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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

📢 We're moving away from Bluesky From 18 May, we'll be concentrating our efforts on Instagram and LinkedIn, where we can share more in-depth stories and resources. Please follow us there ⬇️ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ercscot/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/envi...

ERCS Birthday Party. Photo by Eloise Bishop.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

We are rapidly growing our #FossilFreeLaw student network, challenging law firms to take bold action on the climate crisis and decline work on behalf of the oil & gas industry. Our blog provides an update on the campaign & explains why action now is so important: www.ercs.scot/blog/fossil-...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

Community beach clean. This postcard is about sewage pollution at Blackwaterfoot Beach (Isle of Arran), written by Megan Hamill. ➡️ Read the full postcard in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

Dear Scottish Government, My local area is a hotspot for tourism with the beauty of the coastlines and wildlife drawing thousands of tourists every year. But as someone who walks the beach everyday I know that it is not pristine and is affected by sewage pollution.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Join us on #WorldWaterDay 22 March to send a clear message to the Scottish Government: Rivers are not sewers. Seas are not sewers. Sewage pollution doesn’t just wash away with water, it needs action. ➡️ Participate in Edinburgh & take action anywhere in Scotland: www.ercs.scot/news/clean-u...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

This postcard is by Loanhead Community Garden, near the River North Esk in Midlothian. ➡️ Read the full postcard in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

There is evidence that the River North Esk is polluted with various contaminants, litter is also a major issue.

This section of the River North Esk is close to The Three Hares Community Woodland, which is tended by many volunteers to increase the biodiversity of this area. All their hard work has to be bolstered by Government efforts in order for nature to thrive. - Loanhead Community Garden

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Did you know that we have our own law firm? Since 2021, ERCS has ran Scotland’s only free legal advice service in environmental law. This year, we opened our own law firm which will also now, in some cases, offer representation in court and other legal processes. www.ercs.scot/get-advice/

From the left, in this photo are ERCS's Legal Director Dr Ben Chrisman, Chief Officer Dr Shivali Fifield and Solicitor Kate Smith. Our Law Service team also includes Assistant Legal Officer Preslava Todorova. Photo: Eloise Bishop.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Our webinar with Environmental Human Rights Defenders is back! ➡️ Hear from Defenders from Guatemala, Colombia & West Africa who have challenged power and defended our right to a healthy environment. 📆 Tuesday 24 March, 5.30-7pm 🎟️ Free, book: www.ercs.scot/news/webinar...

Illustration ‘The Hand that Feeds’ by Felipe Moia for ArtistsForClimate.org (Edited, CC-BY-NC-SA).

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

We hosted our inaugural #FossilFreeLaw student gathering in Glasgow last Saturday, to roaring success! We had great participation from law students across Scotland, who came together to learn, network & develop strategy for the Fossil Free Law campaign. Get involved: www.ercs.scot/fossil-free-...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

It was a pleasure to attend the @scalliance.bsky.social #LocalPeopleLeading2026 event at Scottish Parliament. An important day to highlight how critical community wealth building is and how investment beyond short-term project grants is needed.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

This postcard is by Rosanna Rabaeijs, about sewage pollution in the River Almond at Cramond. ➡️ Add yours to our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

With #DirtyBusiness, the sewage scandal in England is making headlines - but pollution from sewer overflows is also a problem in Scotland. ➡️ Sign the petition to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco... ➡️ Read our briefing: www.ercs.scot/wp/wp-conten...

With the TV show Dirty Business, the sewage scandal in England is making headlines - but pollution from sewer overflows is also a problem in Scotland.

The campaign to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage is based on analysis of cases to our legal advice service. It's bringing together the voices of people across Scotland to demand better - for our health, rivers and seas. We have four asks.

1. Make pollution visible, with 100% monitoring of sewer overflows. 2. Stop routine pollution, with better standards for water quality & sewage. 3. Hold polluters to account, by reviewing the resources and enforcement of regulations. 4. Build in resilience, with targets for investing into blue-green infrastructure.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

This postcard is by Dorinda, about sewage pollution at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh. ➡️ Add yours to our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

Dear Scottish Government, It’s concerning that there are still so many spills into the sea from the local rivers and pipelines which make it unsafe to swim at our local seasides.

Swimming in the sea is such a wonderful thing to do but we risk getting sick because companies aren’t managing their waste . Why can’t cleaner sea be a priority?

