Jack Barton
@jackbarton91.bsky.social
Journalist: human rights, sustainability, where they intersect.
BHP liable over “foreseeable” Mariana dam disaster
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
BHP liable over “foreseeable” Mariana dam disaster
The mining giant is strictly liable as a polluter under Brazilian law for a disastrous flood killed 19 people and led to the largest group claim in English legal history, a London court has found.
www.lexology.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:45 PM
BHP liable over “foreseeable” Mariana dam disaster
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
43 claimants from Pakistan are bringing action against RWE claiming climate damages linked to devastating 2022 floods.
They're supported by the legal team that brought a landmark but ultimately successful case against RWE on behalf of a Peruvian farmer. (1/2)
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They're supported by the legal team that brought a landmark but ultimately successful case against RWE on behalf of a Peruvian farmer. (1/2)
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Energy giant RWE faces fresh damages claim over contribution to climate change
After a German court found RWE could in theory be held liable for its contribution to climate change, lawyers hope to force the issue with a case that breaks fresh ground in the fast-developing field ...
www.lexology.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:18 PM
43 claimants from Pakistan are bringing action against RWE claiming climate damages linked to devastating 2022 floods.
They're supported by the legal team that brought a landmark but ultimately successful case against RWE on behalf of a Peruvian farmer. (1/2)
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They're supported by the legal team that brought a landmark but ultimately successful case against RWE on behalf of a Peruvian farmer. (1/2)
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
ExxonMobil tries to shut down California’s climate reporting rules
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
ExxonMobil tries to shut down California’s climate reporting rules
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:09 PM
ExxonMobil tries to shut down California’s climate reporting rules
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The oil and gas giant has asked a court to block emissions reporting legislation that would bring California in line with similar requirements around the world.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Verra has confirmed 15m credits from the Kariba offsetting project were junk.
They claim this has no effect on the green claims & reporting by Volkswagen, Nestlé, Microsoft & other global corporations who bought the credits.
Lawyers we spoke to are less convinced.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They claim this has no effect on the green claims & reporting by Volkswagen, Nestlé, Microsoft & other global corporations who bought the credits.
Lawyers we spoke to are less convinced.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
How a “junk” carbon credit scheme created legal risks for global companies
Microsoft, Nestlé and Volkswagen were among the global companies that used a major carbon offsetting project for their ESG claims. With millions of those credits declared invalid, lawyers warn those c...
www.lexology.com
October 24, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Verra has confirmed 15m credits from the Kariba offsetting project were junk.
They claim this has no effect on the green claims & reporting by Volkswagen, Nestlé, Microsoft & other global corporations who bought the credits.
Lawyers we spoke to are less convinced.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They claim this has no effect on the green claims & reporting by Volkswagen, Nestlé, Microsoft & other global corporations who bought the credits.
Lawyers we spoke to are less convinced.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
At least 5 Premier League clubs this season have betting sites that aren't licensed in the UK as front-of-shirt sponsors.
The Gambling Commission told clubs they must ensure the sites can't be used, including via a VPN, or the sponsorship could breach the Gambling Act.
But...
The Gambling Commission told clubs they must ensure the sites can't be used, including via a VPN, or the sponsorship could breach the Gambling Act.
But...
October 23, 2025 at 3:49 PM
At least 5 Premier League clubs this season have betting sites that aren't licensed in the UK as front-of-shirt sponsors.
The Gambling Commission told clubs they must ensure the sites can't be used, including via a VPN, or the sponsorship could breach the Gambling Act.
But...
The Gambling Commission told clubs they must ensure the sites can't be used, including via a VPN, or the sponsorship could breach the Gambling Act.
But...
Greenwashing: TotalEnergies rebrand misled consumers, French court rules
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Greenwashing: TotalEnergies rebrand misled consumers, French court rules
Energy giant TotalEnergies misled the public by trying to give the impression it was part of the solution to climate change, a Paris court has ruled.
www.lexology.com
October 23, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Greenwashing: TotalEnergies rebrand misled consumers, French court rules
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
New|
US Customs initiated a crackdown on imports of Chinese vehicles as Trump resumed office, using anti-slavery laws.
