Testimony from the United States during the ongoing International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing on Wednesday evoked anger from climate activists and vulnerable nations, as the planet’s second-largest greenhouse gas emitter argued against nations being legally obligated to take measures to fight the climate crisis.
The oral arguments were part of the historic climate hearing in The Hague, where climate-vulnerable countries like Vanuatu and other small island nations are calling for rich polluters that are most responsible for global heating to be held accountable.
“The International Court of Justice’s proceedings are a profound moment in global climate accountability. The hearings elevate science to the forefront, ensuring international law reflects the realities of climate impacts and the urgent need for global action,” said Dr. Delta Merner, lead scientist for the Union of Concerned Scientists’ (UCS) Science Hub for Climate Litigation, in a press release from UCS. “Yet in today’s oral arguments, the United States — the world’s largest historical polluter of heat trapping emissions — resisted calls for climate accountability. Instead of taking responsibility for its contributions to the climate crisis, the United States used its 30-minute slot to downplay the role of the courts for global climate action, emphasize non-binding national commitments under the Paris Agreement, and reject the notion of historical responsibility.”
“By framing climate change as a collective action challenge without clear legal obligations for individual states, the United States dismissed the potential for redress or binding accountability measures that advance justice for climate-vulnerable nations,” Merner added.
In its arguments, the U.S. emphasized sticking with the 2015 and Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as other treaties, reported The Guardian.
“Any other legal obligations relating to climate change mitigation identified by the court should be interpreted consistently with the obligations states have under this treaty regime,” Margaret Taylor, legal adviser for the U.S. Department of State, told the ICJ judges, as The Guardian reported.
The response from climate activists illustrated the need for wealthy nations to be held accountable for their disproportionate contributions to the climate crisis, as well as their outsized evasion of responsibility.
“Once again, we witness a disheartening attempt by the U.S. to evade its responsibilities as one of the world’s largest polluters,” said Vishal Prasad, campaign director for the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, as reported by The Guardian. “The U.S. is content with its business-as-usual approach and has taken every possible measure to shirk its historical responsibility, disregard human rights and reject climate justice.”
Other of the world’s largest fossil fuel economies and biggest greenhouse gas emitters — China, Australia and Saudi Arabia — also argued against being held legally accountable for the pollution they produce.
“It is absurd for the Biden administration to argue before the ICJ that countries do not have clear legal obligations to reduce carbon pollution, especially as it prepares to turn over the executive office to a proven climate denier like president-elect Trump, whose policies are likely to deeply harm U.S. climate action,” said Ashfaq Khalfan, climate justice director at Oxfam.
Vulnerable nations fought for years for rich polluters to be held accountable, and the UN responded by asking the ICJ to give an advisory opinion on the obligations of states in combating climate change, along with what the legal consequences would be if they do not do their part.
“The ICJ’s advisory opinion has the potential to reshape international climate governance by providing clear, authoritative guidance on nation’s obligations under existing law. This process showcases how the best available science can illuminate pathways to protect human rights, advance equity, and compel ambitious climate action,” Merner said in the press release. “In the face of stonewalling from major polluters, we applaud the leadership of Vanuatu and others for advancing this process. These proceedings must continue to center the voices of frontline communities.”
More than 100 countries and organizations are providing testimony over the 12-day hearings.
View of the ICJ courtroom at the start of the hearing on Dec. 2, 2024. UN Photo / ICJ-CIJ / Frank van Beek
Advisory opinions by the ICJ are not binding, but nonetheless carry significant weight both legally and politically. The opinion of the court will be cited as an authoritative statement during future international climate negotiations and litigation.
Ralph Regenvanu, special climate change envoy for Vanuatu, on Wednesday expressed disappointment in the U.S. and other major polluters on behalf of his country.
“These nations, some of the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters, have pointed to existing treaties and commitments that have regrettably failed to motivate substantial reductions in emissions… these treaties are essential, but they cannot be a veil for inaction or a substitute for legal accountability,” Regenvanu said, as The Guardian reported.
Vanuatu is leading the push for financial support and compensation for loss and damage for the countries that are most vulnerable to climate impacts — especially Pacific island nations — such as sea-level rise, flooding, drought and wildfires.
