Climate Change and the Legal Void: Decoding the Lack of Protections for International “Climate Refugees”

On January 14, 2025

Climate Change and the Legal Void: Decoding the Lack of Protections for International “Climate Refugees”

Climate change, although not a new phenomenon, continues its widespread emergence and pervasive attack on marginalized communities and is projected to displace approximately 1.2 billion people by 2050.^[1] Since 2008, the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre estimates that over 376 million people have been displaced by climate related disasters and events such as floods, windstorms, earthquakes or droughts. ^[2]

Rapid Development in Artificial Intelligence Generates New Problems for the Environment

By Journal Editor

On January 3, 2025

In News & Announcements

Rapid Development in Artificial Intelligence Generates New Problems for the Environment

By: Matthew Warren

It’s hard to miss the AI boom that has occurred within the last few years. From classrooms to Coca-Cola commercials,[1] many people who engage in media, writing, or education have been exposed to AI-generated creations in some form or another. Some welcome this new development and proliferation of AI as a new frontier of technological advancement, while others are cautious about its potentially dangerous outcomes.[2] However, beneath any discussions on the merits of AI’s uses lurks a key consideration about the process with which AI functions: the environmental impact of this rapidly expanding technology.

The People vs. Cancer Alley

By Journal Editor

On December 6, 2024

In News & Announcements

The People vs. Cancer Alley

By: Jackson Girard

Over the last two hundred years, exponential growth driven by the industrial revolution has lifted millions out of poverty, reshaping communities and societies.[1] Behind this growth lies the darker truth of the sacrifice of community health. It is time to confront who has truly borne the price of progress.[2] One of the starkest examples of the hidden costs of progress is found in Cancer Alley.

Ecocide – An International Crime

By Journal Editor

On November 26, 2024

In News & Announcements

Ecocide – An International Crime

By: Muhammad Maroof

Is recognizing ecocide as an international crime the next step in protecting the environment from large companies and the countries funding them? Vanuatu andgmail other small countries think so and have pushed for the recognition of the crime for years. On September 9^th, 2024, ecocide was “formally introduced for consideration by member states of the International Criminal Court” (ICC).[1]

A New Life for Coal Plants: How Repurposing Coal-Fired Energy Plants Could Help Revitalize Midwestern Communities

By Journal Editor

On November 4, 2024

In News & Announcements

A New Life for Coal Plants: How Repurposing Coal-Fired Energy Plants Could Help Revitalize Midwestern Communities

By: Annmarie Buckley

As the U.S. continues efforts to prioritize clean energy, coal-fired energy plants across the country are shutting down. These shutdowns have had enormous health and environmental benefits on the surrounding communities.^[1] Despite those benefits, the decommissioning of coal plants can have detrimental effects, particularly on the towns that relied on the plants for economic growth and stability.^[2] Midwestern and Appalachian towns are acutely affected by coal plant decommissions, as coal has been the economic lifeblood of those communities for generations.^[3] To alleviate the economic burdens of decommissioning, there is a growing demand for ways to repurpose retired coal plants to serve the needs of the communities surrounding them.

Garlic Mustard: Tasty In The Kitchen, Not In Michigan Forests

By Journal Editor

On October 18, 2024

In News & Announcements, Blog Posts

Garlic Mustard: Tasty in the Kitchen, Not in Michigan Forests

By: Natalie Wienold

Many Americans embark on their summer trips to iconic destinations, sometimes choosing between California on the West Coast or Cape Cod and Nantucket on the East Coast.[1] However, they often overlook a stunning “third coast”: Michigan.[2] Northern Michigan is an underrated area, for its natural beauty with its array of trees and greenery, freshwater lakes, beaches, and picturesque small towns.[3] As Michiganders and visitors enjoy the idyllic landscape; they must remain vigilant for invasive species that threaten the vibrant ecosystems of Michigan forests. One of the most prevalent invaders that Michiganders continue to be advised on is garlic mustard.[4]

Europe’s Top Human Rights Court Finds A Positive Obligation For Governments to Make Effective Climate Policy

By Journal Editor

On April 26, 2024

In News & Announcements

EUROPE’S TOP HUMAN RIGHTS COURT FINDS A POSITIVE OBLIGATION FOR GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE EFFECTIVE CLIMATE POLICY

By: Matthew Warren

On April 9, 2024, Europe’s top human rights court ruled that Switzerland’s failure to effectively combat climate change violated its citizens’ human rights.[1] In the case Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland, the European Court of Human Rights’ (“ECtHR”) Grand Chamber held that the Swiss government had not met its positive obligation to cut greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (“the Convention”).[2] KilmaSeniorinnen is a group of over 2,000 Swiss women aged 64 and older that argued that they were particularly at risk of dying from heatwaves as a result of government inaction.[3] This is the first time that an international human rights court has upheld a right to climate protection.[4]

“Big Yellow Taxis” and the Cost of Live Music

By Journal Editor

On April 24, 2024

In News & Announcements

“Big Yellow Taxis” and the Cost of Live Music

By: Davey Komisar

I was six years old when I saw my first live concert. In April of 2000, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young played at the United Center in Chicago. That day forever changed my life. Music has a funny way of doing that, eliciting emotions you never knew existed. It can be inspiring, nostalgic, even comforting. Music is also a tool used by artists to express their own emotions and passions. One such passion that many musicians share is their desire to for a healthier environment in an everchanging world.

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Will Louisiana v. EPA change environmental justice?

By Journal Editor

On April 12, 2024

In News & Announcements

**Will Louisiana v. EPA change environmental justice?**

By: Madeline Cintron

Fresh air and blue sky are a stark contrast to the heavy smog and toxic pollutants that people across the United States regularly dealt with before the Clean Air Act (CAA).[1] Environmental statutes like the CAA help create healthier spaces across the United States.[2] However, even with environmental statutes and regulations, there are people across the country who are surrounded by dirty air and/or are heavily impacted by other forms of pollutants.[3] From the beginning, environmental protection has not been applied equally across the United States.[4] Historically, “minority, and low income populations [have] bear[ed] a higher environmental risk burden than the general population.”[5]

Nuclear Energy Should Help Pave the Way for a Renewable Energy Future

By Journal Editor

On March 9, 2024

In News & Announcements

Nuclear Energy Should Help Pave the Way for a Renewable Energy Future

By: Jack Sundermann

Demand for electricity varies greatly from day to day or even hour to hour.^[1] The amount of electricity consumed on a hot summer day can be multiple times greater than the amount consumed at night on a cool summer evening.^[2] Baseload plants provide the minimum amount of power that is always in demand.^[3] Traditionally, baseload demand has been met by fossil fuel plants that burn coal or natural gas.^[4] Modern nuclear power plants can provide a carbon-free alternative to coal or natural gas fired baseload plants.^[5]

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Chicago-Kent Journal of Environmental and Energy Law

Category: News & Announcements Page 1 of 9