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Dear Reader,

As the year comes to a close, we at Earth Island want to share our appreciation to you for your belief in our work. We are, after all, a determined collection of people who are all working to create a healthier and more just planet. From courageous reporting in Earth Island Journal to ambitious environmental leadership programming and legal efforts, all coupled with nearly 80 activist projects in our sponsorship network—we’re committed to all that we do. We know this will not be an easy task in the years ahead. We hope that you can consider a donation in support of our mission this holiday season.

Happy holidays,

Sumona Majumdar

We wanted to share our gratitude for Josh Floum, who will step down as president of Earth Island’s Board of Directors in January 2025 after eight years of extraordinary leadership, which included overseeing our first executive director transition. Josh has been a dedicated advocate for the planet for over 35 years, first serving as lead trial counsel for the International Marine Mammal Project in their groundbreaking lawsuits to end dolphin-killing fishing practices. His legal expertise also advanced efforts to protect sea turtles, end warm wastewater discharge from the San Onofre Nuclear Plant, and hold global plastic polluters accountable. Though stepping down as president, Josh will remain on the board. Francisco Martinez will assume the position of Earth Island Board president in the new year.

Celebrating 30 Years of the Wildcat Creek Cleanup

Thirty years ago, the third-graders of KIDS for the BAY (KftB) partner-teacher Pam Auxter were so inspired by her class at Dover Elementary School that they wrote letters urging the City of San Pablo to host a creek cleanup at their local park. This year, KftB celebrated a 30-year legacy of community action and impact. Over 50 intergenerational volunteers worked together to remove trash pollution and restore the health of the creek and surrounding watershed. Volunteers removed 1,040 pounds of trash from Davis Park and Wildcat Creek – over half a ton! Read the story.

News Update

A Call for Climate Reparations at the United Nations

At the UN Headquarters in New York recently, community leaders from RISE St. James, accompanied by the Georgetown Environmental Law & Justice Clinic, advocated for reparatory justice for climate and environmental harms linked to slavery and systemic racism. The representatives of RISE St. James hail from an area of Louisiana known as “Cancer Alley” due to the high cancer rates that residents face. Hundreds of fossil fuel and petrochemical facilities operate in Cancer Alley, and they are disproportionately located near Black communities. The organization is among the first grassroots groups to demand reparations for climate injustices linked to the legacies of slavery and systemic racism in the United States. Watch a short video (scroll to 1:54).

Plastic Pollution Treaty Talks Stall

Plastic Pollution Coalition team members and others from the Break Free From Plastic movement attended the fifth session of the United Nations Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) in Busan, Republic of Korea, earlier this month. Over 100 countries supported Panama's proposal for an ambitious treaty that would set a global target to reduce plastic production. Negotiators from 170+ countries failed to come to an agreement on measures to reduce plastic production within the aspirational negotiating timeframe, but the talks will continue next year. Some 220 industry lobbyists were present, and more action is needed. Sign the petition to pressure the US government for a strong treaty.

Nationwide Survey Reveals Strong Public Support for Wildlife Protection

Project Coyote recently collaborated with the Animal-Human Policy Center at Colorado State University to conduct a national survey examining public perceptions of current animal welfare policies, including issues related to wildlife and wild carnivore killing. Results show overwhelming public support among U.S. citizens for addressing animal protection issues. 85.8 percent of participants support a federal law making cruelty towards wildlife a criminal violation, 80 percent support banning the practice of running carnivores over with vehicles, and 78 percent support a federal law banning wildlife-killing contests. Policymakers should take heed to address the ongoing abuse and mismanagement of our nation’s wildlife.

Opportunities

Last Chance to Participate

Got five minutes to help us out? We’re looking to implement changes to the style, format, and content of this e-newsletter, but we need to hear from you. Please fill out a brief survey by December 30. Plus you’ll have a chance to win a $50 e-gift card or a book that we’re reading. It will only take a moment, and we’d appreciate it!

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Rural Cinema Program Accepting Applications

Calling all climate advocates in rural areas and small towns! Apply to the 2025 WorkingFilms’ Rural Cinema program to engage with your community on environmental issues and possibilities through film screenings. The deadline is January 23, 2025, 11:59 pm ET. Learn more and apply.