Taylor was dismissive of the ICJ weighing in on historic emitters being held responsible for their past pollution.
“An advisory proceeding is not the means to litigate whether individual states or groups of states have violated obligations pertaining to climate change in the past or bear responsibility for reparations… nor would it be appropriate to do so,” Taylor said, as reported by The Guardian.
There are three international courts of law responsible for providing advisory opinions concerning the climate crisis, including the ICJ, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
Earlier this year, ITLOS found that nations have a legal obligation to control greenhouse gases as pollutants.
“By leveraging science and law together, the ICJ can help course-correct the international response to climate change, providing justice and hope for future generations as they endeavor to stave off some of the worst climate harms. No matter what the court decides, civil society must continue to push for decision-making guided by science and climate-vulnerable communities, as well as challenge the outsized political power wielded by fossil fuel interests seeking to obstruct and delay climate goals for the sake of their own bottom lines,” Merner said in the press release.
The post Activists and Vulnerable Nations Condemn U.S. Arguments Against Climate Obligations at ICJ Hearing appeared first on EcoWatch.
https://www.ecowatch.com/icj-climate-change-hearing-vulnerable-nations.html
Today’s quote is from Native American author and poet Sherman Alexie. In his award-winning book for young people, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, he wrote: “The world, even the smallest parts of it, is filled with things you don’t know.”
Take some time today to quietly observe the world around you and celebrate the wonders of our planet, our home.
Earth911 inspirations. Post them and share your desire to help people think of the planet first, every day. Click the poster to get a larger image.
The post Earth911 Inspiration: Filled With Things You Don’t Know appeared first on Earth911.
https://earth911.com/inspire/earth911-inspiration-filled-with-things-you-dont-know/
Last Updated on March 11, 2026
This post was sponsored by Casamera. All thoughts and opinions are my own; for more information, please see my disclosure policy.
Have you ever seen those ‘everything shower’ videos trying to convince you to use 12+ products on your skin and hair? Including plastic poufs destined for landfill in 2 months time?
All you really need is a bar of soap, shampoo/conditioner, safety razor, and something natural to lather with. Enter Casamera, a sustainable brand who creates konjac sponges for face and body (aka all-natural shower sponges).
But what exactly is a konjac sponge? And are they all created equal? Here’s everything you need to know so you can ditch plastic poufs for good.
What Is a Konjac Sponge?
A konjac sponge is a natural skin exfoliant made from the konjac plant, a root vegetable. To make konjac sponges, the konjac tubers are harvested and fiber (glucomannan) is extracted from the root.
The fiber is mixed with water and various other natural ingredients to form a gel-like mixture. This mixture is poured into molds to create the desired shape and size. It’s then steamed to solidify and stabilize the structure.
Casamera makes all-natural shower sponges that include konjac powder as one of the four natural ingredients it takes to make one. Their scrubbers come in a variety of infusions, such as charcoal (best for oily/acne-prone skin), matcha, volcanic mud, peppermint, and walnut.
But not all konjac sponges are the same: Casamera’s dual-sided design has one soft side and one exfoliating side (powered by natural walnut shells), making it suitable for both face and body.
Most conventional konjac sponges are for facial skincare only, making Casamera’s a perfect replacement for plastic poufs. The ergonomic handle fits perfectly in your hand, and you can easily hang it up to dry after use.
Konjac Sponge Benefits
The best known benefits of using a konjac sponge are cleansing and gently exfoliating skin. It’s extremely gentle, so it can help unclog pores, especially helpful to those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Casamera’s sponges are also 100% compostable, unlike plastic poufs destined for landfills. It’s also dual sided: The honeycomb side is perfect for washing up whereas the other side exfoliates for deep cleaning.
Plastic poufs can also smell moldy after just a week. Casamera’s scrubbers don’t have that problem because they’re antimicrobial and fast-drying. Which means less replacements and more money saving!
You’re also not scrubbing microplastics onto your body and down the drain. Casamera’s sponges are plastic-free, even down to their low-waste shipping materials. Plus they plant trees to offset their carbon footprint from manufacturing and shipping!
