Environmental activists sprayed red paint on Finland's parliament building on Wednesday to protest against the peat industry... They have sparked strong criticism from politicians...

Activists Smear Finland's Parliament In Red

American Coco Gauff beat Karolina Muchova 6-4 7-5 to reach her first U.S. Open final on Thursday after the match was halted for nearly an hour when an environmental activist glued his feet to the floor of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Gauff, who had beaten Muchova in the Cincinnati final last month to claim the biggest title of her career, fed off the energy of the home crowd to get past the Czech once again.

"Some of those points, it was so loud and I don't know if my ears are going to be okay," Gauff said. "I grew up watching this tournament so much so it means a lot to me to be in the final. A lot to celebrate but the job is not done."

Gauff, the sixth seed, will next face the winner of the other semi-final between compatriot Madison Keys and Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka.

The match was delayed by roughly 50 minutes early in the second set due to a protest by four spectators. The USTA said three of the four were escorted out of the stadium without incident but a fourth "affixed their bare feet to the floor of the seating bowl".

Gauff swept the first three games of the opening set and broke her opponent again in the sixth.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-changed-football-but-rivalry-is-gone-cristiano-ronaldo-opens-up-on-competition-with-lionel-messi-633337">We changed football but rivalry is gone: Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on competition with Lionel Messi</a>

Muchova, this year's Roland Garros runner-up, capitalized on some mistakes by the 19-year-old and broke straight back in the seventh, raising her level from there to break Gauff again in the ninth.

The Czech's good work went to waste, however, as she committed a trio of unforced errors in the 10th game, allowing Gauff to break to love and take the set.

After a routine hold by Gauff to open the second set, shouts were heard from high up in the stands and both players sat on their benches as security staff members quickly moved to quell the disruption.

As the delay stretched on both players left the court as police officers surrounded the remaining protester before removing him from the venue with his hands behind his back.

After the players returned they warmed up again on court before resuming play, neither appearing rattled by the incident.

Muchova double-faulted to help Gauff break in the eighth game but saved match point in the next game before breaking the American’s serve to keep the match going.

Muchova saved four more match points in the 12th game but Gauff would not be denied, surviving a 40-shot rally on the penultimate point with a forehand winner before cheering with delight as her opponent sent a backhand past the baseline on the sixth match point.

Muchova gave credit to her opponent but told reporters that she was disappointed in the quality of her own play on Thursday.

"I was not feeling it from the start until the end," she said. "I'm pretty sad about the outcome, that I didn't put the best out of me on the court. Yeah, just kind of sad about the performance."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

American Coco Gauff beat Karolina Muchova 6-4 7-5 to reach her first U.S. Open final on Thursday after the match was halted for nearly an hour when an environmental activist glued his feet to the floor of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

American Coco Gauff beat Karolina Muchova 6-4 7-5 to reach her first U.S. Open final on Thursday after the match was halted for nearly an hour when an environmental activist glued his feet to the floor of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Gauff, who had beaten Muchova in the Cincinnati final last month to claim the biggest title of her career, fed off the energy of the home crowd to get past the Czech once again. "Some of those points, it was so loud and I don't know if my ears are going to be okay," Gauff said. "I grew up watching this tournament so much so it means a lot to me to be in the final. A lot to celebrate but the job is not done." Gauff, the sixth seed, will next face the winner of the other semi-final between compatriot Madison Keys and Belarusian second seed Aryna Sabalenka. The match was delayed by roughly 50 minutes early in the second set due to a protest by four spectators. The USTA said three of the four were escorted out of the stadium without incident but a fourth "affixed their bare feet to the floor of the seating bowl". Gauff swept the first three games of the opening set and broke her opponent again in the sixth. ALSO READ: We changed football but rivalry is gone: Cristiano Ronaldo opens up on competition with Lionel Messi Muchova, this year's Roland Garros runner-up, capitalized on some mistakes by the 19-year-old and broke straight back in the seventh, raising her level from there to break Gauff again in the ninth. The Czech's good work went to waste, however, as she committed a trio of unforced errors in the 10th game, allowing Gauff to break to love and take the set. After a routine hold by Gauff to open the second set, shouts were heard from high up in the stands and both players sat on their benches as security staff members quickly moved to quell the disruption. As the delay stretched on both players left the court as police officers surrounded the remaining protester before removing him from the venue with his hands behind his back. After the players returned they warmed up again on court before resuming play, neither appearing rattled by the incident. Muchova double-faulted to help Gauff break in the eighth game but saved match point in the next game before breaking the American’s serve to keep the match going. Muchova saved four more match points in the 12th game but Gauff would not be denied, surviving a 40-shot rally on the penultimate point with a forehand winner before cheering with delight as her opponent sent a backhand past the baseline on the sixth match point. Muchova gave credit to her opponent but told reporters that she was disappointed in the quality of her own play on Thursday. "I was not feeling it from the start until the end," she said. "I'm pretty sad about the outcome, that I didn't put the best out of me on the court. Yeah, just kind of sad about the performance." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Coco Gauff reaches maiden US Open final after environmental activists disrupt play

