Explainers & Analysis

Educational posts that help readers understand the legal, ecological, and civic ideas behind this work. This section offers context, analysis, and background for people who want to go deeper into rights of nature and watershed protection.

Browse this section

Law and Theory
Watersheds
Forests
Warning Signs

2026 Most Endangered Rivers Report: Key Threats to U.S. Watersheds

American Rivers’ 2026 Most Endangered Rivers report highlights urgent threats to U.S. watersheds, from data centers and mining to pollution, overuse, and aging infrastructure.

Gray Whale Deaths in Washington Are a Warning Sign from the Arctic

Seven gray whales have already died in Washington State waters this year, before the deadliest months of stranding season have even arrived. Scientists say the

Tribal Nations Are Leading the Way on River Rights. The Rest of U.S. Law Is Still Catching Up.

At least eight federally recognized tribes have now enacted legal rights for rivers within or adjacent to their territories, and a recent Lakota Times column

What Lies Beneath: The Underground Life of Watersheds

A new study reveals that a watershed's sensitivity to climate variability depends not just on rainfall and snowpack, but on the hidden architecture of the

Scientists Are Making the Legal Case for Wetlands

One-fifth of Earth's wetlands have been destroyed. Of those that remain, a quarter are in ecological distress. A growing coalition of scientists and Indigenous communities

Standing for Nature Takes the Lead in Defending Watershed Legal Standing Initiative

Standing for Nature has taken a bold stand in defending the groundbreaking Everett Initiative 24-03, which grants legal standing to the Snohomish River Watershed. As

Should Plants be Given Rights? What New Botanical Breakthroughs Could Mean

In a thought-provoking article from The Guardian, the question of whether plants should be granted rights is explored in light of recent botanical breakthroughs. The

If Corporations Are People, Then Animals Should Be Too

In a thought-provoking article from The New Republic, the author delves into the concept of extending legal personhood to nonhuman entities as a means to

San Francisco Attorney Advocates for Forests’ Legal Rights

In a bold move to protect the environment, San Francisco attorney Missy Lahren is championing the legal rights of forests. With over three decades of

CBS Saturday Morning Explores Rights of Nature Gaining Traction Around the World

CBS News, a mainstream television network, had a great story on their popular Saturday Morning show about the growing movement around the world acknowledging that

Nature Lawyers Up: A growing number of countries and courts say the environment should be endowed with legal rights.

In a groundbreaking shift in environmental law, the concept of granting legal rights to nature is gaining traction. A recent New York Times article delves