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ClientEarth analyzes the proposed EU Soil Monitoring Law (SML), arguing that while it fills a critical gap in environmental law, it requires stronger legally-binding targets, mandatory district management plans, and enhanced enforcement mechanisms to effectively achieve the goal of healthy soils by 2050.

The document outlines recommendations for a proposed EU legislative framework for a sustainable food system, emphasizing the need for binding targets, corporate due diligence, and mandatory sustainable public procurement to address the food system's contributions to climate change and biodiversity loss.

The document argues that while Bill S-5 is a 'workable starting point' for modernizing the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), it requires amendments to ensure the right to a healthy environment is not undermined by 'balancing' clauses and that the regime for prohibiting toxic substances is more certain and transparent.

ClientEarth advocates for a new EU directive on soil to establish binding targets and harmonised standards, noting that current fragmented legislation fails to address threats like compaction and salinization. The organization emphasizes the need for the New Soil Strategy to integrate with the European Green Deal and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to ensure sustainable land management and the remediation of contaminated sites.

The document outlines the environmental risks associated with the EU-Indonesia FTA, specifically regarding palm oil and timber trade, and proposes specific textual amendments and structural safeguards to ensure the agreement supports climate goals and human rights.

A coalition of civil society organizations argues that the proposed appellate mechanism for CAFTA's investment chapter is flawed and could undermine public interest and democratic principles. They advocate for the retention of domestic court review, the creation of a standing appellate body rather than ad hoc tribunals, the inclusion of environmental law expertise among panelists, and the adoption of a de novo standard of review for legal conclusions. Additionally, they call for mechanisms to ensure developing countries can afford to participate in appellate proceedings.

CIEL supports the Adaptation Fund Board's proposed Environmental and Social Policy but argues it requires stronger human rights safeguards, more rigorous impact assessments, and a robust, independent grievance mechanism to ensure accountability for implementing entities.

The report by ClientEarth and Global Witness advocates for a comprehensive EU-wide mandatory due diligence framework to replace failing voluntary corporate commitments. It highlights the EU's role in driving global deforestation and human rights abuses, particularly in the agricultural sector. The authors propose a system based on OECD Guidelines that covers all EU-based companies and investors, regardless of size, and includes strict transparency requirements, a robust penalty regime, and access to justice for affected parties outside the EU.