Nelson, Have you heard that Big Plastic is suing the federal government? That’s right. A group of 24 major plastic manufacturers have teamed up and filed not one, but TWO lawsuits taking the government to court for trying to ban single-use plastic items – including straws, cutlery, and take out containers. [1] Last November, the Federal Court sided with the plastics industry by declaring the ban was invalid and unlawful – but the federal government has appealed this decision. Greenpeace Canada has since joined a coalition of environmental groups, represented by lawyers at Ecojustice, to support the federal government’s appeal in court. We argued that the government has the authority to regulate and list plastics as toxic. We also argued that the precautionary principle – which states that "parties should take precautionary measures to anticipate, prevent, or minimize the causes of climate change and mitigate its adverse effects” – justifies the ban. [2] “It’s difficult to predict what the Federal Court of Appeal will decide on such a complicated issue, but we expect that whoever loses will appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada – and it will be a big deal,” explains Priyanka Vittal, Greenpeace Canada’s Legal Counsel.
The stakes for the outcome of this case are high. “If Big Plastic is successful, polluting industries that release harmful chemicals and toxic substances into our soil, water, and air will be emboldened to challenge pollution prevention measures or avoid liability in the future,” Vittal adds. “The decision in this case could be precedent setting.”
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Greenpeace staff join a rally outside negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty in Ottawa - April, 2024. © Tim Aubry / Greenpeace |
Greenpeace supporters like you help to push back against industries who value profits over people and the planet. Because of the continued support of monthly donors, we’re able to go to court to protect the plastic ban from being quashed. |
Microplastics are being discovered almost everywhere – from raindrops to breast milk – and a growing body of research is linking plastic chemicals to serious health issues, such as infertility and cancer. [3] [4] [5] [6] “The reality is, a lot of businesses and institutions have already implemented the plastics ban and recognize the benefits of swapping single-use plastic or packaging for reusable and refillable alternatives,” says Sarah King, Greenpeace Canada’s Head of Oceans and Plastics Campaign. “And as governments continue to negotiate the UN Global Plastics Treaty, we’re seeing more and more alignment on the need to reduce plastic production and end single-use plastics once and for all.” With so much legal push-back from the industry, a global agreement to end the age of plastics is more critical than ever. If you’d like to learn more about how Greenpeace is intervening in Big Plastic’s lawsuit, check out Priyanka’s blog here. And please keep reading for more inspiring global campaign updates and victories below. In determination, Steph Supporter Communications Manager, Greenpeace Canada P.S. Your feedback is always appreciated. Please keep it coming by rating this email below – and if you liked it, please forward this email to a friend or colleague! |
Victory at UK Courts will make new oil projects
difficult to succeed! |
© Sarah Finch / The Guardian. |
For the first time ever, the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court has ruled that the emissions from burning fossil fuels must be taken into account when authorities decide whether to approve permits for future projects. This case – supported by Greenpeace UK and Friends of the Earth – was led by the Weald Action Group, a group of community activists who have pushed back against oil drilling and fracking in England for years. This is a huge win for the climate and we hope that this victory will set a legal precedent for other climate justice cases around the world! |
Ahoy! Meet Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s ship: the Oceania |
© Greenpeace Australia-Pacific |
Greenpeace Australia Pacific just launched a new campaigning vessel, Oceania. The ship was set to sea off Australia’s Gold Coast, with a moving Welcome to Country ceremony by Uncle John Graham, a Traditional Custodian and saltwater man of the Gold Coast region of the wider Yugambeh Language Group, along with a splash of champagne on the bow for good luck. Oceania will allow Greenpeace to continue to bear witness, collaborate with communities, and take peaceful direct action against big polluters. With almost 50 years of at-sea campaigning in our wake, Oceaniacharts a new course in Greenpeace Australia Pacific's legacy. |
Marine Conservation Act will protect Taiwan’s marine life
and coastal communities |
After almost four years of campaigning by Greenpeace East Asia and local activists, Taiwan has passed the Marine Conservation Act. The law will enhance the protection of marine ecosystems and allow local communities, including Indigenous groups, to be able to create more Marine Protected Areas. This is a huge victory for Taiwan’s marine life and coastal communities, as these protections will allow the marine ecosystems to recover and flourish. We hope other coastal countries will take note and take similar action to protect our oceans! |
SOURCES [1] Plastics producers asking court to stop planned federal ban on single-use plastic products, August 10 2022, CBC [2] The Precautionary Principle, October 23 2020, International Institute for Sustainable Development [3] Microplastics are raining down on Patna, July 26 2023, Nature India [4] Microplastics found in human breast milk for the first time, October 7 2022, The Guardian [5] Microplastics May Be a Significant Cause of Male Infertility, May 24 2022, National Library of Medicine |
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