environment


UK trade deals should prioritise economic growth over environmental protections - leaked govt document
The document says it can be very difficult to trade with some countries that do not necessarily support saving the environment but the government says ministers are not considering the advice.
Colombia: Environmental defenders criticise ISDS tribunal decision favouring Canadian mining giant
While the tribunal has yet to make a decision about compensation to be paid, Eco Oro Minerals is claiming nearly $700 USD million.
The false hopes and empty promises of investment treaty modernization
A Canadian company’s successful challenge to a precautionary mining ban in Colombia shows how little investor–state dispute panels care about the right to regulate.
Cortec v Republic of Kenya: Cautionary tale on local due diligence for international mining projects
These decisions have the potential to significantly impact companies with current and future mining and development licences where there are questions around environmentally sensitive areas.
Why a hasty trade deal may not be good for us – or for the environment
What precedent might be set by the new Australia trade deal and what could it tell us about the future for UK environmental standards?
US report finds multiple problems with Keystone pipeline
A US government watchdog found multiple problems with the construction, manufacture and design of the Keystone pipeline.
Shell will pay $111 million to end Nigerian oil-spill case
Shell didn’t say in its statement if it will withdraw the related arbitration claim.
Deep-sea salvage firm uses NAFTA to fight Mexican environmental rules
A lawsuit filed against the Mexican government for denying a permit for seabed mining has put a spotlight on the lack of international rules for such practices.
Protecting human and environmental rights in international investment agreements
Human rights experts are particularly concerned about the asymmetric nature of the system and a lack of investors’ human rights obligations. Together with high ISDS costs and arbitral awards, they undermine states’ ability to realise economic, social, cultural and environmental rights.
Corporate update – UNESCO inscription of Roşia Montană
The UNESCO application and inscription are fundamentally at odds with Romania's obligations under its investment treaties in relation to Gabriel’s gold and silver project.