Two environmental groups, the Nordic branch of Greenpeace and Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth or Young Friends of the Earth Norway), on Thursday (June 29) said that they are suing the Norwegian state for violating the country’s constitution and international human rights commitments. This comes as Norway recently approved three offshore oilfields and new oil and gas projects worth nearly $19 billion.

<h2>What have the environmental groups sought?</h2>

The two environmental groups have sought a court injunction against the government, calling for an immediate halt to the ongoing development of three Norwegian offshore oilfields – Equinor’s Breidablikk and Aker BP’s Yggdrasil and Tyrving fields.&nbsp;

The groups have based their arguments on the Norwegian constitution and its international human rights commitments. In a joint statement, the environmental groups said, “Their recent approvals violate the Norwegian constitution and Norway’s international human rights commitments, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.”

This also comes after the groups previously lost a similar lawsuit, back in 2020, which objected to the planned development of new oil fields approved by the government. Both Greenpeace and Nature and Youth have long sought the court’s intervention against Norway’s oil and gas production.&nbsp;

The recent lawsuit also comes a day after the country’s petroleum and energy ministry green-lit another 19 oil and gas fields worth more than 200 billion Norwegian crowns ($18.5 billion).&nbsp;

The two groups have argued that the government has failed to assess the global impact of the three oil fields – Yggdrasil, Tyrving and Breidablikk – and alleged that they were “either non-existent or highly inadequate, rendering the approvals invalid.”&nbsp;

They added, “The organisations demand that the development cease until the court has assessed the legal basis.”

In a statement, the head of Greenpeace Norway, Frode Pleym, said that the “Norwegian government is hellbent on opening new oil fields that will produce fossil fuels decades into the future.” He added, “It is blatantly disregarding the climate, the science, and even our own Supreme Court in its effort to please the oil industry.” 
 
Notably, Norway is western Europe’s largest oil-producing nation as well as the biggest supplier of natural gas to the continent. The government has also previously argued that its petroleum resources are vital to Europe’s energy security.

<h2>How has the government responded?</h2>

In a statement to Reuters, State Secretary and Energy Minister, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen said that while they are confident that the approval of the recent projects has not violated the law, “Still, it’s the right of environmental organisations to try this before the court.”&nbsp;

In the context of violations of rights and the law, Eriksen also said, “The government is respecting its commitments in the Paris (climate) treaty,” as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

He added, “At the same time, we need to contribute to energy security during the transition...The authorisations we have granted ensure that Europe will continue to have access to energy in the future as well.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Two environmental groups, the Nordic branch of Greenpeace and Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth or Young Friends of the Earth Norway), on Thursday (June 29) said that they are suing the Norwegian state for violating the country’s constitution and international human rights commitments.

