Nature’s Advocate: Robert Sulnick on Sustainable Solutions and Coalition Building for Climate Change

“Environmental advocacy is a form of education that can’t be successful without learning how to relate to and use media. Media, if used correctly, can level the playing field.”

– Robert Sulnick

Throughout his career, Robert Sulnick has been at the vanguard of environmental campaigning, applying his knowledge to influence significant changes in practice and policy. Actor Ted Danson and Sulnick co-founded the American Oceans Campaign, which Sulnick directed for ten years while promoting marine environmental protection. He has represented Bhopal victims and those impacted by hazardous waste dumps in his vast expertise as an environmental lawyer and educator. Throughout the United States, Sulnick has collaborated with coalitions. He was the environmental director of the Eight Northern Indian Pueblos in New Mexico, where he oversaw the restoration of the Rio Grande.

Apart from his legal practice, Sulnick has worked with several sectors to create environmentally friendly technologies like solar-powered homes, electric cars, and eco-friendly hotels, while also addressing issues like greenhouse gas emissions and drought. His involvement with Citizens Climate Lobby further highlights his commitment to mobilizing grassroots efforts for climate action. Throughout his career, Sulnick has emphasized the crucial role of media in amplifying environmental advocacy, seeing it as an essential tool for educating the public and influencing policy.

In this interview, Sulnick shares insights into his journey as an environmental advocate and the urgent need for coalition building and media engagement to tackle climate change.

TWB: Your upcoming book Nature’s Ally focuses on your fight against climate change. What inspired you to write this memoir, and what message do you hope readers take away from it?

RS: Being involved in the Bhopal, India gas disaster inspired me to write the book. I desire that readers understand the existential threat climate change poses to life on Earth as we know it, become inspired to be environmental activists, and join the fight against global warming. I also hope they have as an exciting and meaningful experience as I’ve had. In 1984 I began representing 1,000 clients of the Bhopal, India gas disaster as their lawyer. The experience was like waking up to the decline of nature’s vitality from human activities. The methyl isocyanate, a deadly pesticide, that escaped from the plant killed 10,000 people along with animals and plants. This experience set me on my journey as an environmental activist.

TWB: You’ve built coalitions and worked with many stakeholders, from government agencies to private sector leaders. Can you share some of the key lessons you’ve learned about successfully uniting diverse groups toward a common environmental goal?

RS: Building coalitions requires reaching out to organizations with a common agenda regardless of other conflicting positions. In doing this it is essential to emphasize the common nature of the threat one is organizing around. Creating diverse coalitions is “value added” to environmental advocacy.

During the extreme drought of 2011-2017, I organized the Orange County Water Independence Sustainability and Efficiency (OCWISE) coalition around climate change as a “game changer,” and the need to conserve and create drought-proof water. Its members were diverse including the Association of California Cities-Orange County, LA-OC Building and Construction Trades Council (labor), Orange County Young Democrats, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Los Angeles County Business Federating, Chapman University Democrats, Poseidon Water, The William C. Velasquez Institute (WCV), The Black Chamber of Commerce, Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Orange County Young Republicans among others.

TWB: You’ve played a pivotal role in preserving oceans and water resources, including the Rio Grande. What do you consider your most significant achievement in this area, and what challenges remain?

RS: Protecting oceans from offshore oil drilling. Ensuring the Rio Grande has water for the river.

Oceans take up two-thirds of the earth’s surface. They are the planet’s lungs, generating 50 percent of our oxygen. They have historically absorbed a quarter of all Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions balancing the equilibrium of the Earth’s environment. Protecting the vitality of oceans was the purpose of our work at the American Oceans Campaign (AOC).

AOC’s work began by opposing offshore oil development. In addition to advocating for a renewal of the moratorium against offshore oil drilling for the mid and south Atlantic, Eastern Gulf of Mexico, North Carolina, Washington, Oregon, and 87 tracts off the California coast, we played pivotal roles in passing anti-oil development legislation protecting oceans from oil spills. These statutes included: the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act, the Oil Pollution Act, the Ocean Dumping Ban Act; reauthorizing the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the Dolphin Protection and Consumer Act.

The biggest threat to oceans is now climate change. As our planet’s atmosphere warms oceans absorb more CO2. They now contain 90 percent of climate change emissions negatively impacting ocean species, and creating sea level rise as a major global threat.

Rivers are a major source of fresh water. River water is dependent on rain and snowpack. In 2001 during the megadrought which left 95% of the western United States confronting drying rivers, I became the Campaign Manager for a coalition of environmental groups (Amigos Bravos, Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, Forest Guardians, New Mexico Public Interest Research Group, Rio Grande Restoration, Rio/Grande/Bravo Coalition, Sierra Club, Southwest Environmental Center, and the World Wildlife Fund) working to preserve and restore the upper basin of the Rio Grande.

