Environmental Justice

Environmental justice refers to the equal and fair involvement of all people as it relates to laws and policies regarding environmental regulation.

Climate Activists Ground Flights in Germany Protesting Fossil Fuels — Details Here
Airports in Germany were forced to ground planes after environmental activist group Letzte Generation carried out planned protests that included obstructing the tarmac.
By Lauren WellbankAug. 15 2024, Published 1:41 p.m. ET
Unbelievable Video Shows a Humpback Whale Capsizing a Boat
A whale took down a small boat when it breached off the coast of New Hampshire, sparking concern for both the passengers and the whale from onlookers.
By Lauren WellbankJuly 24 2024, Published 4:13 p.m. ET

Climate Change-Induced Temperatures Turn up the Heat In "Urban Heat Islands"
What is an urban heat island? A 2021 study shows that the BIPOC community is disproportionately affected by heat waves hitting cities worldwide.
By Lizzy RosenbergJuly 11 2024, Updated 9:48 a.m. ET
Black Environmental Activists to Follow This Juneteenth
In honor of Juneteenth, we’ve rounded up seven incredible Black environmental activists who we recommend following on Instagram.
By Sophie HirshJune 12 2024, Updated 2:46 p.m. ET
Juneteenth: 10 Facts You Should Know About the Federal Holiday
On June 19, 1865, Juneteenth was born, and it's now celebrated as the unofficial end of slavery in the United States. Here are 10 facts about the holiday.
By Kori WilliamsJune 12 2024, Updated 1:20 p.m. ET
When Will the Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit Be Settled? An Update on the Proceedings
A class action lawsuit was filed on behalf of residents of military base Camp Lejeune, who were exposed to carcinogens in the water between 1950 and 1980.
By Eva HaganApril 26 2024, Updated 9:34 a.m. ET
It's Giving... Climate Justice: Exploring Environmental Racism in the First Town Founded by the Formerly Enslaved (Exclusive)
In Resita Cox's doc 'Freedom Hill,' environmental racism in Princeville, N.C., is exposed. Green Matters spoke with the director about what she learned while filming.
By Bianca PiazzaApril 22 2024, Published 11:06 a.m. ET
International Women’s Day Is March 8: How to Get Involved This Year
International Women's Day is March 8 — here's why we celebrate it on that day, how to celebrate the holiday at work, and quotes to inspire you.
By Green Matters StaffMarch 4 2024, Updated 2:59 p.m. ET
A Timeline of the Environmental Justice Movement, According to Dr. Robert Bullard (Exclusive)
The environmental justice movement is rooted deeply in Black history — here's a look at the movement's evolution over the past few decades.
By Bianca PiazzaFeb. 28 2024, Published 4:45 p.m. ET
Afro-Vegan Society's "Veguary" Pledge Celebrates Plant-Based Living During Black History Month
Veguary is a month-long pledge to “try living vegan” for the month of February, purposely coinciding with Black History Month. Here's how to get involved.
By Sophie HirshFeb. 1 2024, Updated 10:23 a.m. ET
What Is Climate Gentrification? 'Razing Liberty Square' Doc Exposes This Issue in Miami (Exclusive)
In an exclusive e-interview with Green Matters, 'Razing Liberty Square' director-producer Katja Esson talks climate gentrification in Miami's Liberty Square neighborhood.
By Bianca PiazzaJan. 26 2024, Published 4:58 p.m. ET
'Racist Trees' Doc Exposes How Tree-Planting Can Be Used As a Weapon of Environmental Racism (Exclusive)
In an exclusive e-interview with Green Matters, 'Racist Trees' co-directors Sara Newens and Mina T. Son dissected their necessary Palm Springs documentary.
By Bianca PiazzaJan. 22 2024, Published 4:37 p.m. ET
How Martin Luther King Jr. Laid the Groundwork for the Climate Justice Movement
MLK Jr. used his voice to advocate for environmental justice on multiple occasions. Here's a look at that side of his incredible activism.
By Sophie HirshJan. 12 2024, Updated 4:15 p.m. ET
The Clothes You Donated Could Be Sitting in the Nairobi River
Much of the clothing donated around the world each year is either resold or thrown away into landfills, posing environmental and health threats.
By Eva HaganJan. 2 2024, Published 4:57 p.m. ET
Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Is Apparently Even Less Ethical Than Shein, According to Report
Content creator Ready to Glare discussed an enlightening brand assessment in a video, highlighting the ethical flops of Rihanna's Savage X Fenty.
By Bianca PiazzaDec. 5 2023, Published 11:00 a.m. ET
Giving Tuesday: Incredible Environmental Charities Worth Donating To
Here are a few environmental and climate justice charities worth donating to this Giving Tuesday.
By Sophie HirshNov. 28 2023, Updated 9:55 a.m. ET
"Human Pollution Is Causing Mass Extinction" — Climate Activists Protest at the Museum of Natural History and Guggenheim