- Dorinda"

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 18/02/2026

Pollution flowing into the Firth of Forth from the River Almond at Cramond and debris along the shoreline. ➡️ Read the full postcard by @edinburghshoreline.bsky.social in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

Debris along the shoreline at Cramond from water flowing into the Firth of Forth from the River Almond.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 05/02/2026

Critical win for the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill as MSPs vote to progress it to Stage 2 ⬇️ Congratulations and thanks to @monicalennon.bsky.social for her unrelenting work! We look forward to the next steps. Press release: www.ercs.scot/news/landmar...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 03/02/2026

📢 Are you ready for Scotland’s big climate & nature debate 2026? Join Our Seas Coalition, @scotlink.bsky.social, @sccscot.bsky.social, Scottish Rewilding Alliance and @foodcoalition.scot at Scotland’s biggest climate and nature hustings ahead of the 2026 elections. Sign up! shorturl.at/fBS0o

Colourful poster titled 'Scotland’s Big Climate and Nature Debate: Election Hustings' taking place on 24th February from 6 to 8 pm. Event available in Edinburgh at Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, or online. Logos of partner organisations featured: Our Seas Coalition, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Scottish Environment LINK, Scottish Food Coalition, and Scottish Rewilding Alliance.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 29/01/2026

Lots of litter on the Water of Leith by The Shore, an area with 8 sewage discharge sites regularly releasing into the river. ➡️ Read the full postcard by Jim from SOSLeith in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Sewage-related debris accumulating in the River Almond in East Calder, West Lothian. ➡️ Read the full postcard by River Almond Action Group in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

Image credit: River Almond Action Group.

Dear Scottish Government
For over five years, we have been doing unpaid work that regulators and water companies should have been doing: raising the alarm about the volume and frequency of combined sewer overflow discharges into the river, and the risk of potential impact on the environment

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 27/01/2026

First postcards about sewage pollution are here ⬇️ As part of the campaign to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage, we're collecting postcards about sewage pollution to build a map of evidence and show the Scottish Government that you care. Find out more & write yours: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

Map from OpenStreetMap: openstreetmap.org/copyright

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Are you a law student or recent graduate? Join us at our inaugural Fossil Free Law student gathering - an opportunity to network, gain campaigning skills, & strategise how to challenge ties between Scotland’s legal sector & the fossil fuel industry. Further details: www.ercs.scot/fossil-free-...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

What would you want to say to the Scottish Government about sewage pollution? Here's Bill's message. Later this month, we'll be launching our map for which you can submit a postcard to build a map of evidence - watch this space. @johnswinney.bsky.social

"Dear Scottish Government,

Please ensure that Scotland's beautiful waterways are monitored for sewage; stopping the sewage releases + charging the polluters for clean-up."

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

SOSLeith has been fighting against longstanding sewage pollution in the Water of Leith - and now they are one of the community action groups leading the Clean Up Scotland's Sewage campaign. ➡️ Read more in their blog: www.ercs.scot/news/save-ou... ✅ Sign the petition: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Who are Environmental Human Rights Defenders? On 27 January, we're delighted to welcome three Defenders to our webinar to speak about their work. Join us to hear from experts who have challenged power and defended our right to a healthy environment. Book: www.ercs.scot/news/webinar...

Who are Environmental Human Rights Defenders? Free webinar, 27 January. Picture of Yuli Velásquez by David Espinosa for Fine Acts (CC-BY-NC-SA, edited)

According to the UN, Environmental Human Rights Defenders “strive to protect and promote human rights relating to the environment, including water, air, land, flora and fauna.” They fight issues such as pollution, reckless exploitation of natural resources and land grabs. Many are Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent and/or part of traditional communities. Picture of Sevidzem Ernestine Leikeki by Anina Takeff for Fine Acts (CC-BY-NC-SA, edited).

Whilst protecting human rights and nature, Environmental Human Rights Defenders face severe threats. According to Global Witness, at least 146 were murdered or disappeared in 2024. In 2020, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders reported that they are the most targeted group of human rights defenders.
Picture of Caroline Cannon by Pati Matsushita for Fine Acts (CC-BY-NC-SA, edited).

On 27 January, you can hear directly from three Environmental Human Rights Defenders at our free webinar. This is an incredible opportunity to learn from those who have truly challenged power to defend our human rights and nature. For security reasons the webinar won't be recorded so please book your place now: ERCS.SCOT

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Learn from Environmental Human Rights Defenders ⬇️ In the past year, we've seen our right to protest curtailed and human rights come under siege. Join us to hear from experts who have challenged power and defended our right to a healthy environment. Book: www.ercs.scot/news/webinar...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Why is air pollution still a health risk in Scotland? And what can we do about it? Join our free webinar on 20 January to hear from medical experts, environmental advocates & community campaigners on how to guarantee our right to clean air. Book now: www.ercs.scot/news/lunchti...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

