Planning and environmental law

What is environmental law?

Environmental law is a set of regulations that covers everything from climate breakdown to new developments in your town. If used properly, it can help protect the environment from harmful proposals like incinerators or new motorways.

Friends of the Earth's Legal and Planning Team has decades of experience using environmental law to support individuals and communities standing up for the environment. We help and defend people's right to:

  • Take part in the government's land-use planning system.
  • Use the law to protect the environment and public health.
  • Get hold of environmental information.

Planning and legal news

A group of climate protesters of different ages and ethnicities standing outside the Royal Courts of Justice with placards reading "Stop funding gas in Mozambique"

How do our court cases work?
Published:  04 Nov 2022    |      5 minute read
In July 2022 Friends of the Earth secured a court victory against the UK government over its economy-wide climate strategy. But what happens in a climate court case? Lawyer Will Rundle gives us a sneak peek behind the scenes.
System change
Legal and planning
photo of protest against climate induced migration at COP22

4 cases that threaten the UK's climate reputation
Published:  06 Sep 2021    |      4 minute read
The UK is set to host the UN climate talks (COP26) in Glasgow in November 2021. But while the UK government claims to be a climate leader, it's currently involved in 4 cases that may worsen climate breakdown. Read about the cases.
Climate
Energy

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Support fund for environmental law interns

Our legal interns play a big role in our successes while gaining the experience they need to kickstart their careers.

But not everyone can afford to volunteer.

We've created a fund that pays our legal interns a London living wage. The Phil Michaels Legal Interns Scholarship Fund helps talented young people from less-advantaged backgrounds. Can you support the fund?

Help fund budding lawyers
Friends of the Earth legal team