Two environmental groups, the Nordic branch of Greenpeace and Natur og Ungdom (Nature and Youth or Young Friends of the Earth Norway), on Thursday (June 29) said that they are suing the Norwegian state for violating the country’s constitution and international human rights commitments. This comes as Norway recently approved three offshore oilfields and new oil and gas projects worth nearly $19 billion. What have the environmental groups sought? The two environmental groups have sought a court injunction against the government, calling for an immediate halt to the ongoing development of three Norwegian offshore oilfields – Equinor’s Breidablikk and Aker BP’s Yggdrasil and Tyrving fields. The groups have based their arguments on the Norwegian constitution and its international human rights commitments. In a joint statement, the environmental groups said, “Their recent approvals violate the Norwegian constitution and Norway’s international human rights commitments, as well as the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.” This also comes after the groups previously lost a similar lawsuit, back in 2020, which objected to the planned development of new oil fields approved by the government. Both Greenpeace and Nature and Youth have long sought the court’s intervention against Norway’s oil and gas production. The recent lawsuit also comes a day after the country’s petroleum and energy ministry green-lit another 19 oil and gas fields worth more than 200 billion Norwegian crowns ($18.5 billion). The two groups have argued that the government has failed to assess the global impact of the three oil fields – Yggdrasil, Tyrving and Breidablikk – and alleged that they were “either non-existent or highly inadequate, rendering the approvals invalid.” They added, “The organisations demand that the development cease until the court has assessed the legal basis.” In a statement, the head of Greenpeace Norway, Frode Pleym, said that the “Norwegian government is hellbent on opening new oil fields that will produce fossil fuels decades into the future.” He added, “It is blatantly disregarding the climate, the science, and even our own Supreme Court in its effort to please the oil industry.” Notably, Norway is western Europe’s largest oil-producing nation as well as the biggest supplier of natural gas to the continent. The government has also previously argued that its petroleum resources are vital to Europe’s energy security. How has the government responded? In a statement to Reuters, State Secretary and Energy Minister, Andreas Bjelland Eriksen said that while they are confident that the approval of the recent projects has not violated the law, “Still, it’s the right of environmental organisations to try this before the court.” In the context of violations of rights and the law, Eriksen also said, “The government is respecting its commitments in the Paris (climate) treaty,” as quoted by news agency AFP. He added, “At the same time, we need to contribute to energy security during the transition...The authorisations we have granted ensure that Europe will continue to have access to energy in the future as well.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Environmental groups sue Norwegian state, ask court to halt billion-dollar oil projects

On average, an environmentalist activist was killed every two days over the past decade, a report by an NGO has claimed.&nbsp;

The report by Global Witness notes that at least 1,733 land and environmental defenders have been murdered by hitmen, organised crime groups and their own governments between 2012 and 2021. &nbsp;

In 2021 alone, some 200 people were killed at a rate of four&nbsp;per week.&nbsp;

It has named Brazil, Colombia, the&nbsp;Philippines, Mexico and Honduras as the world's&nbsp;deadliest countries for activists, with 68 per cent of the murders taking place across these countries.&nbsp;

The majority of those who were killed belonged to the indigenous communities who are involved in struggles to prevent the exploitation of their lands by mining, oil, and hydropower developers.&nbsp;

Researchers claimed that these environmental crusaders would be under increased pressure in the coming days, especially in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the world attempts to increase the exploitation of fossil fuels to tide over crude oil crisis.&nbsp;

"There is increasing stress on natural resources globally and this is playing out as a battle particularly in the Amazon in Brazil," Shruti Suresh, from Global Witness, told BBC.&nbsp;

"This is about land inequality, in that defenders are fighting for their land, and in this increasing race to get more land to acquire and exploit resources, the victims are indigenous communities, local communities, whose voices are being suppressed."&nbsp;

The NGO report, however, has highlighted some significant victories by environmental campaigners. &nbsp;

Last year, indigenous communities from the Wild Coast of South Africa’s Eastern Cape won a legal victory over Shell, forcing the company to halt oil&nbsp;exploration in whale-breeding grounds. 
 
