In principle, some portion of the shoreline is public land along virtually all US coasts. But these can sometimes overlap with private property interests, creating confusion and conflict.
Ecocide? The aftermath of huge fires in Indonesia in 2019.
Fully Handoko / EPA
Australia has one of the worst track records in the world for species extinctions. The federal government’s proposed changes could weaken our already inadequate environment law.
Timber company VicForests won its appeal last week and logging is set to resume. Let’s take a look at the dramatic implications for wildlife and the law.
Tents in a Rohingya refugee camp cluster on a muddy hillside in Bangladesh.
Saleh Ahmed
International law bars nations from causing environmental harms in other states. Should that include sending thousands of refugees over the border in search of food, water and shelter?
These teens are finding creative avenues to pursue action, even if it means taking a long shot. And beating the odds is exactly how the law tends to evolve.
A law to fast-track development consents is being fast-tracked itself. Before it’s too late, politicians should insist on greater protection against long-term environmental damage.
Victoria Falls viewed from Zambia. A case brought by Zambian farmers in UK courts could have international implications.
FCG / shutterstock
The Deepwater Horizon disaster set new records for holding polluters to account. But it had much less impact on laws regulating offshore drilling or US oil dependence.
Many migratory birds, like these sandhill cranes, rely on wetlands for feeding, resting and shelter.
Wyman Meinzer/USFWS
A 2006 Supreme Court ruling created widespread confusion about which wetlands and other waters are federally protected. The Trump administration’s latest action isn’t likely to clear things up.
As the emergency develops, our understanding of what is reasonable and lawful will inevitably change.
AAP Image/James Ross
Should lakes, rivers and other resources have legal rights? New Zealand, Ecuador and other countries have taken this step. Now Toledo, Ohio is a US test case.