During protests held at two famous New York City museums, protesters from Extinction Rebellion demanded that the museums take a stand against climate change.
By Kate UnderwoodNov. 21 2023, Published 1:34 p.m. ET
The Internet Is Shocked to Learn the Truth About Trapped Water in Plastic Bottles
Ever heard of "trapped" or "lost" water? One social media user is encouraging people to release water stuck in plastic bottles.
By Bianca PiazzaNov. 8 2023, Published 12:01 p.m. ET
Latinx-Owned and Hispanic-Owned Sustainable Companies to Support During National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to support small Latinx-owned and Hispanic-owned companies — especially ones with sustainable practices and products.
By Sophie HirshSept. 28 2023, Updated 11:43 a.m. ET
'Queen Charlotte' Star Arsema Thomas Is Tackling the Diversity Crisis in the Environmentalism Sphere (Exclusive)
'Green Matters' spoke with 'Queen Charlotte' star Arsema Thomas about how her educational background influences her environmentalism and her Tom's of Maine partnership.
By Bianca PiazzaSept. 19 2023, Published 4:49 p.m. ET
These Latinx and Hispanic Climate Leaders Are Championing Intersectional Activism
These Latinx and Hispanic activists in the climate movement all use their platforms to advocate for intersectional climate justice.
By Green Matters StaffSept. 14 2023, Updated 3:20 p.m. ET
Nevada Rangers Ram Truck Through Peaceful Blockade of Climate Protesters at Burning Man
When climate activists blocked traffic to Burning Man, Nevada Rangers rammed through the demonstration, threatened protesters with a gun, and made several arrests.
By Kate UnderwoodAug. 28 2023, Published 3:30 p.m. ET
The Hazardous Waste Dump in Kettleman City, Calif., Is a Case of Environmental Racism
Residents in Kettleman City, Calif., have been fighting against a hazardous waste dump for decades. Here's what to know about their fight.
By Eva HaganAug. 10 2023, Published 12:12 p.m. ET
Shein May Charge You Low Prices — but the Fast Fashion Brand's Laborers Are Paying
Why is Shein so cheap? Investigations into Shein make it clear that the fast fashion giant doesn't care about its laborers or the environment.
By Sophie HirshJuly 24 2023, Updated 1:34 p.m. ET
July 18 Is Mandela Day — Here’s How Nelson Mandela Fought for Environmental Justice
Late Nobel Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, is honored every year on July 18 — which is why we're honoring his environmental contributions.
By Lizzy RosenbergJuly 18 2023, Updated 10:17 a.m. ET
19-Foot Burmese Python Caught in Florida Breaks World Record
Florida hunters caught the longest Burmese python ever recorded in history. Find out how long this massive snake was, and how it was captured.
By Kate UnderwoodJuly 14 2023, Published 1:40 p.m. ET
New Jersey Man Chops 32 Trees on Neighbors Lawn; Could Be Fined Millions
Grant Haber had trees illegally cut down from his New Jersey neighbor's land. How much might Haber end up owing in fines?
By Kate UnderwoodJuly 10 2023, Published 2:41 p.m. ET
Earth Gays and Eco Queers: 4 LGBTQ+ Environmental Organizations That Slay (Exclusive)
Take pride in our planet by supporting these LGBTQ+ environmental and climate change organizations. The granola gays are leading the way to a more beautiful, harmonious, and cleaner world.
By Bianca PiazzaJune 30 2023, Published 12:53 p.m. ET
How to Celebrate Pride Month Sustainably — at Work, Parades, and More
We’ve rounded up some tips on how to celebrate Pride Month at work, in ways that could actually create meaningful change within your company.
By Sophie HirshJune 1 2023, Updated 2:08 p.m. ET
Mountaintop Removal Mining Destroys Mountains, Homes
The destructive surface mining method is not only detrimental to the environment, but also to the health of the people who live there.
By Eva HaganMay 23 2023, Published 3:59 p.m. ET
Cider May Sell Viral Outfits, But It's Nothing More Than a Fast Fashion Brand
Cider is just another example of contemporary direct-to-consumer clothing brands proving how successful the fast fashion business model can be.
By Sophie HirshMay 10 2023, Published 1:05 p.m. ET
New California Law Involves Partnering With Native Tribes to Save the Salmon Population
California has canceled its 2023 salmon season, and is officially partnering with Native American tribes to conserve the salmon population.
By Lizzy RosenbergMay 5 2023, Published 12:33 p.m. ET
4 Incredible Asian American Women Who Are Fighting for Environmental Justice
These Asian American environmental justice activists are fighting for a better and more sustainable planet.
By Sophie HirshMay 2 2023, Updated 12:21 p.m. ET
Why Climate Activists Are Protesting France Changing the Retirement Age (Exclusive)
