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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 2d

ERCS today launches our new Advocacy Manifesto, offering a route map for political parties to protect human rights, improve access to justice and strengthen environmental governance.

Read more: www.ercs.scot/news/ercs-ad...

#advocacy #environmentalrights #lawreform #accesstojustice

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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland

Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 7d

We're pleased that the @parliament.scot Rural Affairs and Islands Committee has backed proposals in the Natural Environment Bill to introduce statutory targets to restore nature.

Nature targets are a key demand of our Scotland Loves Nature campaign.

Read more:
www.scotlink.org/msps-back-na...

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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland

Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · Sep 2

🚨BILLBOARD MESSAGE DEMANDS MSPS ACT NOW TO SAVE NATURE 🚨

A pair of billboards appeared on Edinburgh’s busy Market Street today with an urgent message for Scotland’s MSPs.

With 1 in 9 species in Scotland at risk of extinction, MSPs must act now!

www.scotlandlovesnature.scot/billboard-me...

Two billboards side by side which state "1 in 9 species in Scotland is at risk of extinction. We need our MSPs to act now!"

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Aug 27

We have had 500 enquiries to ERCS's free legal advice service!

Read our snapshot to see who, where and what environmental issues people in Scotland are seeking legal advice on.

Snapshot of advice service – 500 enquiries www.ercs.scot/resources/sn...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Aug 26

Last month, Juliet Swann joined our webinar to speak about how Scotland's lobbying laws could be strengthened - looking forward to continuing the conversation at this event next week.

Sign up: www.transparency.org.uk/events/lobby...
Our webinar on lobbying: www.ercs.scot/news/lobbyin...

Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · Aug 7

🆕 EVENT

Join @danieljbruce.bsky.social, @muteswann.bsky.social, @rosewhiff.bsky.social and @martinwhitfieldmsp.bsky.social in Edinburgh next month for insights on what lobbying data reveals and discussion about what improvements could be made.

Sign up ⤵️
www.transparency.org.uk/events/lobby...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Aug 26

Last week, we joined #FoP2025 to discuss environmental justice. Thank you to all the brilliant speakers and organisers!

We left reflecting on how much people care about their environment & the growing awareness that we need better accountability from public bodies to hold polluters to account.

Speakers at the Festival of Politics panel event on environmental justice: Sarah Boyack MSP, Professor Jill Belch, Dr Shivali Fifield, David Lintott and Henry Swithinbank.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Aug 19

Join us tomorrow at the Scottish Parliament's Festival of Politics, where our Chief Officer Dr Shivali Fifield will speak as part of a panel on environmental justice and the law.

> When: Wednesday 20 August, 10:30-11:45am
> Where: The Scottish Parliament
> Tickets: tikt.link/environmenta...

Who gets a say? Environmental justice and the law - Buy tickets

Explore how the law can give people more power and a greater say in environmental decisions.

tikt.link

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Aug 1

The Climate Action Leadership Programme is a great opportunity for young people in Scotland to build skills around climate leadership and action - and completely free.

You still have time to apply, find out more here 👇🏽

www.2050.scot/calp

2050 Climate Group @2050climategroup.bsky.social · Jul 30

Applications to join the Climate Action Leadership Programme (CALP) 25/26 are open until midnight on Monday, 4th August.

Check out this video of our 24/25 CALP graduates to get a glimpse into what goes on:

Filmed and produced by the wonderful Cameorn Mackay

youtu.be/zLta6aganl0?...

CALP Graduation - 2050 Climate Group

YouTube video by 2050 Climate Group

youtu.be

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jul 31

Last week, the International Court of Justice issued a landmark Advisory Opinion on States' obligations regarding climate change.

This was a pivotal moment for all those seeking to uphold the right to a healthy environment - but what does it mean for Scotland?

Read our blog: tinyurl.com/2z2u9a5x

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jul 23

Today's ruling by the International Court of Justice confirms our right to a healthy environment, as "a precondition for the enjoyment of many human rights, such as the right to life".

www.theguardian.com/environment/...

Healthy environment a human right, UN court says in landmark climate ruling

Court’s decision expected to be used in future litigation and to support political negotiations by vulnerable states

www.theguardian.com

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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland

Amanda Grimm @amandafgrimm.bsky.social · Jul 18

This is one of my pet peeves. And for good reason! It's completely unnecessary and damaging to health and the environment.

Thanks @ercscot.bsky.social for taking action on this. 💚

Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jul 9

We are calling on the Scottish Government
to strengthen the ban on engine idling, which releases toxic exhaust fumes into the air.

So far they've refused - but change is in the air.

Read more: www.ercs.scot/blog/you-mus...

#pollution #campaigns #publichealth #airquality

Image shows car traffic releasing toxic exhaust fumes, with the blog title overlaid stating 'You must be choking: Little appetite from the Scottish Government to combat air pollution from engine idling'

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jul 9

We are calling on the Scottish Government
to strengthen the ban on engine idling, which releases toxic exhaust fumes into the air.

So far they've refused - but change is in the air.

Read more: www.ercs.scot/blog/you-mus...

#pollution #campaigns #publichealth #airquality

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 27

In ERCS's June newsletter, our Chief Officer Shivali Fifield writes about how we can stand up to the bullies.

Read the newsletter: www.ercs.scot/news/ercs-ju...
Sign up to our mailing list: www.ercs.scot/mailing-list/

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 26

Our webinar on lobbying is happening next week!

