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"Planet Palm" - Human Rights Abuses by the Global Palm Oil Industry
Season 2, Ep. 13
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Join host Dr Miranda Melcher in this compelling episode of Just Access as she sits down with acclaimed writer and editor Jocelyn Zuckerman to discuss her groundbreaking book, Planet Palm. Published in 2021, this exposé delves into the environmental and social abuses rampant in the global palm oil industry.
Key Highlights:
- Learn About Palm Oil: Learn about the ubiquitous palm oil, its origins, and its extensive use in everyday products.
- First-Hand Experience: Jocelyn recounts her eye-opening journey to Liberia, where she witnessed the devastating impacts of palm oil plantations on local communities and the environment.
- Environmental Catastrophe: Understand the far-reaching consequences of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and climate change driven by palm oil cultivation, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia.
- Social Justice Issues: Explore the grim reality for plantation workers, including land grabs, poor working conditions, and exploitation.
- Access to Justice: The discussion highlights the significant challenges in ensuring justice for affected communities and workers, and the limited efficacy of oversight mechanisms like the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO).
- Consumer Responsibility: Jocelyn underscores the role of consumers in advocating for ethical practices by being mindful of product ingredients and supporting sustainable brands.
About Jocelyn Zuckerman: Jocelyn Zuckerman is a prolific writer focused on environmental and social justice issues. With a background in literature and journalism, her career spans across various esteemed publications, shedding light on critical global matters.
Why Listen? This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in environmental justice, human rights, and the intricate connections between global trade and local impacts. Gain insights into the hidden costs of palm oil and discover what you can do to support a more just and sustainable world.
Call to Action:
- Read Planet Palm to dive deeper into the issues discussed.
- Stay informed and take action by advocating for sustainable practices and supporting policies that protect our environment and human rights.
- Follow and share the Podcast to make sure you never miss an episode!
Tune in to this enlightening conversation and join us in the journey towards improving access to justice for all.
Keywords: Jocelyn Zuckerman, Planet Palm, palm oil industry, environmental justice, social justice, deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change, human rights, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, access to justice, sustainable practices, consumer responsibility, global trade, environmental impact, podcast episode, Just Access.
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8. Climate Justice for Children: Legal Action in Germany
28:18||Season 3, Ep. 8In this second part of our conversation with the Just Access Strategic Litigation team, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues her in-depth discussion with Dr. Tom Sparks and Dr. Lucas Sanchez about Just Access’s groundbreaking communication to four UN Special Rapporteurs. The communication addresses critical gaps in Germany’s climate change adaptation policies, specifically regarding children’s rights and the inclusion of human rights-based frameworks.This episode dives deep into:Why Just Access chose this case and what makes it strategically importantHow this communication fits into Just Access’s broader mission of improving access to justice for socioeconomic and environmental rightsThe function of UN Special Rapporteurs and how this international legal mechanism worksThe innovative and collaborative process behind building this communicationWhat outcomes Just Access hopes for—from influencing German policy to inspiring global actionTom and Lucas share insights into the surprising gaps in adaptation-focused human rights litigation, the under-recognized vulnerabilities of children in climate policy, and how strategic litigation can ignite systemic change.🧠 Key Takeaways:Adaptation is lagging behind mitigation in international legal responses to climate change—this case aims to change that.Germany, though relatively advanced in adaptation efforts, lacks sufficient human rights safeguards—especially for children—in its strategies.Strategic litigation can create ripple effects across jurisdictions and empower other organisations to take similar action.Everyone has a role to play—whether through donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.🛠️ Want to Help?✅ Donate: Support our work at just-access.de🤝 Volunteer: We’re always looking for dedicated people with legal or advocacy skills📣 Spread the Word: Share this episode, talk about adaptation, and follow us on social media📬 Get in Touch: podcast@just-access.de7. Just Access vs. Climate Injustice: Why Adaptation Is a Legal Necessity