What are sewer overflows? Our new campaign to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage focusses on pollution from sewer overflows – here’s how they work. Sign the petition to demand action: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco... Thanks to @sosleith.bsky.social for the first photo.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Today we are publishing a summary of key policies that we are urging Scottish parties to include in their manifestos at the 2026 Holyrood elections. Read more: www.ercs.scot/wp/wp-conten... #scottishpolitics #elections #environmentalrights

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Clean Up Scotland's Sewage has over 300 signatures! ⚠️ Last week, the Water Industry Commission for Scotland reported that Scottish Water is off track with improving sewer overflows which cause pollution or are in breach of their permit. Join in calling for action: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 26/11/2025

On Saturday at Leith Market, we asked what you wanted to say to the Scottish Government about sewage pollution. Here's Alice's message ⬇️ Sign the petition: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

"Dear Scottish Government,

No one wants sewage in our waters. You don't want it. I don't want it. No one wants it. And yet, apparently this thing no one wants is too much of an effort to deal with.

In years of volunteering along the Water of Leith, I have picked hundreds of wet wipes out of trees. And swimming in the Forth has made me sick too many times. No one wants this. It's worth the effort - and cost - to fix it for our future."

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

We want to clean up Scotland's sewage - here's how ⬇️ There is clear evidence that our sewer system is no longer fit for purpose. We are calling all Scottish parties to make clean water a priority in their election manifestos. Join us by signing the petition: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

We've been blown away by your support for Clean Up Scotland's Sewage! Thank you to everyone who joined our launch at Edinburgh on Saturday and has already signed the petition. 🌊 Add your name here: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

Sign the petition to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage! Today, we are at Leith Market in Edinburgh with River Almond Action Group and SOSLeith to launch a new national campaign to tackle sewage pollution in Scotland and protect our right to a healthy environment. Sign: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 21/11/2025

Is climate emergency planning inclusive of disabled people? Together with Inclusion Scotland and the Sensing Climate Project, we looked at Scotland's climate and emergency planning policies and listened to disabled people. Read a summary of the work so far. www.ercs.scot/news/disabil...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 12/11/2025

On Monday, ERCS will participate in the Global Day of Action for #ClimateJustice, coinciding with COP30 in Brazil. We will be hosting one hour of @lsca.bsky.social's 25 hr virtual gathering, which will span time zones & connect campaigners across the world. Sign-up now: tinyurl.com/3bmnsw77

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 15/10/2025

A month ago, we gathered with friends and colleagues to celebrate ERCS's fifth birthday - and share our plans for the future. Read more in our blog: www.ercs.scot/news/celebra...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

ERCS today launches our new Advocacy Manifesto, offering a route map for political parties to protect human rights, improve access to justice and strengthen environmental governance. Read more: www.ercs.scot/news/ercs-ad... #advocacy #environmentalrights #lawreform #accesstojustice

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

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...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

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.

Speakers at the Festival of Politics panel event on environmental justice: Sarah Boyack MSP, Professor Jill Belch, Dr Shivali Fifield, David Lintott and Henry Swithinbank.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

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

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

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

Image shows car traffic releasing toxic exhaust fumes, with the blog title overlaid stating 'You must be choking: Little appetite from the Scottish Government to combat air pollution from engine idling'

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

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/

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

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...

Photo credit: Sheriff Court House, Perth, Scotland by Brokentaco (CC BY 2.0). Text: Complaint about the Scottish Civil Justice Council passes first hurdle

In March, ERCS submitted a formal complaint arguing that the Scottish Civil Justice Council had breached our right to participate in the making of environmental laws. This right is enshrined in the Aarhus Convention. Despite opposition from the UK, the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee decided that the complaint is admissible.

Quote from Dr Ben Christman, ERCS Legal Director: "The way we make decisions matters. Public participation is a critical part of creating fair and functional environmental laws."

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 20/06/2025

📣 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...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

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...

Image of a handshake. Guide to lobbying in Scotland.

Text: Regulated lobbying in Scotland must be registered and reported. You can find information on the official Lobbying Register, or through Freedom of Information (FoI) requests and on other registers. You can also submit a complaint about undisclosed lobbying. Guide on ercs.scot.

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

💧 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...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

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

Image shows aerial view of housing and greenspace, with text overlaid stating 'guide - planning enforcement'.

Image shows builders on scaffolding with text overlaid stating 'local councils are responsible for enforcing planning controls.'

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

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...

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

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...

Cover of the Everyone's Environment policy position statement: Making environmental policy inclusive in Scotland, April 2025

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 02/06/2025

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...

An image of two people shaking hands. Text: 'The Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016: Howe to enforce it and does it need to be strengthened? 3:30-5pm on 2 July 2025

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

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

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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

📣 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

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