First Amendment Freedoms in Danger: Greenpeace Ordered to Pay $667M to Oil Company

Julia Kelley

A North Dakota jury has ordered environmental group Greenpeace to pay Dakota Access Pipeline’s operating oil company in a case sparking controversy around Americans’ right to freedom of speech and protest. 

Protest Against Dakota Access Pipeline. John Duffy. CC BY 2.0

On March 19, 2024, a North Dakota jury found Greenpeace, a global environmental nonprofit network, guilty of defamation and destructive protest action against the Dakota Access Pipeline, ordering the nonprofit to pay its operating oil company $667 million. This decision comes after years of national pushback against the Dakota Access Pipeline due to the project’s potential environmental hazards; the 1,172-mile-long underground pipeline transfers crude oil from North Dakota to an oil terminal in Patoka, Illinois. Moreover, the pipeline stretches within a half-mile of the current Standing Rock Sioux Reservation boundaries, posing potential risks to significant cultural and burial sites. As such, since its approval in 2016, protests led by Native tribes and environmental groups such as Greenpeace began sprouting up around the pipeline’s construction sites and sacred Native American areas. In many instances, demonstrations resulted in violence between protesters and law enforcement. It is because of these protests that the builders of the pipeline, oil company Energy Transfer, praised the jury’s March 19 decision, echoed in its counsel’s statement: “Peaceful protest is an inherent American right; however, violent and destructive protest is unlawful and unacceptable.” 

In response to this decision, however, environmental activists and Tribal nations have taken a much different position. Contrary to Energy Transfer’s sentiment, many have determined this verdict to be an attack on First Amendment rights rather than a protection against unnecessary violence and destruction. Those associated with Greenpeace have even named the case a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, or a suit that intentionally targets those speaking out against public interest issues in an attempt to intimidate critics and force them to spend money. To those opposing the pipeline, not only has this lawsuit silenced years-long appeals for environmental safety and Native land protection, but has also cost Greenpeace an immense amount of money to defend its position, thus delaying progress in such areas. Despite being a major nonprofit, Greenpeace has previously warned that losing this case could potentially lead to bankruptcy. Those involved now fear that this could be a reality, as financial reports demonstrate that its total assets from 2023 may not be enough to ensure a supersedeas bond, in which a surety insurer would put up the bond necessary to pay the court-ordered amount. If not, then Energy Transfer would be able to begin seizing Greenpeace’s assets, including all cash needed to keep it operating.  

Moreover, Greenpeace has come to represent freedom of speech and protest in general. In an interview with Democracy Now, Steven Donziger described the trial as a way to “silence people’s legitimate constitutionally protected right to speak out,” founded on a false narrative that protesters were violent while it was actually “law enforcement agencies […] hired by Energy Transfer that were really committing violence.” Critics warn that this will have effects that go beyond support for environmental and Native protections, potentially posing detrimental risks to nonprofit work as a whole. With a rise in anti-protest bills since 2017 mirroring a rise in major protest movements, much of this newly proposed legislation calls for increased liability against organizations not directly involved with protests but who offer support, including nonprofits or religious groups. In addition, the potential bankruptcy of Greenpeace, a substantial and largely influential organization, signals even fewer protections for smaller nonprofits, who may not have the same amount of financial support or as wide of a network. This could significantly decrease charities’ ability to speak out on various issues, for fear that they could easily be sued by larger corporations. Such concern would halt imperative support for causes across the country, a major blow to many movements. . 

In the wake of the lawsuit, supporters of Greenpeace, environmental protection and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe have critiqued and denounced the jury’s final decision. Despite the shock that the trial has caused, such advocates find hope in Greenpeace’s intention to appeal the case, as the organization declared in a statement released a day after the verdict. In addition to this, Greenpeace also highlighted the increased support it has gained over the past year, as opposed to a dissolution of its movement risked by the court case. The statement’s overall message affirms Greenpeace’s continued efforts as well, signaling that their work is still not over: “we will not be silenced, and our movement will endure.” 

GET INVOLVED:

For those looking to get involved with environmental protection in the United States, researching local or state legislation is a great place to start. Looking into advocacy on a federal scale can be powerful as well, especially through staying updated on EPA regulations and making comments. In addition, check out organizations like the Environmental Defense Fund, The Nature Conservancy, We Act For Environmental Justice or the National Environmental Education Foundation, all of which are focused on making environmental change and expanding awareness through public policy support and education. Those interested in supporting Native American rights can look into the Native American Rights Fund, the Association on American Indian Affairs, the American Indian Policy Institute or Cultural Survival. 

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Julia Kelley

Julia is a recent graduate from UC San Diego majoring in Sociocultural Anthropology with a minor in Art History. She is passionate about cultural studies and social justice, and one day hopes to obtain a postgraduate degree expanding on these subjects. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.

4B: Why are American Women Swearing Off Men?

American women are participating in the 4B Movement which originated in South Korea, swearing off dating, marriage and sex.

Women in South Korea at a 4B protest. Free Malaysia Today. CC BY 4.0. 

In the wake of Donald Trump winning the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, social media flooded with thousands of posts from women announcing that they were swearing off men as part of the 4B Movement. But what exactly is the 4B Movement, and what does it hope to accomplish? 

