🚨BILLBOARD MESSAGE DEMANDS MSPS ACT NOW TO SAVE NATURE 🚨 A pair of billboards appeared on Edinburgh’s busy Market Street today with an urgent message for Scotland’s MSPs. With 1 in 9 species in Scotland at risk of extinction, MSPs must act now! www.scotlandlovesnature.scot/billboard-me...

We have had 500 enquiries to ERCS's free legal advice service! Read our snapshot to see who, where and what environmental issues people in Scotland are seeking legal advice on. Snapshot of advice service – 500 enquiries www.ercs.scot/resources/sn...

Last month, Juliet Swann joined our webinar to speak about how Scotland's lobbying laws could be strengthened - looking forward to continuing the conversation at this event next week. Sign up: www.transparency.org.uk/events/lobby... Our webinar on lobbying: www.ercs.scot/news/lobbyin...

Last week, we joined #FoP2025 to discuss environmental justice. Thank you to all the brilliant speakers and organisers! We left reflecting on how much people care about their environment & the growing awareness that we need better accountability from public bodies to hold polluters to account.

Join us tomorrow at the Scottish Parliament's Festival of Politics, where our Chief Officer Dr Shivali Fifield will speak as part of a panel on environmental justice and the law. > When: Wednesday 20 August, 10:30-11:45am > Where: The Scottish Parliament > Tickets: tikt.link/environmenta...

The Climate Action Leadership Programme is a great opportunity for young people in Scotland to build skills around climate leadership and action - and completely free. You still have time to apply, find out more here 👇🏽 www.2050.scot/calp

Last week, the International Court of Justice issued a landmark Advisory Opinion on States' obligations regarding climate change. This was a pivotal moment for all those seeking to uphold the right to a healthy environment - but what does it mean for Scotland? Read our blog: tinyurl.com/2z2u9a5x

Today's ruling by the International Court of Justice confirms our right to a healthy environment, as "a precondition for the enjoyment of many human rights, such as the right to life". www.theguardian.com/environment/...

This is one of my pet peeves. And for good reason! It's completely unnecessary and damaging to health and the environment. Thanks @ercscot.bsky.social for taking action on this. 💚

We are calling on the Scottish Government to strengthen the ban on engine idling, which releases toxic exhaust fumes into the air. So far they've refused - but change is in the air. Read more: www.ercs.scot/blog/you-mus... #pollution #campaigns #publichealth #airquality

In ERCS's June newsletter, our Chief Officer Shivali Fifield writes about how we can stand up to the bullies. Read the newsletter: www.ercs.scot/news/ercs-ju... Sign up to our mailing list: www.ercs.scot/mailing-list/

Our webinar on lobbying is happening next week! Join us to find out how we can enforce the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016 and create more transparency and accountability about political lobbying. Book: www.ercs.scot/news/lobbyin...

Despite opposition from the UK, the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee has decided that our formal complaint about the Scottish Civil Justice Council is admissible. We hope that the UK will now respond to our concerns seriously. 🔗 Read update: www.ercs.scot/news/complai...

📣 Scotland Demands Better 📣 ERCS is backing Poverty Alliance's call. #WeDemandBetter investment for life's essentials - like affordable homes, good public transport, a thriving natural environment, and strong public services. www.povertyalliance.org/scotland-dem...

Powerful lobbyists oppose climate action - but we can use the law to bring this to light 🔎 Our new Guide explains how lobbying is regulated in Scotland, where to find information, and how to submit a complaint to the Ethical Standards Commissioner. www.ercs.scot/resources/gu...

A great event coming up organised by our friends at @foescot.bsky.social - not to be missed!

💧 New blog 💧 Bathing water designation came to our attention when we were contacted by the River Almond Action Group (RAAG). Over two years after our representation to Environmental Standards Scotland, bathing water designation remains murkier than ever … Read: www.ercs.scot/news/bathing...

