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Greenpeace faces massive financial blow in pipeline lawsuit

Greenpeace has been ordered to pay $667 million to the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline after a North Dakota jury found the environmental group defamed the company, a verdict that could have sweeping consequences for advocacy and free speech.

Anna Phillips reports for The Washington Post.

In short:

The lawsuit stemmed from Greenpeace’s involvement in protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline, where Energy Transfer accused the group of inciting violence and damaging its reputation. Greenpeace denies these claims and plans to appeal.
Environmentalists warn the ruling could stifle activism, making groups wary of challenging fossil fuel projects. Experts say it sends a chilling message to climate protests that disrupt infrastructure.
The case is seen as part of a broader trend of corporations using strategic lawsuits (SLAPPs) to silence critics. Unlike more than 30 other states, North Dakota lacks laws discouraging such lawsuits.

Key quote:

“We should all be concerned about the future of the First Amendment, and lawsuits like this aimed at destroying our rights to peaceful protest and free speech.”

— Deepa Padmanabha, senior legal counsel for Greenpeace USA

Why this matters:

Beyond the courtroom, the stakes are high. This case isn’t just about Greenpeace — it’s about the future of environmental protest in an era of escalating climate crisis. If the ruling stands, the next time a pipeline spills or a fossil fuel project threatens communities, who will dare to sound the alarm?

Affordable e-bikes are transforming delivery work for Latin American migrants

For immigrant delivery workers in Colombia, affordable e-bikes — financed by start-ups like Guajira — are proving to be a game-changer, offering a faster, cleaner, and more cost-effective alternative to motorbikes.

Mariel Lozada reports for Reasons To Be Cheerful.

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Senator Whitehouse puts climate change on budget committee’s agenda

For more than a decade, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse gave daily warnings about the mounting threat of climate change. Now he has a powerful new perch.

An old, rusted wastewater pipe extends onto a beach.

Credit: Simon Bleasdale/Flickr

Britain’s sewage crisis is poisoning its waterways and economy

Widespread sewage spills are contaminating Britain’s waters, threatening businesses, biodiversity, and public health, while weak regulations and corporate profits take priority over investment in critical infrastructure.

Kate Holton and Dylan Martinez report for Reuters.

In short:

Britain’s largest offshore mussel farm, located to avoid sewage pollution, is still plagued by harmful bacteria like E. coli, blocking exports to Europe and damaging the shellfish industry.
Water companies discharged sewage for 3.6 million hours in 2023, contaminating rivers and coastlines, harming tourism, and forcing the government to review the sector. Privatized firms, which have paid billions in dividends, are accused of neglecting infrastructure upgrades.
Activists and clean water advocates are fighting back, linking sewage failures to stalled construction projects, biodiversity collapse, and public health risks, forcing officials to confront decades of underinvestment and weak oversight.

Key quote:

“It’s criminal that they’re allowed to dump what they dump in the seas and get away with it. It's affecting all sorts of businesses, including us.

— Sarah Holmyard, sales manager at Offshore Shellfish

Why this matters:

As climate change intensifies rainfall, Britain’s crumbling infrastructure is reaching a breaking point. Regulators, long accused of looking the other way, are under mounting pressure as activists connect the dots between failing water infrastructure, stalled housing projects, and collapsing ecosystems.

Greenpeace faces massive financial blow in pipeline lawsuit

Affordable e-bikes are transforming delivery work for Latin American migrants

Britain’s sewage crisis is poisoning its waterways and economy

America’s ports made progress on pollution, but will it last?

France’s new tidal turbines aim to power thousands of homes with clean energy

In short:

Key quote:

Why this matters:

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