Stand.earth is emerging as a powerful voice safeguarding the world’s vital ecosystems.
From the ancient rainforests to the deep ocean, Stand.earth is emerging as a powerful voice safeguarding the world’s vital ecosystems. This environmental non-profit, founded in 2008, takes an uncompromising approach to holding corporations and governments accountable for harmful practices driving climate change and biodiversity loss.
“We simply cannot stand by as entire species and ecosystems are pushed to the brink of extinction by unchecked corporate greed and negligence,” says Todd Paglia, Executive Director of Stand.earth. “Through rigorous investigations, legal challenges, and mobilization of grassroots support, we are standing up for a sustainable future for all.”
At the core of Stand.earth’s strategy is their investigative research team, which meticulously documents environmental violations, human rights abuses, illegal logging and more. This evidence fuels awareness campaigns spanning social media, consumer activism, protests and lawsuits aimed at exposing wrongdoing and pushing for reforms.
See also: Greenhushing vs Greenwashing? Can You Tell the Difference?
“We combine cutting-edge tactics like aerial drones and undercover field work with aggressive media outreach and legal pressure to command attention and drive meaningful change,” explains Paglia.
But Stand.earth recognizes they can’t go it alone. The organization actively builds coalitions with Indigenous groups, community organizations, policymakers, and other environmental NGOs to amplify their collective voice and influence.
“Widespread, systemic change requires bringing diverse stakeholders together in a united front,” says Ezra Miller, Coalition Director at Stand.earth. “By aligning our efforts, we become an undeniable force for reform that corporations and authorities cannot ignore.”
A core tenet of Stand.earth’s approach is prioritizing frontline communities most vulnerable to environmental degradation, such as Indigenous Peoples, low-income areas, and communities of color. The organization empowers these voices through community partnerships, boycotts, and litigation that challenges polluters and negligent regulators.
One high-profile example is Stand.earth’s March 2024 lawsuit against FortisBC, British Columbia’s largest natural gas utility. The suit accuses FortisBC of greenwashing its fossil fuel product as “clean” energy, deceiving residents about its environmental impact. By taking legal action, Stand.earth aims to hold FortisBC accountable while giving a powerful platform to BC residents concerned about climate change and environmental justice.
“From the Amazon rainforest to dense urban areas, frontline communities bear the brunt of environmental racism and inaction on sustainability,” states Paglia. “Our focus on these vulnerable populations ensures equity is at the forefront as we push for a just transition to clean energy and ecological preservation.”
In addition to phasing out fossil fuels, a major priority for Stand.earth is protecting biodiversity and preventing further deforestation of vital old-growth forests and rainforests that serve as the lungs of the planet.
Leveraging hard-hitting exposés, celebrity influencers, and collaborative legal strategies, Stand.earth has successfully pushed corporations to end devastating logging practices and spare millions of acres of irreplaceable ecosystems. Their advocacy has also spurred sustainable forestry reforms and empowered Indigenous stewards to defend their ancestral lands.
“We’re now in an unprecedented era of mass extinction driven by unbridled human activity,” states Paglia. “If we don’t radically change course and protect what precious biodiversity remains, the consequences will be catastrophic and irreversible.”
With escalating climate impacts and environmental degradation, Stand.earth remains focused on rapidly transitioning the world to 100% renewable energy while preserving biodiversity hotspots. Their multipronged approach will concentrate on:
- Pressuring financial institutions and corporations to divest from fossil fuels fully
- Pushing utilities and policymakers to end the expansion of natural gas and invest in renewable power sources
- Safeguarding old-growth forests through advocacy, litigation, and strengthening Indigenous sovereignty
- Protecting fragile marine habitats from pollution, overfishing and offshore drilling
- Amplifying the voices of frontline environmental justice communities in decision-making
Paglia leaves no doubt about the urgency of Stand.earth’s mission: “The science is crystal clear – we must embrace radical systemic reforms now to course correct from climate catastrophe and ecological collapse. With your support, we will relentlessly push for the solutions humanity needs to not just survive, but thrive in harmony with our irreplaceable planet.”