In France, climate activists are fighting against the proposed new retirement age.
By Sophie HirshApril 25 2023, Published 12:20 p.m. ET
Delaware Riverkeeper Maya K. van Rossum Is an Environmental Justice Warrior — Inside Her Fight to Save the Planet (Exclusive)
Being the Delaware Riverkeeper is no easy gig, but environmental justice warrior Maya K. van Rossum wears the title with pride, enthusiasm, and ferocity.
By Bianca PiazzaApril 22 2023, Published 11:00 a.m. ET
What Is “Cop City”? It Has Spawned a National Fight to Protect Southeast Atlanta's Forest
Nicknamed "Cop City" by opponents, the construction of the $90 million Atlanta Public Safety Training Center has sparked controversy and nationwide outcry.
By Bianca PiazzaApril 21 2023, Updated 2:53 p.m. ET
The Lawsuits Against Momentum Solar — A Renewable Energy Leader With Allegations of Racism
The New Jersey-based leader in solar energy has faced serious allegations of racism in the past few years, meaning it might not be the model it's made out to be.
By Eva HaganApril 20 2023, Updated 3:20 p.m. ET
What Is Climate Action? Here's How You Can Get Involved — and What Leaders Must Do
What is climate action, exactly? Here's a look into the different ways you can take action for the planet, and how world leaders must take action.
By Sophie HirshApril 14 2023, Updated 1:06 p.m. ET
What Is a Climate Disadvantaged Community? Many NYC Neighborhoods to Receive Climate Funds
What does it mean to be climate disadvantaged? Several NYC neighborhoods have been identified as such, and will receive climate funds.
By Lizzy RosenbergMarch 31 2023, Published 1:08 p.m. ET
The Audubon Society Considered a Name Change, Because of Its Namesake’s Bad Reputation
The namesake of the National Audubon Society (NAS), John Audubon, was evidently quite racist — so the organization was considering changing its name.
By Lizzy RosenbergMarch 16 2023, Published 11:58 a.m. ET
Climate Activists Share How They Combat Compassion Fatigue (Exclusive)
Compassion fatigue and burnout are common in the world of climate activism — and other fields, such as nursing and psychotherapy. Here are a few ways to combat these feelings.
By Sophie HirshMarch 15 2023, Published 4:51 p.m. ET
Climate Groups Blast Biden for Approving Willow Project: It "Derails His Own Climate Goals"
Has the Biden has approved the Willow Project? Despite the massive environmental impact it will have, yes, the oil drilling project will go forward.
By Sophie HirshMarch 13 2023, Published 2:52 p.m. ET
PFAS Are All Over the World — How These "Forever Chemicals" Can Harm Your Health
What are PFAS and why are they bad? These chemicals can be found all over the planet — and the human body.
By Kori WilliamsMarch 13 2023, Published 11:51 a.m. ET
Cancer Alley Might Be Our Country's Most Toxic Symbol of Environmental Racism
Here's everything you need to know about Cancer Alley in Louisiana, and the federal lawsuit trying to take down one of its worst polluters.
By Sophie HirshMarch 1 2023, Published 5:12 p.m. ET
Yucca Mountain Is Tribal Homeland, Not Fit for a Nuclear Waste Dump
Yucca Mountain was a proposed dumping ground for dangerous, radioactive nuclear waste. However, after years of construction and planning, the project was abandoned for several reasons.
By Eva HaganFeb. 21 2023, Published 1:54 p.m. ET
These Environmental Law Organizations Provide Free Council in the Name of Climate Justice
With climate chaos and environmental damage growing worse and worse, there are fortunately many environmental law organizations out there.
By Sophie HirshFeb. 17 2023, Published 3:31 p.m. ET
Salt Lake City Was Once so Polluted It Had 'Air You Can Chew'
Salt Lake City has had an air pollution problem for years. And now lower water levels could be making the issue worse before it gets better.
By Kori WilliamsFeb. 14 2023, Updated 10:40 a.m. ET
Collective Fashion Justice's Emma Håkansson, 23, Wants to Fix the Fashion Industry With a "Holistic Approach" (Exclusive)
Collective Fashion Justice's Emma Håkansson is only just getting started with her mission of ridding the fashion industry of animal exploitation, human exploitation, and environmentally-destructive practices.
By Sophie HirshFeb. 8 2023, Published 11:54 a.m. ET
The Plastic Industry Is Ruining Planet Earth in More Ways Than One
How does plastic affect the environment? Unfortunately, plastic takes a nasty toll on communities and ecosystems worldwide — and it's only getting worse.
By Kori WilliamsJan. 30 2023, Updated 10:03 a.m. ET
Police Fatally Shoot Atlanta Forest Defender During "Cop City" Protest — Everything to Know About This Movement
Atlanta forest defenders are protesting to defend Weelaunee Forest — here's everything you need to know.
By Sophie HirshJan. 19 2023, Published 10:12 a.m. ET