Originating in South Korea, the feminist 4B Movement derives its name from its four tenets, which all start with the Korean prefix “bi” (or “no”) and denote a denial of something. Indeed, these four “Bs” are: don’t have children (bichulsan), don’t have sex with men (bisekseu), don’t date men (biyeonae) and don’t marry them either (bihon). The movement began in the mid-to-late 2010s as a protest against rising anti-woman sentiments among the nation’s men — especially following the hate-motivated stabbing of a young woman in Seoul in 2016. By withholding heterosexual attachments and exacerbating the nation’s flagging birth rates, South Korean women hope that the movement will provoke the nation’s leadership and male population into caring more about women’s rights. “I think a lot of women, through not participating in marriage and childbearing or relationships with men see a value in dropping the numbers to show through these statistics that women are not going to participate in [any] national agenda unless you listen to where women are coming from,” as Yale sociologist Meera Choi told The Times.  

In South Korea, 4B is primarily a fringe movement. Its practices are so elusive and decentralized that the best estimate we have for its total number of participants is anywhere between 5,000 and 50,000, a wide range that highlights researchers’ uncertainty. However,  since Nov. 5, 2024, some women in the United States have expressed a desire to introduce the movement mainstream in the West. Immediately following the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, many expressed shock and fear that Donald Trump — a figure with a well-documented history of sexual misconduct — had again achieved the highest office in the country. Particularly, some were distressed by the sheer number of men that had turned out for Trump, believing their votes to represent endorsements of or even apathy toward Trump’s misogynistic behaviors (“Among men, who made up 47% of the electorate,” NBC News reported, “Trump won 55%”). 

Trump supporters at one of his rallies in August 2024. Greg Skidmore. CC BY 2.0. 

For these women, 4B’s appeal of sticking it to the government and an indifferent, if not overtly hostile, male population was immediate. “Young men expect sex, but they also want us to not be able to have access to abortion. They can’t have both,” Michaela Thomas told The Washington Post, referring to Trump’s first-term Supreme Court nominations who helped overturn Roe v. Wade. “Young women don’t want to be intimate with men who don’t fight for women’s rights; it’s showing they don’t respect us.” 

4B’s popularity quickly caught on across social media. “Good luck getting laid, especially in Florida! [...] Me and my girlies are participating in the 4B Movement,” user @brielleybelly123 posted to TikTok. User @rabbitsandtea also posted on the platform: “Doing my part as an American woman by breaking up with my [R]epublican boyfriend last night and officially joining the 4B [M]ovement this morning.” Some liberal men have also expressed support for 4B. “The best way to show the importance of taking away women’s rights is to make sure men are affected as much as possible alongside them,” a  Buzzfeed commenter wrote. As Instagram user @nosybystanders told her female fanbase: “Why exactly are you going to keep be[ing] subservient to a nation that [literally doesn’t] care about you?” 

An anti-Trump women’s march following his election in 2016. Fabrice Florin. CC BY 2.0.

4B finds footing in an America currently experiencing a widening political gender gap. Young women are becoming more liberal as men drift further to the right and deeper into conservatism. In October 2024, a New York Times/Siena College poll found that “young women — those ages 18 to 29 — favored Vice President Kamala Harris for president by 38 points. And men in the same age group favored former President Donald J. Trump by 13 points. That is a whopping 51-point divide along gender lines, larger than in any other generation.” As Claire Cain Miller reported, this is partly because young women have been “politically galvanized” by “tthe triple punch of Hillary Clinton’s loss to Mr. Trump, the #MeToo movement and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.” On the other hand, young men feel increasingly “unvalued” by young women and “see former President Donald J. Trump as a champion of traditional manhood.” In terms of the 4B Movement, participants know firsthand how this male-harbored resentment can manifest in internet trolls’ hate comments.

Under @brielleybelly123’s video, @user813858060727 commented, “Thanks for not reproducing. You’re doing us all a favor.” Elsewhere, beneath a separate post under the 4B Movement hashtag, TikTok user @feronity commented, “Took a fu—kin new president just to stop being wh—res.” In the context of this vitriolic pushback — coupled with increased threats of “Your Body, My Choice” among young right-wing men — it becomes less surprising that women are joining the 4B Movement. 

A protestor carrying an anti-Trump sign at the 2017 Women’s March. CC0.

Some of the online discourses surrounding women’s participation in the 4B movement are likely exaggerations: not every woman who posts about partaking in 4B is likely to completely follow through with its tenets, especially in the long term. For all of the buzz that it’s created in the U.S., 4B has never been among the top 100 trending hashtags on TikTok, signaling that hype for the movement has been largely sensationalized. But so long as Trump continues to campaign on misogynistic rhetoric and policies — and men continue to listen — the underlying sentiments of 4B will remain real, and so will their implications for increasingly fed-up women. 

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Bella Liu

Bella is a student at UC Berkeley studying English, Media Studies and Journalism. When she’s not writing or working through the books on her nightstand, you can find her painting her nails red, taking digicam photos with her friends or yelling at the TV to make the Dodgers play better. Bella is a student at UC Berkeley studying English, Media Studies, and Journalism. When she’s not writing or working through the books on her nightstand, you can find her painting her nails red, taking digicam photos with her friends or yelling at the TV to make the Dodgers play better.

Travel Through Time in the Canadian Rockies

Explore millions of years of natural history from ghost towns to Indigenous communities.

Morning in Banff National Park. Sergey Pesterev. CC BY-SA 4.0

Canada is home to a wide variety of beautiful landscapes, natural vistas and a rich history of human habitation. From cowboy ghost towns to Indigenous communities, people have been living in the great snowy mountains of Canada for centuries. And there’s nowhere better to experience the best of both worlds than in Canada’s iconic  Rocky Mountains.