Worried about a new development under construction that appears to not be complying with its planning consent? I would say definitely report it to the local planning enforcement team. All regulator’s really rely on the public eyes on the development Excellent guide below 👇

How can we use lobbying laws to challenge the influence of big businesses and wealthy individuals in politics? Join our webinar to hear about how our lobbying laws work and discuss whether they need to be strengthened to prevent corruption. 🗓️ 02/07, 3.30-5pm 🎟️ Book: www.ercs.scot/news/lobbyin...

Our guide to planning enforcement is out now! The guide is intended to help people to challenge breaches of planning controls & ensure conditions are met that protect the environment. Read now at: www.ercs.scot/resources/gu... #planning #democracy #publicparticipation

Scottish Refugee Council invited ERCS to hear from 29 refugees and asylum seekers about their lived experiences of accessing greenspaces and healthy food. This was an additional piece to our Race & Right to a Healthy Environment work. Read here: www.ercs.scot/news/race-th...

As part of the Everyone’s Environment project, 13 charities wrote to the Scottish Government in April to call for a human rights-based approach to environmental policy. We were delighted to receive their response, which noted the Scottish Human Rights Bill. Read: www.ercs.scot/resources/le...

With the introduction of the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill, we are one step closer to a legal protection against reckless environmental destruction. Congratulations @monicalennon.bsky.social & thank you for your dedication - we’re excited to support this. www.heraldscotland.com/news/2519843...

How can we use lobbying laws to challenge the influence of big businesses and wealthy individuals in politics? Join our webinar to hear about how our lobbying laws work and discuss whether they need to be strengthened to prevent corruption. 🗓️ 02/07, 3.30-5pm 🎟️ Book: www.ercs.scot/news/lobbyin...

Every day in Scotland & Europe, the right to a #HealthyEnvironmentForAll is violated—especially for communities in situations of marginalisation. @ercscot.bsky.social urges @coe.int States to urgently begin the legal protection of the right as a cornerstone of equality & non-discrimination!

A coalition of charities has today written to the First Minister asking his government to stop #FlamingoLand going ahead at #LochLomond. Letter below. Please write to Ivan McKee ([email protected]) & ask him to stop this development going ahead. There's still time. ⬇️

Guest blog: Why law students are challenging their future employers over the climate crisis. As part of the Fossil Free Law campaign launched by ERCS with law students across Scotland, two students explain why they are taking action. Read more: tinyurl.com/38fezfjd #FossilFreeLaw #ClimateJustice

Stand Up for Nature! Scotland’s nature is struggling, but the Natural Environment Bill could be a turning point. We need to show MSPs that nature matters to Scotland’s people. 📆Thursday 12 June 🕒12:30-2pm 📍Scottish parliament Join the demo: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stand-up-f...

📣 Our latest Voices for Justice piece: Here from Mark, who was concerned about the environmental harm of a local quarry and its storage and processing of incinerator waste, contaminating the adjacent forest. www.ercs.scot/resources/de... 📷: Goathill Quarry by Mark

Scottish Forestry decided not to require an Environmental Impact Assessment for a 1,000 acre plantation of mostly the invasive Sitka spruce in the Scottish Borders. Restore Nature is now fundraising to cover the legal expenses of challenging this in court: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/save-todri...

In our latest long read, ERCS Legal Director Dr Ben Christman breaks down the failures of the Scottish Government’s review on environmental governance, in which they refused to strengthen environmental protections. Read: www.ercs.scot/news/a-bit-o... Subscribe: www.ercs.scot/mailing-list/

To tackle the environmental crises, we need policies that work for all Scots. We were delighted to be commissioned by Everyone's Environment to develop recommendations for making Scottish environmental policy more inclusive. www.thinknpc.org/resource-hub... @thinknpc.bsky.social

📢 Scottish charities call on Holyrood to make environmental policies more inclusive With #EveryonesEnvironment, we wrote to Scottish Parties with recommendations to improve how environmental policies affect marginalised and disadvantaged groups in Scotland. www.ercs.scot/news/scottis...

