Climate Justice Programme

Annual Impact Report 2013-2014

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS – ‘CARBON MAJORS’• Launch of the ‘Carbon Majors’ research:

• We supported the ground breaking research by Richard Heede that was published in the peer reviewed journal Climatic Change in November 2013, with leading coverage in The Guardian.

• The research traced historical carbon emissions to the biggest fossil fuel producers. It found that 63% of carbon emissions can be traced back to just 90 entities (the Carbon Majors).

• We have worked cooperatively with lawyers and activists around the world to consider the implications of these findings.

• Since the release of the research we have seen a shift in thinking around responsibility for the Carbon Majors, including legal responsibility.• Leaders such as Desmond Tutu and Al Gore have called for legal liability of the Carbon

Majors.• Greenpeace and CIEL wrote to CEOs of the Carbon Majors highlighting their potential legal

risk.• Greenpeace has launched a campaign for climate justice against the Carbon Majors

• In June 2013, we launched a report calling for an international levy on the Carbon Majors. Our proposal was supported by prominent people including Yeb Sano (Philippines Climate Commissioner) and Saleemul Huq

This study is a crucial step forward in our understanding of the evolution of the climate crisis. The public and private sectors alike must do what is necessary to stop global warming. Those who are historically responsible for polluting our atmosphere have a clear obligation to be part of the solution.~ Al Gore

The Carbon Majors research attracted wide recognition by leading figures, reflecting a shift in thinking around who is responsible for climate change

The climate crisis pits profits of the few against the welfare of the many. This is surely a moment that demands unprecedented collective action. We can no longer tinker about the edges... hold those responsible for climate damages accountable... It's time to change the profit incentive by demanding legal liability for unsustainable environmental practices.~ Desmond Tutu

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS – ‘ECOSYSTEMS CLIMATE JUSTICE’Ongoing work on Ecosystems Climate Justice:

• We completed field work in Kalimantan (Indonesia). We researched the current status of grievance mechanisms for indigenous peoples to bring complaints related to REDD+. The focus of our unique project was on working with local lawyers.

• We engaged in advocacy at the United Nations climate negotiations, and released a ground-breaking report on complaints and grievance mechanisms.

• We were a central contributor and organizer within the REDD+ Safeguards Working Group (R-SWG) and the Ecosystems Climate Alliance (ECA).

• We provided a leading expert voice in the media on the complex legal issues around REDD+.

We continue to work ‘behind the scenes’ to support innovative climate law actions, including litigation.

Our work is not always public, but benefits the cause of climate justice around the world.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

President: Stephen LeonardExecutive Officer: Dr Keely BoomTreasurer: Adam KirkSecretary: Aleta Lederwasch (until December 2013)General members: Phil Freeman, Lena Aahlby

MANAGEMENT

President: Stephen LeonardExecutive Officer: Dr Keely BoomManager, International Policy: Julie-Anne Richards

Financials

Activities Income: $54,931

Sources of support for our work in 2013-14Foundation grants (54%)Other non-profit organisations (46%)

How you can help

DONATE OR MAKE A BEQUEST• We need your financial support to continue and develop our

important work in using the law to protect the environment. DONATE NOW

VOLUNTEER OR WORK FOR US• We have internship and volunteer opportunities available now. Work

opportunities arise from time to time. APPLY NOWSHARE OUR STORIES ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER• Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

We would like to thank the following organisations for their support:

STAY IN TOUCHCJP website: www.climatejustice.org.auClimate Law Database: www.climatelaw.org