27:24||Season 3, Ep. 7In this powerful episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher is joined by Dr. Tom Sparks (Director of Just Access) and Dr. Lucas Sanchez (Head of Strategic Litigation at Just Access) for the first part of a two-part conversation exploring the intersection of climate change adaptation, children’s rights, and international law.Together, they break down a groundbreaking communication that Just Access is submitting to multiple UN Special Rapporteurs, challenging Germany’s approach to climate adaptation for its failure to adequately protect children.You’ll learn:🌍 The difference between climate change mitigation and adaptation⚖️ Why children are disproportionately vulnerable to the effects of climate change📜 How Germany’s current laws fall short from a human rights perspective👶 Why a children’s rights-based approach is essential in climate adaptation🌐 The potential global impact of this first-ever international communication on adaptationThis is the first international effort to set human rights precedents for climate adaptation, building on the momentum of existing climate litigation around mitigation. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in climate justice, human rights law, or strategic litigation.👉 Part 2 of this conversation will dive into the legal mechanics of the communication process and what outcomes Just Access hopes to see. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!📢 Get Involved:Help us spread awareness and demand better climate protections for children. Share this episode and learn more about how you can be a human rights defender: https://just-access.de/donate💌 Contact Us:We’d love to hear your thoughts and suggestions! Email us at: podcast@just-access.de🎧 Listen now on Acast, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.6. Climate Change and Children’s Rights
16:44||Season 3, Ep. 6🎙️ Host: Dr. Miranda Melcher🎙️ Guest: Professor Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate ChangeIn this second part of our conversation with Professor Elisa Morgera, we dive deeper into the intersection of climate change and human rights, particularly focusing on the vulnerability of children. We also explore:🌍 How industries contribute to climate change and the role of regulation👶 The specific human rights challenges children face due to climate change📜 The UN Special Rapporteur’s communication procedures and how individuals can raise concerns💡 How listeners can engage in human rights advocacy and researchIf you missed Part 1, be sure to check it out for a broader introduction to Professor Morgera’s work.🔗 Get in touch: Share your thoughts or suggest future topics at podcast@just-access.de💙 Support our work: Donate at just-access.de/donate⭐ Rate & Review: If you enjoyed the episode, please leave us a review—it helps spread the word!🎧 Listen now and be part of the conversation on human rights and climate justice!5. How is climate change a human rights issue?
21:38||Season 3, Ep. 5🌍 Episode Summary:In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, Dr. Miranda Melcher sits down with Professor Elisa Morgera to explore the critical intersections between climate change and human rights. As the UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change, Professor Morgera provides a deep dive into her role, the challenges of addressing climate change through a human rights lens, and the need for stronger collaboration between legal, environmental, and scientific communities.Key topics include:✅ What it means to be a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change✅ How climate change is a human rights crisis and why human rights law should guide climate action✅ The role of the UN Human Rights Council in shaping global climate justice efforts✅ Collaboration between different Special Rapporteurs and the importance of interdisciplinary approaches✅ Why access to climate information and public participation are essential for fair climate policies✅ The psychological impacts of climate change, including eco-anxiety and climate grief💡 “Climate change is shaping our lives and well-being daily. Human rights are not just an add-on to climate action—they are essential for effective, fair, and meaningful responses.” – Professor Elisa Morgera📢 Next Episode Teaser:This is just the beginning! Stay tuned for Part 2, where Professor Morgera dives even deeper into the legal frameworks guiding climate action, national adaptation plans, and how communities can ensure their rights are upheld in climate policies.🔔 Don’t miss out! Subscribe and follow Just Access Podcast for more insightful conversations on human rights and justice.📩 Get in Touch:📧 Email us: podcast@just-access.de🌍 Visit our website: just-access.de💬 Follow us on social media & share your thoughts!💙 Support Our Work:Just Access is a non-profit dedicated to promoting human rights and justice. If you believe in our mission, consider making a donation at just-access.de/donate. Every contribution helps us continue our work!4. Where are we at with strategic litigation today?
