Back

Director's Picks

UN Special Rapporteur: Toxic Pollution in SA Fueled by Corporate Greed and Government Inaction

Summary

UN Special Rapporteur Marcos Orellana's recent report condemns the severe environmental pollution in South Africa, attributing it to corporate greed and governmental negligence. Orellana's investigation, which focused on issues like air pollution, mining, hazardous waste management, and the just energy transition, highlights the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, exacerbated by outdated laws and poor enforcement. The report criticizes South Africa's failure to enforce environmental regulations, granting major polluters like Eskom and Sasol postponements on emissions standards. Orellana recommends stronger enforcement of environmental laws, the prohibition of emissions standard exemptions, and greater investment in environmental justice to protect vulnerable populations.

discover more

April 3, 2025

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated 483 census tracts as Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CDRZs).

April 2, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

The Trump administration is halting federal support for climate-friendly transit projects in Democratic-led states, threatening funding...

March 31, 2025
Food & Water Justice
Food & Water Justice

A $1 billion groundwater pipeline project to supply booming Central Texas cities has ignited a legal battle over aquifer rights, exposing the limits...

February 28, 2025
Economic Justice
Economic Justice

Climate disasters cost U.S. farmers over $20 billion in 2024, yet most federal aid favors large commodity producers...

March 19, 2025
Climate Change
Climate Change

The Climate Change Committee (CCC) stresses that low-carbon farming is essential for Northern Ireland’s climate goals.

March 19, 2025

The UN's World Meteorological Organization reports that the past decade was the hottest on record, with 2024 surpassing the 1.5°C warming limit.

March 17, 2025
Environment & Climate Legislation
Environment & Climate Legislation

Trump’s vow to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, some Republicans and business leaders back its clean energy tax credits...

March 17, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The Trump administration shut down EPA environmental justice offices, laying off hundreds amid broader attacks on DEI efforts.

March 18, 2025

A federal judge temporarily blocked the Environmental Protection Agency’s attempt to recoup $20 billion in Biden-era climate...

March 18, 2025

Ana Toni, Brazil's chief executive of the upcoming Cop30 summit, emphasizes that nations must integrate climate action...

March 14, 2025
Environmental Justice
Environmental Justice

The Trump administration is reviewing and canceling environmental justice grants, putting projects aimed at clean water, disaster shelters, and renewable energy at risk.

March 14, 2025

The Puerto Rico Public Housing Administration (AVP) has launched a $142.5 million initiative to improve energy efficiency and resilience in 336 public housing communities.

March 14, 2025
Energy
Energy

With Gaza’s power infrastructure largely destroyed, solar energy has become a critical lifeline for residents.

March 14, 2025

Climate activists protested outside the CERAWeek energy conference in Houston, demanding transparency and accountability from industry leaders.

March 14, 2025

After the devastating 2024 Texas Panhandle wildfires, which burned over a million acres, state officials are considering a $500 million investment...