10.11.2023
Climate court cases are multiplying globally
The number of climate change litigation cases has doubled since 2017, and the number only continues to grow worldwide. “Climate” litigation has become an integral part of justice. These findings were published in a report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Sabin Centre for Climate Change Rights at Columbia University.
“World Climate Litigation Report: 2023 Review” is primarily based on a study of cases involving climate change law, policy and science. The data considered was for the period 31 December 2022.
“People are increasingly taking climate change to the courts, holding governments and the private sector accountable and making litigation a key mechanism for ensuring climate change is addressed and promoting 'climate' justice,” UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen opined.
The report clearly showed that the voices of disadvantaged groups are being heard around the world, not just in the US. For example, 34 cases were initiated by children or youth under the age of 25. These include very young girls, ages 7 and 9, from Pakistan and India. The courts find a particularly strong link between human rights and climate change and recommend stronger protections for the most vulnerable in society, as well as greater accountability, transparency and fairness among corporations, to mitigate and adapt to climate change.
The vast majority of “climate” court cases fall into one or more categories:
1. Cases that are based on human rights enshrined in international law and national constitutions;
2. Cases involving failure to enforce laws and policies related to climate change at the national level;
3. Cases where plaintiffs seek to keep fossil fuels in the ground;
4. Cases for greater climate disclosure and an end to “greenwashing,” where a manufacturer misleads customers about the environmental friendliness of its product or brand through gimmicks;
5. Complaints about corporate inaction and harmful climate impacts;
6. Complaints about the inability to adapt to the effects of climate change.
Following their research, the UN and the Sabin Centre have predicted a strong increase in “climate” litigation in the coming years; there will be a particular increase in the number of climate migration cases initiated by indigenous peoples, local peoples and other groups affected by climate change.
Climate migration is becoming more and more widespread not only around the world, but also in Russia. In the vast majority, people are forced to change their places of residence due to the constant rise in regional temperatures.
Unsplash / Li-An Lim / Tingey Injury Law Firm
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