The United Nations’ Special Rapporteur on the human right to a healthy and sustainable environment has filed an application to intervene in the Federal Court challenge to Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project. 

The move would allow UN Special Rapporteur, Astrid Puentes Riano, to offer information or expertise on the case and Australia’s international legal obligations, without being a party. 

The Australian Conservation Foundation says the government failed to properly consider the project’s climate impacts, and the UN’s move adds to growing international pressure on Australia’s approach to major fossil fuel developments.

Image: Image: Supplied/ ACF

Produced By: Mary-Kate Hannagan

Featured In Story: Piper Rollins – Climate and Energy Exports Campaigner, Australian Conservation Foundation

First aired on The Wire, Monday 17 November 2025