29:26||Season 3, Ep. 4In this episode, Dr. Miranda Melcher continues her insightful discussion with Amy Rose, the Global Director of Litigation, Governance, and Legal Services at ClientEarth. Amy shares her expertise on the evolving landscape of climate litigation, the challenges of systemic change, and the innovative strategies used to address the world’s most pressing environmental issues.From groundbreaking human rights cases to biodiversity protection and sustainable food systems, Amy reveals the intricate processes behind ClientEarth’s work and highlights the role of strategic litigation in creating impactful change. The conversation also touches on gaps in access to justice and the inspiring role of younger generations in driving environmental advocacy.Key Topics Covered: • The current state and future of climate litigation (01:37) • Strategic litigation beyond climate: tackling biodiversity loss, marine ecosystems, and sustainable food systems (07:18) • The importance of collaboration and systems thinking in ClientEarth’s approach (09:16) • Navigating challenges in standing, causation, and extraterritoriality in litigation (17:00) • Access to justice gaps in the EU’s state aid system (23:00) • Inspiring hope: the role of younger generations in environmental advocacy (26:12)Call to Action:If you’re inspired by Amy’s work and want to support access to justice and environmental advocacy, consider donating to Just Access by visiting just-access.de/donate. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to make human rights effective for all.Connect With Us: • Follow us on social media and share this episode with your friends. • Email us your feedback or topic suggestions at podcast@just-access.de. • Don’t forget to leave a review on your favorite podcast app – we’d love to hear your thoughts3. What is being a lawyer for climate-focused strategic litigation like?
20:01||Season 3, Ep. 3In this episode of the Just Access Podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher speaks with Amy Rose, the Global Director of Litigation, Governance, and Legal Services at ClientEarth. ClientEarth is a world-leading environmental organization that uses the law to tackle pressing environmental challenges.In this first part of their conversation, Amy shares her journey into law—from her beginnings in political science to her global career in litigation, including her impactful work at ClientEarth. They explore: • The evolution of Amy’s career, from commercial litigation to environmental advocacy. • The power of strategic litigation as a tool for systemic change. • Why broad legal experience is valuable for addressing complex challenges. • Amy’s advice for aspiring human rights defenders and environmental advocates.💡 Key takeaway: Strategic litigation is a high-leverage tool to protect the environment and enforce the rule of law, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle in the fight for justice.🎧 Don’t miss Part 2, where Amy and Miranda discuss the state of strategic litigation today and the gaps in access to justice. Hit follow to stay updated!📩 Contact us: podcast@just-access.de🌍 Support us: just-access.de/donate2. From Personal Journeys to Global Impact: Behind the Scenes of Just Access
55:10||Season 3, Ep. 2Show Notes: Just Access Podcast, Season 3 Launch (Part 2)In this special episode of the Just Access Podcast, host Dr. Miranda Melcher dives into inspiring conversations with Dr. Tom Sparks, Director of Just Access, and Cvetanka Kiroska, Head of Projects. This episode continues the Season 3 launch in celebration of International Human Rights Day and the podcast's second anniversary.Highlights of the Episode:1. Cvetanka Kiroska’s JourneyGrowing up during Yugoslavia's turbulent collapse and finding refuge in literature, music, and languages.Her path from translating and interpreting to working on conflict resolution and multi-ethnic education projects in Macedonia.Eye-opening experiences in international human rights, including working with families of missing persons in the Balkans and NGOs assisting refugees.Joining Just Access and shaping the organization’s impactful projects.2. Dr. Tom Sparks’ Path to LeadershipFrom participating in mock trials as a teen to studying law and specializing in international law.His advocacy journey with Amnesty International, learning human rights governance, and leading impactful initiatives.Transitioning from academia to Just Access to combine legal expertise with practical human rights work.3. Behind the Scenes of the PodcastThe origin story of the Just Access Podcast and the creative process behind its production.Insights into the team’s vision: amplifying human rights stories and inspiring everyone to be a defender of justice.Challenges and rewards of launching a podcast from scratch.4. Dream GuestsGuests they aspire to feature, including global leaders like UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türck, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan, and activist Omar Alshogre.Highlighting the importance of showcasing both prominent figures and everyday heroes advocating for justice.5. Just Access in ActionThe organization's three pillars: Strategic Litigation, Advocacy, and Education.Dr. Sparks shares how the podcast is central to educating and inspiring listeners worldwide.Ways to get involved: internships, volunteering, donations, and more. Get InvolvedInspired by this episode? Here’s how you can support Just Access:Share the podcast with friends and on social media.Explore the blog and other resources on Just Access's website.Volunteer or donate to support human rights and access to justice.🎙️ Tune in, Subscribe, and Support:Rate and review us on your favorite podcast app and let us know your thoughts at podcast@just-access.de. Together, let’s make a difference—because you too can be a human rights defender!1. How did "Just Access" start?
