Welcome back, climate tech fam, to the latest episode of Wicked Problems. Last week we were at a couple of events here in London with people ranging from the hardest deeptech and VC folks to people in the activist space. But the Venn diagram of people who care about climate solutions overlapping with those who are keeping up with the huge growth in climate litigation and related new laws around the world is incredibly small.
So with the help of friend-of-the-show Loes van Dijk, founder of Climate Court, we aim to make the “Oil Fought the Law” occasional series into a twice monthly dedicated episode.
You might remember the Dakota Access Pipeline protests from 10 years ago—images of water protectors standing against militarised police, braving tear gas and rubber bullets to protect their sacred lands. Well, the story isn't over. The Standing Rock Sioux have filed a new lawsuit, marking the return of Standing Rock as a pivotal legal issue. The tribe continues to fight against the same pipeline, citing damage to their lands, lack of consultation, and ongoing environmental harm. What began as a movement in the heart of North Dakota has become a symbol of broader global struggles for climate justice and indigenous rights.
Our guest this week, Loes van Dijk, unpacks this ongoing legal battle in the context of the global wave of climate litigation that’s now holding governments and corporations accountable in courts. She talks about the Dakota Access Pipeline case and others around the world that are setting legal precedents. From France to North Macedonia, companies like BlackRock and fossil fuel giants are facing accusations of greenwashing—promising sustainability but continuing business as usual.
Here are some of the key takeaways from this episode:
The Return of Standing Rock: The Sioux Tribe is back in court, continuing the legal fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline. This isn’t just a matter of pipelines and oil—it's about the ongoing violation of indigenous rights, environmental degradation, and the importance of protecting sacred lands. Read more about the case and themovement.
Greenwashing and Corporate Accountability: Loes van Dijk talks about BlackRock and other financial giants being challenged for misleading investors about their supposedly "sustainable" investments. As Loes puts it, “If they want to be a horrible company and continue to invest in fossil fuels, that’s one thing—but then be open and honest about it.”
Global Climate Litigation Trends: From the youth-led climate action in Ontario to challenges in Norway and Australia over oil and aviation industries, climate litigation is not just a fringe issue. Loes shares how climate lawsuits are creating ripple effects across the globe, holding entire industries accountable for their environmental impact.
As we face the hard truths about the systems driving climate change, this episode dives into the complex but necessary world of climate litigation—where the fight for transparency, accountability, and justice is being played out in courts worldwide.
And if you're wondering about the soundtrack for this week's episode, we couldn't resist a bit of dark irony: listen through to the end for Taboo’s Stand N Rock, which became kindof an anthem from Standing Rock.
It’s not on Spotify, unfortunately, so we’ve added a different Taboo track to the playlist.
Tune in, share your thoughts, and don’t miss the powerful conversation with Loes van Dijk about what’s next for climate litigation, Standing Rock, and our updates on all things climate tech.
Follow Loes van Dijk’s work at Climate Court, and stay tuned for more episodes of Oil Fought the Law.
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