All Climate change and environment articles
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NewsCould a software code change slash Bitcoin’s energy mining by 99.9%?
Bitcoin and other blockchains use an algorithm that is powered by an energy-intensive computing process to validate and secure transactions called Proof of Work (‘PoW’). However, an alternative mechanism, Proof of Stake (‘PoS’) could prove to be better for the environment, as it would reduce the amount of energy needed ...
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Commission publishes the proposal for a directive on corporate sustainability due diligence
On 23 February, the Commission published its proposal for a directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (see also here). The aim of the proposed law is to encourage sustainable and responsible corporate behaviour and to apply human rights and environmental considerations in companies’ activities and corporate governance.
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The crime of ecocide - where are we and next steps
In this guest feature, Robert Bray of the European Law Institute (ELI) takes a deeper dive at what has been done so far to add ecocide as an international crime. The proposal to classify ecocide as an international crime is gathering consensus at international and European level. Stop Ecocide International ...
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Event
Ecocide: a new international crime?
The Brussels Office of the UK Law Societies held a webinar on ecocide as an international crime. The event took place on 24 February, 15:00 CET (14:00 UK) – 16:00 CET (15:00 UK). The webinar addressed questions such as how this new crime could help to reduce and prevent environmental ...
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Climate lawsuit at the European Court of Human Rights - Cláudia Duarte Agostinho and others v 33 States
6 Portuguese youths who witnessed the 2017 wildfires in Lisbon which killed 66 and injured over 200, have taken 33 states to the European Court of Human Rights alleging human rights violations, in failing to take sufficient action on climate change. The claim alleges that the rights to life, privacy, ...
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News
COP26 – what was agreed?
COP26 has recently come to a close (13 November 2021), allowing time to now digest what was agreed during the Conference and what this means for our aims of limiting global warming and tackling climate change regionally and internationally. This article introduces COP26 and provides a summary of key agreements ...
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Potential reforms in the EU to address growing e-waste
As that smart doorbell you ordered for next day delivery the night before arrives, an equivalent pile of e-waste grows on a landfill site, leaving behind a trail of pollutants harmful to the environment and to humans. This article examines the problems associated with the fastest growing waste stream in ...
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digitalisation - the challenges and opportunities
The following article looks at both the positives and the drawbacks of AI and digitalisation technologies potential roles in combating climate challenges. In particular, the article spotlights several environmental wins and AI opportunities in humanitarian issues as well as discusses environmental and social inequality challenges COP26 goals may be faced ...
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Climate change and lawyers – what is the profession doing right now to tackle the crisis?
Climate change is increasingly moving onto the table as a priority topic of discussion. In this article we highlight a few of the many organisations and groups that have been set up within the legal profession who are centred around climate change, knowledge-sharing and working collaboratively to develop climate-centric solutions. ...
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The Law Society’s report, “Horizon Scanning - Climate change risks – the future of law as we know it?” - Key takeaway points
This article provides a snapshot of key takeaway points from the Law Society’s report, “Horizon Scanning - Climate change risks – the future of law as we know it?” published in February 2020. This summary aims to provide food for thought for those in the legal profession as to the ...
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COP26 and beyond: role of the Law Society of Scotland’s COP26 & climate change working group and the legal profession by Emma Dixon
Emma Dixon, a senior in-house lawyer, and convener of the Law Society of Scotland’s COP26 & Climate Change Working Group, discusses the impact of COP26 on legal professionals, in their individual and advisory capacity, and role of the Law Society of Scotland’s Working Group on COP26 and Climate Change in ...
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Climate change and lawyers by Jonathan Goldsmith
Jonathan Goldsmith, Consultant in European and International Legal Services, Council Member of Law Society of England and Wales, Chair of IBA BIC’s International Trade in Legal Services Committee and Member of UK Delegation to the CCBE provides insight into what climate change means for the legal profession. This article discusses ...
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News
European Commission publishes ‘Fit for 55’ package to meet climate ambitions
The European Commission has adopted a package of proposals aimed at reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The proposals, which were published on 14th July 2021, seek to make the European Green Deal a reality by ensuring a ‘concrete roadmap’ for ...
