On Indigenous People's Day at COP30, WECAN participated in an action within the blue zone. There, we released our report, "Indigenous Rights are Vital to a Healthy and Just World: Guidance and Recommendations for the UNFCCC and Governments."

This report underscores a crucial message: Indigenous rights are a climate solution.

According to the IPCC, fossil fuels are responsible for nearly 75% of global CO2 emissions. Daniela Durán González, Head of International Affairs for Colombia's Minister of Environmental and Sustainable Development, emphasized that effective mitigation necessitates discussing a just and orderly transition away from fossil fuels.

At the COP30 closing plenary, several Parties, including Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Colombia, formally objected to outcome documents on the Global Goal on Adaptation and the Mitigation Work Program. This alarm was raised due to the continued removal of language on transitioning away from fossil fuels, despite agreements made in the COP28 UAE Consensus. Recent texts still lack these crucial references.

This episode challenges negative headlines, highlighting real progress in the circular economy across plastics, fashion, automotive, and COP. We delve into COP's relevance, Honda's circularity center, Patagonia's environmental report, and major brands backing a new plastics agenda.

Explore related articles for deeper insights: COP30 Circular Economy Day, Honda Circularity Center, Patagonia Report Analysis, and Reuters on Plastics Agenda.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation accelerates the circular economy to tackle climate change, waste, and pollution. Subscribe for more: YouTube. Find more work and follow us: ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, Instagram, LinkedIn.

The Amazon Rainforest, particularly in Ecuador, faces a critical tipping point from rampant deforestation and extractive industries. Ecuador's deforestation surged 80% from 2021, destroying 18,902 hectares. This crisis violates Indigenous rights, sacrifices global ecosystems, and puts Indigenous women land defenders at heightened risk.

The WECAN Indigenous Women of the Ecuadorian Amazon Reforestation and Forest Protection project, led by Kichwa Pueblo leader Patricia Gualinga, restores and defends 135,000 hectares of Sarayaku territory. This project safeguards endemic tree species through reforestation, forest monitoring, and advocacy, explicitly avoiding market-based mechanisms like carbon offsets. Learn more: wecaninternational.org/ecuador-en

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, on November 17, 2025, WECAN hosted its formal UN Side Event, "Women for Climate Justice Leading Solutions." Women leaders globally presented climate justice strategies and solutions for a fossil fuel phaseout and a Just Transition.

Discussions covered vital areas including forest protection, feminist climate finance, Indigenous rights, and campaigns for government accountability. Diverse speakers shared critical updates and insights on the COP30 negotiations.

For more details on WECAN’s COP30 advocacy, events, and speakers, visit our website: https://www.wecaninternational.org/cop30

The Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University released "Green Light to Pollute in Texas." This comprehensive report analyzes 89 new or expanding petrochemical facilities across five Texas regions.

Its stark findings reveal that 9 out of 10 facilities are planned in counties with higher concentrations of people of color and families in poverty. Nearly half are in neighborhoods among the worst 10% in the U.S. for toxic air releases. Furthermore, 93% are near other high-risk chemical plants, compounding threats of explosions, leaks, and chronic disease.

A related documentary features residents detailing how this industrial expansion has impacted their communities.

Recorded live at Climate Week New York, this episode explores why retailers must embrace the circular economy for food. With global food systems contributing a third of greenhouse gas emissions and facing supply chain shocks, guests from Visa, PepsiCo, and the National Retail Federation discuss making circularity more convenient and investing in shared solutions to scale this vital transition.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, accelerates the shift to a circular economy to tackle climate change, waste, and biodiversity loss. Learn more about retail and the circular economy, or sign up for our North America newsletter. Subscribe for more insights and visit our website or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Citizens' Climate Lobby (CCL) is a climate change organization. Interim Executive Director Ricky Bradley has outlined CCL’s new strategic approach, designed to drive advocacy efforts. This strategy aims to create conditions necessary for lawmakers of both parties to support effective climate legislation.

Find out more about CCL's Strategic Plan: https://cclusa.org/2026-strategic-plan

Ever wonder why facts resonate differently with people? Join CCL's VP of Field Operations, Brett Cease, and social scientist Dr. Sena Koleva for an engaging Q&A. They will explore how our values shape intuition, beliefs, and connections.

This interactive session previews CCL's new "BRIDGE" program: Building Relationships in Dialogue, Growth, and Engagement. Gain practical insights for more effective, empathetic climate conversations, fostering understanding and momentum for change.