Hundreds of years ago, the Rockies were home to several First Nations tribes, including the Ojibwe, Cree and Mohawk peoples. But their history goes back even further; the oldest archaeological record of human inhabitants in these mountains dates back 13,000 years. Due to European colonization, Indigenous tribes lost their territory, but the memory of their traditions is still being carried on today thanks to companies like Painted Warriors. From horseback riding and archery lessons to natural navigation and animal tracking — the ranch provides visitors with an experience inspired by the heritage and traditions of local Indigenous communities. During the warmer months, visitors can enjoy guided or independent hikes through the mountains. In wintertime, the ranch provides snowshoe tours of the surrounding area. An excellent camping and glamping location, Painted Warriors Ranch is also dedicated to providing a historically accurate and informative experience by respecting and carrying on the traditions of the First Nations tribes.

In the heart of a 1920s ghost town rests a different piece of history —  the one-of-a-kind Last Chance Saloon. Initially built as a coal mining operation, Bankhead, Alberta eventually grew into a full-fledged community. However, when the mine stopped producing, the town was left more or less abandoned. The Last Chance Saloon is particularly emblematic of the whole experience. Filled with antique mining equipment and absolutely covered in bullet holes, this classic bar now features themed hotel rooms and a functioning smokehouse.

The remains of Bankhead’s lamphouse, where miners would store their equipment. Dietmar Rabich. CC BY-SA 4.0

Human history is not the only era present in the Rocky Mountains — our ancient predecessors can also be found hiding among the rocks. Dinosaur Provincial Park, one of the best locations to find dinosaur fossils (as recognized by UNESCO), offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. Walking the same lands as giant reptiles did millions of years ago, visitors may find the remains of these massive creatures hidden away in the mountainside. The park hosts both family tours and slightly more challenging guided hikes (the park strongly recommends registering for these events in advance, as they frequently sell out).

The unique landscape of Dinosaur Provincial Park. XeresNelro. CC BY-SA 4.0

Human and animal history is only one part of a trip to the Canadian Rockies; sprawling Banff National Park is the real heart of these mountains. Featuring countless scenic hikes, brilliant lakes and nature preserves, this park is home to innumerable incredible experiences. From the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary (home to several packs of unique wolf-dog hybrid animals) to the legendary Cave and Basin (a beautiful thermal spring oasis), this massive national park offers a diverse range of natural splendor.

Banff National Park is dotted with scenic hiking trails of all varieties. Dietmar Rabich. CC BY-SA 4.0

Charting millions of years of history in some of the most beautiful environments on Earth, there is no shortage of fantastic experiences in the Canadian Rockies. And with plenty of sights and activities available year-round, the Rockies are the perfect destination regardless of the season.

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Ryan Livingston

Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.

Casting Lines and Breaking Barriers: Women Redefining Fishing

Creating global change by empowering women through fishing.

Woman holding a fish she caught offshore fishing in Rhode Island, USA. Courtesy of Take Me Fishing. 

Many of us have nostalgic memories of learning to fish with our grandparents. They took us to the pond, put the bait on our hook, and gave us our first casting lesson. However, there is a noticeable disparity between male and female children who continue their fishing experiences. According to a study by The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), only 19% of female anglers between the ages of 13-17 continue fishing after age 12 opposed to 30% of their male counterparts. Additionally, the RBFF found that only 19% of women “see themselves” represented in the fishing industry. As of 2024, 37% of all anglers in the United States are female-identifying—the highest number on record.

In August 2024, I proudly joined those numbers. I was lucky enough to accompany a crew of fisherwomen on an excursion with Take Me Fishing (TMF) in Rhode Island. TMF is a nonprofit that creates opportunities to introduce women to fishing by providing resources and hosting educational events.

My time on the water was spent learning the ropes of offshore and flyfishing. After cruising ten nautical miles out to sea to try my hand at offshore fishing, I learned some valuable lessons in resilience. Admittedly, I spent a good portion of the day leaning across the vessel, seasick. However, the excitement and upbeat spirit of other eager fisherwomen made it all worth it. By the end of the day, I could confidently set up my own pole, bait a hook, and even handle some of the gnarly-looking sea creatures we caught.

The next day, I swapped my action rod for a fly rod. With instruction from a kind guide, I began getting the hang of flyfishing's active nature. Mimicking the motions of an insect on the water, there was something both peaceful and powerful about handling a rod. I felt I truly could have spent days out on the shore. When it was time to pack up, I realized I could easily see flyfishing becoming a regular part of my life.

After two days on the water, I felt more confident and mentally rested than I had in weeks.

A young girl fishing in Rhode Island. Courtesy of Take Me Fishing.

Studies provided by the RBFF found that female anglers were 25% more likely to feel that they were in good health than non-anglers. Additionally, 1 in 5 women anglers believed that fishing has allowed them to accomplish anything they put their mind to. Women being excluded from traditionally male-dominated sports has a direct effect on their health and confidence. Nonprofit organizations like Take Me Fishing help to bridge this gap by offering inclusive fishing opportunities for those new to the sport. 

Women on a fishing boat in Rhode Island. Courtesy of Take Me Fishing. 

It would be remiss to ignore the fishing disparity between races. Of the 57.7 million Americans who went fishing in 2023, only 5.2 million identified themselves as Black and 6.3 million as Hispanic. 

While these numbers are pulled from data taken within the United States, the lessons are transferable worldwide. Women experience inequality in sports around the world. Having personally experienced the immediate benefits of fishing as a woman, I can attest that getting young girls and women out on the water can have a lasting effect on our world. When organizations work to bring opportunities and awareness to these communities, it will help create change on a global scale.

To Get Involved:

Take Me Fishing provides fishing opportunities and events throughout the United States. Further resources can be found with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, Outdoor Foundation and Sports Fishing Restoration.

