Dr. Thomas Coughlin, 2024 President of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), was interviewed at the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event in Geneva, Switzerland. IEEE is a

Dr. Thomas Coughlin, 2024 President of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), was interviewed at the WSIS+20 Forum High-Level Event in Geneva, Switzerland. IEEE is a worldwide membership organization.

The WSIS+20 Forum, held May 27-31, 2024, commemorates two decades since the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) established a global framework. This initiative promotes inclusive, people-centric information societies through digital cooperation.

As climate challenges escalate, communities increasingly recognize that effective action and resilience hinge on ecological boundaries—watersheds, food, energy, and culture sheds—rather than

As climate challenges escalate, communities increasingly recognize that effective action and resilience hinge on ecological boundaries—watersheds, food, energy, and culture sheds—rather than just political maps. This bioregional perspective is crucial for redefining governance and building political-ecological alliances that prioritize equity and justice.

A visionary group of climate action organizers, including Indigenous leader Eriel Deranger, Rights of Nature attorney Thomas Linzey, climate justice lawyer Colette Pichon Battle (Taproot Earth), and OneEarth founder Justin Winters, illuminate pathways for practical climate solutions and emerging eco-governance.

This conversation took place at the Bioneers 2025 Conference. Explore more keynote talks and discussions at bioneers.org.

At the Rights of Mother Earth International Indigenous Conference, Canadian activist Clayton Thomas-Muller delivered a speech addressing the devastating impact of Tar Sands on his people,

At the Rights of Mother Earth International Indigenous Conference, Canadian activist Clayton Thomas-Muller delivered a speech addressing the devastating impact of Tar Sands on his people, describing it as a "science fiction nightmare."

A member of the Mathais Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan) in Northern Manitoba, Thomas-Muller is a prominent advocate for indigenous self-determination and environmental justice.

The "Rights of Nature" movement aims to protect rivers, mountains, and entire ecosystems by recognizing their inherent legal rights to exist, persist, flourish, and evolve, rather than treating

The "Rights of Nature" movement aims to protect rivers, mountains, and entire ecosystems by recognizing their inherent legal rights to exist, persist, flourish, and evolve, rather than treating them as property. This radical framework has gained global momentum, spreading from tribal lands to cities and nations.

In this session, activist attorneys Frank Bibeau, Thomas Linzey, and Samantha Skenandore, moderated by Alexis Bunten, will update us on their successes and challenges in Indian Country and beyond.

Watch more videos from the 2022 conference here.

Explore groundbreaking developments in recognizing the legal rights of nature, including efforts by Indigenous communities to draft and adopt such laws. This bold approach, treating nature as a

Explore groundbreaking developments in recognizing the legal rights of nature, including efforts by Indigenous communities to draft and adopt such laws. This bold approach, treating nature as a living entity with legal rights, offers a revolutionary path to protect the planet, enabling courts to enforce the rights of rivers, mountains, and forests.

Hear directly from communities on the front lines mobilizing to build a new environmental law system. Featuring insights from Mari Margil and Thomas Linzey of the Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights, alongside Guy Reiter, Executive Director of Menikanaehkem – Community Rebuilders.

The Rights of Nature movement, launched in 2006, is rapidly expanding, with over three dozen U.S. communities adopting laws to protect ecosystems. This program features Native American attorneys

The Rights of Nature movement, launched in 2006, is rapidly expanding, with over three dozen U.S. communities adopting laws to protect ecosystems. This program features Native American attorneys Frank Bibeau (Minnesota Chippewa Tribe) and Samantha Skenandore (Ho-Chunk/Oneida), alongside legal leader Thomas Linzey (Center for Democratic and Environmental Rights). They discuss strategies to advance these rights.

Explore resources: Changing Everything, The Rights of Nature Movement, and Bioneers Rights of Nature Deep Dive. This episode is from the Bioneers: Revolution from the Heart of Nature series; visit the radio and podcast homepage.