# Canadian Rights: Environmental Protections From Oil Spills - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/canadian-rights-environmental-protections-from-oil-spills/ - Published: 2011-05-14T01:29:00-04:00 - Author: greenlivingguy ## Canadian Nature Rights: One Year After BP Oil Disaster Under the shadow of the one year anniversary of the BP oil disaster in the Gulf, the UN General Assembly will discuss implementing new international standards. Those that afford rights and also legal standing not just to individuals and businesses adversely affected by the exploitation and damage to natural resources. However, to [nature and ecosystems](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/green-new-deals-ecological-scarcity-and-the-lessons-of-history/) themselves. The discussion follows the adoption into law of similar protocols by over a dozen American municipalities as well as into the federal laws in Bolivia and Ecuador. #### Ecuador Oil Spill In 2008, Ecuador also became the first nation in the world to rewrite their Constitution to include rights for nature to exist. All to flourish and evolve. And in the United States, in November 2010 the city of Pittsburgh became the first in the nation to assert the rights of communities and nature over those of corporations when it passed a city ordinance banning the practice of “[shale fracking](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/09/natural-gas-spends-big-dollars-to-convince-people-of-the-benefits-of-fracking/)” within city limits. In addition, nearly two-dozen US municipalities have passed similar ordinances. Thereby determining existing laws are also unable to protect their local ecosystems.⌊jack pump, oil, extraction, Canadian nature rights ⌉ #### Canadian Rights Communities Canadian communities are wondering if legally recognizing rights for nature can stop the privatization of their public water systems and halt dangerous tar sands extraction in the fragile Alberta region. Civil society representatives participating in Wednesday’s panel say that the event will serve in stark contrast to the 2009 COP 15 and 2010 COP 16 the UN Climate Change Conferences in Copenhagen and Mexico. The COP’s failure to generate government led solutions to reverse human-induced climate change led Bolivian President Evo Morales to host the World People’s Conference on Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth in Cochabamba, Bolivia. This was in 2010. The Conference was attended by over 35,000 people. Moreover, it also produced a “People’s Accord” and launched the global movement for the “Rights of Mother Earth”. This week’s UN dialogue meets the Bolivian governments’ commitment to champion the Rights of Mother Earth. #### COP 15 Renowned international experts on the environment, human rights and the global movement to promote the commons will attend the General Assembly session. #### The Council of Canadians The Council of Canadians, Global Exchange, and the Fundacion Pachamama will also release a book this week. It’s called The Rights of Nature: The Case for a Universal Declaration of the Rights of Mother Earth. Copies will be made available to all UN missions. The UN interactive dialogue this Wednesday, April 20, will consist of two moderated panel discussions. Those with independent experts in sustainable development and its measurement. The floor will be opened to delegates and other participants for questions to the panelists. That’s as well as very brief interventions to share their experiences and other perspectives. After opening remarks at 10 AM from the UN General Assembly President, the Bolivian ambassador Pablo Solon, and the Deputy Secretary General the first discussion will run from 10:20 AM until 1 PM, and will focus on promoting a holistic approach to sustainable development in harmony with nature. The second, beginning at 3 PM and ending at 5:45 PM, will highlight national experiences with the measurement of sustainable development in harmony with nature. #### Global Exchange Global Exchange is an international human rights organization. One that’s dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world. As an education and action resource center, Global Exchange advances its vision. Especially by working to ensure members and constituents are empowered locally and connected globally to create a just and sustainable world. #### The Council of Canadians The Council of Canadians, founded in 1985, is Canada’s largest social justice organization. With members and chapters across the country. For the Council advocates for progressive policies on clean water, fair trade, climate justice, public health care. As well as other issues of social and economic concern to Canadians. ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)