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Cait Kontalis

Cait is a Chicago-based Greek-American but spends most of her year floating around the globe. She holds a B.A. in Communications and a M.A. in Nonprofit Management. Her favorite destinations include visiting her homeland in Greece and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Cait is also a powderhound, taking to ski slopes in the Rocky Mountains and around the globe.

Stopping AAPI Hate: Checking in on the Lead Asian Hate Prevention Group

With Anti-Asian hate on the rise, see what Stop AAPI Hate is doing to combat it and how you can help.

A Stop Asian Hate demonstration in Washington, DC. Elvert Barnes. CC BY 2.0

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States saw a dramatic increase in anti-Asian hate crimes and attacks. According to the FBI’s data reports, the number of recorded hate crimes exploded to 424 in 2020, up almost 175% from 2019. A survey by the Pew Research Center showed 1 in 3 Asian Americans knew someone who had been attacked or threatened because of their race. Many believed that Sinophobic rumors placing the origin of the COVID-19 virus in China fueled this sharp increase in violence.

Out of this crisis arose the organization Stop AAPI Hate. Initially meant to document anti-Asian hate in the US, Stop AAPI Hate has become a full-fledged advocacy group. The organization has several ongoing campaigns, such as the wildly successful No Place for Hate movement. The group also advocates for policy changes (such as a law in California that aims to prevent harassment on public transit), working to strengthen civil rights protections across the board. In 2023, Stop AAPI Hate fought to stop a potential Texas law that would prevent AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders) immigrants from purchasing houses.

More recently, Stop AAPI Hate has moved towards bolstering the confidence and security of AAPIs across the country. In May 2024, a national survey by the organization showed the value of pride and supportive narratives in combating the fear spread by hate crimes. In response to this data, Stop AAPI Hate has announced a new program, Spread AAPI Love, which aims to foster supportive and celebratory connections between AAPIs across the country.

Stop AAPI Hate’s progress has been somewhat restricted by a seemingly unending rise in anti-Asian hate. The organization’s annual survey this year revealed that almost half of all AAPIs in the US were subject to some form of racism or hate. In 2024, there have been a number of reports documenting anti-Asian violence. In February, a man assaulted a Filipino woman on the street in New York. In April, a Massachusetts man ran over a Vietnamese man with his car. In August, a 26-year-old Korean girl calling for medical assistance was instead shot dead by police. The government has acknowledged these crimes and the systems preventing them from being properly reported, but bureaucracy has prevented true justice.

Stop AAPI Hate is doing its best to call attention to these cases as instances of anti-Asian violence continue to rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. Although they have made great progress, their mission is far from complete.

How You Can Help

Stop AAPI Hate is always accepting donations and support, both in general and for their specific campaigns. Many other organizations also dedicate themselves to stopping the spread of hate, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice, Red Canary Song, and the National Asian Pacific American Women’s Forum.

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Ryan Livingston

Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.

Long, Strange Trip: Psychedelic Drug Use and Legalization

With psychedelic drug reform still underway, research indicates that microdosing may be useful for medical and therapeutic treatment.

Capitol Records Cover. Daniel Yanes Arroyo on Flickr. CC BY-NC 2.0

In the 1960s, psychedelic drugs became central to counter cultural identity, as they were believed to expand human consciousness and helped inspire the era’s writing, art and music scene. Their acceptance only went so far, however, the war on drugs led to the ban of psychedelic drug use in 1968. These drugs include psilocybin mushrooms (magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy, molly), and LSD (acid). But recent studies show that psilocybin may be used to treat alcohol and tobacco dependence, as well as mood disorders like anxiety, depression and OCD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has already declared psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy,” with growing evidence for its efficacy in treating cases of depression that have proven resistant to psychotherapy and traditional antidepressants.

Psilocybin mushrooms. Mushroom Observer on Wikipedia Commons. CC BY-SA 3.0

Some argue that the legalization of psychedelic drugs would be positive, with regulated companies outcompeting the black market and manufacturing safer drugs (e.g., there would be little risk of products being laced with fentanyl). The status of drug policy reform varies across the U.S. Some states—including Washington, Texas and Connecticut—are actively studying the medical effects of psilocybin. In California, several cities, including Oakland, Santa Cruz, Arcata, Berkeley and San Francisco, have already passed resolutions to decriminalize the possession of psychedelic drugs, excluding peyote. The use of peyote in Native American ceremonies and sacraments is protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution as a form of Free Exercise of Religion. Despite this, the supply of Peyote is severely limited, to the point of being listed as vulnerable to extinction on the IUCN Red List. In several states, including New York, Florida and Utah, legislators have introduced bills to legalize psilocybin for clinical use that ultimately failed to pass. Psychedelic drugs remain illegal under the Controlled Substances Act at the federal level in the U.S. 

Legislation varies even more worldwide, but many countries have less stringent laws than the United States. In Australia, MDMA and psilocybin may be prescribed for PTSD for depression. In the Bahamas and British Virgin Islands, psilocybin is legal to possess but not to sell. In Mexico, citizens cannot be prosecuted or charged if psilocybin is used for spiritual or religious purposes. Most of Europe has either decriminalized or deregulated aspects of the use or trade of psychedelic drugs, including countries like Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. The definition of “decriminalization” varies, but usually implies that one can possess a certain amount of a substance avoiding fines or other penalties, despite it being illegal.

While concerns regarding the safety of psychedelic drugs are and will continue to be raised, statistics show that emergency room visits related to psilocybin and LSD are infrequent. Legalizing psychedelic drugs would signify for advocates a stride toward personal autonomy, enabling individuals to make informed choices about what they put in their bodies. This shift mirrors a growing global interest in investigating the therapeutic and medical potential of psilocybin, prompting a reevaluation of 20th century policies.

