The people of Ecuador just made climate justice history. The world can follow

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Guardian enjoy below

🗞️ Driving the news: Voters in Ecuador recently approved a complete ban on oil drilling in Yasuní national park, a crucial biodiversity hotspot spanning 2.5 million acres in the Amazon
• The area houses two non-contacted Indigenous groups and boasts a UNESCO biosphere reserve designation

🔭 The context: This unprecedented decision, originating from a grassroots movement spanning two decades, marks a notable deviation from corporate and government control
• Petroecuador, Ecuador's state oil company, which produced approximately 60,000 barrels daily within Yasuní, must now halt its operations

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: This bold democratic move could serve as a global blueprint in using democratic processes to address climate issues, promoting the cessation of fossil fuel usage for a sustainable future

⏭️ What's next: The success in Ecuador underlines the importance of preserving democracy worldwide
• However, challenges remain, as evidenced by the efforts in the US and other nations to suppress democratic rights, particularly with regards to environmental protests

💬 One quote: "What the referendum in Ecuador teaches us is that democratic processes when coupled with strong grassroots organizing can produce startlingly effective results." (Steven Robert Donziger, American attorney)

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