International Court Rules Against, Switzerland for Climate-Related , Human Rights Violations.
On April 9, an international court in France
ruled that Switzerland's inability to address
the climate crisis was a violation of human rights.
CNN reports that the ruling represents
a landmark climate decree that
could have a global impact.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled in favor
of over 2,000 Swiss women who argue that the government
has failed to take action to stop climate change.
The ECHR determined that there were "critical gaps"
in Switzerland's efforts to reduce emissions, citing
the government's failure to meet past climate goals. .
The court ruled that the country's failures amount
to a breach of the women's protection from , “the serious adverse effects of climate change
on lives, health, well-being and quality of life.".
CNN reports that the ruling marks
the first time the ECHR has made
an official ruling on climate litigation. .
Today’s rulings against Switzerland
sets a historic precedent that
applies to all European countries. , Gerry Liston, Lawyer at Global Legal Action Network, via CNN.
It means that all European
countries must urgently revise
their targets so that they are
science-based and aligned to
1.5 degrees. This is a massive
win for all generations, Gerry Liston, Lawyer at Global Legal Action Network, via CNN.
The ruling forces Switzerland to more rapidly reduce
the country's reliance on fossil fuels, which have
been identified as a main driver of climate change.
CNN reports that the ruling comes as the world
remains off course for reaching climate goals aimed at
cutting emissions and avoiding catastrophic warming.