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Agnes Moser Volland

Agnes is a student at UC Berkeley majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and minoring in Creative Writing, with a research focus on road trip culture in America. She currently writes for BARE Magazine and Caravan Travel & Style Magazine. She is working on a novel that follows two sisters as they road trip down Highway 40, from California to Oklahoma. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or research.

Fanning the Flames: Heat Waves Across America Set to Get Worse

An unending barrage of heat waves has pummeled North America in 2024, with climate change the likely culprit.

The sun rises on another 100-degree day in California. Pixabay. CC0

Climate change is an ongoing and severe crisis that is affecting all parts of the globe in different ways. From rising sea levels to increasingly chaotic weather patterns, every part of human society is at risk of some adverse effects.

North America has been suffering droughts on the west coast and frequent hurricanes and tornadoes on the east, but the entire continent is united in facing historically high temperatures. Almost the entire month of July has seen a solid string of heat waves, appearing in every corner of the continent. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these heat waves have become far more frequent in the last few years, rising from two waves yearly in the 1960s to around six annually in the 2010s. In addition, heat waves have become more intense over the last few decades, with temperatures in Mexico and Central America brushing 125 degrees Fahrenheit in a historic first. Las Vegas also recently witnessed a record-breaking 115 degree day on July 12th, topping off a seven-day streak of broken records.

And these heat waves are only set to continue. As of the time of writing, heat waves are expected to renew their assault on the west coast, with temperatures projected to reach up to 110 degrees Fahrenheit and effect Washington, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, Idaho and California. In 2023, Las Vegas never dropped from 100 degrees during the entire month of July, while this year’s forecast suggests that the average will have risen to 103 degrees by the end of the month. In addition, July 20th saw parts of Florida setting daily temperature records at around 97 degrees. This is a solid increase across the board for this time of year, with those same parts of Florida sitting at around a mean temperature of 84.9 degrees last year.

The biggest immediate threats presented by the rising temperatures, however, are wildfires. Hot and dry conditions naturally portend fires, and the already dangerous wildfire seasons in California and Canada have only gotten worse as the heat steadily increases. As of July 21st, several wildfires are raging in Oregon and western Canada, and incoming thunderstorms are predicted to make things substantially more difficult for the firefighters struggling to contain the blazes.

Although official statements stop short of absolute certainty, the vast majority of organizations are pinning the blame for these heat waves squarely on climate change. A series of incidents—the rising frequency and intensity of heat waves across the globe over the last few years, reports from 2022 about sidewalks melting in Europe, and 2023's historically devastating Canadian wildfire season—have raised concerns about the damage climate change can do even in the short term. That 2024's heat waves have been worse are suggestive of what is to come.

According to the Canadian Climate Institute, climate change has been proven to raise the frequency of severe heat waves, as well as slowing them down and causing them to linger over certain areas. Additionally, a statement released by the World Weather Attribution suggests that wildfire risk has become significantly higher as a result of climate change, making 2023’s wildfire season in Quebec close to 50% more intense.

It is becoming increasingly clear how rapidly climate change is altering the planet. Heat waves have been increasing in severity for the past few years, with 2023 setting global heat records and 2024 looking to blow even those historic numbers out of the water. These events are becoming increasingly common as time goes on, and it is possible that global average temperatures will rise five  degrees by 2050, and around 10 degrees by the end of the century. Even the deviations we’re experiencing now are severe, but it looks like the world is going to get even hotter—and fast.

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Ryan Livingston

Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.

Become an Artist-in-Residence at a National Park

Writers, painters and musicians can receive a stipend to create in some of the most majestic landscapes in the US.

Woman painting outdoors. Caroline Veronez. Unsplash

There is a long-running debate over whether to preserve the natural beauty of western landscapes or exploit them. The Artist-in-Residence program many national parks are now offering serves as a compromise, honoring these landscapes and giving back to the parks once inhabited by native tribes. This program provides writers, painters, musicians and other artists the chance to refine their art in some of the country’s most scenic landscapes. Selected artists live in the park and receive a stipend, as well as coverage for food and travel expenses. The stipends can reach up to $5,000, with half of it usually given at the start of the program and half at the end. The program lengths vary, but typically last between two to four weeks. These residencies are inclusive, welcoming artists of all backgrounds and ages (although only legal adults may submit applications). Each artist's primary task is to create art inspired by their natural surroundings and—upon completion of their residency—donate a piece of their work to the park.

Mount Rainier National Park. Lily M. Tang. CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

Artist-in-Residence programs welcome unique projects. Felix, a musician, served as the 2021 Artist-in-Residence at Canaveral National Seashore. His project, Listeners, was a collaborative sonic experience, capturing the park’s soundscape through contributions from people who live, work and visit there. Casey, a food writer, served as the 2022 Artist-in-Residence at Acadia National Park. She released a recipe book, Maine Ingredients: Recipes Inspired by Acadia National Park, crafting dishes using local ingredients and traditional regional cuisine.

These programs give artists the chance to immerse themselves in natural landscapes, gaining insight into the indigenous peoples who occupied western landscapes before us and learning about how their legacies live on today. While some view national parks as a byproduct of white settlement, the Artist-in-Residence program forces us to consider how we can shift the narrative, redirect the focus back onto their original inhabitants. The submission window for applicants is open during the summer, so act now! Keep in mind acceptance rates vary based on the park’s popularity. Check out NPAR openings here.