Environmental Justice

Climate Activists Ground Flights in Germany Protesting Fossil Fuels — Details Here

Unbelievable Video Shows a Humpback Whale Capsizing a Boat

Climate Change-Induced Temperatures Turn up the Heat In "Urban Heat Islands"

Black Environmental Activists to Follow This Juneteenth

Juneteenth: 10 Facts You Should Know About the Federal Holiday

When Will the Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Lawsuit Be Settled? An Update on the Proceedings

It's Giving... Climate Justice: Exploring Environmental Racism in the First Town Founded by the Formerly Enslaved (Exclusive)

International Women’s Day Is March 8: How to Get Involved This Year

A Timeline of the Environmental Justice Movement, According to Dr. Robert Bullard (Exclusive)

Afro-Vegan Society's "Veguary" Pledge Celebrates Plant-Based Living During Black History Month

What Is Climate Gentrification? 'Razing Liberty Square' Doc Exposes This Issue in Miami (Exclusive)

'Racist Trees' Doc Exposes How Tree-Planting Can Be Used As a Weapon of Environmental Racism (Exclusive)

How Martin Luther King Jr. Laid the Groundwork for the Climate Justice Movement

The Clothes You Donated Could Be Sitting in the Nairobi River

Rihanna's Savage X Fenty Is Apparently Even Less Ethical Than Shein, According to Report

Giving Tuesday: Incredible Environmental Charities Worth Donating To

"Human Pollution Is Causing Mass Extinction" — Climate Activists Protest at the Museum of Natural History and Guggenheim

The Internet Is Shocked to Learn the Truth About Trapped Water in Plastic Bottles

Latinx-Owned and Hispanic-Owned Sustainable Companies to Support During National Hispanic Heritage Month

'Queen Charlotte' Star Arsema Thomas Is Tackling the Diversity Crisis in the Environmentalism Sphere (Exclusive)

These Latinx and Hispanic Climate Leaders Are Championing Intersectional Activism

Nevada Rangers Ram Truck Through Peaceful Blockade of Climate Protesters at Burning Man

The Hazardous Waste Dump in Kettleman City, Calif., Is a Case of Environmental Racism

Shein May Charge You Low Prices — but the Fast Fashion Brand's Laborers Are Paying

July 18 Is Mandela Day — Here’s How Nelson Mandela Fought for Environmental Justice

19-Foot Burmese Python Caught in Florida Breaks World Record

New Jersey Man Chops 32 Trees on Neighbors Lawn; Could Be Fined Millions

Earth Gays and Eco Queers: 4 LGBTQ+ Environmental Organizations That Slay (Exclusive)

How to Celebrate Pride Month Sustainably — at Work, Parades, and More

Mountaintop Removal Mining Destroys Mountains, Homes

Cider May Sell Viral Outfits, But It's Nothing More Than a Fast Fashion Brand

New California Law Involves Partnering With Native Tribes to Save the Salmon Population

4 Incredible Asian American Women Who Are Fighting for Environmental Justice

Why Climate Activists Are Protesting France Changing the Retirement Age (Exclusive)

Delaware Riverkeeper Maya K. van Rossum Is an Environmental Justice Warrior — Inside Her Fight to Save the Planet (Exclusive)

What Is “Cop City”? It Has Spawned a National Fight to Protect Southeast Atlanta's Forest

The Lawsuits Against Momentum Solar — A Renewable Energy Leader With Allegations of Racism

What Is Climate Action? Here's How You Can Get Involved — and What Leaders Must Do

What Is a Climate Disadvantaged Community? Many NYC Neighborhoods to Receive Climate Funds

The Audubon Society Considered a Name Change, Because of Its Namesake’s Bad Reputation

Climate Activists Share How They Combat Compassion Fatigue (Exclusive)

Climate Groups Blast Biden for Approving Willow Project: It "Derails His Own Climate Goals"

PFAS Are All Over the World — How These "Forever Chemicals" Can Harm Your Health

Cancer Alley Might Be Our Country's Most Toxic Symbol of Environmental Racism

Yucca Mountain Is Tribal Homeland, Not Fit for a Nuclear Waste Dump

These Environmental Law Organizations Provide Free Council in the Name of Climate Justice

Salt Lake City Was Once so Polluted It Had 'Air You Can Chew'

Collective Fashion Justice's Emma Håkansson, 23, Wants to Fix the Fashion Industry With a "Holistic Approach" (Exclusive)

The Plastic Industry Is Ruining Planet Earth in More Ways Than One

Police Fatally Shoot Atlanta Forest Defender During "Cop City" Protest — Everything to Know About This Movement