Congratulations!
You've realised you either are a Green Collar lawyer, or you want to be one in future. So what's next?
Thankfully, you are not alone. There are lots of initiatives that you can get involved in, both personally and from a legal context. We've listed some of our favourites below:
Contribute: The Chancery Lane Project
The Chancery Lane Project (TCLP) is a collaborative initiative of international legal and industry professionals whose vision is a world where every contract enables solutions to climate change. You can both use their resources, such as their Net Zero Toolkit or a specific clause, or you can help add to their clauses by joining a Drafting Group.
Interested? See their website for more information.
Educate: Legal Voices for the Future
Legal Voices for the Future is an initiative that aims to encourage discourse and action on the most pressing issues facing us: the climate and ecological crises. Recently launched, they hold monthly knowledge sessions to help us educate ourselves more on key climate issues. Sign up to their newsletter here.
Closer to home: your own workplace
Most firms these days have some opportunity for you to help them in their environmental accountability and transparency. Ask your colleagues if you have an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Committee or a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee you can join.
No committees? Ask your firm if you can set one up yourself! You'd be surprised how many other people in your firm are also interested, and just need someone to be the first to suggest it.
Alternatively you can Support one of these non-profits:
Client Earth describes themselves as the "world's most ambitious environmental organisation". They come up with practical solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges, and work with people, campaigners, governments and industry to make those solutions a reality. Their goal is to change the system from within, working with, instead of against, its most powerful players.
You can subscribe, donate or even work with them. See their website for further information.
Friends of the Earth are part of an international community dedicated to protecting the natural world and the wellbeing of everyone in it. They lead campaigns, provide resources and information, and drive real solutions to the environmental problems facing us all. More recently, they have launched a legal challenge over the new Cumbrian coal mine.
There are too many ways to get involved to list, from joining their mailing list to partnering up and becoming a 'Planet Protector'. Take a look at all the options here.
Dynamic, agile and effective, the Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is working to secure a world where the natural world can sustain, and be sustained by, the communities that depend upon it for their fundamental human rights. At EJF’s core is a simple but powerful belief: we all depend on the natural environment for our livelihoods and well-being, and environmental security is a fundamental human right.
Donate, volunteer or see other ways to get involved here.
Good Law Project is a not for profit campaign organisation that uses the law for a better world. Their focus is that the law, in the right hands, can be a fair and decent force for good. It is a practical tool for positive change and can make amazing things happen. They are proud to be primarily funded by members of the public, keeping them fiercely independent. While not primarily an environmental organisation, their cases are varied and support ESG principles. Take a look at how to get involved here.
These guys need no introduction. Greenpeace is a movement of people who are passionate about defending the natural world from destruction. Their vision is a greener, healthier and more peaceful planet, one that can sustain life for generations to come. From saving the whales to getting rid of polluting cars, their victories are powered by individual donations, dedicated volunteers and millions of supporters.
Take action, get updates or just donate here.
Got another project or charity that deserves a mention? Get in touch and let us know!
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