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Agnes Moser Volland

Agnes is a student at UC Berkeley majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and minoring in Creative Writing, with a research focus on road trip culture in America. She currently writes for BARE Magazine and Caravan Travel & Style Magazine. She is working on a novel that follows two sisters as they road trip down Highway 40, from California to Oklahoma. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or research.

Summer Road Trip to the Tetons and Yellowstone

From experiencing geysers, to hot springs to glacial lakes, this is an adventurous road trip that offers exceptional and unique camping lodging. 

Gros Ventre Road. Mike Goad. CC0 1.0

Grand Teton and Yellowstone are neighboring National Parks celebrated for their rich biodiversity, particularly vibrant during the summer months. A scenic drive through both parks typically spans about a week, allowing time to explore key attractions along the route. Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its geothermal vents, pine tree forests and grasslands, while Grand Teton National Park is known for its rugged landscape, including lush fields and U-shaped valleys. For those planning a summer road trip to Wyoming, here are the top attractions, hiking trails and campgrounds in the Tetons and Yellowstone.

Attractions

Norris Geyser Basin boardwalk. Yellowstone National Park. PDM 1.0

Norris Geyser Basin, the hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone, erupts every 20 to 80 minutes. A 1.8-mile loop trail, accessible via a boardwalk, offers views of steaming blue pools, and bison are sometimes spotted in the area. Notably, it features the Steamboat Geyser, the world's largest active geyser, known to reach heights of up to 380 feet. 

Side note: for visitors road tripping through the Tetons and Yellowstone, I recommend purchasing the $80 America the Beautiful pass, granting access to attractions in all National Parks.

Grand Prismatic Spring. James St. John. CC BY 2.0

Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the United States, is celebrated for its vibrant colors—a teal blue pool with bands of orange and yellow. For a viewpoint overlooking the spring, follow the 0.5-mile Fairy Falls trail.

Old Faithful Geyser. National Parks Gallery. PDM 1.0

Old Faithful Geyser erupts regularly, every forty minutes to two hours. Located in West Yellowstone near the Old Faithful Inn, the 0.7-mile loop trail offers convenient access to the geyser.

Jackson Lake. Diana Robinson. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Jackson Lake is a glacial lake known for its clear, icy water, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Colter Bay picnic area and beach provide opportunities for fishing, boating and polar plunging. The Colter Bay campground is convenient for water enthusiasts and is the largest campground in the Tetons.

Hikes

Fairy Falls. Rudy Wilms. CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

For outdoors lovers, there are can’t-miss hikes in both parks. In Yellowstone, the Fairy Falls trail is an easier, flatter route, a 1.6-mile hike to a waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. A little longer, Mystic Falls is a 2.4-mile hike to a cascade-type waterfall. Pelican Valley is a 6.2-mile hike, providing a quieter, less touristy experience through serene meadows. In the Tetons, Cascade Canyon is a 9.1-mile out-and-back trail to a glacier-formed canyon, with wildflowers that are most vibrant during spring and summer months. It’s a more strenuous hike, so less experienced trekkers may opt for the Cascade Canyon Express to experience panoramic views of the area.

Campgrounds

Canyon campground site. Yellowstone National Park. PDM 1.0

In Yellowstone, both Madison campground and Canyon campground are centrally located. Madison is close to the Old Faithful area and Madison River, while Canyon is near the Geyser Basins. Canyon campground arguably has more privacy, mostly due to the shade from pine trees.

In the Tetons, Jenny Lake campground is next to the scenic Jenny Lake, providing expansive views of snow-peaked mountains.

Yellowstone is recognized by the National Park Service as one of the planet's last and largest natural ecosystems. The Tetons, often overshadowed by Yellowstone, are just as worth visiting. Experience the unbeatable views, attractions and trails of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks on a road trip this summer.

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Agnes Volland

Agnes is a student at UC Berkeley majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies and minoring in Creative Writing, with a research focus on road trip culture in America. She currently writes for BARE Magazine and Caravan Travel & Style Magazine. She is working on a novel that follows two sisters as they road trip down Highway 40, from California to Oklahoma. In the future, she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, publishing, or research.

The Cost of Climate Change: Forced Relocation in Panama’s San Blas Islands

Rising sea levels led to the evacuation of about 300 Indigenous Guna families from Gardi Sugdub Island off the coast of Panama on June 1, 2024.

Gardi Sugdub, Panama. Lee Bosher. ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC

Climate change poses a threat to coastal territories around the world, as warming global temperatures lead to rising sea levels and stronger storms. Gardi Sugdub is one of 365 islands in the San Blas archipelago, many of which are expected to be underwater by 2050. The rising waters along Panama’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts are expected to subject 63 communities to climate displacement throughout the coming decades as about 2% of Panama’s coastal territory becomes submerged. Although the relocation on June 1, 2024, was successful, the 300 Guna families are the first of an estimated 38,000 people in Panama who will require relocation in the short and medium term. 

The Guna people, the Indigenous inhabitants of about 50 of the 365 islands in the San Blas archipelago, are the first of these communities to relocate. Indigenous and other marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by climate displacement, where people are forced to move because of climate-related threats or disasters. Inequities resulting from the climate crisis disproportionately harm People of Color, particularly Women of Color. After decades of attempts by Guna community members to receive relocation support, the Panamanian government finally agreed.

The Guna people have inhabited Gardi Sugdub for generations. They arrived on the island about 150 years ago when they crossed the water from the Panamanian and Colombian mainlands. The move off of the island to a landlocked community surrounded by jungle is a challenge for many because over 200 years of Guna culture have been centered around the sea. While most of Gardi Sugdub’s inhabitants relocated, about 200 people chose to stay on the island.

