Book Description

Air, water, food - these are the sources of life. Without them, we die. And in most nations -- more than 180 countries, in fact - citizens are legally entitled to these essential elements of life. In some countries, Mother Nature herself has legal rights. But not in Canada or the United States. In Warrior Lawyers, courageous and dedicated lawyers from nine countries tell their own stories of trail-blazing lawsuits that have transformed nations and changed history. Impoverished Argentinians win a multi-billion-dollar cleanup of the Riachuelo River in Buenos Aires. An innovative foundation forces the Dutch government to take dramatic action on climate change. Ecuadorian natives and peasants defeat mighty Chevron in a $9.5 billion action for fouling the Amazon rain forest. The Supreme Court of the Philippines asserts the rights of future generations to a healthy, bountiful world. Behind these victories is a set of dedicated lawyers whose true client is the Earth herself. Warrior Lawyers includes 15 extended interviews with lawyers from five continents, and Silver Donald Cameron contributes a long essay discussing the importance of these lawyers and their work -- and the opportunities that environmental rights offer to both Canadians and Americans. The author of 17 previous books, Cameron is host and executive producer of the companion documentary film Green Rights: The Human Right to a Healthy World, (www.GreenRIghts.com ), in which many of the warrior lawyers also appear. This full-length film is produced and directed by Chris Beckett. Cameron and Beckett also operate the subscription web site, www.TheGreenInterview.com, where full-length original versions of these interviews are posted, along with dozens of others, in video and audio as well as text, "A powerful read for anyone who cares about our planet." Robin R. Milam, Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature "Moving, terrifying, inspirational - these stories stand as a beacon of hope in our troubled world. " Maude Barlow, The Council of Canadians "Intriguing and inspiring -- Cameron, a green warrior himself, and a great story-teller, deftly writes of legal battles won and those to come." Maggie Siggins, Governor-General's Award-winning author of Revenge of the Land