climate


UK mining case highlights impact of ISDS mechanism on climate action
In August, a Singapore-based investor filed a case against the UK government after the High Court in London quashed a proposal for a new coal mine on climate grounds.
EU sees new US trade demands hollowing out deal struck by Trump
The US has been seeking an opening to discuss the bloc’s legislation, including digital and technology rules as well as corporate compliance and climate-related regulations.
Powerful anti-climate legal instrument could cost the UK billions
In August 2025, for the second time in its history, the UK government was sued by a foreign investor under investor-state dispute settlement provisions, through the 1975 UK-Singapore bilateral investment treaty.
The corporate siege of Honduras: international arbitration demands, energy transition, and state sovereignty
Between July 14 and 17, in the city of Choluteca (Honduras), more than 60 people from 20 local communities and representatives of national and international social movements gathered for the “Meeting of communities affected by energy projects in southern Honduras - Without human rights, there is no energy sovereignty.”
The international investment legal regime, climate change, and human rights: an overview
Fossil fuel companies alone have launched over 300 ISDS cases, seeking over $80 billion in damages for climate-related policies aimed at phasing out oil, gas, and coal.
Clive Palmer’s multibillion-dollar claims make a mockery of a tribunal that allows foreign investors to challenge court decisions
The billionaire’s last three cases are part of a growing global list from fossil fuel companies against government decisions to reduce carbon emissions.
AFTINET webinar: ISDS - Fossil fuel companies' secret weapon against climate action and Clive Palmer case outcome
With COP30 in Brazil around the corner and with the prospect of Australia co-hosting COP31 next year, a major threat to effective climate action continues to fly under the radar: Investor-State Dispute Settlement mechanisms in trade and investment agreements.
Clive Palmer ordered to pay $13m after claim of being ‘foreign investor’ in Australian mining project thrown out
Attorney general says mining magnate is ‘not a foreign investor’ and is ‘not entitled to any benefits under Australia’s free trade and investment agreements’
Record number of corporate lawsuits target climate action in controversial tribunal
Fossil fuel and mining companies are ramping up lawsuits against governments over environmental rules, using a controversial arbitration mechanism that critics say is skewed in industry’s favour and jeopardises global climate action.
Te Taiao and climate crisis
Recent agreements (negotiated in secret) also guarantee foreign corporations the rights to lobby against new laws in the name of “transparency”; guaranteed rights that iwi and hapū don’t have.