In May this year, communities on&nbsp;Sangihe Island, Indonesia, won a lawsuit against a Canadian-backed company planning to mine gold on their island after having a previous challenge thrown out for technical reasons.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

On average, an environmentalist activist was killed every two days over the past decade, a report by an NGO has claimed. The report by Global Witness notes that at least 1,733 land and environmental defenders have been murdered by hitmen, organised crime groups and their own governments between 2012 and 2021.

On average, an environmentalist activist was killed every two days over the past decade, a report by an NGO has claimed. The report by Global Witness notes that at least 1,733 land and environmental defenders have been murdered by hitmen, organised crime groups and their own governments between 2012 and 2021. In 2021 alone, some 200 people were killed at a rate of four per week. It has named Brazil, Colombia, the Philippines, Mexico and Honduras as the world's deadliest countries for activists, with 68 per cent of the murders taking place across these countries. The majority of those who were killed belonged to the indigenous communities who are involved in struggles to prevent the exploitation of their lands by mining, oil, and hydropower developers. Researchers claimed that these environmental crusaders would be under increased pressure in the coming days, especially in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine conflict as the world attempts to increase the exploitation of fossil fuels to tide over crude oil crisis. "There is increasing stress on natural resources globally and this is playing out as a battle particularly in the Amazon in Brazil," Shruti Suresh, from Global Witness, told BBC. "This is about land inequality, in that defenders are fighting for their land, and in this increasing race to get more land to acquire and exploit resources, the victims are indigenous communities, local communities, whose voices are being suppressed." The NGO report, however, has highlighted some significant victories by environmental campaigners. Last year, indigenous communities from the Wild Coast of South Africa’s Eastern Cape won a legal victory over Shell, forcing the company to halt oil exploration in whale-breeding grounds. In May this year, communities on Sangihe Island, Indonesia, won a lawsuit against a Canadian-backed company planning to mine gold on their island after having a previous challenge thrown out for technical reasons. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Over 1,700 environmental activists killed in over a decade, most in Latin America: Report  

Environmental activists staged a protest in Argentina's capital opposing the Agrochemical company Monsanto's genetically modified seeds. They have claimed that these seeds disrupt the ecological system and contribute to climate change

Environmental activists stage protest in Argentina's capital against Agrochemical company Monsanto

Construction workers began felling part of a German forest on Thursday so that a highway can be built despite efforts by around 150 environmental activists to stop them.

Activists occupy German forest in hope to prevent highway construction

Defenders of land and environment have been facing wrath from mega-companies and governments for long, but now they may also be facing persecution.

Over the last year, a record number of activists were killed for seeking land and environment protection. As the climate crisis and the dialogue around it thickens, more activists are put at risk of getting killed.

Four every week

As per data compiled by watchdog Global Witness over the last year, four activists were killed every week in 2019. This increase has also been attributed to the COVID-19 lockdown, which has made poaching of these activists easier.

In Colombia and Philippines alone, over 100 out of the total 212 people were killed last year. This accounted for over a 30 per cent increase from 164 deaths in 2018. It is also more than the record in 2017.

<h6><img alt="An environmental activist protests outside the Reichstag building housing the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) in Berlin on March 6, 2020. Protestors from Campact and Bund made themselves heard outside the building during a sitting of the Bundestag as the German federal parliament heard the first reading of the coal bill presented by the government." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6cc525d8-9d50-4623-a6c9-c3b822b4d042" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_122.jpg" /> 
An environmental activist protests outside the Reichstag building housing the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) in Berlin on March 6, 2020. Protestors from Campact and Bund made themselves heard outside the building during a sitting of the Bundestag as the German federal parliament heard the first reading of the coal bill presented by the government. | AFP</h6>

Global Witness did warn though, that the number of deaths will actually be higher.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/curb-climate-change-protect-environment-to-prevent-more-outbreaks-united-nations-311242" hreflang="en">Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations</a>

Out of these, most deaths were related to land and environment. Following which, the sectors that witnessed deaths include agriculture, logging, and criminal gangs.

However, indigenous populations or “tribals” remain at the highest risk, and accounting for 40 per cent murders in 2019.

