All articles tagged with #environmental activism
Robert Redford, renowned actor and dedicated environmental and Indigenous rights advocate, passed away at 89. He was known for his deep commitment to environmental issues, Native American causes, and using storytelling to raise awareness, leaving a lasting legacy in Hollywood and activism.
Robert Redford, a legendary Hollywood actor, director, and environmental activist, has passed away at age 89. Celebrated for his roles in films like 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'The Sting,' he also founded the Sundance Institute, championed environmental causes, and was recognized as a true American icon. Tributes from celebrities and political figures highlight his significant cultural and social impact.
Robert Redford, renowned actor, director, and environmentalist, has died at age 89. He was famous for films like "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President’s Men," and for founding the Sundance Institute and Film Festival, supporting independent cinema and environmental causes. Redford's career spanned acting, directing, and activism, leaving a lasting legacy in Hollywood and beyond.
A replica of Rodin's 'The Thinker' outside the UN headquarters is being submerged in plastic waste to highlight the global plastic pollution crisis as countries negotiate their first international treaty on plastic pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for limits on plastic production and better waste management.
Jeff Bezos's lavish wedding in Venice faced protests from environmental activists who threatened to fill the canals with inflatable animals, leading to the relocation of the wedding reception from a historic church to the Venetian Arsenal. The protests, part of broader criticism of wealth and environmental issues, successfully disrupted some plans and continue with planned protests and marches.
Republican attorneys general, led by Texas AG Ken Paxton, have filed a lawsuit against BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street, accusing them of violating antitrust laws by promoting environmental, social, and governance goals. The lawsuit claims these companies have artificially depressed coal supply, leading to higher energy prices, and demands financial penalties. BlackRock and State Street have dismissed the allegations as baseless, emphasizing their compliance with regulations and focus on shareholder value.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about Azerbaijan's crackdown on environmental activists and political opponents as it hosts COP29. This marks the third consecutive year a host country of the climate summit has faced such accusations. Critics argue that Azerbaijan's actions undermine civil society's role in climate progress, with over 300 political prisoners reported. Calls have been made to review the selection process for host countries, emphasizing the need for human rights protections. The Azerbaijani government denies these allegations, asserting no political prisoners exist.
Lahore, Pakistan, is experiencing severe smog, prompting a 'green lockdown' to combat the hazardous air quality, which has reached unprecedented levels. The smog, visible from space, has shut down schools and public spaces, affecting millions, especially children. Environmental lawyer Ahmad Rafay Alam expresses frustration over the government's inadequate response to the crisis, which is exacerbated by local emissions and cross-border crop burning. Despite the challenges, Alam and other activists continue to push for policy changes and regional cooperation to address the pollution.
Nearly 50 environmental leaders and activists who worked with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the Natural Resources Defense Council are urging him to drop his independent presidential bid, citing concerns that his candidacy could siphon votes away from President Biden and potentially help elect former President Donald J. Trump. They have taken out full-page advertisements in six swing states calling on him to "Honor our planet, drop out," while a dozen national environmental organizations have labeled him a "dangerous conspiracy theorist and a science denier."
There is internal turmoil within a key climate target group as employees express frustration and anger over the organization's lack of action on climate change, leading to a potential revolt. The group, which is meant to be a leader in environmental activism, is facing criticism from within as employees demand more meaningful efforts to address the climate crisis.
The last coal-fired power plants in New England, Schiller Station and Merrimack Station, are set to close by 2028, marking the region's transition to green energy. Environmental activists have long advocated for the closure, citing health and environmental concerns. The sites will be redeveloped into renewable energy parks, featuring solar and utility-scale energy storage facilities. While praised by green energy advocates, some experts warn of potential reliability issues with the shift away from baseload power generation. The closures reflect a broader trend of coal plant retirements across the U.S. as the nation moves towards a cleaner energy future.
Billie Eilish responds to criticism over her comments on the "wasteful" ways in which artists sell an overwhelming amount of vinyl variants to secure No. 1 chart positions, clarifying that she wasn't singling out anyone and that the issue is industry-wide. Eilish's mother also weighed in, expressing frustration with the emphasis on creating multiple vinyl packages for sales and calling for limits or rules to address the systemic problem in the music industry.
Billie Eilish criticized the music industry's practice of releasing multiple "vinyl variants," calling it "wasteful" and a cash grab, particularly singling out artists like Taylor Swift. She expressed frustration at the environmental impact and emphasized her own commitment to sustainability, highlighting her album "Happier Than Ever," which had eight variants made from recycled materials.
Billie Eilish and her mother, Maggie Baird, have long prioritized sustainability, with Eilish's upbringing in an eco-conscious household influencing her commitment to environmental initiatives in her career. From advocating for plant-based food at concerts to partnering with organizations like REVERB to reduce carbon emissions in the music industry, Eilish has made sustainability a central focus. Despite facing challenges and resistance in the industry, Eilish continues to push for change, emphasizing the importance of taking action to combat climate change and promote sustainability in all aspects of her career.
Elon Musk's plans to expand the Tesla Gigafactory in Grünheide, Germany have sparked opposition from a diverse group of protesters, including environmental activists and the far-right AfD party. The protesters, united under the banner "Tesla stoppen," have found support from the local community, while distancing themselves from the AfD. The AfD opposes the factory expansion and has criticized the protesters, while Elon Musk has shown sympathy for the AfD in the past. The situation has stirred controversy in the local council, with Tesla revising its plans in response to the protests.