The Rio Grande had no dedicated water rights. All the water in the river, wet and dry (paper water), was/is owned by someone in New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. In 2001, irrigation and agriculture accounted for 80-90% of the River’s water. The rest was for urban consumption.

The Rio Grande had twice been listed, by American Rivers, as one of the most endangered rivers in the country. Over the drought years, 40% of the river was subject to drying due to cities and farmers owning the river water.

We used the “Silvery Minnow” and the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to provide water for the river. The Rio Grande Silvery Minnow was historically one of the most abundant fish in the Middle Rio Grande, living from Espanola, in the north, down to the Gulf of Mexico. It had been eliminated from 95% of its original habitat.

The Minnow was put on the endangered species list in 1994.

Without minnow water, the Middle Rio Grande would follow other Southwest rivers and become a dry wash. The Alliance, representing the minnow, filed an Endangered Species Act lawsuit arguing that enough water had to be left in the Rio Grande to ensure its survival. The suit was successful causing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to release water to supplement the river’s flow in areas with minnow habitat. We understood that we were not only saving the minnow but the vitality of the river including the bosques (cottonwood forests) that were dependent on its water.

The success of this suit led to a meeting between the Alliance and San Ildefonso Pueblo (Po-Woh-Geh-Owingeh/Where the water cuts through). The Pueblo believed that its cultural and natural resources were being threatened by the City of Santa Fe and framing diversions of water from the river.

San Ildefonso as a First Nation had “prior and paramount” water rights. The Pueblo believed that a diversion site on Pueblo land would ensure downstream farmers would get their fair share of the water, the Pueblo would use its water for farming, ceremonies, and instream flows for the river, and the City of Santa Fe would get its allotted share of the water.

This was the beginning of river coalition work between the Pueblo and the Alliance.

TWB: Your work spans both public and private sectors, from creating solar housing developments to advocating for green hotels and electric vehicles. How do you tackle the balance between environmental preservation and economic development in these projects?

RS: Finding common ground and “agreeing to disagree.” The private sector has solutions to environmental problems (solar panels, EV Chargers, electric cars, green building materials), but the environmental community does not. In establishing markets for its products, the private sector needs both government and environmental support. Industry will accept the “agree to disagree” paradigm to gain environmental support for its products. The paradigm allows environmentalists to agree with industry on issues of common concern, while still being able to oppose industry on issues environmentalists disagree with.

Often establishing markets for environmental technologies requires governmental assistance. Coalitions between environmentalists and industry assist the government in giving that support in the form of regulations and/or legislation.

This takes goodwill on both sides, which I found exists around common problems which include climate change.

TWB: One of your standout experiences is leading legal cases like the Bhopal disaster and toxic waste cases in California. How have these legal battles shaped your broader approach to environmental advocacy?

RS: Bhopal taught me to understand the limits of litigation, woke me up to the destruction industrial activity was causing to the environment, and introduced me to Nature’s consciousness. This changed the course of my life.

Casmaila taught me how to integrate science and data into my legal work.

The 1984 Bhopal gas leak killed everything including humans, plants, and animals within an eight-kilometer radius of the Union Carbide pesticide plant. Being involved in this changed my life and perspective on how to be an environmental advocate.

I learned that there are definite limits on using litigation involving super-defendants like a sovereign nation. India was able to have the victim’s cases transferred from the U.S., where we filed them, to India, ending U.S. litigation. However, it was in India that I came to understand that Nature is conscious and asking for our help to save Her environment. It became clear that as an advocate I was representing not just people but Nature as well.

My initial communication with Nature happened at Sanchee, one of the most important Buddhist ruins in India. Monkeys seemed to be everywhere I went in India. They were all over the ruin as if this had become a village of monkeys living with the Buddha. I walked off by myself and sat down on top of a ruined wall. A monkey joined me about twenty feet away. The monkey was not aggressive; he just sat there, staring at me.

I dozed off and had the most vivid dream of the Earth being assaulted by smokestacks, chemical spills, and the overpopulation of humans. I’ve never believed in visions or vision quests, but the dream was so real. It was as if I was encountering Nature as a conscious entity, and could hear her groan from the assault that human activity was causing her.

This caused me to resign my tenure as a law professor and start an environmental law practice. This, in turn, led to co-founding American Oceans Campaign (AOC) with Ted Danson, and my career as an environmental advocate.