The relocated Guna people have moved to a new community called Isberyala Isberyala, a plot of 300 two bedroom houses situated in the forest, starkly contrasts with life on Gardi Sugdub, where houses were overcrowded and often homed by multiple families. Panama’s Ministry of Housing ensured that the Isberyala residential project includes infrastructure like electricity, playgrounds, cultural spaces and streets named after historic Guna leaders. The people in Isberyala can easily visit their old homes too, as Gardi Sugdub is only a 30-minute walk and a short boat ride away.

TO GET INVOLVED

Those looking to spread awareness and advocate against climate displacement and inequity can learn more and share knowledge with others. People can support mitigation and relief efforts by donating to organizations that support relocations like Swiss NGO Displacement Solutions and the UN Refugee Agency, which recently started a Climate Resilience Fund.

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Madison Paulus

Madison is a student at George Washington University studying international affairs, journalism, mass communication, and Arabic. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Madison grew up in a creative, open-minded environment. With passions for human rights and social justice, Madison uses her writing skills to educate and advocate. In the future, Madison hopes to pursue a career in science communication or travel journalism.

Climate Change on Trial: Vermont Passes Climate Reparations Bill

After historic flooding, Vermont calls for “Big Oil” to pay its share of the damages.

The Great Vermont Flood of 2023 in Montpelier, Vermont. The National Guard, CC BY-SA 2.0

Climate change has become a serious issue across the globe. Freak weather events, increased global temperatures and glacial melt, among other crises, have made it almost impossible to ignore. And for residents in one state, climate change has come right to their doors for what lawmakers intend to make the last time.

Vermont suffered severe flooding during the summer of 2023—the water completely submerged parking meters in the capital city of Montpelier. Thousands of residents lost cars, homes and businesses. According to the National Weather Service, the damages from this event alone rivaled—and even exceeded—the damage caused by Hurricane Irene back in 2011.

Now, the state government has passed a bill forcing fossil fuel companies to pay for a portion of the damages caused by climate change. Vermont is now the first state in the Union to take these organizations to task for externalities caused by fossil fuel emissions. According to the bill, the Agency of Natural Resources will create a report by 2026 that estimates the cost of climate change-based damage since 1995. This will examine aspects such as public health, agriculture and economic development.

The bill has been lauded for its progressive approach to climate justice, as holding companies accountable for pollution is, perhaps unsurprisingly, very widely supported. However, several Vermont politicians have also expressed concern over what will surely turn into a knock-down, drag-out legal battle come the report’s publication.

This bill marks a huge turning point in the climate justice movement. Although the legal battle has yet to begin, the precedent set by this bill is groundbreaking. The federal government has taken little serious action toward climate change reparations, as they are a divisive issue on a national level. Some consider the process to have very little legal basis, which naturally spawns skepticism that the legislation can actually be enforced.

However, regardless of how the bill has been received, the progress here is undeniable. There’s something to be said for the power of precedent in legal situations. Reparations have been divisive in the court system on account of being largely untested in a legal setting. Most court cases on a federal level are decided largely based on the results of similar cases in the past. Much of the heel-dragging over climate change, then, can be explained by how new and untested many of these legal approaches are.

It’s far more difficult to pass a bill at the federal level than the state, especially when trying to attack such an inflammatory issue. That said, states taking action—successful or not—could begin to wear down that resistance. If Vermont manages to extract reparations from the targeted companies, other states may follow suit. With enough states unified towards climate reparations, the federal government may be forced to take a stance. It likely won’t be for some time, but Vermont’s actions now are potentially paving the way for a massive shift in the governmental response to climate change in future years.

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Ryan Livingston

Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies: The Natural Magic of Waterton National Park

Find some of the best hikes in the world on the southern Canadian border.

Waterton Lakes seen from the Prince of Wales. Sean Tseng, CC BY-SA 4.0

Uniquely positioned as the only national park in both the United States and Canada at the same time and known as an International Peace Park, and the first of its kind, Waterton is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. During my two weeks there, I discovered hidden waterfalls, hiked over miles of snow and ice, and took a step back into Canadian history.

Our first destination was the Prince of Wales Hotel. Positioned on top of a hill overlooking the beautiful Upper Waterton Lake, this building was constructed in 1927 and has remained one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire park. The interior is a classic 20th-century hotel, complete with a manually-operated crank elevator. Niagara, the restaurant within the hotel, holds high tea in the drawing room in the afternoons, bringing guests back to Victorian England, complete with pastries and ornate British tea sets.

The Prince of Wales Hotel. Royalbroil, CC BY-SA 3.0

Heading down along the steep path on the hillside, we arrived in the small town of Waterton on the edge of the lake. The sleepy mountain village was a lovely experience; it felt like taking a trip back through Canadian history, complete with uniformed mounties patrolling the streets. The town opens up onto a variety of hiking trails into the surrounding mountains and along the shores of the lake.

Taking one of these mountain paths, we climbed up and around the foothills and into a gorgeous pine forest. Making our way along the rocky outcroppings and winding paths, we found ourselves facing a thundering waterfall only a few minutes after we started out. This would prove to be the standard for our trip; it seems like everywhere you look, there’s another beautiful vista or secret wonder waiting to be discovered.

Just a few minutes’ drive from the hotel, we arrived in Red Rock Canyon, a small but beautiful gap in the earth lined by small brush and occasionally frequented by coyotes. Thankfully, we didn’t run into any of them on our trail, but at the viewing spot at the end of the short hike we spotted one scampering along the bank of the small river far below us. This canyon is also a known visiting spot for both brown and grizzly bears; their presence in the park has led seasoned travelers to suggest carrying noisemakers or regularly shouting, “Hey, bear!” to avoid taking the huge animals by surprise and risking an attack.

