Resources for Action
How should we respond to the witness of land and environmental defenders? How might we enter into solidarity with their commitment to and struggle for environmental human rights and ecological flourishing for the planet as a whole? And how might we participate in carrying on the legacy of those who have fallen in this struggle? There are no easy answers to these questions, and the task at hand can seem overwhelming. Yet time and time again, land and environmental defenders use the metaphor of planting seeds for the work that they do. Though it may seem like it is impossible to make a difference, we are all called to plant seeds of environmental justice and ecological well-being in our lives and in the world around us. This page simply offers links to organizations that are doing this work of planting seeds, globally and locally, of fighting everyday for environmental justice, climate justice, and ecological well-being. If you are not already plugged into grassroots environmental justice movements, take a look around and find a place where you can make your own contribution, whatever that may be.
Stay Informed
These international human rights organizations track environmental human rights violations and report on violence against land and environmental defenders around the world. International advocacy for human rights protections and accountability are key to land and environmental defenders to do their work safely and without fear of reprisal or violence.
Global Witness
Frontline Defenders
The Goldman Environmental Prize
Get Involved Locally
One important thing we can do in our everyday lives is to get involved in local environmental justice movements right in our own backyards. These North American based organizations form and participate in networks of solidarity and cooperation amongst environmental justice movements, mostly in the United States. Their websites have resources to guide you towards getting involved with local movements at the grassroots level in your community. As you get involved, remember to follow the lead of those who are most affected by environmental injustice and racism and are already doing the work of environmental and climate justice.
Climate Justice Alliance
We Act for Environmental Justice
Indigenous Environmental Network
Catholic Committee of Appalachia
Honor the Earth
The Alliance for Appalachia
Get Involved Globally
These international non-governmental organizations support local land and environmental defenders in their everyday struggles to protect their human communities and the ecosystems on which they depend. Supporting their work provides defenders with funding, visibility, networking, legal representation, and solidarity at the grassroots level.
Churches & Mining Network
Interamerican Association for Environmental Defense
Interfaith Rainforest Initiative
Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide
Pax Christi International - Latin American Program