CBP data analysed by Lexology PRO shows a surge in shipments detained - beginning Nov 2024, spiking in January.
More insights (paywalled):
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
US Customs initiated a crackdown on imports of Chinese vehicles as Trump resumed office, using anti-slavery laws.
CBP data analysed by Lexology PRO shows a surge in shipments detained - beginning Nov 2024, spiking in January.
More insights (paywalled):
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
August 27, 2025 at 11:32 AM
New|
US Customs initiated a crackdown on imports of Chinese vehicles as Trump resumed office, using anti-slavery laws.
CBP data analysed by Lexology PRO shows a surge in shipments detained - beginning Nov 2024, spiking in January.
More insights (paywalled):
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
US Customs initiated a crackdown on imports of Chinese vehicles as Trump resumed office, using anti-slavery laws.
CBP data analysed by Lexology PRO shows a surge in shipments detained - beginning Nov 2024, spiking in January.
More insights (paywalled):
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
New greenwashing rules in Canada require the public to report false green claims. Activists @investors4paris.bsky.social say oil & gas companies have responded by hiding their sustainability reports.
They're calling for securities regulators to step up instead.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They're calling for securities regulators to step up instead.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Canadian securities regulator urged to tackle greenwashing
New greenwashing rules have led companies to withdraw their sustainability statements from public view, according to campaigners who urged securities regulators to enforce disclosure rules to tackle f...
www.lexology.com
August 20, 2025 at 2:01 PM
New greenwashing rules in Canada require the public to report false green claims. Activists @investors4paris.bsky.social say oil & gas companies have responded by hiding their sustainability reports.
They're calling for securities regulators to step up instead.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
They're calling for securities regulators to step up instead.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Reposted by Jack Barton
Ok, so we’re really doing this (archive Times link indicating that the EHRC guidance on single sex spaces will be just as unworkable as the draft). archive.ph/taXyE
archive.ph
August 8, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Ok, so we’re really doing this (archive Times link indicating that the EHRC guidance on single sex spaces will be just as unworkable as the draft). archive.ph/taXyE
Reposted by Jack Barton
What does it say about our financial system when a company linked to Amazon #deforestation, Indigenous land invasions, and corruption is approved to trade on the New York Stock Exchange – the biggest stock market in the world?
Why – and how are they allowed?
globalwitness.org/en/campaigns...
Why – and how are they allowed?
globalwitness.org/en/campaigns...
Why meatpacker JBS’s IPO matters for the planet
Meat giant JBS’s US stock market debut exposes the deep flaws in the global financial system and raises urgent questions for regulators, investors and the future of our climate-critical forests
globalwitness.org
August 4, 2025 at 12:34 PM
What does it say about our financial system when a company linked to Amazon #deforestation, Indigenous land invasions, and corruption is approved to trade on the New York Stock Exchange – the biggest stock market in the world?
Why – and how are they allowed?
globalwitness.org/en/campaigns...
Why – and how are they allowed?
globalwitness.org/en/campaigns...
Shein was handed a EUR1 million greenwashing fine in Italy today, following a EUR40 million fine in France a few weeks ago.
Regulators in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands, working with the European Commission, are also investigating the company's green claims.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Regulators in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands, working with the European Commission, are also investigating the company's green claims.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Greenwashing: Shein faces mounting enforcement over environmental claims
The Chinese fast-fashion giant was handed a €1 million fine by Italy’s competition watchdog today over its environmental claims, following a €40 million fine on similar grounds in France last month.
www.lexology.com
August 4, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Shein was handed a EUR1 million greenwashing fine in Italy today, following a EUR40 million fine in France a few weeks ago.
Regulators in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands, working with the European Commission, are also investigating the company's green claims.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Regulators in Belgium, Ireland and the Netherlands, working with the European Commission, are also investigating the company's green claims.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
A breakdown of the US emissions rules likely to go if the EPA walks away from the understanding that GHGs comes under "environmental protection" as just announced.
