<![CDATA[Rights of the Lakes]]> https://www.greatlakespulse.com What if the Great Lakes could talk?

What would they say about us?

Would they say we're protecting them or destroying them?

Rights of Nature is a growing legal movement that challenges a foundational assumption of American law: that ecosystems are property. That rivers, lakes, wetlands, and forests exist to be owned, extracted, and controlled by whoever holds the deed.

Rights of Nature says otherwise. It recognizes that the living systems we depend on for survival—including the Great Lakes—have the right to exist, to flourish, to regenerate, and to evolve.

This isn't nature versus humans. We are nature. The separation is the lie that got us here.

If the Great Lakes had legal rights, the communities who depend on them could stand in court to defend them. Not as owners protecting an asset. As part of a living ecosystem fighting for its life.

In this series, we go deep. The Lake Erie Bill of Rights. New York's proposed Great Lakes and State Waters Bill of Rights. Rights of Nature laws already on the books—and what happened when corporations fought back. The legal architecture of corporate personhood that lets industries destroy what belongs to all of us. And our work to bring Rights of Nature legislation to every one of the eight Great Lakes Basin states at both the local levels and states level.

This is about regulated destruction—the kind that comes with permits and the full blessing of the legislatures that were elected to protect us.

The question isn't whether the Great Lakes deserve rights.

The question is whether we're willing to admit that protecting them means recognizing we are them.

]]> RSS.com 2026.609.160344 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:50:22 GMT en 037d9e9f-05c9-54d1-884a-44b6de3696bb https://media.rss.com/rights-of-the-lakes/podcast_cover_20260430_070458_121e3b1cfca10ee0c844daf8fb054cd1.png Rights of the Lakes https://www.greatlakespulse.com yes PULSE of the Great Lakes PULSE of the Great Lakes with Tamara Graham PULSE of the Great Lakes with Tamara Graham false episodic podcast Michigan, USA North America false <![CDATA[Environmental Regulation Has Failed Us | The Case for Rights of Nature]]> In this episode, Tamara is joined by Tish O'Dell and Ben Price of CELDF. The conversation explores the evolving concept of Rights of Nature, highlighting its origins, challenges, and the global movement advocating for nature's rights. The speakers discuss the importance of community engagement, cultural shifts, and the role of indigenous wisdom in shaping environmental laws. They emphasize the need for local actions to drive change and prepare for potential pushback against the movement as it gains traction.

Key Takeaways

The Rights of Nature movement started in a small borough in Pennsylvania and has grown globally.

Ecuador's constitutional recognition of nature's rights has inspired similar movements worldwide.

Indigenous populations play a crucial role in the success of rights of nature initiatives.

Legal frameworks for nature's rights are evolving, but challenges remain in implementation.

Community engagement is essential for the movement's success and sustainability.

Cultural shifts are necessary to change perceptions of nature from property to a living entity.

The movement faces potential co-opting by corporate interests, which could dilute its goals.

Local actions can inspire broader movements and create a ripple effect in neighboring communities.

The health of the environment is directly linked to human health and well-being.

Expect resistance as the movement grows, but remain committed to the cause.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rights of Nature

11:29 The Evolution of Rights of Nature

20:15 Challenges and Opportunities in Implementation

27:28 Global Perspectives on Rights of Nature

39:11 Cultural Shifts and Community Engagement

56:08 Local Actions and Global Movements

69:12 Conclusion and Future Directions

Read the Rights of the Lakes Blueprint. Join our Email List. Get involved and organize where you live: GreatLakesPulse.com

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4TsuZT6Q4po?si=7cnVDgeFCzp5s5Cy

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/rights-of-the-lakes/2953496 bdd55a81-1282-41ff-8630-788f8ccc51bb 4040 full 4 4 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:32:47 GMT false false Michigan, USA <![CDATA[The Right Not To Be Poisoned ]]> In this episode, the conversation revolves around the New York and Great Lakes Bill of Rights, its evolution, challenges, and the importance of community empowerment in environmental decision-making. Tamara is joined by Tish O'Dell and Ben Price of CELDF (Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund). They discuss the opposition faced from major environmental groups, the role of corporate personhood in environmental issues, and the potential impact of the Bill on communities. They emphasize the need for youth engagement in environmental activism and the importance of educating future generations about their rights and responsibilities towards nature.

Key Takeaways

The Great Lakes Bill of Rights was inspired by the Lake Erie Bill of Rights.

Community engagement is crucial for the success of environmental legislation.

Opposition from major environmental groups is common in rights of nature movements.

Empowering communities to make decisions about their environment is essential.

Corporate personhood complicates environmental decision-making.

The Great Lakes Bill of Rights could set a precedent for other states.

Youth engagement is vital for the future of environmental activism.

Education about rights of nature is necessary for community empowerment.

The interconnectedness of ecosystems must be recognized in legislation.

Long-term impacts of projects must be considered over short-term benefits.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Great Lakes Bill of Rights

08:48 The Evolution of the Great Lakes Bill of Rights

12:42 Challenges and Opposition to Rights of Nature

20:10 Community Empowerment and Environmental Decision-Making

30:49 The Role of Corporate Personhood in Environmental Issues

37:08 Potential Impact of the Great Lakes Bill of Rights

46:34 The Future of Rights of Nature and Youth Engagement

Read the Rights of Nature Blueprint for the Great Lakes Basin Region. Subscribe to our newsletter to get involved where you live: GreatLakesPulse.com.

Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iZzQXmM-hWM?si=4nyI1VYPwBy2FFDo

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/rights-of-the-lakes/2953477 db45623c-da14-45f4-aae7-257141c1f4c3 3191 full 3 3 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:19:21 GMT false false Michigan, USA <![CDATA[Corporate Personhood is Killing Us | The Lake Erie Bill of Rights]]> Episode 2 in our ongoing Rights of the Lakes series. Tamara is joined by Tish O'Dell and Ben Price from the Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF). This conversation explores the concept of Rights of Nature, focusing on the Lake Erie Bill of Rights (LEBOR). The discussion covers the origins of LEBOR. Its significance, the reactions it garnered, and the implications of its eventual overturning. This episode emphasizes the importance of community activism and the need for greater awareness and support for environmental legislation in the Great Lakes Basin region.

Key Takeaways

Rights of Nature is crucial for protecting ecosystems.

The Lake Erie Bill of Rights was a groundbreaking legislation.

Libor faced significant opposition from corporate interests.

The overturning of Libor highlights systemic issues in environmental law.

Community activism is essential for advancing environmental rights.

Public awareness of environmental issues is increasing.

Legislation must prioritize human and ecological rights over corporate interests.

Lessons from Libor can guide future rights of nature efforts.

The fight for environmental protection is ongoing and complex.

Engagement in local politics is vital for effective change.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rights of Nature

02:07 Understanding the Lake Erie Bill of Rights (Libor)

14:23 The Impact and Reactions to Libor

31:50 Legal and Cultural Implications of Libor's Overturn

41:59 Lessons Learned and Future of Rights of Nature Legislation

Read the Rights of the Lakes Blueprint and Get Involved: GreatLakesPulse.com

Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6zSoFYbddx8?si=6uWO4DsgqeJuY4cz

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/rights-of-the-lakes/2953353 059302ab-194c-4489-a419-42af4790730b 3129 full 2 2 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 06:45:02 GMT false false Michigan, USA <![CDATA[The Great Lakes Want Their Rights Back - And So Do We]]> In this first episode of Rights of the Lakes, host Tamara Graham speaks with Tish O'Dell, and Ben Price of CELDF (Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund). They delve into the concept of Rights of Nature, particularly in the context of the Great Lakes Basin region.

They discuss the legal implications of granting rights to ecosystems, common misconceptions surrounding the movement, and the interconnectedness of humans and nature. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing nature's rights to protect both the environment and human communities, while also addressing the challenges posed by corporate personhood and the current legal system.

In this conversation, the speakers explore the definitions of progress and sustainability, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift towards recognizing our interconnectedness with nature. They discuss the wisdom of indigenous communities and the importance of establishing rights of nature within modern law.

The conversation highlights the detrimental effects of technological advancements and the necessity of community and connection in fostering a healthier relationship with the environment. Ultimately, they advocate for a harmonious existence with nature, urging listeners to engage with their surroundings and recognize the impact of their actions.

Key Takeaways

Rights of nature is about ecosystems, not individual entities.

Legal rights for nature aim to protect entire ecosystems.

The movement faces pushback from those benefiting from the status quo.

Corporate personhood complicates the conversation around nature's rights.

Protecting nature is essential for human survival.

The law often fails to recognize the interconnectedness of humans and nature.

Rights of nature can empower communities to protect their environment.

Misunderstandings about rights of nature often stem from legal misconceptions.

The current legal system is designed to keep nature's rights invisible.

Community involvement is crucial for the success of rights of nature laws. How do you define progress?

We are nature, right?

Sustainable murder is a powerful statement.

We need a cultural shift in our mindset.

You only protect what you love.

Nature is going to have the last word.

We are our own worst enemies in this system.

We need each other to thrive.

Go outside, be out in nature.

Indigenous wisdom teaches us about right relationships.

titles

Understanding Rights of Nature

The Fight for Ecosystem Rights

Empowering Communities through Nature's Rights

Legal Rights for Nature Explained

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Rights of Nature

01:11 Meet the Guests: Tish O'Dell and Ben Price

05:04 Common Misunderstandings of Rights of Nature

07:59 Understanding Legal Rights for Nature

11:23 The Radical Nature of Rights for Ecosystems

14:45 Interconnectedness of Humans and Nature

18:33 The Divide and Conquer Strategy in Law

21:44 How Rights of Nature Protect Communities

24:01 Defining Progress and Sustainability

27:32 Indigenous Wisdom and Modern Law

30:46 Cultural Shifts and Right Relationships

36:11 The Need for Community and Connection

39:42 Living in Harmony with Nature

Visit our website to connect: GreatLakesPulse.com

Watch this podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1XBifO8G-pU?si=P688uL7rNVt4iaMF

]]> https://rss.com/podcasts/rights-of-the-lakes/2952964 77128f0d-e43c-4f42-9ab6-a1ff7bf80779 2305 full 1 1 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 01:48:18 GMT false false Michigan, USA