After a few days enjoying the sights of Waterton, we made our way further west and crossed the border back into the US’s Glacier National Park to visit some of the last remaining glaciers in North America. One of these ancient ice giants, Jackson Glacier, is visible from the side of the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road. This winding path along the side of the Rocky Mountains sits at an elevation of around 6,000 feet and is lined with waterfalls and scenic vistas. If you’re lucky, you can spot herds of bighorn sheep climbing the hills alongside the road; with their unique hooves, they can cling to a sheer rock wall as if it was flat ground. And as long as the weather is good, you can clearly see the massive ice sheet that carved out the valleys below, suspended between two peaks in the far distance.

Jackson Glacier as seen from Going-to-the-Sun Road. MONGO, CC BY-SA 4.0

Further along the road, we came to our next stop; a trailhead that led out into a massive field of snow. With bandanas and wool hats to resist the biting cold, we started out across what looked like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. But after a few feet, we discovered that there was actually a wooden walkway—about three yards beneath us. This massive field of snow was in reality a mountain of its own; it was several yards deep and miles wide in all directions.

After picking our way along the often slippery surface of the snowy mountain, we found ourselves in another forest, this one populated by tons of wild mountain goats. Groups of hikers stood along the roped-off path, snapping photos of the adorable baby goats as they rooted through the snow and brush for food. We also spotted some wolverines, keeping their distance from us as they hunted for prey along the upper slopes of the mountain.

A mountain goat with its kid. Photo by author.

Once we had descended to our car again, we made our way back north to our last stop: Many Glacier Hotel, overlooking Swiftcurrent Lake. After dropping off our things, we hopped on board one of the boating tours. We were taken across the lake to the opposite shore, where we briefly hiked our way through the foothills before hopping on another boat and circling back around. During our cruise, we were given the history of the area, from the area’s original residents, the Cheyenne and Blackfoot tribes, to the park’s founding in 1910.

Waterton and Glacier are some of the most beautiful national parks in the world; despite being overshadowed by Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon, there is nothing quite like hiking across miles of snow and viewing the ancient glaciers that formed the landscape of America and Canada. The wildlife, the environment and even the towns of Waterton are steeped in natural beauty and wonder; anyone who enjoys hiking and loves a good view should make their way to Waterton once in their lives.

There are many ways to visit and stay in Waterton. The closest airport to the park is Kalispell (FCA), although for some Calgary International Airport (YYC) may be preferable. The Prince of Wales Hotel from this article is open for online bookings in the spring and summer at their website, and other lodgings are bookable here and on other sites you can find through Google Hotels. Prices in the area generally range from around $130 to $150 per night.

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Ryan Livingston

Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.

Uncontrolled Burn: Canada’s Devastating Wildfires

Thousands of wildfires, miles of scorched forests and colossal plumes of smoke are threatening Canada on all fronts.

Forest fire at night. U.S. Forest Service, public domain

Canada is no stranger to wildfires. According to the Canadian National Fire Database, over 8,000 fires occur every year, burning over 2 million hectares of land. The highest risk period for fires starts in April or May and lasts all the way through September or October, with hold-over fires potentially burning well into winter.

But recently, fires have become more and more frequent earlier in the year. These early fires have also been growing in severity and damage, which should only happen well into the summer. Canada has endured over a thousand fires in 2024 alone, with 104 currently raging as of late May. Most are relatively under control thanks to quick responses from fire teams, but about a seventh are registered as “uncontrolled.” Despite the best efforts of local fire companies and government action, these fires have devoured thousands of hectares of land and are currently threatening several cities across the country.

The Parker Lake fire, named for its apparent origin point, caused thousands of citizens of Fort Nelson in British Columbia to flee their homes. At that time the fire was already roughly 3 square miles in size; the long period of dry weather, coupled with strong winds, caused the fire to grow out of control, which prompted evacuation orders on May 11th. Parts of Alberta have also been given orders to prepare for evacuation as other fires steadily approach.

In addition to the threat posed by the blazes themselves, the smoke produced by the constant burning has blanketed most of Canada and is beginning to drift south into the midwestern United States. This smoke can cause serious reactions in those with existing respiratory illnesses and even be harmful to the lungs of healthy individuals. Given the severity of 2023’s wildfire season, we can expect a tremendous amount of smoke this year as well.

There are many possible causes for wildfires, ranging from the carelessness of individual hikers or campers to the climate itself. Higher global temperatures can cause more frequent flare-ups, long-lasting droughts can leave forest floors incredibly dry and flammable, and warmer winters leave less snow behind, resulting in even dryer conditions. Additionally, zombie fires—blazes that have smoldered underneath the snow over winter only to reemerge after the spring thaw—have increased the number of threatened communities.

How You Can Help

Fire season has only just begun in Canada and the nation is already being battered from all sides. Conditions are only expected to worsen as the temperatures rise and droughts linger; more evacuations are also expected as a result. However, several charities have already begun donating to the firefighters working to combat the blazes, as well as the many displaced citizens. Sites such as Global Giving and the Canadian Red Cross are excellent ways to help offset the devastation wreaked by the hundreds of wildfires.

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Ryan Livingtston

Ryan is a senior at The College of New Jersey, majoring in English and minoring in marketing. Since a young age, Ryan has been passionate about human rights and environmental action and uses his writing to educate wherever he can. He hopes to pursue a career in professional writing and spread his message even further.