🌎 Take action this #EarthDay Earth Day is about collective mobilising to protect our environment. Here are three actions you can take today in Scotland 🧵 #EarthActionDay #OurPowerOurPlanet #earthday2025 #collectiveaction

Our April newsletter is here! 🟢 Increasing support for action to defend our environmental rights 🟢 Our latest long read on the failures of the Scottish Government's review of environmental governance 🟢 Campaign updates Read: www.ercs.scot/resources/ap... Subscribe: www.ercs.scot/mailing-list/

Why have newts and bats become public enemy number one? Last month, we held a webinar in response to the UK government's current hostility towards concerns about the environment and planning system. Clare from Planning Democracy wrote a summary of the conversation: www.ercs.scot/news/defendi...

🔎 Our updated guide on accessing environmental information is out now! Read about our rights around requesting information & how to appeal unsatisfactory responses - or no response at all. ➡️ Guide: www.ercs.scot/resources/gu...

📰UK MINISTERS MUST NOT MISS CHANCE TO HEED DEVOLUTION📰 In today's The National, Scottish Environment LINK's @danparis.bsky.social sets out why the Internal Market Act has been so damaging to Scottish environmental policy, and the importance of rethinking it: www.thenational.scot/politics/250...

Earlier this month, the Scottish Parliament hosted a debate on the Aarhus Convention & access to environmental justice. It was a key step forward, with agreement on the need to reduce legal expenses & establish a specialist environment court. Read the highlights in our blog: tinyurl.com/yykswemd

What does decision-making informed by lived experience look like? D, a member of the Environmental Justice Network, wrote about their experience on the decision-making panel for the Independent Human Rights Fund for Scotland, hosted by @corra.scot. Read: www.corra.scot/from-skye-to...

Large tree plantations can significantly harm the environment. Yet, Scottish Forestry requires Environmental Impact Assessments for very few of them & is breaching legal transparency duties. Read full article by @vickyallan.bsky.social on the Herald: www.heraldscotland.com/news/2506373...

Environmental justice is a health issue. Watch the film from our community partners on Race & the Right to a Healthy Environment on their lived experiences of accessing greenspace & healthy and sustainable food: youtu.be/IxDClrhw_G8?...

Last chance to book for tomorrow! Come discuss how we can stand up for our environmental rights & nature against the deregulatory, growth-at-all-costs agenda 👇🏽

On 25 March our co-director @lmacfarlane.bsky.social will be speaking on a webinar discussing ‘Defending Environmental Democracy’ with a range of other fantastic speakers Find out more and sign up below 👇

How did bats become public enemy number one? Important read by @batconservation.bsky.social. Come continue the discussion at our webinar on Tuesday 25 March on how we can respond to the hostility towards planning & environmental concerns. Book: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/defending-...

How can access to healthy & sustainably produced food be improved for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic groups in Scotland? Here’s what participants on the Race & the Right to a Healthy Environment project said. Partners Cemvo Scotland, @povertyalliance.org & @nourishscotland.bsky.social

We've filed a formal complaint about the Scottish Civil Justice Council for breaching our right to public participation, which is enshrined in the UN Aarhus Convention. Read more: www.ercs.scot/news/scottis...

Thank you Helen - hope you're able to join us! Quick details for our webinar on defending environmental democracy 👇🏽 📆 7-8.30pm, Tuesday 25 March 🎟️ Free, book your spot: environmentaldemocracy.eventbrite.co.uk

On 25 March, we’ll be joined by guest speakers including writer & broadcaster Lesley Riddoch to discuss why public participation in planning decisions is being dismissed as NIMBYism – and what can we do for legal protections for people and nature in Scotland. Book your spot & share with others ⬇️

In Scotland, nature is struggling. But this year we have a huge chance to help it recover with the Natural Environment Bill. We need our leaders to know how much Scotland's nature matters! Declare your love for nature: www.scotlandlovesnature.scot/actnow www.youtube.com/shorts/PJdbt...