Join us to find out how we can enforce the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016 and create more transparency and accountability about political lobbying.

Book: www.ercs.scot/news/lobbyin...

Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 2

How can we use lobbying laws to challenge the influence of big businesses and wealthy individuals in politics?

Join our webinar to hear about how our lobbying laws work and discuss whether they need to be strengthened to prevent corruption.

🗓️ 02/07, 3.30-5pm
🎟️ Book: www.ercs.scot/news/lobbyin...

An image of two people shaking hands. Text: 'The Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016: Howe to enforce it and does it need to be strengthened? 3:30-5pm on 2 July 2025

Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 20

If you want to read more, @martin1williams.bsky.social wrote brilliant articles in @heraldscotland.bsky.social explaining the case when we first submitted this complaint ⬇️

www.heraldscotland.com/news/2501505...

United Nations urged to act over senior Scots judges 'breach' of international law

A Scots legal justice charity has placed senior Scottish judges in the dock as they call on the United Nations to urgently intervene over an alleged…

www.heraldscotland.com

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 20

Despite opposition from the UK, the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee has decided that our formal complaint about the Scottish Civil Justice Council is admissible.

We hope that the UK will now respond to our concerns seriously.

🔗 Read update: www.ercs.scot/news/complai...

Photo credit: Sheriff Court House, Perth, Scotland by Brokentaco (CC BY 2.0). Text: Complaint about the Scottish Civil Justice Council passes first hurdle

In March, ERCS submitted a formal complaint arguing that the Scottish Civil Justice Council had breached our right to participate in the making of environmental laws. This right is enshrined in the Aarhus Convention. Despite opposition from the UK, the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee decided that the complaint is admissible.

Quote from Dr Ben Christman, ERCS Legal Director: "The way we make decisions matters. Public participation is a critical part of creating fair and functional environmental laws."

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 20

📣 Scotland Demands Better 📣

ERCS is backing Poverty Alliance's call.

#WeDemandBetter investment for life's essentials - like affordable homes, good public transport, a thriving natural environment, and strong public services.

www.povertyalliance.org/scotland-dem...

Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 18

Powerful lobbyists oppose climate action - but we can use the law to bring this to light 🔎

Our new Guide explains how lobbying is regulated in Scotland, where to find information, and how to submit a complaint to the Ethical Standards Commissioner.

www.ercs.scot/resources/gu...

Image of a handshake. Guide to lobbying in Scotland.

Text: Regulated lobbying in Scotland must be registered and reported. You can find information on the official Lobbying Register, or through Freedom of Information (FoI) requests and on other registers. You can also submit a complaint about undisclosed lobbying. Guide on ercs.scot.

Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 12

A great event coming up organised by our friends at @foescot.bsky.social - not to be missed!

Friends of the Earth Scotland 🌍 @foescot.bsky.social · Jun 12

🚨 EXCITING EVENT 🚨

We’re hosting a conversation with Indigenous leaders from Wampís Nation in the Amazon.

📅 Wednesday 25 June 2025, 7-8.30pm (with drinks and snacks from 6.30pm for those attending in person)
📍 Edinburgh Methodist Church and online

🧵for sign up links

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 10

💧 New blog 💧

Bathing water designation came to our attention when we were contacted by the River Almond Action Group (RAAG).

Over two years after our representation to Environmental Standards Scotland, bathing water designation remains murkier than ever …

Read: www.ercs.scot/news/bathing...

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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland

Gill Steele @squirreltower.bsky.social · Jun 9

Worried about a new development under construction that appears to not be complying with its planning consent? I would say definitely report it to the local planning enforcement team.

All regulator’s really rely on the public eyes on the development

Excellent guide below
👇

Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 9

Our guide to planning enforcement is out now!

The guide is intended to help people to challenge breaches of planning controls & ensure conditions are met that protect the environment.

Read now at: www.ercs.scot/resources/gu...

#planning #democracy #publicparticipation

Image shows aerial view of housing and greenspace, with text overlaid stating 'guide - planning enforcement'.

Image shows builders on scaffolding with text overlaid stating 'local councils are responsible for enforcing planning controls.'

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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland

Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 2

How can we use lobbying laws to challenge the influence of big businesses and wealthy individuals in politics?

Join our webinar to hear about how our lobbying laws work and discuss whether they need to be strengthened to prevent corruption.

🗓️ 02/07, 3.30-5pm
🎟️ Book: www.ercs.scot/news/lobbyin...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 9

Our guide to planning enforcement is out now!

The guide is intended to help people to challenge breaches of planning controls & ensure conditions are met that protect the environment.

Read now at: www.ercs.scot/resources/gu...

#planning #democracy #publicparticipation

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 3

Scottish Refugee Council invited ERCS to hear from 29 refugees and asylum seekers about their lived experiences of accessing greenspaces and healthy food.

This was an additional piece to our Race & Right to a Healthy Environment work.

Read here: www.ercs.scot/news/race-th...

Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · Jun 3

As part of the Everyone’s Environment project, 13 charities wrote to the Scottish Government in April to call for a human rights-based approach to environmental policy.

We were delighted to receive their response, which noted the Scottish Human Rights Bill.

Read: www.ercs.scot/resources/le...

Cover of the Everyone's Environment policy position statement: Making environmental policy inclusive in Scotland, April 2025