, Paris, and Brussels.
Forest protection
The organization has worked to protect forests in Europe, particularly in cases related to illegal resource exploitation in Romania and Poland. In 2018, ClientEarth won a case in the European Court of Justice against the Polish government for logging in the Białowieża Forest, one of the most important primeval forests in Europe. This victory not only preserved an invaluable natural resource but also set a crucial precedent for future forest protection cases in the region.
Litigation against polluting companies
In recent years, ClientEarth has intensified its efforts in the corporate sector, pursuing legal action against companies contributing to climate change and environmental degradation. One of the most emblematic victories was against the Polish energy giant Enea in 2019. The organization successfully halted the construction of a large-scale coal plant, demonstrating that the project was neither economically viable nor sustainable.
Marine protection and biodiversity
ClientEarth has also worked on marine biodiversity conservation, collaborating with local organizations and governments to reduce overexploitation of the oceans. It has been instrumental in the implementation of policies regulating fishing in Europe, promoting sustainable practices that help restore and preserve endangered marine ecosystems.
ClientEarth’s approach is based on the use of strategic litigation as a tool for change. They not only sue those who break the law, but also provide advice and participate in the creation of environmental policies and laws. Additionally, they train other lawyers and environmental activists to strengthen the enforcement of environmental law in their respective countries. Their work also extends to public education and awareness, emphasizing the importance of respecting nature and sustainability.
As global environmental challenges intensify, ClientEarth has outlined several priorities for the coming years:
Just energy transition
The organization is focused on accelerating the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, working at both governmental and corporate levels. ClientEarth plans to collaborate with businesses and communities to promote a fair economic transition toward clean energy, especially in coal-dependent regions.
Global climate litigation
ClientEarth plans to expand its global reach, strengthening its presence in Asia and Latin America. In particular, they seek to combat deforestation and the unregulated exploitation of natural resources in these regions through specific litigation and policy initiatives.
Divestment from fossil fuels
Through legal initiatives and investor pressure, ClientEarth is working to stop investments in fossil fuel projects. This includes partnerships with large pension funds and banks to discourage financing unsustainable projects.
Education and public engagement
A key area of their future plan is environmental education and strengthening community engagement. Through awareness programs, ClientEarth aims to empower communities to take an active role in defending their environmental rights.
ClientEarth has proven that the law is a powerful tool for environmental protection and the fight against climate change. With significant achievements across various areas and an ambitious plan for the future, this organization continues to be an example of how law, activism, and science can come together to drive structural change. ClientEarth’s vision for a greener and fairer planet continues to inspire others and pave the way toward a world where environmental protection and respect are fundamental pillars of global society.
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