Indigenous groups at risk

The woes of such communities have increased owing to COVID-19, which may have not brushed against such groups had environment and land been protected and demarcated. In the Amazon, Brazil continues to undertake overwhelming deforestation work.

The local groups in Brazil have claimed that they are “facing extinction”, while saying that the right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, who himself had recently tested positive, was attempting to eliminate tribal groups. The country witnessed 24 documented deaths in 2019.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/coronavirus-an-inevitable-consequence-of-long-term-environmental-damage-report-311220" hreflang="en">Coronavirus an inevitable consequence of long-term environmental damage: Report</a>

Colombia recorded the most number of deaths at 64. This also marks the highest number coming in from any country ever. The country has witnessed an increase in the murders of local leaders.&nbsp;In the country, criminal gangs and local militias depend on drug trade, which spurs more violence.

Philippines was the most deadly country to live in for people protecting land and the environment in 2018. In 2019, 48 deaths were recorded.&nbsp;The president, Rodrigo Duterte is eyeing plans to convert huge areas of land into industrial embankments.

The report noted that Europe was the last affected continent. Over two-thirds of these killings took place in Latin America in 2019. In the Amazon region alone, 33 people were killed.

Defenders of land and environment have been facing wrath from mega-companies and governments for long, but now they may also be facing persecution. Over the last year, a record number of activists were killed for seeking land and environment protection.

Defenders of land and environment have been facing wrath from mega-companies and governments for long, but now they may also be facing persecution. Over the last year, a record number of activists were killed for seeking land and environment protection. As the climate crisis and the dialogue around it thickens, more activists are put at risk of getting killed. Four every week As per data compiled by watchdog Global Witness over the last year, four activists were killed every week in 2019. This increase has also been attributed to the COVID-19 lockdown, which has made poaching of these activists easier. In Colombia and Philippines alone, over 100 out of the total 212 people were killed last year. This accounted for over a 30 per cent increase from 164 deaths in 2018. It is also more than the record in 2017. An environmental activist protests outside the Reichstag building housing the Bundestag (lower house of parliament) in Berlin on March 6, 2020. Protestors from Campact and Bund made themselves heard outside the building during a sitting of the Bundestag as the German federal parliament heard the first reading of the coal bill presented by the government. | AFP Global Witness did warn though, that the number of deaths will actually be higher. Also read: Curb climate change, protect environment to prevent more outbreaks: United Nations Out of these, most deaths were related to land and environment. Following which, the sectors that witnessed deaths include agriculture, logging, and criminal gangs. However, indigenous populations or “tribals” remain at the highest risk, and accounting for 40 per cent murders in 2019. Indigenous groups at risk The woes of such communities have increased owing to COVID-19, which may have not brushed against such groups had environment and land been protected and demarcated. In the Amazon, Brazil continues to undertake overwhelming deforestation work. The local groups in Brazil have claimed that they are “facing extinction”, while saying that the right-wing president Jair Bolsonaro, who himself had recently tested positive, was attempting to eliminate tribal groups. The country witnessed 24 documented deaths in 2019. Also read: Coronavirus an inevitable consequence of long-term environmental damage: Report Colombia recorded the most number of deaths at 64. This also marks the highest number coming in from any country ever. The country has witnessed an increase in the murders of local leaders. In the country, criminal gangs and local militias depend on drug trade, which spurs more violence. Philippines was the most deadly country to live in for people protecting land and the environment in 2018. In 2019, 48 deaths were recorded. The president, Rodrigo Duterte is eyeing plans to convert huge areas of land into industrial embankments. The report noted that Europe was the last affected continent. Over two-thirds of these killings took place in Latin America in 2019. In the Amazon region alone, 33 people were killed.

Four environmental activists were killed every week in 2019 across the globe

environmental-activists

Environmental Activists, News on Environmental Activists, stories on Environmental Activists, articles on Environmental Activists, Environmental Activists stories at Wion, Environmental Activists news, Environmental Activists latest news