There’s three different sizes: The OG, the XL and the mini. The mini is great for the face, OG works as an ideal body scrubber, and XL is perfect for smothering your body (and backside) in soapy suds.
How to Use a Konjac Sponge (Step-by-Step)
To use Casamera’s scrubbers, here’s a simple step by step routine that’s easy to remember:
- Presoak the scrubber with water
- Apply body wash to it (I love Plaine Products refillable body wash)
- Scrub away!
- Rinse it out (make sure there’s no suds or water left)
- Hang it dry (ideally in a well-ventilated area)
How Long Do Konjac Sponges Last?
If properly maintained, a konjac sponge can last 2-3 months or longer depending on use. To sanitize it, once a week, add the sponge to a bowl of boiling water for a couple of minutes.
If you’re using the sponge daily, be mindful it may deteriorate faster. If you see a difference in color, texture, or a strange smell, replace it.
Getting the scrubber pack is ideal because you’ll get three sponges in one pack, enough to last months!
Konjac Sponge vs Face Wipes
While makeup wipes may be considered easy and convenient, they also tend to be saturated in harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin (some may even contain PFAs).
Plus face wipes are single-use, meaning they’ll end up in a landfill somewhere or worse – fatbergs. Fatbergs are massive, solidified blockages in sewer systems made up of oils, grease, fats, and non-biodegradable items (like wet wipes).
Whatever you choose to use, never flush face wipes down the toilet – even if it says flushable.
Konjac sponges are reusable and capable of removing your makeup without the use of questionable ingredients. Just soak it in water, add your favorite cleanser, and watch the grime and makeup come right off!
And when they’re at the end of their life, they can be composted, instead of polluting our sewers.
Is a Konjac Sponge Worth It?
Yes, a konjac sponge is worth it (specifically Casamera’s) and here’s a quick recap as to why:
- Made using 4 clean ingredients (konjac powder, water, walnut shells, + infusion)
- Gently exfoliates + washes skin
- 100% compostable, doesn’t shed microplastics
- Easy to use in 5 steps
- Comes in a variety of infusions for every skin type
- Will last 2–3 months or longer depending on use
- Ships plastic-free
- OneTreePlanted partner
So, would you give konjac sponges a try? Let me know in the comments!
And, a huge thank you to Casamera for sponsoring this post. Be sure to visit Casamera.com to get your hands on their rejuvenating scrubber pack!
The post Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead appeared first on Going Zero Waste.
Ditch the Plastic Pouf: Try This All-Natural Shower Sponge Instead
Green Living
Best of Sustainability In Your Ear: Carbon Direct Chief Scientist Julio Friedmann on the Path to Carbon Removal
The scale of our climate challenge is staggering: humans have pumped 1.6 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air and oceans since 1750, and we’re adding another 40 billion tonnes every year. Even with dramatic emissions reductions, we’re still on track to blow past 1.5 degrees of warming, the Paris Accord target first breached in 2024. Tune in to a conversation with Dr. Julio Friedmann, Chief Scientist at Carbon Direct. This carbon management company partners with Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and American Express to transform net-zero commitments into science-backed action plans. After a career that began as a researcher at ExxonMobil and included service at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Columbia University’s energy policy center, and running advanced energy programs in the Obama administration’s Department of Energy, Julio brings unique expertise to the intersection of massive climate challenges and current technological capabilities.
As companies work toward 2030 and 2050 carbon goals, the question isn’t whether we’ll need massive carbon removal—it’s whether we can deploy it fast enough and fairly enough to matter. The recent $100 million XPRIZE Carbon Removal awards highlighted the diversity of approaches being pursued, with natural solutions like enhanced rock weathering using basalt and azomite soil, and biochar applications to farmland dominating the winners. But how do these technologies stack up against the hype? Friedmann provides a realistic assessment of where Direct Air Capture, ocean alkalinity enhancement, and other carbon removal approaches stand today. Carbon Direct’s team of 70+ scientists changes the conversation with corporate clients about their carbon strategies, providing the scientific firepower to offer hard feedback about what’s needed to preserve the markets, supply chains, and revenue streams companies depend on. You can learn more about Carbon Direct’s work and explore their library of climatetech reports at https://www.carbon-direct.com/
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