22:37||Season 3, Ep. 1🔔 Episode Summary:Welcome to Season 3 of Just Access! As we celebrated our two-year anniversary and International Human Rights Day, we bring you a special two-part episode exploring the mission and origins of Just Access. In this first part, host Dr. Miranda Melcher sits down with Dr. Mark Somos, the founder of Just Access and a leading figure in human rights law.Mark shares his powerful journey: from a childhood in communist Hungary marked by poverty, resistance, and secret acts of solidarity, to an inspiring career advising governments, winning landmark human rights cases, and founding Just Access. Through personal stories and professional insights, Mark reflects on the lifelong importance of human rights and access to justice.We also discuss the role of the podcast in furthering Just Access’s mission — empowering everyone to be a human rights defender — and Mark shares a dream list of potential guests whose voices could amplify these conversations. From global leaders to innovative scholars, his list inspires us to think big about the future of human rights.🔑 Key Topics Discussed: • Mark’s upbringing in communist Hungary and how human rights shaped his early life. • The experiences and activism that led to the founding of Just Access in 2020. • Why a podcast became part of Just Access’s vision to reach new audiences and foster collaboration. • Dream guests for future episodes — from Aung San Suu Kyi to experts on climate change, international law, and technology. • Mark’s reflections on raising the next generation of human rights defenders.🌟 Guest Bio:Dr. Mark Somos is the founder of Just Access and a Heisenberg Professor at the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law and International Law. A lawyer, scholar, and human rights advocate, Mark has represented clients before the International Court of Justice, the UN Human Rights Council, and other global forums. He is the author of five books and over 60 scholarly articles.🎧 Tune In Next Time:In part two of this special, Dr. Miranda Melcher will be joined by Just Access’s current director, Dr. Tom Sparks, and Cvetanka Kiroska, Head of Projects, to discuss where the organization and podcast are heading next.📢 Follow & Support Us: • Website: Just Access • Subscribe to the podcast on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Your Preferred Platform] • Follow us on social media: [Twitter/LinkedIn/Facebook/Bluesky/Mastodon/Instagram/TikTok]🎤 Have Feedback or Suggestions?We’d love to hear from you! Contact us at: contact@just-access.de 💰You can also support us by donating at: https://just-access.de/donate/26. How can visual storytelling promote human rights?
27:42||Season 2, Ep. 26In this insightful continuation of our conversation with Bora Un and Anna Schroeder from Art Works Projects (AWP), we delve deeper into the organization’s impactful work in human rights storytelling. Building on the foundation set in the previous episode, we explore their current projects, collaborative processes, and lessons learned from years of advocacy through visual storytelling.Key Highlights:Current Projects at AWP: Bora and Anna share updates on AWP’s latest initiatives, including their collaborations with photographers and storytellers tackling global issues such as migration, forced displacement, and cultural preservation.Collaborative Storytelling: insights into how AWP fosters meaningful partnerships with communities, photographers, and global networks to amplify underrepresented voices in human rights narratives.Measuring Impact: Anna explains how AWP uses tools like community feedback and mentorship programs to evaluate the social and personal impact of their projects on both audiences and collaborators.Lessons Learned: Reflections on the challenges and successes encountered in their mission to create change through visual advocacy.Why Listen?This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of art, advocacy, and impact. Learn how AWP empowers storytellers and communities alike while driving awareness on pressing human rights issues.Links & Resources: • Art Works Projects: artworksprojects.org • Emerging Lens Fellowship Program: artworksprojects.org/emerging-lensSupport the Podcast:Enjoy the episode? Don’t forget to rate, share, and recommend it! You can also support us by donating at: https://just-access.de/donate/Let us know your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for more conversations on storytelling and justice!