Earth Law: South America

Across South America, a powerful movement is reshaping how people think about law and the environment worldwide. In countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Colombia, courts and communities lead the way in starting to treat rivers, forests, and even animals as having legal rights in ways conventionally granted to humans. These efforts are often led by Indigenous voices and their understandings that the more-than-human world is alive, sacred, and deserving of protection. At the same time, young people and civic groups are urging governments to take stronger action on climate change, not just for today, but for future generations. These changes reflect the convergences of ancient and contemporary wisdom, ecological and social justice, and grassroots and governmental efforts.