Six Young People Take 32 Countries to Court Over Wildfires and Heat Waves
- 7 months ago
Six Young People Take 32 Countries to Court Over Wildfires and Heat Waves
In an unprecedented case, six young people from Portugal are taking 32 European countries to court over their failure to address the climate crisis.
These claimants, aged between 11 and 24, argue that they are on the frontlines of climate change and demand that these countries accelerate their climate action.
This case, filed with the European Court of Human Rights, is the first of its kind and has the potential to set a precedent for other climate lawsuits worldwide.
The catalyst for this lawsuit was the devastating wildfires that struck Portugal in 2017, claiming over 100 lives and burning 500,000 hectares of land.
The claimants, who were directly affected by these fires, argue that climate change continues to impact their lives, particularly through intense heat waves.
They highlight the difficulties they face in going outside, concentrating on schoolwork, and even breathing during these periods.
The claimants express their concerns about their future and the need for urgent action.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, argues that the failure to address the climate crisis violates the claimants' human rights, including their rights to life, family life, and freedom from discrimination.
They demand that the 32 countries drastically reduce their planet-heating pollution and hold companies within their borders accountable for emissions across their supply chains.
The countries being sued, however, claim that the claimants have not suffered serious harm due to climate change.
The court could dismiss the claim on procedural grounds or decide it lacks jurisdiction.
If the court rules in favor of the claimants, it would force all 32 countries to accelerate their climate action.
This decision would have far-reaching implications, inspiring more climate cases throughout Europe and beyond.
On the other hand, a ruling against the claimants could be damaging to other climate claims.
The judgment, if in favor of the claimants, would act as a legally binding treaty.
As extreme weather events worsen, climate litigation is becoming an increasingly popular tool to drive climate action.
With over 2,400 climate lawsuits globally, people are turning to the courts to hold governments and companies accountable for their contributions to the climate crisis.
However, climate litigation is just one piece of the puzzle, and continued advocacy and international climate conferences are also crucial in addressing the climate emergency.
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for climate action and the fight against the climate crisis.
The claimants hope for a positive outcome, but regardless of the court's decision, their efforts have already brought attention to the urgent need for action.
This David and Goliath case has the potential to reshape the way countries address the climate crisis and protect the rights of their citizens.
#latestnews #news #cnn
In an unprecedented case, six young people from Portugal are taking 32 European countries to court over their failure to address the climate crisis.
These claimants, aged between 11 and 24, argue that they are on the frontlines of climate change and demand that these countries accelerate their climate action.
This case, filed with the European Court of Human Rights, is the first of its kind and has the potential to set a precedent for other climate lawsuits worldwide.
The catalyst for this lawsuit was the devastating wildfires that struck Portugal in 2017, claiming over 100 lives and burning 500,000 hectares of land.
The claimants, who were directly affected by these fires, argue that climate change continues to impact their lives, particularly through intense heat waves.
They highlight the difficulties they face in going outside, concentrating on schoolwork, and even breathing during these periods.
The claimants express their concerns about their future and the need for urgent action.
The lawsuit, filed in 2020, argues that the failure to address the climate crisis violates the claimants' human rights, including their rights to life, family life, and freedom from discrimination.
They demand that the 32 countries drastically reduce their planet-heating pollution and hold companies within their borders accountable for emissions across their supply chains.
The countries being sued, however, claim that the claimants have not suffered serious harm due to climate change.
The court could dismiss the claim on procedural grounds or decide it lacks jurisdiction.
If the court rules in favor of the claimants, it would force all 32 countries to accelerate their climate action.
This decision would have far-reaching implications, inspiring more climate cases throughout Europe and beyond.
On the other hand, a ruling against the claimants could be damaging to other climate claims.
The judgment, if in favor of the claimants, would act as a legally binding treaty.
As extreme weather events worsen, climate litigation is becoming an increasingly popular tool to drive climate action.
With over 2,400 climate lawsuits globally, people are turning to the courts to hold governments and companies accountable for their contributions to the climate crisis.
However, climate litigation is just one piece of the puzzle, and continued advocacy and international climate conferences are also crucial in addressing the climate emergency.
The outcome of this case will have significant implications for climate action and the fight against the climate crisis.
The claimants hope for a positive outcome, but regardless of the court's decision, their efforts have already brought attention to the urgent need for action.
This David and Goliath case has the potential to reshape the way countries address the climate crisis and protect the rights of their citizens.
#latestnews #news #cnn