Carbon pricing is rapidly advancing worldwide, with significant developments like the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and new initiatives in Canada and Mexico. CCL Policy Fellow Dr. Danny Richter will provide a global overview, highlighting how America’s trading partners are using carbon pricing to cut pollution, level the playing field, and drive clean innovation.

Understanding these international trends is crucial for U.S. policy, especially as border adjustments and carbon efficiency become central. This session equips policy advocates with the global context and talking points needed to champion smart, fair carbon policy at home.

Volunteers preparing for virtual lobby meetings on the Fix Our Forests Act (FOFA) will gain expert insights from James Campbell, J.D., Director of Federal Affairs & Strategic Counsel at Megafire Action. He will address common Democratic concerns regarding FOFA.

This in-depth session, moderated by Dana Nuccitelli, CCL's Research Manager, will provide clear, informed talking points. These will help build understanding, find common ground, and strengthen your impact on Capitol Hill.

Learn more: https://community.citizensclimate.org/topics/healthy-forests/fix-our-forests/

The Center for Biological Diversity, a 501c3 nonprofit based in Tucson, Arizona, works to secure a future for all species. Believing human welfare is deeply linked to nature's diversity, they protect endangered plants and animals through science, law, and creative media, focusing on essential lands, waters, and climate. Their goal is a world where wildness thrives for future generations.

To learn more or get involved, visit their website: biologicaldiversity.org. Follow them on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You can also take action or email inquiries to center@biologicaldiversity.org.

Mary Robinson, a co-founder of Project Dandelion, was interviewed by Ronda Carnegie. Project Dandelion is a women-led global campaign dedicated to climate justice.

This interview follows the screening of the documentary "Mrs Robinson," which aired on November 14, 2025, at 4 PM PST.

Microplastics and nanoplastics, along with their constituent chemicals, are increasingly found in the human body, including the brain, placenta, and other organs. Few realize plastics contain over 16,000 chemicals, with more than a quarter known to be toxic.

Join Beyond Plastics, Ami Zota (Columbia University), and Ryan Babadi (Toxic-Free Future) for a free webinar on toxic chemicals in plastics. Learn about chemicals in common products like toys, packaging, and cosmetics, their health and environmental impacts, and how to protect yourself and your community.

Register here: https://www.beyondplastics.org/events/toxic-chemicals-in-plastics

The Center for Biological Diversity is a leading organization of lawyers, scientists, and activists. They champion endangered species and habitat protections worldwide.

Learn more: biologicaldiversity.org

One species can protect an entire ecosystem. These are known as "umbrella species," exemplified by the northern spotted owl.

Their habitat supports not only themselves but also hundreds of other plants and animals. Protecting these key species thus safeguards whole ecosystems.

This clip, from *Advancing Australia* Season 1, Episode 1: "Sea of Plastic," highlights marine biologist Nicole Nash. Inspired by rampant plastic waste, Nash launched the 'Last Straw on the Great Barrier Reef' campaign, advocating for a ban on plastic straws from commercial boats operating in the region.

Hosted by Guy Pearce, *Advancing Australia* uncovers inspirational stories of ordinary Australians achieving extraordinary things with innovative ideas and a passion for change. For more information, visit the EarthX website: https://earthxmedia.com/.

Recorded live during Climate Week NYC, this episode features Danielle Holly (Ellen MacArthur Foundation) with guests from HP, SAP, and Google. They discuss how technology can embed a circular economy as a core business strategy, exploring AI's role, circular design, and collaborative solutions to systemic blockers.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, an international charity, is dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy. This mission aims to tackle critical global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.

For more insights and to support their work, subscribe to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation on YouTube. Find more information at ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, and follow them on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Unchecked extinction and unprotected wildlife mean losing more than just animals. We risk losing our greatest teachers, furry friends, and vital ties to the natural world—all within our lifetime.

However, through the Endangered Species Act and similar policies, we can ensure their safety.

Join us for a conversation with Aoife Kelleher, director of "Mrs. Robinson." This documentary highlights the incredible career of Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and cofounder of Project Dandelion. We explore Robinson's journey, breaking glass ceilings, championing human rights, and leading global climate justice initiatives, with Aoife sharing behind-the-scenes stories.  Co-produced by Bob Trench and Ruth Ann Barrett for EarthSayers Cinema on LinkedIn.