Casmalia is a small rural town in northern Santa Barbara County located 1.5 miles north of Vandenberg Air Force Base. In 1985 the town was comprised of 350 residents, including a small rural 1940s-style housing development. The federal government, the State of California, and the U.S. Army owned land near the town. The residents did not understand that this area had been used as a chemical weapons test range from World War II through 1969.

During the late 1980s Casmalia’s toxic waste site became a prominent environmental case. The Casmalia Hazardous Waste Site was the largest hazardous waste site in California. It was part of a Class I site for super hazardous waste. The legal case concerned the toxicity of the site and its impact on nearby communities. These were complex cases involving hundreds of millions of dollars and often decades-long litigation.

The litigation was expensive and contentious. I became involved in Casmalia as an expert witness for the plaintiffs. It taught me the importance of integrating scientific data into the litigation process.

The litigation helped me understand the limits of legal remedies and the need for broader environmental advocacy strategies that go beyond the courtroom.

TWB: Looking ahead, what are your future goals and projects in environmental advocacy, and how do you envision advancing your mission to protect our planet?

RS: I’m hoping to inspire the next generation to be advocates for our Earth. My future goals include continuing to advocate for policies addressing climate change, and advancing my work as a writer and speaker to promote environmental consciousness.

I’m working on my upcoming book Nature’s Ally as well as an article on the impact of climate change. The book will combine my experiences in environmental advocacy with practical advice for individuals and communities.

My goal is to continue promoting and supporting initiatives that address climate change, including renewable energy projects, conservation efforts, and sustainable practices.

My ultimate vision is a world where environmental protection is ingrained in all aspects of society, from policy-making to individual choices. I hope to continue influencing and empowering people to join the fight for a sustainable and healthy planet.

TWB: In your view, how important is media engagement and celebrity advocacy in advancing environmental causes? Are there any specific campaigns or partnerships that stand out as game changers?

RS: Critical! Environmental advocacy is a form of education that can’t be successful without learning how to relate to and use media. There are certain things the media can’t resist: celebrities, scientific studies, and demonstrations.

Media (print, social, radio, and television) are microphones for communicating with large groups of people, who in turn vote and engage in environmental behaviors. Understanding that media is a business dependent on ratings and viewership for advertisers is critical to successful use of it. Media are committed to a paradigm that gives “both sides” of an issue irrespective of the facts.

Media, if used correctly, can level the playing field. This is especially effective when campaigning against government regulations, which, without media attention, remain insular. Media shines a spotlight on agencies, bringing the public into the process.

Media can’t resist studies. In representing the citizens of Casmalia against the toxic waste dump, we did a study of what was in our client’s bloodstreams. The study was extensively covered by the media, which led to settling the cases and the closing of the toxic waste dump.

In working to establish low-sulfur diesel fuel, we (EPS) arranged for a convoy of low-sulfur diesel trucks to surround the California Capitol. It got a lot of coverage and was instrumental in the State adopting low-sulfur diesel fuels.

Co-founding American Oceans Campaign (AOC) with Ted Danson, I learned the power of celebrity advocacy.

TWB: Given your background in law and environmental leadership, what role do you think policy and legislation play in the fight against climate change, and how can we improve current legal frameworks?

RS: Critical, especially the U.S. Congress, but dependent on politics. The only way to improve the legislative framework is to ensure constituents understand the existential threat of climate change, pressure their elected officials, and vote climate deniers out of office.

Climate change deniers make up nearly a quarter of the U.S. Congress (23 in the Senate and 100 in the House). In this political context, the U.S. can’t enact further climate change legislation or become the global leader on the issue. The November 2024 elections will determine if the U.S. can regain its stature as a global leader capable of influencing other nations to reduce their fossil fuel emissions and continue developing green energy based on solar, wind, geothermal, and conservation. If a quarter of the Congress continues to deny climate reality, this cannot happen.

TWB: Nature’s consciousness is a unique perspective you’ve developed over the years. Could you elaborate on how this belief has influenced your approach to protecting the environment?

RS: It’s been determinative. It made me a life-long environmental advocate. In understanding Nature as conscious, I realized that not only am I Her ally, but that She is working with me by sending guides that have taken me where I need to go to continue learning and being effective as an environmental advocate. My hope in writing this book is that more advocates come to understand this.

TWB: Looking ahead, what do you believe are the most urgent actions we need to take as a global community to address the escalating effects of climate change? What role do individuals play in this fight?

RS: Globally reducing fossil fuel emissions and transitioning to a green energy economy. This will not happen from the top down. The United Nations Climate Change Conferences of the Parties (COP) was designed to organize world governments to reduce their fossil fuel emissions. COP has failed to achieve that goal.

