Exploiting the Earth: U.S. Policy Towards Rare Earth Elements

By: Matthew Warren

Recently, the American news cycle has been focused on rare earth elements, or “rare earths.” From President Trump’s remarks about acquiring Greenland, to a possible transfer of Ukraine’s mineral rights to the U.S., to China’s reaction to increased tariffs, rare earths remain central to the geopolitical conversation. But what are these elements? Why are they in such demand? And how does this affect mining and the environment?

The PFAS Crisis: The Future of “Forever Chemical” Regulation

By Journal Editor

On April 11, 2025

In News & Announcements

The PFAS Crisis: The Future of “Forever Chemical” Regulation

By: Annmarie Buckley

Over the previous presidential term, the Biden administration made significant strides in promoting environmental regulations against “forever chemicals” in drinking water. The administration prioritized increased regulations of these man-made chemicals, scientifically defined as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances), in response to mounting public concern regarding their detrimental impacts on environmental and human health.

America’s Nuclear Gamble and the Waste Crisis Nobody Is Solving

By Journal Editor

On March 25, 2025

In News & Announcements

America’s Nuclear Gamble and the Waste Crisis Nobody Is Solving

By: Jackson Girard

Illinois is at another crossroads where the motives of profit and climate promises may yet again overtake the safety of our environment.[1] The protective responsibility is likely to fall on the decisions of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (“IEMA”) because of current challenges to federal authority.[2]

UN Climate Change Conference Baku – What’s New?

By Journal Editor

On March 20, 2025

In News & Announcements

UN Climate Change Conference Baku – What’s New?

By: Muhammad Maroof

What impact did the largest climate change conference in the world have on the future of climate financing?[1] The latest United Nations Climate Change Conference (“UNFCCC” or “the COP29”) concluded November 2024 in Baku, Azerbaijan. The conference was attended by representatives of 195 countries who discussed a multitude of climate related changes and policy.[2]

The Era of the Anthropocene: A Need for Legal Change

By Journal Editor

On March 10, 2025

In News & Announcements

The Era of the Anthropocene: A Need for Legal Change

By: Karan Manohar

Defining the Anthropocene

This current period of Earth’s ecological environment is steered by profound human-driven changes that have affected its biological, physical, and geological systems.^[1] Consequently, the term Anthropocene was coined to describe this current environmental era, emphasizing how humanity’s growing population and increasing economic activity have fundamentally altered the planet—particularly through climate change, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.^[2]

The Impact of Recent Executive Orders on U.S. Environmental Policy

By Journal Editor

On March 5, 2025

In News & Announcements

The Impact of Recent Executive Orders on U.S. Environmental Policy

By: Natalie Wienold

Recent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump have significantly altered the trajectory of U.S. environmental policy, reversing several initiatives from previous administrations and introducing new regulatory frameworks. These changes primarily focus on deregulation, energy production, ecological justice, and international climate commitments. This article examines the key executive actions and their potential implications for environmental policy.

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

By Journal Editor

On January 14, 2025

In News & Announcements

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

By: Karan Manohar

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]

Chicago-Kent Journal of Environmental and Energy Law