TL;DR - all of them www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
TL;DR - all of them www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
US EPA to nix basis for vehicle, power plant and manufacturing rules: key takeaways
An EPA regulatory rollback is set to dramatically reduce businesses' environmental compliance burden across numerous sectors.
www.lexology.com
July 30, 2025 at 3:38 PM
A breakdown of the US emissions rules likely to go if the EPA walks away from the understanding that GHGs comes under "environmental protection" as just announced.
TL;DR - all of them www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
TL;DR - all of them www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Big Oil companies including Shell, Exxon and Chevron have asked a court to dismiss legal action against them under the statute of limitations - because the environmental damage they are accused of (*and deny*) has been widely known for decades.
apnews.com/article/hono...
apnews.com/article/hono...
Honolulu's lawsuit against fossil fuel companies leads climate change legal fight
Honolulu is suing major fossil fuel companies, including ExxonMobil, Shell and Chevron, over climate change impacts.
apnews.com
July 30, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Big Oil companies including Shell, Exxon and Chevron have asked a court to dismiss legal action against them under the statute of limitations - because the environmental damage they are accused of (*and deny*) has been widely known for decades.
apnews.com/article/hono...
apnews.com/article/hono...
A new lawsuit in California argues the state's clean air rules are relying too heavily on biomethane - produced as a biproduct of dairy farming - and perversely driving a rapid growth in heavily-polluting megafarms.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
July 29, 2025 at 3:46 PM
A new lawsuit in California argues the state's clean air rules are relying too heavily on biomethane - produced as a biproduct of dairy farming - and perversely driving a rapid growth in heavily-polluting megafarms.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
26 EU states have failed to adopt rules on renewable energy infrastructure, with only Denmark avoiding a rebuke from the Commission.
Political backlash has been cited but critics suggest the rules don't fit easily with the reality of how electricity is distributed.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Political backlash has been cited but critics suggest the rules don't fit easily with the reality of how electricity is distributed.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
EU raps 26 member states over failure to update renewable energy laws
All but one EU member state has failed to adopt new rules on renewable energy infrastructure, according to the European Commission.
www.lexology.com
July 29, 2025 at 3:43 PM
26 EU states have failed to adopt rules on renewable energy infrastructure, with only Denmark avoiding a rebuke from the Commission.
Political backlash has been cited but critics suggest the rules don't fit easily with the reality of how electricity is distributed.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Political backlash has been cited but critics suggest the rules don't fit easily with the reality of how electricity is distributed.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The US SEC has no intention of defending its Climate Rule in litigation involving 43 states + NGOs + business groups.
Critics say the regulator is trying to get the courts to nullify the rule, and avoid the processes and consultations required to do so itself.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Critics say the regulator is trying to get the courts to nullify the rule, and avoid the processes and consultations required to do so itself.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
SEC accused of relying on court to nix climate rule
The US securities regulator has urged a court to decide whether its climate disclosure rule is legal, but refused the court’s request to confirm whether it plans to implement the regulation.
www.lexology.com
July 25, 2025 at 1:28 PM
The US SEC has no intention of defending its Climate Rule in litigation involving 43 states + NGOs + business groups.
Critics say the regulator is trying to get the courts to nullify the rule, and avoid the processes and consultations required to do so itself.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Critics say the regulator is trying to get the courts to nullify the rule, and avoid the processes and consultations required to do so itself.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
This week's deep-dive on the groundbreaking ICJ ruling. Key takeaways:
- Rich countries can be held accountable by those impacted.
- Allowing companies to extract fossil fuels could breach international law.
- Likely to be cited in investor-state disputes.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
- Rich countries can be held accountable by those impacted.
- Allowing companies to extract fossil fuels could breach international law.
- Likely to be cited in investor-state disputes.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
ICJ ruling boosts climate litigation risk for businesses and states
A UN tribunal has found that international law requires states to rein in emissions, with its expansive interpretation of international law set to affect both states and companies.
www.lexology.com
July 25, 2025 at 12:11 PM
This week's deep-dive on the groundbreaking ICJ ruling. Key takeaways:
- Rich countries can be held accountable by those impacted.