Unfortunately, this is now left up to worldwide grassroots activists. To succeed, they have to expand their 20th-century approaches of just focusing on local problems and begin to organize global political coalitions organized to influence policymakers to reduce fossil fuel emissions and transition to green energy. Because of the internet and social media, this can happen.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“In understanding Nature as conscious, I realized that not only am I Her ally, but that She is working with me by sending guides that have taken me where I need to go to continue learning and being effective as an environmental advocate.”

– Robert Sulnick

Links

• LinkedIn
• Writings and blogs can be viewed on Noozhawk, 45,000 online daily views, the Santa Barbara Independent reaching 135,000 readers, and Substack, Twitter, (X), and Spoutible  2,000 + followers. 
• Substack: Clear the Air with Bob Sulnick 
• Spoutible 
• Instagram  

Alignment with the UN SDGs

Robert Sulnick’s work and philosophy strongly align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on environmental sustainability, education, and partnerships for the goals. Here’s how his advocacy connects with specific SDGs:

1. SDG 13: Climate Action

Sulnick’s commitment to tackling climate change through coalition-building and grassroots mobilization is at the core of his advocacy work. His initiatives, such as the Orange County Water Independence Sustainability and Efficiency (OCWISE) coalition, aim to create drought-proof water sources and address the broader impacts of climate change. His emphasis on educating the public about climate threats and inspiring activism reflects the urgency of this goal.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

Through his efforts to protect the Rio Grande and ensure sustainable water rights, Sulnick addresses the critical importance of freshwater resources. His work with coalitions to preserve and restore rivers aligns with SDG 6, which emphasizes the availability and sustainable management of water resources for all.

3. SDG 14: Life Below Water

As a co-founder of the American Oceans Campaign, Sulnick has dedicated his career to marine conservation, advocating against offshore drilling and supporting legislation that protects ocean health. His focus on the oceans as vital ecosystems ties directly to SDG 14, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

4. SDG 15: Life on Land

Sulnick’s work to restore and protect ecosystems, such as the habitats of endangered species like the Rio Grande Silvery Minnow, illustrates his commitment to biodiversity and ecosystem preservation. These efforts resonate with SDG 15, which aims to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Sulnick’s experience in building coalitions among diverse stakeholders—including government agencies, private sector leaders, and grassroots organizations—demonstrates the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development. His collaborative approach exemplifies the essence of SDG 17, which emphasizes the need for partnerships to achieve the SDGs.

6. SDG 4: Quality Education

Sulnick emphasizes the role of media in environmental advocacy as a form of education. His insights into using media to amplify messages and engage the public reflect the principles of SDG 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Conclusion

Through his multifaceted approach to environmental advocacy, Robert Sulnick not only tackles pressing environmental issues but also fosters awareness and engagement among communities. His work serves as an inspiring model for aligning advocacy efforts with the UN SDGs, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate action, water conservation, marine protection, and education. As he continues to inspire future generations of environmental advocates, his contributions will play a vital role in advancing a sustainable future.

Welcome to The World’s Best Magazine‘s “Discovering Harmony” series, where we look into the intricate relationship between nature and sustainability. This collection of articles is designed to illuminate the pressing environmental challenges and celebrate the innovative solutions shaping our future.

Exclusive Interviews: Voices of Change

In our exclusive interviews, we sit down with leading environmentalists, visionary scientists, and influential policymakers who are driving the sustainability movement. These thought-provoking conversations offer a glimpse into their groundbreaking work and personal journeys, providing insights into how they are making a tangible impact on our world.

Expert Round-Ups: Collective Wisdom

Our expert round-ups bring together diverse perspectives from specialists across various fields. These curated discussions explore the latest research, trends, and strategies in sustainability. Whether it’s advances in renewable energy, the latest in conservation technology, or grassroots initiatives making waves, these articles showcase the collective wisdom of those at the forefront of environmental change.

In-Depth Features: Stories of Innovation

Through compelling features, we highlight groundbreaking projects and success stories from around the globe. Our “Featured Lists” listicle articles will spotlight top innovations, impactful initiatives, and key trends in sustainability. These engaging lists provide a snapshot of the best practices, tools, and ideas driving progress in environmental stewardship.

Interactive Insights: Engaging with the Issue

To further enrich your experience, we include our usual People’s Choice polls where readers can vote for their favorite innovations, solutions, and perspectives. This interactive element not only lets you engage directly with the content but also helps shape the ongoing conversation about sustainability. Your votes and opinions provide valuable feedback and foster a dynamic dialogue around the critical issues we cover.

Join us on this journey as we explore the vital intersection of nature and sustainability. Discovering Harmony is more than just a series—it’s a call to action for a world where human progress and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.

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