The Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) made a resounding mark during this year’s Climate Week in New York City. With a series of events and a passionate commitment to the cause, GARN championed the message: “No Climate Justice without Rights of Nature.”
Sunday, September 17th: Climate Week March
GARN kicked off its participation in Climate Week by joining the March to End Fossil Fuels on Sunday, September 17th. Under the banner of “No Climate Justice without Rights of Nature,” GARN, along with thousands of activists, amplified the voice of Mother Nature and the fight to recognize her rights. We marched through the heart of New York City, demanding an end to the fossil fuel era. What was particularly heartening was the enthusiastic response from younger generations, who embraced GARN’s Rights of Nature world map balls and animal masks, symbolizing global recognition of their vital rights in the law worldwide. Together, they stood united with 75,000 people.
Monday, September 18th: “Wild Hope” Screening and Discussion
GARN, in collaboration with Reserva Youth Land Trust and HHMI Tangled Bank Studios, brought the week to life with a screening of “Wild Hope: Does Nature Have Rights?”. This captivating film follows Ecuadorian conservationists as they document endemic species and invoke the Rights of Nature to save biodiversity hotspots. Following the screening, a discussion delved into the global movement fighting for the Rights of Nature. The event featured inspiring voices like Casey Camp-Horinek (Ponca Nation), Osprey Orielle Lake, Tom Goldtooth (Dinè and Dakota) from Indigenous Environmental Network, and Cormac Cullinan from the Wild Law Institute. Natalia Greene, GARN Global Coordinator, guided attendees through this profound journey. The discussion can be watched on our Instagram account.
Rights of Nature Briefing at the Henry Luce Foundation
On the same day, GARN hosted a briefing on the Rights of Nature as a global movement advancing systemic change for real climate solutions at the Henry Luce Foundation in New York. Movement leaders served as keynote speakers, providing invaluable insights into this transformative cause.
GARN Youth Hub part of the launch of the Chrysalis Youth Fund
GARN’s Youth Hub made a remarkable impact on the global stage. Lauren Tarr, representing the GARN Youth Hub, played a pivotal role in the launch of the Chrysalis Youth Fund, organized by Atmos and Synchronicity Earth. This event served as a platform for the Youth Hub to showcase their dedicated work on the Rights of Nature. Lauren Tarr’s participation underscored the vital role of young activists in driving meaningful change and advocating for a more harmonious relationship between humanity and Nature.
Tuesday, September 19th: GARN North American Hub Meet-Up
GARN also took the opportunity to host a North American Hub Climate Week Meet-Up on Tuesday, September 19th. This event provided attendees with the chance to meet in person, share ideas, and discuss the future of the North American Hub, fostering collaboration and synergy among like-minded individuals.
Thursday, September 21st: Event at NYU Law School
GARN, in partnership with the More Than Human Rights Project (MOTH) and Earth Rights Advocacy NYU School of Law, continued to advocate for “No Climate Justice Without Rights of Nature” during Climate Week later in the week. The event gathered movement leaders from around the world, fostering knowledge exchange and the sharing of experiences that have shaped the Rights of Nature paradigm shift.
Renowned speakers included Natalia Greene from GARN, Osprey Orielle Lake (WECAN), Cormac Cullinan (Wild Law Institute), Shannon Biggs (Movement Rights), Casey Camp Horinek (Ponca Nation), Tom Goldtooth (Dinè Dakota, Indigenous Environmental Network), César Rodríguez Garavito (NYU, MOTH), Constanza Prieto (Earth Law Center), Jojo Mehta (Stop Ecocide International), and José Gualinga (Sarayaku-Ecuador). If you missed the event, you can catch it on YouTube.
Additional Participation
In addition to their organized events, GARN actively participated and co-hosted other Climate Week NYC activities. Casey Camp Horinek, GARN’s Indigenous Council Chair, spoke at the Lush Cosmetics event ‘Climate Rising: Imagining the End of Fossil Fuels,’ emphasizing the importance of divestment from fossil fuels in supporting climate and environmental justice movements. Natalia Greene participated in various events, including “Hearing Nature’s Voice: Perspectives from Law, Ethics, Business, and Science” organized by Earth Law Center, WECAN’s event “Transforming Global Economies for People, Planet, and a Just Transition,” and a panel organized by “If Not Us Then Who?”
In summary, GARN’s presence during Climate Week NYC 2023 was marked by impassioned advocacy, educational initiatives, and collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations, reaffirming their commitment to the Rights of Nature and the global fight against climate change.