- Allowing companies to extract fossil fuels could breach international law.
- Likely to be cited in investor-state disputes.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
- Rich countries can be held accountable by those impacted.
- Allowing companies to extract fossil fuels could breach international law.
- Likely to be cited in investor-state disputes.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Australia plans penalties and court enforcement under strengthened modern slavery regime
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Australia plans penalties and court enforcement under strengthened modern slavery regime
The Australian government has published long-awaited proposals for reforms to its Modern Slavery Act, revealing plans to set up a stronger enforcement regime and streamlined reporting for larger group...
www.lexology.com
July 25, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Australia plans penalties and court enforcement under strengthened modern slavery regime
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Reposted by Jack Barton
Doctors Without Borders joins more than 100 organizations to sounding the alarm that lifesaving aid must enter #Gaza.
www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/palestine-as...
www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/palestine-as...
Palestine: As mass starvation spreads across Gaza, our colleagues and communities we work with are wasting away | Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF ...
Over 100 humanitarian groups, including MSF, urge governments to act as starvation spreads in Gaza.
www.doctorswithoutborders.ca
July 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Doctors Without Borders joins more than 100 organizations to sounding the alarm that lifesaving aid must enter #Gaza.
www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/palestine-as...
www.doctorswithoutborders.ca/palestine-as...
Reposted by Jack Barton
All famines are man-made, all famines are political. Historians of empire and humanitarianism have known this forever. Gaza is not starving, Gaza is being starved, by Israel, and this starvation is enabled by our government and by every other government that does not step in to force food and aid.
July 24, 2025 at 1:48 PM
All famines are man-made, all famines are political. Historians of empire and humanitarianism have known this forever. Gaza is not starving, Gaza is being starved, by Israel, and this starvation is enabled by our government and by every other government that does not step in to force food and aid.
The EU Ombudsperson has indicated to the @financialtimes.com she is already leaning in favour of a coalition of NGOs who complained about a closed consultation with oil companies, banks and lobbyists on sustainability simplification, as first reported below.
www.ft.com/content/c322...
www.ft.com/content/c322...
July 4, 2025 at 8:42 AM
The EU Ombudsperson has indicated to the @financialtimes.com she is already leaning in favour of a coalition of NGOs who complained about a closed consultation with oil companies, banks and lobbyists on sustainability simplification, as first reported below.
www.ft.com/content/c322...
www.ft.com/content/c322...
New|
The UK has not replaced EU laws to prevent the import of conflict minerals and the parts it retained after Brexit have never been used, new records reveal.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The UK has not replaced EU laws to prevent the import of conflict minerals and the parts it retained after Brexit have never been used, new records reveal.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
UK leaves market open to conflict minerals
The UK has not replaced EU laws to prevent imports of materials linked to human rights abuses, while the powers that do exist have not been used, Lexology PRO has learned.
www.lexology.com
July 3, 2025 at 1:58 PM
New|
The UK has not replaced EU laws to prevent the import of conflict minerals and the parts it retained after Brexit have never been used, new records reveal.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
The UK has not replaced EU laws to prevent the import of conflict minerals and the parts it retained after Brexit have never been used, new records reveal.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
New: ExxonMobil, Total Energies, Eni and Repsol were among the companies invited to consult on the EU’s Omnibus proposal to overhaul sustainability laws - per a list of companies invited to a private roundtable.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
Oil giants and banks get seat at the table for private meetings on EU Omnibus
The EU has been criticised for expediting an overhaul of ESG rules without public consultation, with input only invited from a select group which included energy giants and industry lobbyists, Lexolog...
www.lexology.com
March 14, 2025 at 5:54 PM
New: ExxonMobil, Total Energies, Eni and Repsol were among the companies invited to consult on the EU’s Omnibus proposal to overhaul sustainability laws - per a list of companies invited to a private roundtable.
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...
www.lexology.com/pro/content/...